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anavantgardener · 3 years

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Frost and Mischief Ch. 8

Summary: The seven friends find their way into trouble after Elska’s note leads them on a dangerous path. Loki gets a little to close to losing his new friend for his own comfort.

Pairing: OC x Loki

Warnings: fluff, violence

Word Count: 3,776

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Return of the Witch

The Warriors Three, Sif, Thor, Loki, and Elska all found themselves in Thor's chambers, mulling over their next move. The parchment, now unfolded and smoothed out, lay in the center of their usual dinner table. Elska sat, legs crossed, in front of the hearth; she drew designs out of ice on the brick, watching them melt as soon as they hit the stone.

"Meet me at midnight. Alone." Scrawled in calligraphic handwriting, an address in the middle district below the simplistic instructions.

Sif had relayed their encounter to the group, and Elska had told them of her brief experience, as well.

"I must go," Elska finally exclaimed from her spot on the floor.

"Absolutely not!" Thor stood from his seat, knocking the chair to the floor.

"You truly are insane to even think of the possibility," Fandral pinched the bridge of his nose, eyes closed as he spoke. Sif nodded vigorously in agreement.

"Essentially, you want to ignore this opportunity to uncover whatever scheme is taking place within our city?" Elska was astonished at their lack of understanding her point. "Asgard could be imminently threatened by whatever this meeting is in relation to, and yet you all see fit to wait it out and ignore all chance to halt it before it begins. Not to mention the repercussions of blatantly disregarding whoever did send this message." She tried to use her own safety as a means of convincing.

"At least here we can protect you, El," Volstagg was softer with her. At this, Hogun nodded.

"Yes, and at least here we won't learn a thing of whatever plot may be unfolding," while her words were sharp, her tone was that of a gentle warning. "I am going, and that is decided."

"Then we will accompany you," Thor stated matter-of-factly.

"Have you forgotten it specifically states I am to go alone?" Elska stood and pointed at the word on the parchment.

"Have you forgotten that you have a Master of Magic in your midst?" Loki, who had been silent up to this point, rose from his seat and crossed his arms.

At his words, the six others exchanged glances, all carrying different tones of worry and thrill.

Secretly, Elska was displeased with this development. Rather myself be the one in danger than my friends.

*****

Elska looked at the moondial by her window. An hour to midnight, enough time for her to get to the main hall a bit early. Before she opened her door to leave, she cast an enchantment ensuring she wouldn't be seen before she wanted to be.

Closing her door as silently as she could, Elska glanced around her surroundings to ensure she hadn't alerted any guards that might be nearby. Finding the coast to be clear, she began tiptoeing her way to the main hall, where Sif, the Warriors Three, Thor, and Loki had agreed to meet her.

Elska's head was on a constant swivel, her nerves on high alert. With each step she took, she grew more and more paranoid. Several times she could have sworn she heard someone behind her, but each time she looked, she saw no one. She probably would have arrived to the main hall even sooner had she not been attempting such stealth.

Rounding the final corner, she found her friends outfitted in complete armor and weaponry. They were apparently expecting a fight. Meeting each of their eyes, she gave a quick nod to the group.

"Well, shall we begin our trek?" She huffed, offering a small smile. Not waiting for an answer, she turned and the group began to make its way out of the palace.

Elska could only guess at how long they'd been walking before they arrived to the farming villages at the outskirts of the middle district. Upon their arrival to the villages, Loki cast his enchantment over all except Elska, shrouding them in shadows and invisibility. She would continue this journey technically on her own.

As she walked on, she wished she knew enough about magic to detect its traces; at least she would know where they were as she ventured closer to the small cottage that was her destination. Their absence increased her anxiety tenfold.

Soon enough, she reached the address from her note. Awaiting her was the rogue guard who delivered the note.

"I believe you said the note was not from yourself, yet someone greater?" She summoned a smirk from deep within her, masking her fears.

Snorting, he opened the door and shoved her inside. Elska resisted the urge to look behind her and seek out signs of her friends; it would only alert her newfound company to their presence.

Entering the home, she was greeted by an unexpected sweet smell, as if someone had been baking some sort of pastry, and warmth from a large stone hearth. Candles scattered throughout the room Elska now found herself standing in, each one a different color than the last. Moving closer to the blazing hearth, the light exposed a figure in the corner of the room, seated, hands folded, eyes patient.

Turning to face the seated figure, Elska realized it was a woman. She was draped in golden silk, a crown of flowers and bones adorned her head. She looked to be the queen's age, and as she stood, approaching Elska, the light from the hearth brightened her face, revealing colorless eyes lacking both irises and pupils. Scars and tattoos alike peeked above the top of her drape.

"I have been long awaiting this moment," the woman breathed as she crept closer to Elska. "Watching you grow from worlds away."

"I suppose I should find myself flattered," Elska tried to back away, but found herself blocked by the guard who brought her.

"Funny girl," the woman motioned Elska to sit at a table in the center of the room. "Are you hungry?" She waved her hand over the table, various cakes and biscuits scattered over it.

"I cannot lie, they smell quite enticing," Elska spoke politely and articulately, seating herself, but not reaching for the offered desserts.

"But you are nervous they may be laced with some poison or potion," a smile playing on the woman's lips, she sat across from Elska as the words left her mouth. Her voice was pleasant, a soft melody.

"One could hardly blame me, my lady," Elska bowed her head. "A secret rendezvous with someone I haven't had the pleasure of meeting, I believe anyone would be on edge."

The beautiful woman laughed, a bell-like sound.

"My, you are polite, aren't you," she tilted her head.

Picking up a biscuit, Elska shrugged her shoulders lightly. "Perhaps it is my etiquette training in the palace," she said before taking a bite. The flavors danced across her tongue as a wonderful warmth spread throughout her body. A child-like giddiness filled her spirit, and she couldn't contain her smile.

Sensing her delight, the woman nodded, encouraging Elska to finish her biscuit.

"Tell me, Elska, have you heard the legend of Gullveig?" she asked the girl as she took another bite.

"Once," Elska replied, finishing off her biscuit and debating another. "Her torture led to the war between Asgard and Vanaheim."

"I believe you mean tortures," the woman corrected with a sickly sweet tone as she began, rising from her seat and making her way around the table. Running her thin fingers through Elska's hair, the woman's close presence sent shivers down the girl's spine, and she felt as if a snake was wrapping its body around her head. The emotion was vastly different from the one she felt just moments ago. "Three times Odin burned her, three times she lived through it. Now, she stands before you, carrying a new name. I am Heior," the woman, identity now divulged, finished her statement.

Elska's jaw dropped slightly as the recognition zipped through her mind. This was Gullveig, renowned seeress, highly talented in the ways of magic. Caught performing dangerous enchantments in Asgard, the All-father punished her by burning her three times over again. It only contributed to the already growing tension between the Vanir and Aesir gods.

Elska was dumbfound, clueless as to how to react.

"How sweet, she is struck silent in adoration," Gullveig danced over to her guard, clapping her hands. Tapping him on the nose, his appearance changed and Elska recognized him as the prisoner who she'd seen sentenced.

"I do not understand, the All-Father led us to believe you dead," as Elska tried to stand, she found herself unable to move, struggling and shaking as if there were straps keeping her in the chair. Her limbs felt as if they had been replaced with stone, and anxiety set in once more as her fingers began clawing at the wood her hands rested on.

"Do not be afraid," Gullveig's voice was syrupy, a sort of sweetness that slowly trudged through each word. She drew out her words, and as she spoke, it felt like rocks were chafing against Elska's bones. The young woman writhed in her seat, fear constricting her ability to think logically, the spell being cast on her body contradicting the words being spoken to her.

"Please stop," Elska's voice came out in a gasp, the futility of her efforts setting in.

"Then listen," Gullveig eased whatever spell she'd been casting, but ensured the girl in front of her remained without movement. Seating herself across from Elska, she maintained eye contact with her.

Elska breathed a sigh of relief as she devoted all her efforts to focusing on what the seeress was saying, unable to determine just how nefarious Gullveig truly was..

"I know who you are, I know your heritage, I know the despicable thoughts filling the minds of every Asgardian when they look at you," Gullveig rested her head in her hands, giving Elska a falsely pitiful pout. "I have had my eye trained on you for nearly three hundred years, just waiting to see what such an interesting hybrid would become."

"You see me as a weapon?" Elska asked, the wheels in her mind spinning.

"If the All-father were smart, he would, too," Gullveig stated. "The Asgardian people, they have not the slightest clue of what you are capable of, the power of the giants and Valkyries running deep through your veins. You could freeze their hearts with one look, so why don't you? What stays your hand?"

Aside from my inability to master my own capabilities? Elska quipped to herself.

"My love for my home, my desire to see Asgard thrive with acceptance," Elska surprised herself with her ability to compose comprehensive sentences. "I know it starts with me."

"Please, you know they will never see you as one of their own," Gullveig rolled her eyes.

"They do not have to," Elska began. "Why should they? I am no Asgardian, you said yourself my blood is that of Jotunheim and the Valkyries. One needs not be the same to be accepted."

"Your words are purely deception," Gullveig shrugged. "Perhaps your mind believes what you speak, but your heart does not. You know what you desire, and you know it is unattainable in Asgard. That is why I offer you the chance to end the Realm Eternal, side by side with me."

Elska could not help but consider what the witch was saying for at least a moment; did Elska truly believe that she could achieve acceptance within Asgard? And if she didn't, what then? What would come of her once the Warriors Three and the princes grew tired of her, realizing the truth of her abominable heritage.

Abominable, yet a heritage she was proud to have.

"This is a golden opportunity to reclaim your life, to take your fate back from Odin and those insolent royals, to make your destiny whatever you wish it to be," the seeress's eyes were wide with passion, emphasizing her point.

"They are not as insolent as you think," Elska said under her breath, her thoughts drifting back to her friends waiting just outside.

Outraged by her comment, Gullveig rewarded Elska's statement with a stinging slap across the face.

"My fate belongs to the Norns, and I am quite comfortable with that," Elska's words were steel as her face jerked back towards the witch. As Elska's anger rose, she glared at the woman in front of her. Her words were packed with bravery even as her eyes brimmed with tears, cheek still aflame from where she was hit.

Gullveig released a ferocious scream of anger. As she stood, she slammed her fists down, causing Elska to flinch. Readying her hand for another slap, the seeress was halted as a loud series of bangs came from above them. Heads whipped upward as the noise continued. Beside them, seemingly out of nowhere, the hearth fire grew and grew. Gullveig and the thief began backing away.

“Loki…” Elska whispered so only she could hear, knowing the sudden increase in flames must have been his doing. Still unable to move, she felt the heat begin to blister her skin.

"What in the Nine Realms is this?" Gullveig screamed, an insane look in her eye. Grabbing her henchman's arm, she snapped her fingers and they vanished, leaving Elska alone to burn in the growing blaze.

Letting her emotions overcome her, Elska became frantic. Her friends were not aware she had been cursed, they wouldn’t know she hadn’t the ability to move, to escape the raging fire on her own. She did not know which was worse, the pain, the fear, or the regret in coming to this meeting. Despite the hatred the All-father felt for her, Elska began praying that he deliver her friends out of this situation. Did the Aesir acknowledge prayers from Devourers?

Then, Elska felt herself being pulled from her seat and hoisted over someone's shoulder. Unable to see who had a hold of her, she began shrieking.

This is it, they’ve come back to kill me, keep me quiet, she thought to herself, waiting for the end, but it never came. As she was carried out into the night, her unknown captor set her down in a grassy area behind the cottage. Still powerless over her limbs, she watched helplessly as the mystery being ran back to the house.

Eyes fixated on the house, Elska heard stirrings in the grass around her. As her gaze continued, she watched as the flames were tamed, dying down to embers. Eventually two men retreated from the wreckage, making their way toward her and she realized they were the two princes. Reaching her, Loki allowed his enchantment on the beings around her to fall, and Elska realized that the stirrings she heard a few minutes ago were only Sif, Hogun, Fandral, and Volstagg standing guard around her shuddering body.

"What in Odin's name were you thinking, challenging her like that?" Loki yelled at her as she cried. "She would have killed you in an instant, you’re damn lucky we were there." Loki gave her the same look a parent gives a child who has just touched a hot kettle. The others stood silent, watching the scene before them unfold.

"Why are you just laying there?" he asked, frustration evident in his tone.

"I cannot move," Elska said in a weepy whisper. Realizing her situation, Loki knelt next to her and placed his hands on the side of her face. Closing his eyes, Elska watched as his lips moved, but no sound came out. The counter spell. Within moments, she had regained her mobility.

Mobility regained, she rose and pulled Sif and Thor, the two closest to her, into a tight hug. She threw her arms around the young prince, pulling him close to her. Within seconds, Hogun, Volstagg, and Fandral joined the bundle. Noticing Loki had yet to come over, Volstagg reached the couple feet over to the man and yanked him into the embrace. Stunned, Loki's arms sat at his sides before he registered what was happening. Slowly, he lifted his arms and leaned his head on the shoulder of the body in front of him.

"I did not know what would happen," Elska already felt the guilt seep through her bones as she whispered to her friends, still clinging to them. "I never thought this would become something so big."

"None of us did," Sif whispered back.

"We are all safe, and that is what matters," Volstagg added as the friends stood in the embrace, appreciating the safety and companionship of the moment.

*****

On their way back to the palace, the seven debated how best to inform the All-Father of the night's occurrences. They came to the conclusion that the best choice was to first inform the queen, then allow her to inform the king while they awaited the consequences.

Once they finally returned, Vosltagg, Fandral, Hogun and Sif returned to their own chambers for the night. Thor and Loki, however, accompanied Elska to hers. Immediately upon arriving to her room, Elska went to her bathing chambers and retrieved a healing salve for her burns. Lathering and wrapping her wounds, she returned to her main chamber and stood at the window, looking out at Asgard. The eldest prince came over and took Elska's hands in his own, taking a moment to gather his thoughts.

"If we had lost you tonight, had Gullveig successfully stolen you away in any sense of the word, the people of this realm would have mourned you, whether you believe that or not," Thor released her hands and stood. "Sif, the Warriors Three, myself and my brother, we would have mourned you. I know you already know this, but I must emphasize it to you. You are our friend." He paused. "Besides, who else would be there to ice over our enemies." He gave a hearty laugh.

Then, he bid her goodnight, leaving Elska alone with Loki once again. The exhausted man was sitting at the foot of her bed, leaning against the bedpost with his eyes closed.

"Loki?" she whispered, walking over to sit by him.

"Hm?" he remained in his relaxed state.

"I am scared," Elska looked at her hands, ignoring the desire to peel the skin off her quickly healing blisters.

"It took you long enough," Loki quipped, getting a pathetic laugh out of Elska. "You are safe now, and I think you have learned you are not alone in this fight."

"I know," her eyelids were growing heavy as she climbed into her bed, sinking under the covers. "I am so sorry, Loki. You do not deserve how horrid I have been to you."

"There is no need for apology," he opened his eyes, watching her struggle to maintain consciousness. A light smile appeared on his lips as he maneuvered himself closer to her. "I most definitely have deserved at least a bit of it."

"I find myself quite baffled by you, my prince," she whispered.

"And I, you," Loki's voice equally quiet. "Perhaps time will ease such notions." Watching the young woman's eyes flutter one last time, he ensured she was adequately covered before standing up to leave. "Goodnight, my dear friend."

"Sweet dreams," Elska's words were barely comprehensible.

*****

Loki, Thor, and Elska had told the queen of the night's events first thing in the morning. Hearing their story, Queen Frigga brought down a wrath of punishment on the three so severe one would have thought Ragnarok came right then and there. Truthfully, Elska found the situation oddly comforting in that it felt... familial. Here she was being scolded alongside the two princes as if she was the queen's own daughter. Although, where the other two handled the situation with ease, Elska had been quite frightened by the queen's anger - she'd never seen such an emotion from the woman.

The queen had relayed every bit of their story, down to the tiniest detail, to her husband. Upon hearing it, he immediately sent for the prisoner they previously thought was the thief. Now that they knew the magic that had likely been cast, it did not take very long for Loki to reverse it. Elska was not allowed to interfere in the counter-spelling; Once King Odin learned Gullveig had sought after an alliance with her, he trusted Elska even less than before.

"I cannot believe she has returned." the All-father said, rubbing his beard. He had repeated that sentiment a minimum of four times since hearing of Gullveig's appearance the night prior.

I would think the All-father was accustomed to old enemies plotting their revenge, Elska remarked to herself.

"We knew she was not dead," Queen Frigga replied. "We always knew it was a possibility."

I suppose that's an easy detail to keep from your city, the lady in waiting seethed,

"And what in the Nine Realms could she want you for?" he spat in Elska's general direction, refusing to look at her.

"Perhaps she is like the queen in that she does not underestimate my ability," Elska's nerves of steel had apparently returned. After a gentle nudge from the queen, she continued, more politely this time. "She said she had been watching me for hundreds of years, curious what someone of my heritage could turn out like. She believes I have some sort of exceeding power. I believe, in referring to me, she preferred the word 'weapon.'" She cocked her head with a mischievous grin on the last word.

"I see," King Odin paid her gesture no mind, still stroking his beard as if it were the key to the biggest secrets in the Nine Realms. "We will need to increase guard numbers in every district immediately. Do not spread this information around, though. If our people find out about this, their fear will only complicate the matter."

"If you believe that, then you truly underestimate the strength of your own people," Elska snapped at the All-Father. "Do you honestly have so little faith in them?" She began approaching the throne only to feel a hand hold her back, this time Thor's. Looking over to him, he gave her a gentle shake of his head, attempting to dissuade her from her current course of action.

"Are you quite finished?" King Odin glared daggers at the young woman.

"Yes, my king," Elska spoke through gritted teeth.

"Good, then," as the king spoke, Loki returned with a guard who now looked quite bent out of shape.

"I present to you our guard turned prisoner turned guard," the youngest prince informed the group as he grew closer.

"It is good to be able to speak once again, All-Father," the guard knelt before the king. "I have information that may be of use."

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anavantgardener · 3 years

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Frost and Mischief Ch. 7

Summary: A search for magic enchantments begin, and the rogue guard’s intentions become a little clearer for Elska and her friends.

Pairing: OC x Loki Laufeyson

Warnings: mentions of violence, friends fighting

Word Count: 3,498

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The Note

"You are quite positive you do not want to stay with any of us until we get this guard situation sorted?" Sif asked Elska for the third time since they'd left Thor's chambers. "We really do not mind."

"Sif," Elska placed her hands on her friend's shoulders as they arrived at her own chambers. "I am most positive I will be okay in my own chambers. I appreciate your concern."

"We only worry because you are our friend," the warrior replied.

"And I am so thankful for you all," Elska turned to open her door. "I will see you tomorrow, Sif." With a final smile, she walked into her chambers and slipped off her sandals.

Walking to the window, she realized how sore her body had become over the past week. Training was taking its toll, but her aching body was proof that at least she was getting somewhere.

I think it is time for a bath, Elska began making her way to her bathing chambers, stretching her arms high above her head. A sharp pang in her stomach told her that her wounds from the attack weren't quite healed yet. Arms shooting back to her sides, she began slipping her gown off, rolling her shoulders as she did so.

A soft knock came from her door and Elska reluctantly pulled her gowns back over her shoulders, careful to ensure she was properly covered before peeking out and seeing who had come to see her.

“Loki?” her face was puzzled as she registered who stood before her.

"I wanted to ensure no one had strung you up from the rafters without me,” he grinned down at his friend.

“Yes, because on the way from Thor’s chambers to my own, Sif accompanying me all the way, I was brutally murdered,” Elska rolled her eyes.

“We may joke, but you have registered how serious this situation could potentially be, yes?” Loki’s face took on a more pressing tone. “Are you sure you do not wish for any sort of protection detail?”

"Does nobody believe I can fend for myself?" Elska threw her arms in the air, regretting it as another sharp pang ran through her abdomen. Turning around to retreat into her room, Loki followed her in before the door closed.

"I think you overestimate yourself if you think you could defend yourself against whoever is looking for you," Loki now looked genuinely concerned, and simultaneously frustrated with Elska’s stubborn attitude.

Frowning, Elska knew he was right. She was not as independent as she liked to pretend she was. Three days of combat training definitely did not make her a warrior. She was still reluctant to change her living situation; after all, the guard in question only wanted to talk to Elska.

"Might you know any enchantments that will keep my door sealed to all other than myself??" She finally met Loki's eyes, a defeated sigh escaping her.

"Yes, but what of your daily activities?" he pressed.

"During the day I am either with the queen or with Sif and Fandral," Elska replied. "When I am with the queen, there is never a guard too far away. When I am with Sif and Fandral, I have two of the very best warriors in the Nine Realms by my side." She shrugged, unworried.

"How can you not feel even the least bit concerned?" Loki was growing frustrated.

"It was one guard who, as far as I could tell, merely wanted to speak with me," Elska was sincerely befuddled by how worried each of her friends seemed to be. "Why should I be afraid of a conversation?"

"Because conversations do not always end in peace," his reply was simple.

Elska sat on her bed, placing her head in her hands.

"I should have never told you all anything," her voice was so quiet, she wasn't sure if Loki had heard her statement at first.

"And yet you find me to be the confounding one," Loki pinched the bridge of his nose. As he sat next to her, she rose from the bed, attempting to walk away.

Standing, Loki caught her hand in his own, turning her around to face him. His other hand he placed on the side of her face, forcing her to look into his eyes. Elska’s heart began racing as confusion bubbled in her mind. The last time their skin touched, the man had rubbed his hand like it was on fire. Now, here he was, gently holding her face like it was some precious treasure he was afraid to break.

"I am still upset with you," she tried to break from his grasp, unsuccessfully.

"Had you not told us, we would have never forgiven ourselves if something ill came of this little incident," while his voice was quiet, his words were urgent. "I would not ever forgive myself." His hand fell from her face, though the other remained latched around her wrist.

Turmoil growing inside her, Elska pulled away and stood at the window, arms crossed. While she could see all of Asgard from her spot, her eyes focused on the floor.

Loki walked over to the young woman, raising his hand as if to place it on her shoulder, then letting it fall back to his side.

"Should you change your mind, you know where to find me," he sighed. "I will place the enchantments on your door as I leave."

"Thank you," was all Elska said in reply.

She waited until she heard the door click before looking up.

Definitely time for a bath, she thought, making her way to her bathing chambers at last.

*****

The next morning, Elska was in better spirits. She smiled as she greeted the palace staff she passed in the hall.

"Elska?" she heard from behind her.

"Eira!" Elska turned around, running to embrace the woman who had called out for her. "How have you been?"

"I have been most well, though I hear you may not be faring the same," Eira gestured to Elska abdomen.

"Oh, just some jealous men pining after me," Elska waved away the topic, wanting to keep the conversation light. "How is the dwelling? Might I be able to visit soon?"

"Everyone is doing well," Eira followed Elska's lead, moving the conversation forward no problem. As the two continued walking, she began chattering away, listing off how each individual had been in the past week.

Elska soaked in the information, absolutely overjoyed to be back with the first person she'd ever called her best friend. It baffled her that she'd only been living in the palace for a mere few weeks.

"You must visit soon," Eira said as they reached the queen's study.

"I plan to celebrate the festival in the lower district if possible, so count on seeing me then," the two girls shared a final embrace before parting ways.

Elska knocked lightly on the door before entering the study. As she walked in, she noticed the queen had her nose in a book.

"Good morning, my queen," she walked over to greet Queen Frigga.

"Good morning, my dear girl," the queen stood, kissing Elska's forehead before returning her focus to the book, sitting back at her desk. "How do you fare this morning?"

"Quite well, my queen," She said, taking her seat beside the desk. "And yourself?"

"Concerned," she did not look up as she responded. "It seems we have found previously hidden traces of magic surrounding the thief we caught in the merchant district. Now, it is up to me to figure out how to find the source of this magic, as well as figure out what spells were cast."

Thinking for a moment, Elska thought up an idea.

"Perhaps a trip to the Royal Library may be warranted?" she suggested.

"It definitely couldn't hurt," the queen marked her spot in her book before closing it. "I do not know where to start looking, though."

"You're in luck," Elska met the queen's gaze. "I am quite acquainted with the organization of the library."

"I sometimes forget we have a Royal Library," the queen joked as they began the short walk.

"I think most do, with the exception of Loki," Elska replied. The mention of the prince reminded her of their conversation last night, and she secretly hoped he would not be in the library when they arrived. Eira would be done cleaning, so he most likely would feel no need to protect his research.

Of course, she could not be so lucky.

As Elska opened the door for the queen, Loki's eyes darted to her instantly. He started to say something, but found himself silenced when he realized his mother was with her.

"Good morning, mother, Elska," he nodded his head, rising to kiss his mother's hand. "What brings you all here?"

"A prisoner," the queen replied, gazing around the library. "You might be able to help."

"I am listening," Loki cocked his head to the side, interest piqued.

"While you inform him of the details, I will begin searching for books that may help us," Elska stated, eager to be further from the prince. She curtsied as she took her leave.

First you develop feelings for the man, now you avoid him like the plague, Elska was confused by her own actions. You should have been overjoyed by his actions last night, instead you run from them. She did find her avoidance helpful in her efforts to keep their relationship platonic, however.

Shushing the voice in her head, she began her hunt for anything that would aid in their endeavors. Running her fingers over the many book bindings, Elska relaxed into a much more natural state. She had spent countless hours in this library, concealed, gleaning information from any book she pleased. Truthfully, this library was the reason she was late returning to the dwelling on numerous occasions.

"Spells of Coverage." No.

"Spells to Conceal Documentation." Oddly specific.

"Cloaking Traces of Enchantment." This is more like it.

Pulling the book from its cubby, she began reading through it as she made her way back to the desk area. Looking up, she realized it was now only Queen Frigga and herself in the library.

"I sent Loki to see the magic traces for himself," the queen said, sensing Elska's realization. "He will be back soon."

"I see," Elska stated before handing the book she'd found to the queen. "I found this, it may prove useful." Looking at the cover, the queen smiled at Elska's find.

"Thank you, my dear," she sat and immediately began reading, prompting Elska to go find her own book to aid their research.

Returning to the section she'd found their first topical book, her search resumed. Title after title, Elska was finding that cloaking traces of magic wasn't the most common item of research. After a few minutes, she finally found another book relevant to their goal.

"On Hidden Enchantments," she read.

She returned to where the queen was seated, grabbing a blank piece of parchment from Loki's desk, as well as a quill. Sitting in the nook, not too far from the queen, Elska allowed herself to become absorbed in her reading, pausing every once in a while to make a note.

Unsure of how much time had passed, she was only pulled from her book when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Reluctantly looking up, she saw that it was Loki getting her attention.

"So, where might that guard be that you told me surely would not be too far," he asked with a grin, sitting on the desk nearest to Elska. Rolling her eyes, she returned her attention to her book. "Are you really still so upset with me?"

"Truthfully, Loki, I am unsure of what I feel," she spoke to him, but her eyes remained focused on her book. "Until I know more, it feels more logical to not pay my emotions any mind."

"Perhaps I can help you discern what you are feeling?" Loki offered.

"Tell me, Loki," she glanced up at him. "Can you tell me with certainty that you can discern your own feelings toward me right now?" Elska had a feeling he could not. She hadn't been reading his mind, but she had been paying attention to his actions of late. From his strange reaction the first time they touched to their conversation last night, she had a feeling he was experiencing at least a fraction of the confusion she was.

Just as she expected, Loki answered her question with a scowl.

"Mother told me to inform you of her plans for the remainder of the day," He began walking away, and Elska realized that the queen was no longer in the library with her. "The All-father has requested her presence. She did not wish to interrupt your reading."

"What am I supposed to do?" Elska closed her book and ran after Loki.

"I did not ask," he kept walking, ignoring her appearance as she fell in step with him.

"Should I go find her?" Elska pressed.

"Probably not," Loki turned to her as they arrived to the door of the library. As he made to leave, Elska grabbed his arm, forcing him to look at her once more.

"You really are such a thick-headed, pompous ass," she ensured their eyes were locked as she spoke. "You really want to know what I think, Loki? What I feel? Take a look, the walls are down. I do not care if you know, not anymore, because I have already made my decision."

Clearly taken aback by her permission to access her thoughts, Loki shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. Elska watched as he regained his composure and looked her in the eye. It surprised her that her awareness of his presence in her mind allowed her to feel him as he read her.

She brought to the forefront of her mind all she had thought about her relationship with the youngest prince in the past few days. Her appreciation for their friendship, her attraction to the man, her learning of what happened in his marriage. Every bit of it, she showed him.

Including her decision to avoid pursuing anything further than friendship with him.

"This decision, it is final?" he swallowed, looking to the ground before he looked back to her.

Elska hesitated a moment, unsure of what he wanted to hear, yet simultaneously unsure if she cared to know.

Rather than answer, she left the room. Like she had said earlier, Elska found it best to just ignore her feelings till she knew more about them.

*****

"You are still leaving yourself too open," Sif spoke, holding her sword to Elska's throat.

"I can not really contradict you, there," Elska laughed. Trading her sword for a hand, Sif helped her sparring partner up.

Elska had told Sif everything that had transpired between Loki and herself. To keep her mind off of things, Sif suggested some combat training. Elska was surprised to find that it was working quite well.

Elska appreciated the confidant she had found in Sif. Leaving the dwelling, she had left Eira behind, a woman who she'd always gone to for advice; she had been someone Elska could tell her secrets to. This was not to say that she didn't still love and trust Eira, she just wasn't as present in her life anymore. In the palace, Elska was afraid she would no longer have someone like that, and then she'd met Sif. In only a few short weeks, she was finding that Sif was becoming a wonderful friend whom she could trust.

The pair reset before heading into their next match. Elska's first day training, Sif and Fandral had helped her discover her talent in dual wielding, a dagger in one hand and a rapier in the other. It limited the control her opponent had over her weapon in battle, and allowed her to keep and enemy preoccupied with one weapon while she utilized the other.

Dashing across the sparring arena, Sif dealt the first blow; if Elska had learned anything from watching Fandral and Sif fight, it was that Sif was fast and would utilize her speed.

Elska tended to be a slower fighter, an observant one. She liked to learn her opponent's habits before getting into the nitty-gritty of the fight. It was harder as a new warrior, still learning the basics of combat, but she was finding that her observant tactics helped her learn quicker, catching on to fighting styles with ease.

Elska deflected Sif's initial blow with her rapier, bringing the dagger in low and swift. An armor-clad forearm pushed the weapon away with a cling as Sif sidestepped to regain space.

The two began circling each other as Elska's mind bounced from idea to idea, debating what her next move should be. Her eyes darted around the arena, seeing if her surroundings might provide any use in this fight. Rather than land on anything helpful, her gaze found a man watching the two as they engaged. Studying his face, recognition sparked in her brain.

"That's him," she whispered under her breath, weapons lowering as her brow deepened.

"Elska, are you alright?" Sif looked behind her, attempting to find what had distracted Elska. Her eyes found the same man, and she put the pieces together.

"Sif, that is him, that is the guard," Elska said, louder this time.

The two women exchanged a single glance of agreement before beginning their chase.

*****

Elska's chest was on fire, she could not remember the last time she'd ran this much, let alone with one weapon strapped to her hip, one to her back.

This man was fast, faster than Sif even.

Right, left, down the alley, up the wall.

The speeding crew must have looked insane to passers by, chasing a guard of Asgard. Why would a warrior and a lady in waiting be after a man of high regard, anyway?

Through the garden, past the fountain, right.

They'd followed the guard to the entrance of the upper district when they lost him in the crowd. It was then Sif and Elska decided to split up and cover more ground.

Elska was perching on a stone fence, eyes scanning over each and every face in the crowd, paying attention to the eyes. The only focus she diverted from searching was being dedicated to casting an invisibility enchantment around herself. She figured it would be easier to catch someone who could not see you coming.

Dwelling on the edge of a gossiping group of nobles, she spotted him. Acting as if he was standing guard to a shop entrance, Elska noticed his eyes were hopping from person to person.

I suppose he is looking for me, she thought to herself. Or perhaps paranoid Sif is about to end his life. Elska smirked at the idea.

Creeping through the crowd, ensuring she did not even breathe on a single soul, she stopped behind the guard, who was none the wiser. She gave herself a moment to relish in her success.

"Looking for someone?" Elska whispered so only he could hear, one hand on his arm, the other on her dagger.

As if he knew she would find him, a wicked grin appeared on the man's face.

"Perhaps you can help me with that," he said, continuing his charade of protection over the shop. Elska's eyes quickly glanced through the crowd, hoping Sif was nearby. She was not too keen on going into this conversation alone.

"Why did you run?" Elska asked, unable to see Sif anywhere close by.

"My business is with you, and you alone," he began walking, startling Elska as she hurried to keep up with him, letting down her enchantment. "I come bearing a message."

"Then speak," Elska demanded, sparking a sick laugh to erupt from the guard.

"Not from me, little Valkyrie, from someone far greater than I," the name caught her off guard.

"I suppose that is better than mutt," she muttered under her breath. "What, then?"

The mysterious guard simply handed her a folded piece of parchment.

"Do not open it here, open it in private," he whispered to Elska as the two caught sight of Sif, who had yet to see them.

'Open it in private.' Like Hel I will open it in private, she quipped silently.

Elska turned to look at Sif. Turning back to the man, she found he was gone. When the two friends finally met in the midst of the crowd, Elska was silent, a stunned look on her face.

Elska motioned for Sif to follow her back to the palace, planning on opening the note when the two were away from prying eyes. Their return was anxiously quiet, heads on a seemingly constant swivel. The 'little Valkyrie' felt no small amount of stress over the contents of the small bit of parchment she now carried in her pocket.

What in the Nine Realms am I supposed to do?

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anavantgardener · 3 years

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Frost and Mischief Ch. 6

Summary: And yet another chapter of Frost and Mischief! Things are starting to happen! Action is kicking in and new players are entering the arena. Loki and Elska are still working on figuring out their feelings toward one another, but the potential danger Asgard may be in is keeping them a bit side tracked.

Pairing: OC x Loki Laufeyson

Warnings: manipulation, mentions of violence, death of loved ones (I promise there’s happy things in the chapter, too)

Word Count: 3,687

-----

Gone Rogue

-Somewhere in Vanaheim-

Settled in a dark wood, scattered with rune stones and archaic symbols, the woman sat in the center of a ring of vines. Golden leaves trickled their way down into her enclosure. She had an enchanting way about her. Her many years of magic had left her skin tattooed with runes most had forgotten. In her lap sat the skull of a bull, gold gilding now etching off after centuries of use.

Her hands raised, her shawl fell, exposing the crimson burns she had thrice earned all those lifetimes ago. The wind billowed around her, and within moments, her scenery changed.

"Hello, my dear boy," Her voice a sickly sweet sound, she now stood in the dungeons of the Asgardian palace. "Do not look so dreary." As she spoke, the man in the corner whipped his head, feeling both shocked and relieved by the sight before him.

"My lady," he knelt into a deep bow. Since the man's sentencing, his silken clothing had been exchanged for a much itchier Asgardian cloth. It was not the least bit pleasing. "You are a sight for sore eyes."

"And you are someone who has passed information to the enemy," she rested her beech wood staff on her shoulder, placing a mocking frown on her lips. "Tut tut, my boy. I thought we had taught you better than that."

Eyes widening, Dusan began shaking as he realized his transgressions were not as secret as he had hoped. He began stuttering, trying to explain his reasoning, convince the powerful seeress before him that he had not disclosed as much as she believed.

"Quiet," with a wave of her hand, the man could not speak even if he wanted to. "There is hope for you yet, Dusan. We have a plan for you, Odr and I. It may require a bit of shape-shifting, but I can help you with that." The corner of her lip curled up.

With a snap of her fingers, she was no longer confined in the walls of Dusan's cell. Shooting to his feet, he rushed to the magic barricade that locked him in the small space. To the right of his cell was this conniving seeress, her hands circling the face of a guard, golden magic seeping from her finger tips into his nostrils before the poor man crashed to the floor.

Another snap of her fingers and she reappeared in the cell, this time accompanied by a very unconscious guard.

"Let's get to work, shall we?" A ghastly little wink from the seeress and Dusan, too, fell to the floor.

*****

-Elska's P.O.V.-

Today was Saturday, and that gave Elska time to bask in her lady in waiting duties. On the weekends, she was not required to complete any combat training, and the young lady found that to be quite the luxury.

Three days had passed since the attack and Elska's wounds were healing quite nicely. The young woman could now walk without limping, which she found very nice since Fandral and Thor would finally quit asking her if she wanted to be carried down the stairs. She very much appreciated the gestures, but did not think the Asgardian Court would feel quite the same.

One morning, Thor had come into Queen Frigga's study to ask if Elska might join him for breakfast just this once. Interest piqued, the queen suggested they join him instead. Flustered by her offer, Thor gave a boisterous, uncomfortable laugh before stifling it suddenly and sitting awkwardly beside the pair. Queen Frigga and Elska shared same expectant look as they continued sipping their tea and taking small bites of their morning cheese and biscuits.

"Yes, well," he started, clearing his throat. "Elska, you must know that I have considered you one of my dear friends since before this lady in waiting business, yes?" He looked worried, like their friendship was a secret he forgot to tell her about.

"Of course, Thor," her brow furrowed as she grew concerned, wondering what could be on his mind. "Thor, is everything alright?"

"Yes, no, I mean yes everything is alright," he stumbled over his words. "Elska, I have never shared the same opinion of you as my father." The queen watched her son curiously. "I always saw you as my friend, the Valkyrie, the spirit who was destined to protect my home. I was always so proud to be your friend. I still am."

He paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing.

"I know that I may come off daft, my brother has made such conclusions apparent to me, but I was never oblivious to your situation," he closed his eyes at this point. "For that, I am truly sorry. It means that there has been no excuse for my standing by while my father and my people have dragged your good name through the dirt simply for your parentage."

"Thor, I can assure you-" The young man held up a hand, cutting Elska off.

"I know," He smiled, shrugging and opening his eyes. "I know you will forgive me because you are an extraordinary person and you have forgiven me every other time I have wronged you in our friendship. For this, though, for this I must earn my own forgiveness. For too long have I feared my reputation with my father and my people. I am not afraid anymore. No one, I repeat, no one, will ever treat you the way those weaponsmen did, the way my father has. Not while I have anything to say about it."

"May I hug you, my prince?" Elska beamed at Thor, her heart swelling with gratitude.

"Only if you do not call me that again," he laughed, rising from his seat to embrace her.

As Elska sat back down, the queen continued watching her son.

"You are becoming quite the kingly young man," she held her hand out for him to take. "I consider myself lucky to have seen this moment of your growth." Thor kissed his mother's hand.

"Thank you for allowing me a moment of intrusion upon your morning," he began walking to the door.

"Thor?" He turned around as his Queen Frigga called him.

"Yes, mother?" he asked.

"Would you like to formally join us for breakfast this morning?" she asked her son, although truly not giving him the option of saying no. She was already waving the servant in the room to bring in more food and tea.

"Yes, of course," he laughed, sitting back down.

"And this is not purely so I can use your skills after as a sparring dummy for Elska's combat magic training," she wrinkled her nose, shrugging her shoulders innocently.

Elska remembered that day fondly. Palace life was interesting, offering both ups and downs, but she was happy to be there. Her new friends were quickly becoming people she did not want to lose.

She had also been spending more time with Loki over the past few days, meeting often in the evenings to spend time in the library, learning together. While their sessions often began with study and instruction, they tended to end in discussions of life and joking around with one another. He was at last beginning to open up to her, telling her a bit about his former wife, Sigyn, and his brief century outside the palace.

When Loki spoke of Sigyn, Elska noticed he didn't seem entirely sure how to feel about the woman. He still would not tell her what happened between the two of them, but she had asked Sif and Fandral one day after training. With forlorn faces, they told her.

Sigyn and Loki married after mere weeks of courting. Soon, they'd had a son together whom they named Nari. They adored him, and Loki found a certain peace in being near his son. The boy became his world, his reason for living. Elska remembered the little one from Loki's single visit to the palace during his marriage. He had Loki's eyes, but his hair was lighter, a golden color. Even at a young age, he was gifted in magic; he'd turned Elska's broom into a frog.

After one of Loki's mischievous reigns, the giantess Skadi saw to it that a wolf murdered the couple's son, tearing the Nari apart. In the midst of Loki's weeping, the woman used his own son's entrails to chain him to three boulders. She placed a snake over his head, venom dripping slowly but constantly onto the young man's face. He writhed in agony, and his screams shook the Nine Realms.

Elska remembered those moments, when the ground would quake and shrieks would pierce the sky.

Sigyn, beside herself with grief, found her husband shackled by the remains of their own child, their Nari. Using a bowl to catch the venom before it fell to Loki's forehead, she dutifully stayed by the man she loved. When the bowl filled, she would carry it to a nearby tree, pouring it over the roots.

And then, one day, when emptying out the bowl, she never came back. Loki cried out for her, and still she did not come. Thor heard his brother's screams and found him, miserable and in horrid form. According to Sif, Thor was barely able to speak in the days after finding Loki. His brother's condition stunned him speechless, and he swore vengeance on both Skadi and the woman who broke Loki's heart.

Fandral told Elska they never did learn what became of Sigyn, but that Odin granted Loki an annulment of the marriage. Four hundred years had passed, and Loki still found himself unable to trust his heart with anyone else. The Warriors Three believed that the whole incident drove Loki deeper into himself and his wicked ways.

Hearing the story, Elska felt herself ache for the man who was quickly becoming her best friend. She could not even fathom the amount of pain he must have gone through in those days. She knew, however, that she could not let Loki find out what she had been told. It was something that he would come to trust her with in time, and if he did not wish to tell her ever, that was okay. It was his trauma, his own story to process.

Learning of Loki's past also convinced Elska that perhaps she would not pursue him as anything more than a friend. Despite her growing attraction towards the young prince, she did not want to risk their friendship for a relationship that he may not be ready for.

At the end of the day, life would go on, and things would progress as the Norns saw fit.

*****

Presently, Elska and Queen Frigga were walking through the palace gardens before the evening feast, aiding servants as they began their decoration planning for the Festival of the Golden Apples of Idunn. The queen often asked Elska for her opinion, which she eagerly gave. Perhaps she could bring a touch of the lower district's preparation process into the palace and Asgard's upper district.

"Perhaps an archway of marigolds could be crafted to mark the entrance to the palace?" Elska suggested.

"Oh yes, I do think that would look quite lovely," the queen smiled at her lady in waiting.

The two continued chattering, the guard King Odin customarily ordered to accompany them keeping closer to them than usual. As they walked, Elska noticed the paranoia he hid very poorly. His eyes were glued to Queen Frigga, and Elska could have sworn he rolled his eyes at one of the woman's earlier statements.

Well now, that is strange, she thought to herself.

"My dear sir," she turned to him, hoping to get a good look at him, his face, his features, anything that would help her visualize his doorway. "Have you any suggestions for decor?"

"Well, I would-" Clearly startled by Elska's question, he stumbled through his sentence. "I would, I believe, most likely hang golden streamers." He ended his suggestion in an uncertain tone, but shook his head as if proud of his spontaneous idea. His eyes were golden, his skin clearly accustomed to the sunlight. He looked uncomfortable in his armor, and he more waddled than walked in the bulky get-up. As he spoke, Elska built his doorway - a disarray of worn wooden planks, the handles rusted.

"Golden streamers," the queen held a finger to her chin, looking around the area. "You know, I think that could work." She gestured for one of the garden staff to write down the suggestion.

Elska thought about excusing herself as to sneak off to a perch where she could watch the man unseen, and peek into his mind. This notion was quickly waved away, though, as she worried the suspicious man might attempt some treasonous act against Queen Frigga.

Instead, she suggested they rest on a nearby bench.

The queen continued discussing preparations for the festival with the staff, giving Elska the opportunity to turn her focus to the guard. She was still unpracticed in telepathy, and she prayed it did not take her too long to read the strange guard. Amazingly, the man failed to notice her eyes boring holes into him as she opened the doorway to his mind, the hinges creaking.

"How am I supposed to make contact with this mutt if she is constantly side-by-side with the queen?" Elska heard the man ask himself. His name calling threw her off, and she found herself in front of closed doors once again.

Mutt? Elska frowned. I suppose that means me. She tried to shrug the insult off, reminding herself it wasn't the worst thing she'd been called. Wondering why in the Nine Realms he would find it necessary to speak to her alone, she opened the doors to his mind once more.

Unfortunately, he had already moved on from his current thought topic, now simply frustrated with the boredom he was enduring as the festival plans were made.

This discovery left Elska troubled, and she pondered why he could possibly wish to speak to her. Perhaps the All-father had instructed him to give her some sort of warning, inform her that her new status did not keep her from his scrutiny. She did not know whether to avoid the conversation or wish it to be over with already.

Apparently she had been encompassed by her thoughts for quite sometime; it took Queen Frigga several nudges to retrieve Elska from her own mind.

"My apologies, my queen," she curtsied.

"You are forgiven," the queen looked at her apprentice peculiarly. "Are you troubled, my dear?"

"Not troubled so much as contemplative," Elska attempted to play off the situation as a moment of self-reflection.

"I understand, you and I are alike in this way," Queen Frigga rose from the bench, picking a flower from the bush beside her and placing it in Elska's hair. "Why don't we make our way back inside for the evening feast?"

"At your pleasure," Elska replied, motioning for the queen to lead the way. "How is the All-father faring?" She asked, hoping to hear more about the thief she'd seen sentenced.

"He is much more stressed now that the festival is much closer," she started. "With the thievery in the merchant district, he is planning to increase security. That being said, he is unsure of where to pull guards from and where to add them in."

"That is quite the predicament," Elska said, keeping her eye on the guard now walking in front of them. He seemed significantly more interested than before. "Have you managed to learn any more about the incidents in the merchant district?"

"Unfortunately, no. It would seem our prisoner has rethought his plans of cooperation," the queen frowned. "He is refusing to speak at all, now."

Elska perceived the smirk that now made its way to the guard's lips.

Odd, she thought.

They continued their walk, moving their chatter to much lighter topics. Queen Frigga told Elska of an upcoming ball where she planned for the young woman to make her first formal appearance as lady in waiting to the Asgardian Court. Elska had one week to prepare, but the queen promised she would do everything in her power to help.

As they reached the main hall, the queen bid Elska farewell. As she left, Elska turned her attention to the guard who had accompanied them. Strangely, the man had disappeared.

*****

Elska had sat silently munching her dinner for the entirety of the evening feast, pondering the guard, his thoughts, and his seemingly unfitting looks and glances. She was oblivious to the world around her, and as her friends stood to leave the hall, they realized she was still absorbed within her thoughts, sitting and staring into space.

"Elska?" Thor called, and still she sat.

As they exchanged concerned glances, Volstagg returned to their table, nudging the girl back into reality.

"Oh, are we leaving?" Elska stood, completely unaware of their stares.

"You seem to be much more entertained by your own mind than our company," Fandral remarked, annoyed.

"Perhaps I have reason to ponder, have you considered that?" Elska replied, a stony look on her face.

"Care to share with the group?" he shot back.

"Not here," she said. Elska had planned on telling them, but she wanted her own time to process the events. She also believed that the news of a rogue guard might not go over very well if the whole of the Asgardian Court found out.

Her statement confused her friends, and they were now more concerned with the details of what she was thinking about than the lack of attention she'd been giving them. They began making their way to Thor's chambers to talk in private.

Elska had quickly learned that Thor's chambers seemed to be the group's personal den. It would certainly explain all the plates and cups she had cleaned from his room while she was still a servant in the palace. She certainly did not mind their seclusion to the eldest prince's room; it was a cozy, pleasant place. A hearth on the far wall was constantly lit, and in front of it stood a round wooden table where his company could sit comfortably and talk. When the deep blue curtains were open, the sun streamed in and there was no need for candle light. When the sun went down and the candles were lit, they created a wondrous vanilla scent, mixed with a bit of rain.

Taking her usual seat on the lounger next to the hearth, Elska looked over to her friends now seating themselves around the table. As Loki filed in last, he took a seat beside Elska. Today, he sat seemingly closer to her, and their legs nearly touched. Reminding herself of the decision she'd made earlier, she returned her thoughts to the task at hand - relaying the news of the strange guard to her friends.

"I think we may have a rogue guard in Asgard," Elska got straight to the point. "I have little evidence, but the actions of the guard in question were too peculiar not to mention."

She recounted the story, from the odd sentiment she'd heard in the guard's mind to his actions following. The first portion of her story was rather interesting to tell; Fandral asked her if she'd ever read his mind. Telling him she didn't like to pry, he said that was "just too bad" as he "often pictures himself naked." Sif scoffed, Hogun shook his head, Thor and Volstagg burst into laughter, Loki stared daggers into the man, and Elska looked at her hands while the scarlet embarrassment made itself at home on her face.

After that, she made sure they no longer deviated off topic.

"I would have simply assumed the All-father had a scolding in store for me if not for the strange actions that followed," Elska finished. "I would have at least attempted to get the conversation over with had he not completely disappeared after walking the queen and I back to the palace."

"He smirked?" Fandral asked. "I didn't know palace guards knew how to smile."

"Just because most of them do not find you funny does not mean they do not smile, my friend," Volstagg patted his friend reassuringly, a mocking smile on his lips.

"Does the same guard accompany your walks each time?" Loki spoke for the first time since they had entered the room.

"No, it differs depending on who is available when we take them," Elska appreciated that it seemed her worries were at last being taken seriously.

"But you could pick him out in the event you saw him," Hogun continued the questioning.

"Yes, absolutely," After her response, Loki rested his elbows on his knees, folded his hinds together and used them as a head rest. Closing his eyes, he looked like a child in prayer to anyone who had not observed his thinking process.

"Perhaps we could go find him, scour the palace for him?" Thor suggested, earning a nod of agreement from the Warriors Three.

"Who is to say that he hasn't already retired to his quarters?" Elska posed. "What would we do, knock on every door until we find this one man?"

"She is right," Loki sat back up. "It would be futile to even try searching the palace. There's too many guards and we do not have a clue as to their schedules. We do not even have a name."

"So what do you suggest, we just sit around and wait for this rogue guard to do who knows what?" Sif, like the others, wanted to put this threat to bed.

"I suggest we wait until we know more," Loki held his hands up, attempting to calm any rising tempers. "We can not play any cards until we know what sort of hand we have been dealt."

"I agree with Loki,"Elska looked each of her friends in the eye. "Besides, it seems he wants to find me. Perhaps he will come to us."

Each giving their own huff of surrender, the topic was put to rest for the time being.

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anavantgardener · 3 years

Text

Frost and Mischief Ch. 5

Summary: The next installment of Frost and Mischief! Loki is learning more about Elska as he works to train her in magic.

Pairing: OC x Loki Laufeyson

Warnings: mentions of violence and abuse, fighting, swearing

Word Count: 4,000

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The Fight

-Loki's P.O.V.-

When Loki invited Elska to the Royal Library to learn his favorite spells, he wasn't entirely sure what he was doing. What he did know was that he wanted more time with her.

It was just after the midday feast; Elska would be just beginning her hand-to-hand combat training. Loki found himself sitting in his chambers, pondering which spells he would teach Elska this evening. As he thought, he realized he wasn't sure what she already knew. While he became aware of her "book borrowing" a century ago already, he had an inkling it had begun quite some time before his discovery.

She already knew how to turn herself invisible. He knew that much from the day she crept her way into the thief's sentencing, although he was still unsure whether or not Elska was aware of his knowledge of that incident. Perhaps she would benefit from a shielding spell that would hide traces of her magic.

Loki also remembered noticing her interest in the book on telepathy. Telepathy was how he first found out she had been taking things from the palace. It may not have been very polite, but she was the first person he practiced his technique for the spell on. She'd come in to clean the library in the mornings and he'd be there, waiting for her. As she milled about, he'd cast an illusion of himself that remained seated at his desk. He himself would find somewhere to perch, invisible, watching her, visualizing her mind opening its doors to him.

The first day he managed to read her thoughts, he was so pleased with himself he nearly exposed his cover by knocking over a pile of books. Thankfully, his illusion was convincing enough for her to believe that it was merely a little joke he had played, giving her a slight shrug and evil grin.

He found that reading thoughts was not what he believed it would be; rather than the mind acting as a book where the reader could flip to any page they pleased, it was more like a play. The reader watched and followed the thoughts as they flowed. Gifted readers could pick up on the emotions that accompanied thoughts. The better you knew who you were reading, the easier it was to pick up on the emotions. People were not necessarily "open books" unless the secret you were looking for was on their mind presently.

After that, he seldom read her thoughts, finding them dull and uninteresting. He crept into her mind every now and then, curiosity getting the better of him. She thought often of her friends and wondered what they were doing for the day. Sometimes, she wished she hadn't eaten her honeyed toast so fast. Other times, she would fret about what she would cook for the dwelling that evening.

So mundane.

Then, one day, he caught her planning her return to the library and take a book. That day, he remained in the library all day, just waiting to catch her in the act. He originally intended to expose her then and there, but something stopped him. So, he just watched her, running her fingers along the book bindings, looking for her prize. When she finally found it, a bright smile lit up her face with success. Tucking the book into her apron, his gaze followed her as she left, quietly closing the large double doors behind her.

After that, he peeked into her mind more often; she loved the imagination magic required, and flew through spells quickly. She was a master of healing magic, and wondered what ingredients would speed the work of her healing balms. Slowly, her research began delving into the history of magic. She hoped it would open her abilities to stronger, more defensive enchantments.

Admittedly, Elska's thoughts were much less bland than the others in Asgard. Even his own friends were consumed with thoughts of superficiality. Women, glory, food, family, friends - it all felt so trivial. Elska, though, she spent her time thinking of magic and history. Through his intrusion, he learned they shared certain affinities.

Once, Loki tried to read his mother, yet discovered the woman had an enchantment protecting her thoughts from masters of magic such as himself. This led him to his search for spells that would allow him to do the same thing, though he had yet to see if it worked. The only other person as gifted in magic as he was his mother, and he did not wish to risk letting her know he attempted to read her.

Teaching Elska how to read people would allow him to try this new spell out, to perfect it. This could prove troublesome, though. Loki worried that, if Elska was successful, she could learn far more than he was comfortable with. He'd have to be very careful in monitoring his thoughts, ensuring they didn't drift anywhere dangerous.

It is either take the risk or never know if your barrier works, he thought to himself, sighing.

Looking over to the sundial at his window, he noticed he had been lost in his thoughts for almost half an hour. After Elska's combat training, she'd be returning to her lady in waiting duties, so he truly would have to wait until the evening feast to see her again. He'd have to find some way to busy himself until then; perhaps he could try out the snake transfiguration with Thor...

Loki was excited by the idea of having a new friend. He hoped this didn't turn out like the Warriors Three; they'd begun as close friends to both he and Thor, but eventually became more loyal to Thor. He was a sort of fifth wheel when the group was together.

Regardless, Elska had agreed to meet with him, meaning he would get the time he so desired with her. Perhaps he would be able to grow closer to her, yet.

*****

After what felt like eons, it was time for the evening feast. After hours of internal combat, Loki continued to deal with his own self-embarrassment at his excitement to see Elska and to be near her once more. Striding into the main hall toward Thor, Sif, and the Warriors Three, he was disappointed to find that she was not seated with them.

He also noticed that Sif seemed to be seething with anger, and a fresh cut decorated her left eyebrow. On her cheek, a bruise was beginning to purple. Peeking into her thoughts, they were swarming with rage stemming from Elska's combat training, though not directly from Elska.

"Damn noble weaponsmen," she thought, her voice in her mind a wispy sort of wind-like sound to Loki. "They truly felt the grotesque need to kill her, actually try to kill her."

Loki's mind began racing as he retreated from Sif's head, sitting down next to his brother. Taking every attempt to mask his building anxiety, he thought what the least suspicious way to the topic would be.

"Lady Sif, where did you get your fresh battle wounds?" He asked.

Fresh battle wounds? She's a warrior, you imbecile, Loki scolded himself.

"Those damned racist nobles, that is where," she snapped, concerned glances coming from those sitting around the group.

"You will have to excuse Sif," Hogun said quietly.

"She, Fandral, and Elska had a bit of a run in with-" Volstagg began.

"She was doing absolutely wonderful," Sif cut him off. "Yes, she was unbalanced and a tad goofy at times, but it was her first day training. Fandral had come along to help with her training. We had finally sorted out what weapon was best for her." Towards the end of her statement, she was more speaking to the air than anyone in particular.

Sif shook her head and took another seemingly violent bite of her chicken leg, ignoring the expectant stare from Loki.

"The weaponsmen came to the sparring arena about three hours into Elska's training," Volstagg took over once more.

"You know, the nobles who think because they have the gold for a sword from the merchants they spar better than the All-Father's personal guard?" Fandral jabbed his fork into a pork chop, clearly frustrated with the situation, as well.

Loki shook his head, pushing them to tell him more as he began eating the greens he had set on his plate.

"One of them recognized her as 'that Devourer filth' and informed the men that they should, how did he put it, Fandral?" Sif was waving her fork in the air, words laced with residual animosity.

"Rid the Nine Realms of 'that vile bitch,'" Fandral set his silverware down, taking a moment to calm himself.

Loki looked over to his brother; Thor had yet to place any food on his plate. Instead, he sat with one hand pinching the bridge of his nose, one in a tight fist on the table.

"For hundreds of years," Thor's blue eyes glanced over to Loki, his words coming out so only he could hear. "Hundreds of years, father looks at her the same way those men do. Yet she served our family so diligently. She would tell me stories when I was upset, sneak into my room as a child to play games with me." Loki had never heard about any of this. "She's been my friend, and yet I have allowed people to treat her this way. It will go on no longer."

Loki looked to his lap, setting down his own silverware. It seemed the group's appetite was dwindling.

"How is she?" Loki looked back to Fandral.

"She is fine, she held her own fairly well, for a starting warrior," he responded. "She took several deep gashes to her legs and abdomen, but nothing she will not heal from."

"She is very shaken," Sif looked absolutely dismal. "Right now, I doubt she wants to be anywhere near a nobleman of any sort." She glanced around the room, a scowl replacing her frown.

"We planned on taking her a plate after our time here, but I think it might be better for us all to take plates for ourselves and for her, eat together," Thor spoke loud enough for the group this time.

"I think she would like that very much," Sif gave a small smile.

"I can make her a plate," Loki offered, and the group began gathering their things to relocate.

*****

When Elska opened the door to her chambers, Loki saw just how much the fight had taken out of the young woman. Her shoulders sagged and her nose was red, raw from wiping it. Still she gave the occasional sniffle. Her puffy gray eyes were a tempest, and dark circles decorated her lower lids. Her hair, now messily braided to the side, was still wet and fingers had pruned, telling him she had likely done nothing but sit in the bath since she was released from the healing ward.

Fury bubbled inside Loki, burning in his mind. He wanted to find the men who did this, and drag his dagger through their skin.

In the corner of her room sat her torn leather armor. It was littered with holes, and he could only imagine the constellations that must decorate Elska's skin under her night gown. It always confused Loki, the way they gave beginner warriors the least efficient armor.

"My friends," Elska wiped a straggling tear from her cheek. "You must excuse my appearance. I was not expecting visitors." She sent each of them an apologetic look. "Please, sit where ever you like, I am sorry there is not more seating."

Elska walked over to her wardrobe, choosing out another gown.

"I shall return shortly," she walked into her bathing chambers, sniffling and clearly embarrassed.

The group sat in a sort of stunned silence, unsure of how to console their new friend. After a few seconds, they began debating the benefits of taking her to Thor's chambers. They would all be able to sit and eat in comfort there.

While they spoke, Loki muffled out their voices by peeking into Elska's mind. He pushed out the guilt that accompanied the action, telling himself it was to help him know how to make her feel better. Seeing her like this, her heavy heart's gravity seemingly pulled Loki down with it.

Her thoughts only pulled him down farther.

She missed Eira; she wanted to go home, to the dwelling; her efforts toward success in the palace felt futile. Everything spilled through the forefront of her mind in a constant flow. She felt unwanted, dejected, disastrous.

"I am a monster, the thing parents tell their children about to scare them into following the rules," she thought. Her thoughts were laced with her own feeling of disbelief, telling Loki that she was not accustomed to despising her own heritage.

"I hate for them to see me like this," her mind unknowingly spoke to him. "They are kind, yet they will soon learn to frown at me the way the All-Father does, the way those men did."

Loki put his head in his hands as Elska returned to the main room, not wanting her to see the pain he felt for her.

"We brought you a plate, El," Volstagg picked up the plate from Loki's side and brought it to the woman standing in the middle of the floor.

"El?" The corners of Elska's mouth perked up a bit.

"It is the name I have given you in my head, a sort of term of endearment," Volstagg smiled a big, oafy grin.

"I like it," she laughed gingerly, and the sound, while small, slightly eased Loki's troubled mind.

"We thought we would move this little dinner party into Thor's chambers," Hogun stood. "There is more room for us all to sit comfortably."

"Of course, whatever pleases you all," she shook her head, and Loki noticed that she was much more reserved when she was upset. "I will be right there, just going to put on my sandals."

As the group left, Loki stayed behind to wait for Elska.

"None of us will ever turn against you, you know," he said as she opened her wardrobe.

"Tell me, how do you read my mind?" she did not look at him as she spoke, and the question took him by surprise.

"Truthfully, I planned on teaching you tonight," he gave a cautious laugh, not knowing where the conversation was going.

"But you do not deny that you do it?" Elska asked as she finished lacing up her first sandal, looking over to him.

"No," he sighed after a few moments. "I do not deny it. I also do not deny reading Sif's mind, or Thor's, or Fandral's, or trying to read even my own mother's mind."

She remained silent as she laced up her second sandal, and it prompted him to go on.

"It is intrusive, I know, and I will not lie and tell you I feel guilty for the invasion of privacy, but you must know that I was doing it to find out how to best cheer you up," he explained.

"What about the times before?" Elska stood and held the door for Loki, and he felt a pang in his chest. When he did not answer, she continued. "Do you know how to keep others from reading your mind?"

"Possibly," Loki grit his teeth, now becoming annoyed.

"Good, you will teach me both tonight after dinner," Elska sniffled one last time before she began limping toward Thor's chambers.

Something told Loki she would not be accepting any help he offered.

*****

Dinner seemed to lift Elska's spirits, but she was still more guarded than Loki had ever seen previously. Their interaction in her chambers had left him baffled and frustrated. He was only trying to help, to learn her emotions enough to make her happy again, but his efforts were met with anger.

As she chatted away her sadness with their friends, Loki sat and sunk deeper into his own boiling annoyance. Despite her irritation with him, Elska chose to sit next to him on the lounger, and her closeness drove him mad.

First, he cannot for the life of him discern why his feelings push past platonic boundaries. Then, he feels the need to find a way to spend more time with her. And then, she gets hurt and he does what is in his power to lift her spirits, and she gets angry. And now, by merely sitting next to him, the tension in his body was reaching new levels. The man was reluctant to even set his hand on the cushion beneath him for fear it would possibly graze her own.

Even Sigyn never shook his emotions to the core in this way, yet this woman, who he had only truly known for a week and a half, was driving him up the wall.

Leaning against the arm of the lounger, he watched her as she listened intently to Thor's retelling of one of the battles he and his friends had fought in. Her hands were folded on her lap, legs crossed, back straight. The etiquette classes his father had ordered were certainly showing. Looking back to the group, Loki realized Sif had caught him staring as she gave him a raised eyebrow. Rolling his eyes, he looked over to Thor, pretending to be paying attention to the story he was telling.

Eventually, not as soon as he would have liked, the impromptu dinner party came to a close when Fandral suggested they should all go have a drink in the merchant district. Elska declined, telling them she was still quite uncomfortable with the idea of going out (which Loki did not doubt to be true). Loki informed them he had studies to attend to and would surely go out with them the next night.

Before he made his way to the Royal Library, Loki fetched his notes on mind barrier enchantment from his chambers. When he did enter the library, he found Elska waiting for him, sitting in the window nook. Their eyes met, and he could tell she felt guilty for her earlier words.

"While I refuse to apologize for my frustration at your actions," she began, posture perfect and proud. "I will apologize for my frustration with your intentions." Her shoulders slumped back as the words left her mouth. "I appreciate your care, your words brought me relief."

Looking at Elska, Loki found himself struggling to hold onto his anger. He wanted to be mad at her. He wanted to show her the notes that held the answers to her earlier questions and set them ablaze.

But he didn't.

He sat down next to her, looked into her eyes, and felt his feelings soften.

"And I am sorry for my intrusion, and for my blatant disregard for your privacy," he held his hand out for her to shake. "Still friends?"

"Always," Elska grasped Loki's hand in her own, shaking it.

"Well, now," he laughed. "I do not believe you will be able to tolerate me for so long."

"You underestimate me," she smiled, looking down at their still touching hands.

Pulling his hand away awkwardly, he began rubbing it slightly, as if her touch had burned him.

"Shall we get started, then," he tried to move through the strange moment.

"Of course," Elska smiled and stood, brushing the wrinkles out of her gown as she did so.

"Perfect, let us find a place where you may sit directly across from me," Loki began leading her to one of the larger desks in the library. Motioning her to sit down, he told her the basics of mind reading.

"It sounds much more simple than I would have thought," she leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands.

"I felt the same way when I discovered telepathy," he replied. "But you know as well as I, magic is a game of imagination, visualizing in your mind and forcing that vision into reality."

He watched her scribble down notes, the corners of his lips curling upward, and went on.

"I will inform you that you will not so much read a mind as you will listen to its progression," he said. "The mind is a stage, the person you are focused on is the actor. Their monologue is your goal." He leaned further into the table. "Now, look at me. Imagine doorways in my eyes, let the doorways become a version of myself if I was a door." She smirked a bit, finding his comment amusing. "You laugh, but giving each person their own door will make this process easier. Now, imagine my doors opening and yourself walking into them."

She stared intently at the man, minutes passing by. Loki had not yet put up his barrier; he needed to be sure she was successful first. After half an hour, she leapt from her chair, a smile plastered on her face.

"So you are not sure your barrier works?" she teased, very pleased with her work. She danced around the desk, and Loki watched as she beamed, a smile growing on his own face. Rather than reply, he just looked at her, wanting her to read his answer.

She accepted the challenge, seating herself across from him once more. Entering his mind this time only took her a few minutes.

"I have not perfected it, no," His thought echoed as he waited patiently for her to hear it.

"Your voice in your head sounds different," she smiled. "It is more musical, like an instrument playing a secret tune."

They continued this little game until she was finding her way into Loki's head in just seconds. Then, it was time for him to try out his barrier. He refrained from showing her his notes, wondering if knowing the enchantment before trying would allow her to break it.

"Now try," Loki envisioned a black wall made of stone encasing his thoughts. He gave the wall vines of ivy, believing that plant growth meant the wall had stood for ages, signifying strength. It was tall, and he imagined stacking another layer of stone on the top, just for good measure.

Elska looked into his eyes, and he could see her fascination in her failure.

"It is amazing," she exclaimed. "I can see the doors, I can open them, but I cannot enter them. There is a wall blockading my entrance." She sat for a moment.

"Truthfully?" Loki swelled with pride, thrilled.

"Truthfully! I wonder if one could envision breaking the walls, and if so, could the subject continuously fortify?" Elska asked, though not to Loki. He watched as she thought aloud, quickly writing notes.

"Here are my notes, if you'd like to see them," he laughed as she immediately grasped them, eyes darting through each word. He was surprised she could read his chaotic handwriting.

After writing, he watched as she sat and closed her eyes. She sat like this for quite some time.

"Now try me," her eyes shot open, and Loki could swear they had been red as they first opened.

Loki envisioned the doors he had assigned to Elska. Tall, wooden double doors, floral detail carved into them. The golden door knobs had once been shaped like roses, but after their conversation last night, they had changed to hellebores, a flower that grows even in the cold.

As he imagined himself opening the doors, he was met with something he hadn't seen in Elska's mind before - a wall of ice. Towering well above the doors he had created for her, as he got close he realized he could see his breath, as well as swirling designs glowing within the frozen barrier.

His admiration for Elska grew tenfold in that moment, finding a deep respect for her bold love of her heritage despite the fear others held for it.

"A wall," he whispered to the woman seated across from him, and she grinned from ear to ear.

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anavantgardener · 3 years

Text

Frost and Mischief Ch. 4

Summary: Chapter four is here! In which Elska finds new friends and learns some interesting new things about herself.

Pairing: OC x Loki Laufeyson

Warning: sarcasm, fluff, and fighting

Word Count: 4,597

-----

A Personal Fortress

Moving into the palace took almost no time at all; this didn't surprise Elska in the least. As much as she put off packing her things, she really didn't own much to pack. Not having very many belongings keeps moving simple and concise.

When she arrived at the palace, Elska was greeted with numerous surprises, the first of which was having servants waiting to carry her bags to her new chambers. It felt awkward, especially because they were her friends. She absolutely despised the idea of them serving her. It simply did not feel right.

So, naturally, she told them she could hold her bags herself, but invited them to come see her new chambers so they too could gawk and marvel at how beautiful the rooms were.

The second surprise came when a guard appeared and informed her that the queen had requested her presence in her personal study. The guard gave her a slight once over and suggested she bathe and change at once. She looked down at her appearance, thinking she actually looked rather nice. She had just bathed the night before and today made a point of wearing her nicest gown and sandals. A frown appeared on Elska's face.

Noticing her confusion, the guard motioned to her wardrobe. The young woman had yet to open it as she was summoned before she had even gotten the chance to unpack.

Opening the doors, she gasped; at least a dozen brand new gowns hung on the rack, as well as three pairs of sandals.

"No scuff marks," Elska let out an inaudible laugh.

"Pardon, my lady?" the guard asked, awkwardly idling by the door.

My lady, I like the sound of that, she grinned.

"Nothing, I am sorry," she smiled over to the guard. "Tell the queen I shall be with her as soon as I can, please."

"Yes, my lady," he gave her a nod before leaving.

Perhaps I should bathe again if even the guard thinks I look unfit to meet with Queen Frigga, Elska found herself worried by her appearance.

Simultaneously, she found herself excited to try out her very own bathing chambers. In the lower district, they used community bathing chambers. Bathtubs were separated by measly curtains and the servants in charge of cleaning the lower district were not given the best of cleaning utilities.

Elska's bathing chambers had been stocked with more soaps than the young woman could count. As she began running a bath, she took great care in choosing a particular bar for her hair, and an equally particular one for her body.

Slipping into the tub, Elska wished she didn't have to be so quick. This bathtub was double the size of the ones in the community bathing chambers. She could truly lounge and relax in a tub like this. Instead, she got straight to washing herself off, smells of citrus and rose floating into the air around her.

Once she dried off, she opened her wardrobe, again shocked at the beauty of the gowns before her. One had especially caught her eye. It was the same blue hue her skin took on when she let her Frost Giant side show through. Feeling quite in touch with her heritage, she put the gown on, and grabbed a pair of golden sandals to go with it.

Rather than just brushing through her curls and letting them fall as they usually would, Elska braided the auburn locks into a crown around her head.

Taking one last look at this new appearance in the mirror, Elska sincerely almost shed a tear. Never in her wildest dream had she thought she would one day be standing in a gown so beautiful, living in the palace of the Realm Eternal.

This new start would be quite the adventure.

*****

As Elska walked into Queen Frigga's study, the queen could not contain her adoration for her new lady in waiting. She had watched her grow into such a strong woman, and now she stood before her, in the midst of a success Elska had never thought possible for herself. The queen almost wanted to admit to Elska that something like this had been her plan since the day they had found her crying in that attic.

"My dear Elska," Queen Frigga wrapped the girl in a hug before they sat down. "How do you like your new chambers?"

"They are fantastic, absolutely wonderful," Elska practically gushed. "Thank you so much, my queen."

"You are very welcome, dear girl," the queen stood once more and grabbed a book, handing it to Elska. "Now, your lessons truly begin."

Elska looked at the cover. The Art of Combat Magic, it read.

"Combat magic?" Elska looked quizzically at the woman across from her.

"Odin requires that all who work closely with the royal family learn combat," Queen Frigga answered. "Being so familiar and confidential with us makes you a target, unfortunately. You will not purely be learning combat in magic, but also in physical hand-to-hand combat. That is starting tomorrow, though."

Everything is moving so fast, Elska thought to herself, previous elation beginning to die down.

"Do not worry, my dear," the queen could read the creeping anxiety on Elska's face. "You will be in good hands every step of the way, and I do not plan on allowing you to get overwhelmed."

The queen informed Elska that she was only required one month of hand-to-hand combat training. After that, she was only made to spar three days of the week to keep her knowledge of the sport sharp.

If everything went well, the queen said Elska might even master the combination of combat magic and hand-to-hand combat.

"Wonderful," Elska let out a nervous laugh. "When do we start?"

"Right now," the queen laughed with her. "Let's go down to the courtyard. There's more room there."

Elska and Queen Frigga had been working for almost four hours. Elska's previous work with magic made her a quick learner, but this was a completely new style. Not being the most patient learner, she got frustrated with her failures often.

So far, she had mastered conjuring up to ten illusions of herself at a time, and manipulating the matter around her to push herself higher into the air when she jumped and dodged.

Now, she was trying to conjure a flame, and it was going rather poorly. It had already taken the greater portion of the four hours they had been working. She had managed to get sparks, but that was all.

"Visualize the flame, feel it moving through your fingers," the queen was honestly just as flustered as Elska was. She had learned everything else so quickly, why not this?

"I am, I have been," Elska huffed.

"Here, sit down with me," Queen Frigga instructed.

Elska watched as the queen plopped down right on the ground. Uncrossing her arms, she sat down next to the queen, brow still furrowed and frustrated.

"Close your eyes," the queen spoke softly. "Imagine yourself on the sun, draped in fire. Now, picture that fire completely contained, creeping along your body until it is in only your hands. With your hands in front of you, summon that vision into existence."

Over and over and over again, Elska tried this visualization. If there was anything she had learned about magic in her years of study, it was that magic was a game of the imagination. The better she could visualize something, the more successful she would be in her magical endeavors.

She had been using this visualization for hours, it had become increasingly vivid. Still, it did not work.

Irritation taking control, Elska slammed her fists to the ground in anger, eyes bursting open as a scream of frustration escaped her mouth.

In that moment, sharp shards of ice sprang up from the ground surrounding Elska's fists, a wall of frozen water forming in front and behind her. The Frost Giant blue hue seeped throughout her hands and up to her elbows.

Looking around her, she realized she had created a small fortress, a fortitude of ice, surrounding her seated figure.

Gracefully walking over to her spiked ice walls, Queen Frigga crouched down and knocked. As Elska unclenched her fists, the ice seemingly melted, retracting back into her skin and fingertips.

"I am so sorry, my queen," fear filled Elska's eyes and she noticed that all faces in the courtyard were turned toward her.

"I am not," the queen reached out to hold Elska's hands, now freezing to touch. "I think we may have learned, however, why fire is most certainly not your forte."

A few moments passed, and eventually, the queen and Elska both began giggling. Soon, the giggling turned into loud laughter as they both stood, waving at their disturbed watchers.

Nearly doubled over in laughter, the pair made their way back to the study, deciding that was quite enough combat magic for the day.

This was Elska's third surprise.

*****

That evening, Elska found herself both hungry and yet too nervous to go to the main hall for the evening feast. She had spent the midday feast eating alongside Queen Frigga before they returned to their duties. This shielded her from any chance of social interaction with the nobility of Asgard.

Now, however, Elska did not have that same luxury. The queen and king ate their evening meal together in King Odin's study. Elska was alone for the first time all day, and this left her to her thoughts.

She sank deeper and deeper into her mind, pondering the events of her combat magic training, and what it could mean, what it would most certainly mean for her future in the palace. Surely the entire kingdom had heard about it by now. If they did not already hate her, they most definitely did now. Queen Frigga had informed her not to worry, and even King Odin had come by the study to inform her of how impressed he was, even if he was apprehensive of the news.

Elska's Jotun blood was more potent than she originally believed. Willing her skin to take on its blue hue she looked into the mirror on her dresser. Red, Devourer eyes were staring back. It was the one thing she feared about herself when she looked like this. Her eyes were the color of blood, and it chilled her to her core.

Lifting her hand, she imagined ice sprouting from her fingertips. It took a few minutes, but finally the frozen liquid began growing from her hands.

A loud knock at her door abruptly brought her back to the real world. The Disir returning to her blood, she began withdrawing the icicles and answered the door.

"Prince Thor!" she exclaimed, noticing four figures behind him. "As well as Lady Sif and the Warriors Three, how do you all fare this evening?" Elska pulled nervously at her gown.

"We are quite well, my lady," Lord Volstagg, a stout, bearded man, bowed, bringing a surprised smile to Elska's face.

"My lord, you need not bow to me," she curtsied in return.

"Why, every lady deserves such respect and reverence," Lord Volstagg replied, causing Elska's cheeks to turn a slight shade of pink.

"And yet you do not bow to me upon greetings," Lady Sif laughed at her friend, a sweet sound.

"Oh, that's different and you know it," Lord Fandral, a tall, handsome fellow with a chiseled, stubbly chin, chimed in, while Hogun only shook his head, face adorned with a small grin.

As the warriors laughed, Thor turned his attention to Elska.

"Elska, I was concerned when I did not see you at the evening feast," he said, looking at the quietly giggling woman. "I wanted to make sure you were alright."

"That is very kind," Elska felt some of her loneliness melt away at Thor's concern. "I must confess, I am not quite comfortable enough to eat in the main hall," Elska looked down to her feet.

"Come and eat with us, we will ensure you feel quite at home," Lady Sif offered.

"If you would not mind?" Elska asked, somewhat taken aback by the offer. "Have you not already eaten?"

"Truthfully, I was quite excited to speak with you about the events of your training session and wanted to find you before eating," Thor informed her.

"Of course you are most welcome to dine with us," Lady Sif gave Elska a great smile, bidding her to come with them.

As the group made its way to the main hall, Elska listened to their chatter about how sparring went that day, when they would be drinking together next, their excitement for the upcoming Festival of the Golden Apples of Idunn.

Idunn, a beautiful goddess, oversees the health and growth of the Golden Apples that grow on a tree in the Hall of Valhalla. To those she finds worthy, she gives the Golden Apples. Those apples are what aid in the long, long life of Asgardians. The Nobles seem to expect them, and it always seemed so entitled to Elska. Their celebration was superficial, just a time to celebrate themselves. When there was no apple for them at the end of the celebration, they threw fits.

The servants, though, their celebration lasted days, honoring the work of Idunn. They spent the week prior to the festival decorating the lower district in golden flowers, baking apple themed foods, and preparing murals and art surrounding the hard work Idunn does. When they don't get apples, they simply strive to do better next year.

"What do you plan on doing for the festival, Elska?" Lady Sif looked over to the group's new companion.

"I am not quite sure, honestly," Elska began. "In the lower district, we celebrate quite differently."

"I imagine it is much smaller," Fandral commented.

"Perhaps in regards to the expense taken, but not in regards to much else," Elska said, earning confused glances from her new friends. "Our festival lasts days, and we prepare much differently."

She spent the rest of their walk telling them all about the pies, ciders, marigolds, sunflowers, and golden hued paintings the lower district created just for the Festival of the Golden Apples of Idunn.

"It sounds wonderful, perhaps we can all spend the festival in the lower district," Hogun suggested as they sat at one of the tables in the main hall.

"What sounds wonderful?" Prince Loki cut into the conversation, seating himself in between Thor and Elska. The three sat across from Lady Sif and the Warriors Three.

"Elska was just telling us about the lower district's version of the Festival of the Golden Apples," Thor informed his brother before shooting into a new conversation with the group.

Elska smiled and nodded along, struggling to hear the conversation through all the noise in the main hall. She had yet to place any food on her plate, feeling a tad overwhelmed by all the options. She'd help the cooks prepare the feasts sometimes, but never did she see the full feast set out.

At last, she began reaching for a roll as her stomach growled. Stretching out a hand, she quickly retracted it after brushing against another unsuspecting hand. For the second time that evening, Elska felt the blush creep up her cheeks, only this time, it burned a bit more.

"My apologies, my prince," she glanced over to Prince Loki.

"I beg your pardon?" the prince leaned closer to her, a smirk on his face.

"I am sorry, my prince!" Elska leaned into his ear, speaking loudly so he could hear.

"Yes, you should be," Prince Loki teased, sarcasm evident in his voice. Reaching and grabbing another roll, the prince handed it to the lady in waiting.

Laughing, Elska grabbed the roll, taking a bite.

"I am surprised I still have a hand," Elska continued the joke. "Touching the hand of the most mischievous being in the Nine Realms, I would imagine it would have turned into a frog by now." She feigned fright.

"Be careful, it may yet still," Thor called from beside Prince Loki, throwing a slight shoulder into his younger brother.

"What are frogs when you can summon ice, though?" Lord Fandral practically shouted, and then all eyes were on Elska.

"Yes, you must tell us about your training session today," Lady Sif looked excited.

"I fear it may not be as interesting as you all are hoping it to be," Elska shrugged. "Truthfully, I am not yet sure what happened myself."

After her statement, the five still awaited her continuation of the story. Elska sighed, reluctant to bring up her heritage in a room full of noble Asgardians.

"Well," she began, finding that she had to shout to be heard. "The queen and I believe it is most likely a power that stems from my Jotun blood. I was actually trying to summon a flame." Elska gave a slight giggle. "I had been trying for nearly three hours. All of my years learning magic, it's never taken me very long to at least begin learning a spell. With this, I was only managing small sparks. Out of frustration, I slammed my fists down. From there, ice." She shrugged her shoulders.

"Incredible!" Lord Volstagg exclaimed, throwing his fists in the air. Elska found herself confused by the praise.

"Have you tried anything else?" Thor asked, seeming truly enthralled by the idea.

"I did just before you all came to fetch me from my chambers, actually," Elska recalled to the group. "It took me a while, and quite a bit of focus, but finally I managed to summon some icicles at my fingertips."

Elska made sure to leave out that this happened whilst she was in her Frost Giant form.

"I wonder how you will be able to use this in your hand-to-hand work," Lady Sif pondered aloud. "I am excited to start training with you tomorrow."

"I will be training with you?" Elska was hopeful. Training with another woman seemed much less intimidating than training with some nobleman warrior. Lady Sif was also perhaps the greatest warrior in the Realm Eternal.

"Yes," the woman gave an encouraging smile. "I will be your instructor."

More comfortable in the main hall now, Elska reached for some grapes as the group began on another topic. She was relieved she was no longer the center of attention. Remembering the moment with Prince Loki from the Royal Library the day before, Elska turned to the man.

"Would you like to talk now?" she leaned closer to him so he could hear her.

"Yes, but not here," Prince Loki brushed himself off. "Walk with me to the library?"

*****

The two had been sitting in an odd silence for a few minutes. Honestly, Prince Loki was unsure of what he wanted to say to the woman.

"My prince, are you alright?" Elska asked, seated across from the prince at one of the desks.

"You still refer to me as 'prince,' but not Thor," he finally spoke up. His statement seemed to amuse Elska. It brought a small smirk to her lips.

"Well, Thor asked me not to call him by his title now that I work so closely with the royal family," Elska looked him right in the eye. "You, my prince, have not made the same request."

Prince Loki enjoyed the friendly jesting Elska liked to initiate. While it was not completely new to him, it was unfamiliar.

"Well, I shall ask the same thing of you now, but for a different reason," at this, he earned an eyebrow raise from Elska. "You are my friend. Please just call me by my name."

She smiled at him, and Loki realized how strangely comfortable he felt around her.

"You are looking at me funny," Elska said pointedly.

"I am pondering how strange I find it that I have known you for so long," he remarked.

"Yes, well," Elska rose from her chair and began looking through the bookshelves. "I believe your father did want to make a point of me serving the royal family from childhood until death." Her smile turned from sly to amused, laughing at her own predicament and how it had changed so rapidly.

"I am sorry, am I supposed to pity you?" the wicked grin returned to Loki's lips.

"But of course, look how pitiful I am," Elska laughed, gesturing to herself in a goofy manner. "I am full of self pity, I expect the same amount of pity from all others."

As Loki walked to the window, Elska joined him. His demeanor was more serious now.

"Please, tell me what is the matter," Elska looked a bit concerned. "We are friends now, you can confide in me, you know. I know this whole 'friends with the old servant' thing is sort of new for you." She tried to keep the situation lighthearted.

"Do you remember when I threw a book at you for cleaning off my desk?" Loki asked.

Elska could barely contain her laughter. That had been almost seven centuries ago. Apparently Loki did not like her response.

"I am being serious!" his voice was louder now, stern.

"Yes, I remember it," Elska was still trying to contain her snickering, infuriating Loki. "Why?"

"I am trying to apologize," he said before stalking off toward the book shelves.

"Loki, wait," Elska followed him, grabbing his arm just to be swatted away. "I am laughing because that was so incredibly long ago. There is no need to apologize. We were so much younger, then. Besides, it did not even hit me."

Loki stayed silent, his back to her.

"You are truly so fickle," Elska stated flatly. "I appreciate your apology, but why does this bother you so?"

"Because," he turned to face her. "Because we are friends now. And even before we were friends, you apologized to me for something you felt bad for, and yet I took seven hundred years to do the same."

Hesitating, Elska placed a hand on Loki's shoulder. This time, it was allowed to stay.

"We are two very different people, where is the rule that states we must act as one and the same?" she smiled at her new friend.

Loki's anger simmered away, and again he was confused by his feelings. Never had he found someone who had such an effect on him, not even his former wife, Sigyn. Here was a girl, not even truly Asgardian, and he found himself drawn to her companionship.

And why shouldn't he be? She was clever, witty, wonderfully impish. She loved learning and would not hesitate to break the rules to obtain new knowledge. She was not afraid to be truthful with him, even if it was not what he wanted to hear.

She made such a fitting friend for the god of mischief.

As his eyes drifted over the soft smile lighting his new friend's face, he found himself quite lost in her beauty.

Perhaps more than a friend, Loki thought to himself before quickly shooing away any romantic notions.

"Lost in thought, are we?" Elska pulled him from his trance.

"My mind tends to be the only place I can have an intelligent conversation," he made a tight-lipped frown as if to imitate arrogance.

"That's surprising," Elska jabbed. "Now, come, I have questions." She sat down on the window nook, patting the seat next to her.

"Questions?" Loki's brow furrowed quizzically, and he remained standing in his spot.

"Yes, questions," she laughed. "You and I have known each other for nearly a millennia and yet do not know very much about one another." She paused a moment. "Correction, you do seem to know what books I enjoy reading."

"Who told you?" He looked a bit embarrassed.

"Your mother," Elska confessed. "I thanked her for the bookshelf yesterday morning, assuming it was her idea. She told me it was yours. So, thank you."

"You are welcome," Loki finally walked over to her, sitting down and looking out at the view.

The pair spent the next hour and a half learning things as basic as what one another's favorite color was and where their most treasured places on Asgard were.

Elska found herself captivated by Loki; his emerald eyes lit up when he spoke about things he was passionate about. Books, magic, even something as simple and plain as his love for strawberries, his quiet enthusiasm was intriguing. He tried to avoid talking with his hands, but every now and again his excitement leaked into his speech and it spread through his arms. It happened a lot when he explained.

As he spoke, she watched him closely. He was certainly handsome; dressed in his usual leather armor, his muscular figure was apparent. His pale skin contrasted greatly against his jet black hair, and as she admired his facial features, she noticed the way his hair framed his face, showing off his sharp jawline.

As a servant, Elska had never really devoted much time to romance. Sure, she'd made plenty of friends, but was always too wrapped up in work at the palace to develop anything further. She was nearly a millennia old, and still had yet to form that kind of relationship with anyone. Something told her King Odin found the situation to be a sort of punishment accompanying her life of servitude.

Yes, love was a novel thing to her, and she worried her attraction to Loki was purely from an idealized version of romance she had built in her head.

She wanted him to tell her more about himself, to allow her to explore the deeper parts of his thoughts. He kept his walls up, though, keeping the conversation on a specific track of shallow fact. In truth, it didn't bother her. She was aware of the newness of their friendship. It didn't mean she couldn't be hopeful for something more.

"This has been very nice," Elska said as they began saying their goodnights.

"I agree, I am enjoying learning more about you," Loki replied. "Perhaps, if you would like, we may meet again tomorrow and I can teach you some of my favorite spells. After the evening feast?"

"I would like that very much," her heart fluttered at the invitation.

Calm down, she told herself. He asked to tutor you, nothing more. Appreciate the friendship you have made.

Going their separate ways for the night, Elska still struggled to contain her giddiness.

*****

∽somewhere in Vanaheim∽

"One of our men was taken captive by Odin," a man in thick, golden armor spoke, standing in the archway.

"Someone important?" a smooth, alluring voice sang in reply.

"Define important," the man replied.

"I am in no mood for games, Odr," her tone became annoyed, dangerous.

"No, no one important," he huffed. "A scout. He was meant to be scouting a way into the palace through the merchant district when he was caught. Apparently one of the shop owners recognized him as a thief and reported him." Odr waved his hand dismissively.

"Perhaps he may be of use to us yet," the woman rose from her seat. "If he's been taken captive by Odin, he will be held in the dungeons."

Odr looked lost by her statement.

"The dungeons are in the palace," she was clearly disappointed in her cohort's lack of inference skills.

"Ah, yes," he managed to mumble.

Rolling her eyes, the woman brushed by Odr, the vines draping from her crown of flowers dragging on the floor behind her.

She had plans to make, and Odin wouldn't wait long to begin his investigation of the scout.

#loki #loki (marvel)#loki x original character #loki laufeyson #loki x oc #tom hiddleston #thor #norse mythology #norse #frigga #adventure #marvel #marvel cinematic universe #mcu #my writing #writers on tumblr #fanfic #fanfiction #warriors three

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anavantgardener · 3 years

Text

Frost and Mischief Ch. 3

Summary: In this, the third chapter of Frost and Mischief, Elska settles into her new role as Lady in Waiting.

Pairing: OC x Loki Laufeyson

Warnings: fluff???

Word Count: 2,700, a short one!

-----

An Apology Overdue

Prince Loki burst out laughing as King Odin's face reddened. Poor Prince Thor had no clue as to how to respond to his mother's statement. Elska herself nearly dropped to her knees in pure delight.

Me, a lady in waiting for the queen of the Nine Realms, she was overjoyed.

"My queen," the All-father stuttered out. "What benefits could this possibly bring to the royal family, to the city of Asgard as a whole? She does not even bear Asgardian blood!"

"First of all, she is clearly quite gifted with magic," Queen Frigga waved her hand towards Elska, who was finally coming back to reality. "With training, who knows what she could do. She has the potential to be one of the greatest Masters of Magic the Nine Realms have ever seen."

"Mastery of magic is not all one needs to be a productive member of society, let alone the palace" the king huffed.

"Technically," Prince Thor gave a large, oblivious smile to his father. "She has been a productive member of the palace. She knows just how I like my tea. None of the palace staff get that right."

The queen gave a happy nod to her oldest.

Two members of the royal family on my side, very nice indeed. Elska raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, but as a lady in waiting she would not be waiting on you anymore, boy," King Odin glowered. His face was becoming rather like a strawberry.

"Additionally," the queen began again. "Dear Elska is quite learned in the history of the Nine Realms, courtesy of myself."

The king's brow furrowed before Queen Frigga continued.

"She's trained in magic, she has already proven her dedication to both the palace and the royal family, and she knows the history of our entire kingdom like the back of her hand," the queen stated. "A bit of etiquette training and she will be a perfect member of the Asgardian court."

It was getting harder and harder for the king to say no. He loved his wife, and as much as he truly despised Elska's heritage, he knew the queen was fond of her. She was a valued companion, and very practically a daughter to his wife.

"My king, if I may," Elska knew how she needed to play this. She curtsied, head bowed. "I know this palace better than any of the other servants and palace staff. I can train them, even train someone to take my place before I would fully take the position of the queen's lady in waiting. If it be your will, I may spend the remainder of the week training a servant to fill my position while also preparing myself for my new role."

Looking to his wife and then back to the girl standing before him, King Odin began shaking his head. His decision was made.

"I would not even know who to choose to take your place," he said, rubbing his temples before continuing. "Perhaps you have an idea?"

Elska's face lit up. She knew just the girl for the job.

"Indeed I do," she smiled. "Eira Bjorndotter."

*****

Heading back to the dwelling that night, Elska could hardly contain her excitement. She had never been so happy in all her life. She decided she would take the long way home so as to enjoy the moment as long as she could.

As she was walking through the palace gardens, Prince Loki suddenly seemed to materialize out of the rose bushes Elska was passing.

"Hello, there," he greeted her with a smile as she jumped.

"My prince," she curtsied, catching her breath. "Do you often walk the gardens at night, appearing out of thin air and scaring passers by?"

"Only for a special few," Prince Loki held his hands behind his back as he fell in step with her. "I wanted to congratulate you on your new position."

"Thank you, my prince, but first there is something that I believe is overdue," Elska stopped to face him. She curtsied again. "I must apologize to you. What I said to you upon our last meeting was cruel and inappropriate. I am forever grateful to you for keeping the incident from your father."

As the words left her mouth, it was like a final weight had lifted off her chest, and now, everything was right with the world.

With a pensive look, Prince Loki gestured to a bench nearby. The two sat down, looking out at the beautiful view. From their seat, they could see where the clear night sky met the tops of the houses in the upper district. Below the horizon, flower bushes dotted their view like constellations of their own.

"In all honesty, there is nothing to apologize for," he said, turning to look at her. "Each word you spoke was true. I could not understand what it is like to come from that area of life."

He paused, and in his thoughtfulness was a sort of beauty. Elska admired the peace that his features took on when the young prince sat in pondering silence.

"In the moment, I was quite flustered," Prince Loki continued. "I felt angry, but I was also puzzled by the point you had made. I spend so much time sulking in my studies, surrounded by knowledge and vast education that I continuously soak up, yet never once have I thought that anyone might not be privy to that sort of learning."

"I think it only natural for people to find themselves honed in on their own way of life," Elska said after a moment. "In time, each person comes to realize that there is an infinite number of other ways people live that must be accounted for. What matters is what we do with that information. We can sit, denying or even resenting it, maybe both. Or, we can embrace it and open our minds to the idea that we can always help, no matter who we are and what we can do."

Elska leaned back and closed her eyes, soaking in the moonlight, and for the first time, Prince Loki gazed upon the beauty she truly was. Snowy, pale skin sharply contrasted by her curled auburn locks. Her curved figure was aglow in the light from the starry sky. The corners of her pink lips turned up in delight at the cool evening air blowing through the garden.

"You are quite different from the other servants, my friend," he noted, looking back to the sky.

"Oh?" Elska giggled. "How so?"

"You are thoughtful, smart," he said. "You seem to know the truth of the world before anyone else does."

"I do not think that makes me so different from the rest of the servants," she replied, earning a quizzical look from the prince. "I think you simply know me better than you know the rest of the servants."

"A fair point," he smirked.

"So," Elska glanced over to Prince Loki. "We are friends?"

He stood, looking down at the mischievous woman.

"For the time being, I suppose," he said before vanishing into thin air.

*****

When Eira heard the news, she could hardly believe it. Her best friend had been made lady in waiting for Queen Frigga, and she herself would be getting a promotion of sorts, as well.

"Are you quite sure you didn't dream the whole thing?" she asked, a look of bewilderment decorating her face.

"I am quite sure, indeed, my dear friend," Elska laughed. "You and I will both be in the palace."

"When do you move to the palace? Shall we start packing your things tomorrow?" Eira sat on the small cot next to her friend.

"Why would I be packing my things?" Elska looked confused. "I'm not leaving the dwelling."

"Past ladies in waiting have stayed in the palace," she looked as if the idea were the most normal thing in the Nine Realms.

Elska had not really paid much mind to any past ladies in waiting. Generally they didn't stay very long; the queen did better on her own, just having the general palace servants and staff tend to her when she needed it.

"I suppose," Elska stuttered, a sudden wave of anxiety settling over her. "I suppose I will have to ask tomorrow."

"Why does it bother you so?" It was Eira's turn to be confused. "It's quite the upgrade from this place."

"This is my home," Elska began. "It has been for almost a millennia. These people have watched me grow, they've accepted me from the start. Moving into the palace, it's a different way of life entirely. They're going to train me to act differently, to be proper in front of the Asgardian court." She almost scoffed. "What fun is that?"

The two friends shared a laugh before Eira placed her hand on Elska's.

"My advice to you, never forget from where you came," she smiled at the nervous girl. "Besides, I will be there everyday to keep you in check. And you will come visit, I am sure."

This will be good, Elska thought to herself. Living in the palace will be good, right?

*****

Elska had seemingly been constantly busy the past four days. From tending to her duties, to Eira shadowing her every movement, to small training sessions with the entirety of the servants, to her own lady in waiting training, her days felt like years. She found herself trudging home, eating only some bread and cheese, and falling to her bed, face in the pillow.

She had yet to even start packing, and the anxiety of getting it all done was moving closer and closer to the forefront of her mind. Thor (he refused to allow her to call him "prince" now that she was officially working with the family so closely) had shown her to her new chambers on her first day of training. Elska could barely believe that she'd be living here. Having her own bathing chambers amazed her, not to mention the size of the bed. Queen Frigga had even seen to it that Elska had her own fully-stocked bookshelf.

Funnily, Elska had yet to see the queen since the day she named her lady in waiting. Thor believed she was working hard to ready Elska's formal lessons.

Day five of preparation was the last; tomorrow morning, Elska would be moving into the palace and officially relinquishing her position to Eira.

She will do well, Elska thought to herself. Likely even better than I ever did. She smiled to herself as she made her way to the Royal Library to meet Eira and begin their morning cleaning. As she turned a corner, she nearly ran into the queen.

"Elska!" Queen Frigga exclaimed, a surprised smile on her face.

"Good morning, my queen," Elska curtsied, excited to finally see the matronly figure again. "How do you fare this morning?"

"Quite well indeed, my dear," the queen replied. "Your speech is changing. It is more formal."

"Yes, my etiquette teachers have informed me that it is the way the Asgardian Court speaks," Elska blushed a bit, embarrassed. "They say I will need to speak as such, also, if I plan to be a successful lady in waiting."

"Well," Queen Frigga placed a gentle hand on the young woman's face. "I look forward to gracing the Asgardian Court with you by my side."

"Always the voice of encouragement," Elska grinned. "I have been meaning to thank you, my queen, for the bookshelf in my chambers."

"I do believe that was Prince Loki's idea," she held a sly grin. "My son seems to have noticed which books you tended to borrow."

Wiggling her eyebrows, the queen began walking away, leaving Elska in a strange silence. The new lady in waiting resumed her short trip to the library, feeling slightly giddy now. Perhaps Prince Loki would be there, and she could thank him.

As she entered, she found herself alone, not even Eira had arrived yet. Looking around the room, she found the sundial.

I suppose I am a tad bit earlier than usual, Elska realized, slightly disappointed. She began tidying up, straightening things up. Moving from desk to desk, she picked up various books and returned them to their home shelves. She always wondered how books ended up out and about when the only soul who seemed to venture into the Royal Library was Prince Loki. Hopefully, she'd be able to add her name to the room's list of visitors soon.

Walking over to the prince's study desk, Elska picked up notes that had fallen and tried to set them on the desk so they wouldn't interrupt whatever process he had spread across the table at the moment. It was always a continuous stream of notes and open books, quills and ink scattered in between. Every now and again, a crumb-covered plate sat atop one of Prince Loki's book stacks.

"I am so sorry, Elska," Eira marched into the room, looking a bit flustered. "I got distracted preparing breakfast for the children in the dwelling."

Pulled from her thoughts, Elska looked over to her best friend.

"It's quite alright, I had barely begun cleaning," she laughed at Eira. "Here, I will show you what books go where."

As she reached for Prince Loki's discard pile, Eira reached for one of the prince's in-use piles. Elska reached out, just about to say something when another voice beat her to it.

"Not those," for what seemed like the hundredth time, Prince Loki appeared out of nowhere. "Books on this desk are currently in use." He held a tight-lipped, fake smile; hiding his frustration never seemed to be something the prince excelled at.

"The prince puts his discard pile on this desk," Elska said gently, struggling to gesture toward the desk next to her while holding a pile of books in her arms.

"Of course, my apologies," Eira's face turned beet red as Elska smiled at the new palace servant, trying to reassure her. "It will not happen again, my prince."

Elska, hoping to keep Eira away from the same wrath she had once earned from Prince Loki, moved the conversation forward and away from the situation.

"Shall we take your plates to the kitchen, my prince?" Elska curtsied, sending a sideways glance at Eira to do the same.

As the two women awaited his reply, Prince Loki kept his focus on Elska. She looked tired, overwhelmed, and even scared. He thought back upon the day all those years ago when he had shouted at her for completely cleaning off his desk. He had thrown a book at her, but even then she was too swift for him. Now, he felt a strange regret for that moment, and seeing her in this moment, he even worried for how she was feeling.

Noticing he was extending the silence, Prince Loki washed the look of confusion from his face.

"Yes, please," he nodded, allowing the women to rise from their curtsy.

Elska motioned for Eira to pick up the plates as she quickly returned the books. For a brief second, Elska and Prince Loki's eyes met, and a quick agreement to speak later was made.

The two women gave a short, final curtsy to the prince before leaving the Royal Library.

Watching them go, the prince sat at his desk, placing his head in his hands. Feeling another twinge of guilt run through him, the confusion toward his feelings settled in once again.

*****

"There isn't even that much to pack, Elska," Eira threw one of her aprons at her pouting friend.

"I do not care," she crossed her arms and dramatically fell onto her bed. "It is effort and I have no more effort to give."

Eira scoffed, placing a hand over her heart and feigning sympathy.

"That is quite rude, you know," Elska giggled.

"Everything is going to be okay," Eira walked over and sat next to her friend, wrapping her in a hug. "We will finish packing tonight and break open that bottle of wine you took from the palace those months ago."

Elska gave an appreciative glance to Eira.

"That does sound quite wonderful," she said, standing and throwing her few belongings into her two bags.

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anavantgardener · 3 years

Text

Frost and Mischief Ch. 2

Summary: The second chapter of an ongoing fanfiction. Elska confronts her crimes and her place in Asgard.

Pairing: OC x Loki

Warnings: Prejudice, Criminal Activity

Word Count: 3,574

*****

The Thief is Sentenced

A couple of days had passed and Elska had yet to see Prince Loki during her morning cleaning of the Royal Library. Perhaps she had deeply offended the young man; still, she had not been dismissed from her position or summoned by the All-father. She was beginning to think she was out of the woods.

Elska had, however, been too worried to take any more books, and it had been noticed by those in her dwelling. They had been asking her the past two days where her books had gone. She had told no one, not even Eira, what had happened between the prince and herself. She wasn't even sure what exactly had happened in the first place.

In all reality, Elska felt bad for what had happened. She failed to keep her fiery thoughts to herself, and the prince allowed it. She wanted to tell him how sorry she was. She had raised her voice at the man, basically calling him an over privileged ass, yet he apologized to her. It was very odd indeed. The incident had occupied her thoughts since the moment it happened, mostly because she was terrified it would mean the end of her time in Asgard.

The entirety of the Realm Eternal knew of her heritage. King Odin had ensured her Jotun blood was no secret, and despite her mother being one of Odin's own protectors, most of the people didn't want anything to do with her. If she were banished, quite a few wouldn't even notice, and some might even be glad. Odin was most likely waiting with baited breath for the moment he could send her away. Stealing from the palace was just the sort of thing that could lead to that.

And yet the only thing to come of her fierce outburst had been the absence of the prince. It was, in a sense, a relief. Prince Loki would probably have Elska's head the next time he saw her, so the longer he had to forget about the incident, the better.

Today was Elska's only day off. She was rewarded one day off every twenty days; she often used it to catch up on making her healing balms, restock her herbs, and spending time with her friends in the lower district.

This time, she spent the day trying to distract herself from her thoughts by any means necessary. It was now evening, and she found herself struggling more and more. With one hand, she was measuring out herbs and mud. With the other, she was spinning a glass phial in the air, practicing her levitation technique. It was almost working.

"Are you ever going to let me in on what is bothering you?" Eira plopped down next to Elska at the table in the kitchen.

"I do not know what you mean," Elska didn't look away from her measurements.

"Well, I shall explain then," Eira grabbed the glass phial out of the air and made a point of loudly setting it on the table.

Elska looked over, sighed, and then looked down to her lap.

"The past two days, you've hardly spoken to anyone," Eira began. "You have made dinner every night, which never happens. You have made enough healing balms to keep the entirety of the lower district in perfect health for the next century. You twiddle this damn phial every moment of the day. You are not reading, you are not sleeping, you are barely yourself."

She paused, taking Elska's hands in her own.

"For your sake and mine, please tell me what is going on in that head of yours?" The worry was evident in Eira's voice, and it made Elska regret not telling her what had happened sooner.

"Prince Loki has discovered my frequent 'borrowing' of books from the Royal Library," with this information, Eira's eyes grew wide. "And when he confronted me about it, I informed him, to put it simply, that someone so privileged as himself would not understand the life of someone such as myself."

Elska proceeded to tell Eira the whole story, beginning with the prince's appearance out of nowhere and ending with his apology. While short, both girls felt it was quite perplexing. It was, for the most part, a means of accusation on Prince Loki's part, but why had he apologized? And why hadn't he taken the information to King Odin?

"Elska," Eira said after they had been sitting in silence for a few minutes, pondering the situation.

"Yes?" she met her friend's eyes.

"I think you must take this to the queen, see what she thinks," Eira replied.

"My dear friend," Elska said, looking back to her hands. "I think you are right."

*****

Elska found herself wringing her hands with nervousness as she made her way to Queen Frigga's study. Despite their bond, the girl couldn't be certain that the queen wouldn't turn her in. If the king's son did not do it, surely his wife would.

And what if, she worried, the queen did not see her in the same light Elska saw her? Elska saw Queen Frigga as a mother, but how could she see this poor, Jotun servant as anything more than the Devourer she was?

She pushed open the door to the study, hands trembling.

"Elska, my dear," the queen looked up from her book to see the anxiety-ridden girl. "My girl, what is the matter?"

"My queen," Elska tried to smile. "I must speak to you about a matter that has been bothering me. I only hope you will not throw me out."

With this, Queen Frigga's brow furrowed and she motioned for the young woman to come closer. Elska sat on the ground next to the queen's chair.

And she began crying.

"Now, my dear," Queen Frigga nudged Elska's head onto her lap and began running her fingers through her hair. "What in the Nine Realms could trouble you so?"

The words spilled out. The confession of thievery, not just of the books, but of the herbs and potions from the healing ward, and even of the food that the kitchen staff sent her home with most evenings.

And then the conversation with Prince Loki. She recounted it all, apologizing profusely for the cruel words she spoke. Interestingly, the queen looked as perplexed as Elska was about the prince's apology, but she contained a small smile after hearing about it.

"My queen," Elska had managed to compose herself. "I do not wish to be banished from Asgard. My life is here, my home is here. It is all I have known. Even if I am never accepted by the people, I cannot imagine my existence taking place anywhere else."

The queen chuckled and stroked the girl's head.

"Such poetry you speak, my darling girl," she said. "The king will never hear of this, and even if he wished to banish you, I would not hear of it."

"I must confess, I am confused as to why the prince has not already informed the All-father of what has happened," Elska looked up to meet the queen's eyes.

"I do not know why Loki does much of what he does," she laughed. "Truthfully, I do not think he does, either."

Elska giggled at the queen's words, beginning to feel a bit better.

"I shall begin tidying up," she began to stand. "I apologize for my emotional state."

"Nonsense, there is nothing to be sorry for," Queen Frigga rose from her chair. "And you are in no state to finish your chores. I will send for another maid to complete them. You and I will relax over some tea and continue your lessons."

"My queen, will the All-father not be upset with my absence?" Elska asked. "My day off was yesterday. Surely he will notice."

"Well," she smiled at the young woman. "I will just tell the maid that you will be completing some extra cleaning for me. What Odin does not know will not hurt him."

Elska admired the queen for her confidence in her decisions. For Queen Frigga, it wasn't about obedience to the king, or even to her husband. She loved the man, there was no question about that, but she knew that his prejudice and the daily frustrations of being king could cloud his judgement. She was so sure of her choices, always striving to do what was best for those she cared about.

Elska took pride in being one of those people.

*****

The queen and Elska had finished with lessons almost two hours ago; they passed the time swapping stories and discussing the current politics of Asgard. Queen Frigga found herself especially interested in the differences between the lower district and the upper district, where the nobles lived.

To Elska, the differences were normal. She had grown up with it, lived through it. Of course, the distinction between the two districts was seemingly like night and day. The routines, the gatherings, the way people interacted, the two districts were so separate and distinct in their ways. Asgardians in the lower district didn't see Elska for her heritage, but for her character, for the woman she grew to be. In the upper district, Elska was either invisible or a burden. For those who recognized who she was, she was practically an untouchable, someone to spit on. For the Realm Eternal to be the divine representation of the Inangard, people could be pretty horrid.

For the queen, it seemed like a bitter pill to swallow. Knowing that her own people could look on others in their own homeland with such contempt was almost a wake-up call. She thought she had understood her city, but she felt she was sorely mistaken.

"I feel as if I have been living under a rock," Queen Frigga exclaimed.

"It is not your fault, it is no one's fault but their own," Elska took a sip of her tea. "Ignorance is learned, and once it is learned, it is a choice."

"My dear, you are wise beyond your years," the queen said.

The discussion was brought to an abrupt halt when there was a knock at the door.

"You may come in," Queen Frigga sat up straighter, and Elska followed her lead, preparing for company.

In a second, two guards were standing in the doorway. Their swords appeared bloodied and sweat was clear on their brow. What in the Nine Realms has happened? Elska thought to herself, exchanging a concerned look with the queen.

"My queen," both men bowed. "You are needed in the throne room."

"Is everything alright?" the queen rose from her seat, straightening out her gown.

"The weapon thief in the merchant district, he has been caught," one of the guards began. "The All-father has requested your presence and counsel for the sentencing."

"Of course, I will be there right away," she looked to Elska. "I am sorry to cut our time short, my dear girl. I will see you tomorrow."

"Of course, my queen," Elska curtsied. "I will return our teacups to the kitchen."

Waiting until the queen left with the guards, Elska gathered the tea cups and began making her way to the kitchens. As it so happens, she thought to herself, the throne room is on the way to the kitchens. Perhaps she would sneak into the sentencing, just to get a small hunch as to what was happening in her city.

Covering herself in a shroud of magic, she concealed herself, as well as a slightly mischievous grin. Soon, Elska was completely invisible.

She tiptoed through the halls, weaving between guards and other palace staff. Stealth was second nature to the young woman; within a few short minutes, she was at the double doors now standing between Elska and her goal.

Taking a detailed look around at her surroundings, she searched for anything that could get her through those doors without any oddity being noticed. Seconds passed and the door began opening; Queen Frigga's escorts were leaving.

Elska saw her opportunity and seized it, dashing through the door and immediately behind a pillar. While invisible, she still wanted to be careful. If her focus wandered, the spell would flutter and she'd be visible, even if only for half a moment.

She began slowly sneaking from pillar to pillar, inching closer to the group that stood in a semi-circle around the throne. When she was about four meters away, she stopped, listening to the guard informing the All-father of the crimes.

"The prisoner has admitted that he has not been working alone," the guard stated. "He is, apparently, a pawn in a much larger group of criminal activity."

A crime syndicate in Asgard? Elska was baffled by the idea.

"This has been going on right under our noses?" King Odin seemed just as confused as she was. "I employ an army of highly trained guards and yet a seeming guild of thieves and murderers seems to have seen fit to wreak havoc upon Asgard." Murderers?

"My king, we have worked tirelessly to uncover these schemes-" the poor guard tried to reason with the All-father.

King Odin rose from his throne, towering over each and every person in the room.

"Your tireless work has led to the death of three guards and wounding of numerous others," the king shouted.

"My dear," Queen Frigga began. "Perhaps for the time being, it is better to take the prisoner to the dungeons, clear our heads, and tend to our wounded." She walked up to the man, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

The All-father took a few breaths, realizing his queen was right. There was a plan that needed to be made, thought through. More importantly, there were men that needed healing.

That was one of the very few things Elska had always admired about the king: his devotion to his guards. He visited them in the healing ward often, ensuring they knew of his appreciation. He made sure those in the city thanked those that protected them from harm. After a battle, he would hold glorious ceremonies and parties for those that fought.

He was, in all actuality, a very decent leader. Just a very prejudiced one.

As the group began leaving, Elska took her chance to escape unnoticed. Filing in behind the guards escorting the prisoner, she got her first good look at the thief.

He was tall, slender, and surprisingly clean for someone who resorts to stealing. Usually Asgardian thieves came from the lower district; they were those who struggled to make ends meet, too busy scrounging for coin to focus on their hygiene. This man, however, looked to be a noble, dressed in fine silk, a beautiful deep red color. He turned to smirk at the royal couple before exiting the throne room.

Beside the king and queen stood their two sons, whom Elska had not previously noticed. As Elska followed the guards out, she could swear Prince Loki was looking right at her.

Impossible, she thought to herself.

*****

Leaving the throne room, Elska immediately made her way to the healing ward. As long as she was still invisible, surely there was something she could do. She had spent enough time learning healing magic, she was just as good as any healer in the palace.

If there's that many wounded, and they're as bad as it sounds, they'll need an extra hand, Elska thought as she made it to the healing ward.

The room was bustling with activity. Potions were sitting out, balms were left open, it was clear that they had not handled this many wounded in some time. The Nine Realms were supposed to be in a time of peace.

Elska scanned the room, trying to decide where she could be of the most use without getting caught. Her eyes landed on a woman in the back left corner; her chest plate had been completely torn in half, displaying a nasty gash clear across her sternum, leading all the way to her mid-stomach. They had managed to coat the wound in a balm, but it wasn't enough. The woman's breathing was labored. She didn't have much time.

Still invisible, Elska began plotting the best route through the crowded room. Getting all the way to the back of the opposite side of the room would be risky, but this woman's life hung in the balance.

Elska's tiptoeing was like a dance; she wove through the healers with swiftness and grace. She wondered if this woman had been to the soul forges yet. Seeing as the woman had yet to be fully treated, she doubted it. The soul forges would tell the healers each and every detail of this woman's injury.

Figures, Elska raised her eyebrow. That would have made this too easy.

She let her hands hover over the woman. Reluctantly, Elska dropped her spell of invisibility - this would require all of her focus. Hopefully all of the others were too busy to notice her.

She closed her eyes, slightly wiggling her fingers as the magic warmed them, a habit she'd formed over the years.

Your goal. Focus on your goal. See this woman's wound. Feel it. Learn it.

She began using her magic to do the work of a soul forge. She had found the technique in a very dusty book she stole from the Royal Library nearly a decade ago. It manipulated the atoms and air particles around the wound to allow the healer to form an exact image of it. The book had called it wound recreation. While it wouldn't give her the detail the soul forge would, it would give her something.

The gash was ragged, not typical of a sword wound. It was like a serrated edge had been dragged through her flesh. The scar would be everlasting, but if Elska had enough time, she could close the gash.

She lowered her hands closer to the woman's body, the warmth of the magic increasing with the intensity of the spell. Elska imagined every bit of the wound molding back together, like two pieces of clay being carefully sculpted by a potter. As more and more was healed together, the woman's breath began to steady.

Elska was so absorbed in her task, she failed to notice the head healer shouting at her. When the voice finally penetrated her ears, her heart began speeding up.

It doesn't matter, she stressed to herself. Leave now and more damage could be done that the original gash already did.

As the woman's eyes began fluttering open, Elska felt a hand clench tightly onto her arm. Repeatedly, the hand tried to rip her away from the woman.

"You can't take me away!" Elska shouted. "Not in the middle of this! You don't understand the harm you could inflict by taking me away."

"By Odin, you will get us all thrown in the dungeons!" the head healer spat at her.

"Just a few more seconds, please," Elska begged, eyes remaining closed shut.

The head healer huffed, giving in and letting the servant girl finish her work.

Elska let the magic finish its work, finally feeling her fingertips begin to cool as the wound officially closed. The woman looked in amazement from Elska, to the healer, back to Elska.

"Thank you, thank you so much," the warrior grabbed Elska's hands in gratitude.

But the servant didn't even have time to respond, she was being dragged away by guards.

"This ought to go well," Elska shot a final glare at the head healer.

*****

Elska found herself standing in front of the All-father, Queen Frigga, and the princes Thor and Loki.

This is it, she thought to herself. I saved a life and now I'm being thrown out for it.

"I always knew you would manage to get yourself into enough trouble one day you would be standing before me, awaiting judgement," King Odin carried a smug smile.

"All due respect, my king," Elska looked up to the man, lacking the fear of his presence she held just days earlier. "I am confused as to why I am here."

"You interrupted the healers, did you not?" he looked down on the girl.

"Actually, I believe it was they who interrupted me," she smiled back at the king.

"Ah, yes," he began. "They interrupted you as you meddled in things you have no place in."

"I like to think it is any Asgardian's place to help their people however they can," Elska stood her ground.

"And you, Frost Giant scum, are no Asgardian," King Odin made the statement so matter-of-factly, even Prince Thor's jaw dropped a tad.

"A wise woman once told me the people of all realms have committed crimes," Elska stared blankly at the king. "That does not mean we should be held accountable for the acts of our people. Your prejudice against me is unfounded and irrelevant."

At her words, Queen Frigga had to conceal a smile.

"My dear," the queen looked over to her husband. "I believe I have a solution that will work out for the benefit of all."

"I am listening," King Odin turned his head towards the woman on his right.

"Make her my lady in waiting," she smiled. "She will still serve the family, through serving me, and she will be under constant watch in the palace. She will train, she will learn, and, maybe one day, be a true Asgardian."

With that, the jaws of all in the room hit the floor.

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anavantgardener · 3 years

Text

Frost and Mischief Ch. 1

Summary: The first chapter in a Loki Laufeyson (MCU) fanfic. Elska’s introduction to the world of Asgard.

Pairing: OC x Loki

Warnings: death, prejudice

Word Count: 3,437

*****

A Deal of Sorts

Odin never wanted Elska; the girl was half Frost Giant. Jotun blood, despicable. He saw her as just another conniving Devourer. He would have thought a Valkyrie would have chosen a more suitable man to fall in love with. Surely any Asgardian would have been better.

Elska's parents met on the battlefield during the war over Jotunheim many, many centuries ago. A Frost Giant and a Valkyrie, two beings that could not be more different. A lawless scoundrel and a Disir spirit of protection. Purely because he saw a gleam in her eyes, Elska's father saved her mother from a dagger through the heart. When he was struck with an arrow to the shoulder, she helped him to a cave, where they called for Heimdal to open the Bifrost. Miraculously, the all-seeing man complied and got them to safety, hiding them in the attic of a servant's house in the lower district of Asgard. He saw the change their future would bring.

Years later, after they had birthed a beautiful stormy-eyed baby girl, they were discovered. It was not long after that someone slipped them a potion meant to rot them from the inside out. Soon, the smell seeped through the walls of the attic. The servants sent word to the palace and Odin himself came to investigate, along with his wife, who wouldn't stay put even if he ordered her to.

The little girl, barely old enough to walk, sobbed in between her parents' blackened bodies. Curly auburn hair, tangled and matted, reached to her collar bones. Big, pale gray eyes stared into Frigga's as she knelt down, attempting to soothe the little one.

Frigga calmed the girl enough to convince her to tell them her name. Elska. Love. A sweet rarity, this little one.

Once Frigga showed her the slightest kindness, Elska latched her hand to hers, holding tight. Odin told his wife not to get too attached, he would be banishing the child back to Jotunheim as soon as he was able, but Frigga bid him otherwise. Take the child in, raise her as an Asgardian. Teach her their ways, their customs and traditions.

Odin complied, making a deal of sorts with Frigga; the child could stay in Asgard as long as she was a servant to the palace. She would wait on the royal family hand and foot. She would know her place, from now to the day she died.

Knowing this was her only chance, Frigga agreed with her husband. The goddess had some tricks up her sleeve, and she knew Elska was meant for something so much more.

-----

"Elska, you will be late for the palace, you will," Eira called from the kitchen.

"I am coming, Eira," Elska replied, irritation present in her tone. The servant girl took one last look at herself in the mirror, willing herself to take on the Frost Giant for half a second. The icy blue tinge to her skin was there and gone within the blink of an eye.

"Elska!" Eira called again.

"Let a girl strap her sandals, will you?" Elska huffed, bending down to pick up her shoes.

Eira giggled at her friend, always cranky in the mornings. She prepared some bread and honey for her to eat on her way into the palace. It wasn't much, but it would keep her pleasant until the next meal.

Elska walked briskly through the doorway to the kitchen, grabbing the bundle of food from Eira.

"Thank you, I promise I will be home in time to cook dinner tonight," the girl promised her housemate. She had an unfortunate habit of dawdling on her returns from the palace.

The girls bid each other farewell and Elska started her early morning walk through the various districts of Asgard. Taking small bites of her breakfast, she watched as people milled about, preparing for the day's activities. As she did every morning, Elska wondered what sort of lives these people led, what complexities scattered across their lifetime. Were they family oriented? Did their time revolve around their position in the Realm Eternal?

This people watching continued until Elska arrived at the palace. Tucking the cloth used to wrap her bread into a pocket of her servant's apron, she straightened up before entering the grand double doors that led to the main hall. She stepped lightly as to avoid disturbing anyone she passed. Soon enough, she reached one of the maintenance chambers where she grabbed a cloth and a broom.

The path to the Royal Library was burned into Elska's memories, for she had been beginning her mornings by tidying that room for quite some time now. She considered herself lucky, being responsible for the care of the All-Father's family and favorite rooms. He made it clear from very early on it was meant to be a slap in the face, a point about her heinous parentage, but she didn't care. Working in the palace gave her special access to rooms most couldn't even dream of seeing.

Elska had been sneaking books from the Royal Library since she was a child. Using them to aid in her education of magic, sneaking around only became easier and easier. Stealing herbs and potions from the healing chambers had saved numerous servants she lived with in her dwelling.

Food was never something she had to worry about, though; the cooks and other palace staff had taken a liking to Elska. Many of them lived in the lower district as well, so they had watched her grow into the young woman she was today. She wove stories of adventure and terror and sorrow, all finishing with a happy ending. She entertained with her magic, and used it to help clean up sometimes when she finished her own chores early. Her homemade healing balms had helped a number of people in the lower district.

Elska arrived at the Royal Library in a short matter of minutes. Pushing the door open, she glanced around the vast room. Her eyes landed on the young Prince Loki, only mere decades older than herself.

"Good morning, my Prince," she curtsied, as was custom upon greeting royalty. The prince nodded, acknowledging her so she could continue with her duties.

Prince Loki was seemingly the only one to ever use the Royal Library (other than herself, of course). Cleaning the room was always quick. Wipe the tables, return any books that may have been left out. There was one desk that she never touched, though, and that was the prince's.

Research papers and books with marked pages scattered across Prince Loki's desk; Elska dare not touch one small thing. She had made that mistake once and he nearly had her head for it. Since then, they have had a cordial greeting every morning... A sort of "don't bother me, I won't bother you" agreement.

She quietly walked about the room, straightening up the desks, organizing the books that likely hadn't been touched in centuries.

The books Prince Loki did allow her to move and return, he always set on the desk adjacent to his. As Elska began shelving them, one title piqued her interest.

"The Magic of Telepathy," the binding read.

Well, Elska thought to herself. How nifty. She suppressed a smirk, making a mental note of where the book was shelved. She'd be returning for it later tonight.

-----

The day felt like it was dragging by; it was only midday and Elska was struggling to stay focused. There was no reason for this inability to concentrate, she was just bored with her chores. When one does the same thing every single day, what else can you expect of them. It's quite close to the definition of insanity.

Servants and palace staff were always provided a midday meal of bread, cheese, and a few assorted slices of meat, along with a cup of tea. After picking up her meal, Elska went to sit with a few of the other servants.

Taking her seat, she was met with various head nods and greetings.

"Everybody doing well today?" she asked the group. Many were too distracted by their meal to answer, but a couple looked up: Vidarr, a young boy with bushy hair and copper eyes, and Ingemar, a blue-eyed woman about Elska's age, maybe a little older.

"Just fine, delightful even!" Vidarr beamed.

"What has you so giddy this afternoon, little one?" Ingemar giggled at the boy.

"The healers gave me a sweet for tidying the potion bottles so well," he replied. "And mother told me this morning father earned the money to buy all the ingredients for a cake!"

"My, that is grand news indeed, isn't it," Elska encouragingly nudged Vidarr.

The three continued on with their meal, chatting about their morning walk to the palace and the latest rumors that were spreading through the servants. Eventually, some of the others began chiming in.

"I did hear that the merchant district is dealing with some thievery," Nidhoggr, one of the older servants mentioned.

"Thievery is quite common in the merchant district, though, is it not?" Ingemar asked.

"Yes, but not like this," Nidhoggr put his bread down. "Petty theft of fruits and loaves of bread, a dress or a shirt every now and then, yes, but this is weapon theft. Like someone's building an army within Asgard. One separate from the All-father's army."

Glances of concern were being exchanged when Lady Sif, and the Warriors Three, Fandral, Hogun, and Volstag, came in with Prince Thor, Prince Loki following close behind. The servants and staff took this as their cue to clean up and ready the main hall for the midday feast prepared for the noble and royal Asgardians each day.

"We must be quite early," Prince Thor's booming voice filled the room, echoing. "The servants have not even finished their meal."

As the plates were being cleared of their remnants, Elska caught the eyes of Lady Sif, who gave her an apologetic look. The servants hadn't much food at home, and here they were, tossing out what they were given at the palace.

Elska gave her a reassuring nod; all was well, the servants would be okay. This was not an unusual happening for them. Guards and warriors quite often came in before the servants and staff were finished with their meal, and they were not so kind about being kept waiting.

Plates were cleaned off and new dish settings were placed. An assortment of meal options were set out in the centers of each table, fruit scattered throughout. To top it all off, cakes and other sweets were added to the immense pile of food. Finally, the servants and staff parted ways and went to their next respective job.

For Elska, it was her favorite part of the day: tidying up Queen Frigga's personal study. Oftentimes, the queen was in her study while Elska cleaned, and the two would have such interesting, pleasant conversations.

Elska had always been fond of the queen. Without her, she would probably be long dead. She was the very reason Odin agreed to let her stay in Asgard. Queen Frigga was always offering her tips on magic (Elska suspected she knew of her frequent book borrowing) and even shared her potion recipes with her. The first time Elska ever created a successful illusion of herself, it had been through encouragement from the queen in her study.

As Elska progressed in her studies, their conversations extended into lore and history of the Nine Realms. The stories that built this wonderful realm were quite beautifully epic. The way it came to be, the Tree of Life, the Apples of Idunn that keep the people of the Realm Eternal alive for millennia upon millennia.

In all probability, Elska most likely knew more of Asgard than most Asgardians did.

Perhaps it was not the conversation that caused the servant girl to appreciate Queen Frigga so, but that the queen seemed to treat her as an equal. As someone with worth, someone to be really seen and loved for who they were. Queen Frigga listened to Elska, and in many ways, the young woman saw her as a mother.

-----

Today, Queen Frigga came into her study halfway through Elska's cleaning. A smile came to both women's faces upon seeing each other.

"Elska, my dear, how are you today?" the queen placed both hands on Elska's face, looking into her eyes as if they would answer for the girl.

"I am most well, my queen," Elska grinned. "And yourself, my queen? How do you fare this afternoon?"

"Very well indeed," she moved to sit in her reading chair. "Now, where were we?"

"I believe we were just getting into the history of Jotunheim," Elska's eyes fell to the floor, knowing this was her own heritage, a heritage that most Asgardians despised.

"Now, my dear, you most certainly have nothing to be ashamed of," the queen said, bidding the girl to sit in a chair across from her. "All realms have committed crimes. All realms have begun wars. Does that mean we should be held accountable for the sins of our ancestors? I think not. We can only learn from them, and that is what we are here doing, are we not."

Elska's eyes met the queen's, and any tension she felt melted away.

"We are, my queen," she replied.

"Now then," the queen smiled and continued. "Jotunheim, the world of giants. Jotunheim is also known as Utgard, which means?"

"Beyond the fence," Elska reached into her mind.

"Yes, referencing the concept inangard, inside the fence, and utangard," Queen Frigga stated matter-of-factly. "That which resides inside the fence is good, law-abiding, civil. That which lies beyond the fence is chaotic, evil, untamed."

The two spent the next hour or so delving into the beginnings of Jotunheim, and the ways the Tree of Life stretches through the realm. Elska heard of things she already knew, like eternal winter of the realm. She also learned new concepts, like the effects of Jotunheim on Midgard, which was situated between Asgard and Jotunheim. As such, the middle realms experienced effects of the other two realms, unbeknownst to Midgardians.

"I should finish my cleaning, my queen," Elska said, noticing the sundial by the window. She was already ten minutes late cleaning Odin's study.

"Of course, my dear," the queen stood and straightened out her deep purple gown. "We shall continue tomorrow."

The two bid each other a good rest of the evening before parting.

Elska continued her work, organizing quills, papers, books. She picked up a couple tea cups and saucers before heading to the kitchen to drop them off. Leaving the study, she started the walk across the palace, keeping her pace quick as to not be any later than she already was.

-----

"Running late, are we?" the All-father didn't even glance up as Elska entered the room.

"My sincere apologies, All-father," she said, curtsying. "I became caught up with the queen and lost track of time."

"Do not blame my wife for your shortcomings," his tone was curt.

"Yes, my lord," Elska bit her tongue and got to work. How fitting that her favorite part of the day should be followed by her least favorite.

No matter how quickly she worked, her time in King Odin's study never failed to trudge by. The man never left the study, especially not when a girl with Jotun blood was in it.

Oh yes, Elska thought to herself. I would definitely wreck the study, seeing as I am the volatile one in this situation. She often wondered if he would ever see the prejudice ingrained into his own thought process.

On this evening, King Odin seemed especially irritable; crumpled papers scattered the ground around his desk, and his knuckles had gone snow white from his grip on the arms of his chair.

"My lord," she said softly. "Might I fetch you some tea for your stresses?"

"I am king of the Nine Realms, child," he snapped. "I know how to deal with my stresses on my own." He sneered as he spat the last bit.

Child. You would not refer to your own youngest son as a child, and yet he is barely older than myself.

"Of course, my lord," she said, head down. "My sincere apologies."

She continued cleaning the paper wads off the ground when the All-father cleared his throat.

"My lord?" she stood.

"Some tea would be nice," King Odin said, still refusing to look at Elska.

Curtsying, she took her leave, feeling the unease leave her body as she stepped into the hall. It was like a breath of fresh air.

"Feeling crushed by the overwhelming presence of my father?" Prince Loki was suddenly standing next to Elska, startling her.

"My prince!" she caught her breath. "I was not aware you were here."

"The palace is my home," he had a slight smirk. "As such, I am here quite often."

"Yes, my prince, of course," Elska curtsied before beginning her walk towards the kitchens. Prince Loki stood outside King Odin's study for a second before catching up to the young woman.

"He can be quite overbearing sometimes," he said, looking straight ahead. Was the prince trying to comfort her?

"I can assure you, I do not know what you mean," she said, lest she be caught in an act of disrespect. The youngest prince was known for trickery, and she refused to fall into a trap.

"Ah, yes, of course you don't," he said with a crooked grin. "I believe you do, but we can go with this. For now."

"The All-father is stressed, I simply offered to bring him some tea," was the prince always this fascinated with what the servants thought of his father?

"I shall accompany you to the kitchens, then," Prince Loki said, matching pace with her.

"This is quite unusual for you, my prince," Elska dared to sneak a glance at him. He was quite handsome, with dark hair, piercing green eyes, a striking jaw line.

Her glance, however, did not go unnoticed.

"I am making my way that way, anyway," he looked over to her. "And I rather think you are enjoying the company."

"One would be wise to enjoy the company of all," Elska grit her teeth, choosing to be polite and regretting her admiration of the prince's features. "It ensures we do not make too many enemies."

"Was that a warning, dear Elska?" he was toying with her now.

Always games with this one, she thought to herself.

"Not intentionally, my prince," she gave a cordial smile. "Such a thing would be considered vastly rude, I should say."

"And you could never find it in you to be rude," Prince Loki jokingly scoffed.

"But of course not," she smirked.

"Because stealing books from the Royal Library would not fall under the category of rude things to do," the prince returns his eyes to the hall in front of them as Elska's jaw dropped.

Stopped in her tracks, Prince Loki turned to face her, an eyebrow raised, hands behind his back. He had a look of expectation on his face.

"My dear prince," she nearly spat the words in his face as she marched up to him. "Not all of us have the same luxuries as royalty. Some of us can't afford books or education, let alone food or proper clothing. These are not things I would expect you to understand. As such, I will not bother to explain something to you that you will be utterly unable to fathom."

The prince's face fell, and Elska immediately regretted her words. It was not that she was afraid of the prince, but was afraid she might lose her position at the palace, or worse, in Asgard.

"My prince, you must forgive me for my outburst-" she began, but was interrupted.

"No, my lady, I am sorry," and with that, Prince Loki walked off in the other direction.

-----

Elska was quite preoccupied throughout the remainder of her day, feeling a mix of confusion as to why the prince spoke to her and fear as to what his accusation (correct accusation) could lead to. Perhaps nothing would come of it, but now the god of mischief had information that could destroy what little reputation she had spent the past almost millennia building.

On this night, she decided against going back for the book.

During her walk home that night, her thoughts were too distracting for her to realize that it was snowing in Asgard. Needless to say, she made it home in time to make dinner.

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