Chapter 12

Arvid rose from the armchair, setting his drink on the table, turning to face Loki who remained standing behind the chair.

"Your friends," said Arvid

"I don't believe 'friends' is quite the right word. 'Associates' may be a more fitting term. What about them? They're sworn to safeguard the lives of those closest to the throne. Unless you're planning to do away with me, though after our encounter earlier today…"

"I'm sorry," Arvid said as Loki rounded the chair, Arvid side stepping from between it and the table.

"Don't be. Others have done worse. Ask Sif if you don't believe me. You could learn a thing or two from her," Loki said with a slight grin as he approached Arvid to stand before him, placing a hand on his cheek, "I should have told you of my plans. It's far from the first time I've disappointed you," Loki finished, moving his lips to Arvid's as Arvid swiftly stepped back.

"I don't believe now is the right time, under the circumstances…"

"I wasn't aware you knew Stian well," said Loki.

"What difference does that make? Doesn't it matter to you that one of your people is dead?" Arvid asked incredulously.

"Well then, I suppose I'll leave you to fret. Enjoy what remains of my father's liquor, consider it a gift...That's new," Loki said, looking past Arvid at a shelf holding sculptures of various sizes, walking around Arvid to stand before the shelf, Arvid turning, "Is this one of Eluf's pieces?" Loki asked, examining the black stone idol in the shape of a featureless man.

Behind Loki, Arvid moved to stand a few steps behind him, removing his loose, robe-like tunic revealing his bare torso, allowing it to drop to the floor.

"It doesn't seem like his style," Loki said as he turned to notice Arvid, "I see you've changed your--" Loki began as Arvid's form morphed into that of a man-bull, reaching out to grasp Loki by the throat.

Loki vanished, Dario's hand closing around empty air, Loki appearing behind him, a dagger in his grip, sinking it into Dario's hairy back. Dario bellowed in pain, turning and striking Loki with his bulky, muscular arm, sending Loki soaring across the room to crash into the wall.

A second crash came from the direction of the front door as the einherjar stationed outside broke it down, rushing inside, swords drawn. Dario reached behind him, pulling Loki's dagger from his flesh, flinging it towards them, the einherjar quickly separating and moving to avoid it as he grabbed the idol from the shelf and barrelled towards them.

The two einherjar took a battle ready stance as Dario charged them, avoiding their swords and powering past them, sending them flying in opposite directions. As he reached the door, his form altered once again into that of a black shadow, gliding out of the door to blend in with the darkness of the night.

The two einherjar recovered and rushed to Loki as he also recovered, picking himself up off the floor, the einherjar taking hold of his arms to assist him.

"I'm fine," Loki said, the einherjar continuing to grasp his arms as he rose to his feet, "I said I'm fine!" Loki exclaimed, the einherjar releasing their grip, "Remain here," Loki ordered them, turning and walking away from them in obvious discomfort, towards a doorway located at the far side of the room.

Loki entered Arvid's bedchambers, firelight from the burning cauldrons dancing on the walls. Examining the room he noticed nothing amiss. Walking to a tall, standing wardrobe he reached out, opening one of the two doors, stepping quickly back as the top half of Arvid's body limply flopped face up out of it, his glassy, lifeless eyes staring up at Loki.

Loki looked down at the body of his former friend and lover, closing his eyes with an expression of grief and remorse. Taking the cadaver in his arms, he carried it from the wardrobe to lay it out on the bed. Loki moved Arvid's arms to lie across his chest, one hand atop the other, gently closing the dead man's eyes before kneeling beside the bed, reaching out and placing a hand over Arvid's.

"Arvid, son of Balfour…my friend, I bid you to take your place in the halls of Valhalla, where the brave live forever. Nor shall we mourn but rejoice for those who have died the glorious death."

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Loki exited Arvid's bedchambers, returning to the front room to find Heimdall and two more einherjar standing along with the einherjar who had accompanied Loki.

"I'm sorry I didn't arrive sooner. He is able to cast shadows to conceal himself from my sight," said Heimdall.

"See to him," Loki said, walking past Heimdall, one of his two einherjar escorts returning his dagger to him, both following him out of Arvid's abode through the broken front door.

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Thor glanced at the light red stain left on the plaster wall, the fire in the cauldron low but enough to see by, the easel and other artist's accouterments having been moved into the corner, as Vanar clutching Wolfie climbed into bed, Thor tucking him in.

"When will father be back?" asked Vanar.

"I'm certain he's on his way as we speak."

"Do you love my Mommy?" Vanar asked.

"I care for her, your father and I were friends with her when we were children."

"You kissed her," Vanar said, Thor silent for a moment, pondering how to reply.

"She kissed me. The poison that Dario gave her affected her mind for a short time. She was tired and confused. She'll feel better in the morning."

"Father said he couldn't come here but he did. What if he gets him?" Vanar asked anxiously.

"Your father is an able warrior. We've fought side by side many times against Asgard's enemies. He's more than capable of defending himself."

"I most certainly am," Loki said from the doorway, Thor turning his head, Vanar sitting up in bed as Loki entered the room, approaching the bed.

"I didn't hear you come in," said Thor.

"You should have been in bed some time ago," Loki said to Vanar.

"We were finishing a game," Thor explained.

"Who won?" asked Loki.

"The final tally was five games to three, in Vanar's favor," answered Thor.

"Well done," Loki said to Vanar with a smile, seating himself on the edge of the bed as Vanar laid back down, Loki leaning over and kissing his forehead, "Goodnight. Pleasant dreams."

Loki rose as Thor made his way to the bedroom door, Loki following, closing it behind him.

"Where's Boda?" asked Loki.

"She retired early. She had an episode."

"An episode? Did Vanar witness it?" Loki asked, concerned.

"No. It was short lived, likely brought on by fatigue, her worry over him."

"Arvid is dead," Loki said, Thor reacting with shock at the news, "Dario must have seen us together in the plaza this afternoon, heard our plans to meet and followed him home in the guise of Stian before anyone knew of his murder. He took Arvid's life in order to take his form, hoping to do the same to myself to attempt to gain possession of the goblet. I injured him but he was able to escape."

"I'm sorry, brother, you had cared for him for some time," Thor said, placing a hand on Loki's shoulder, struck by Loki's seeming lack of emotion, "Despite what the blessing says, you are allowed to mourn him."

"I'll mourn him in my own way," Loki said, turning away from Thor, walking across the room to the chaise, seating himself, resting his elbow on the arm, his forehead on his closed fist in both physical and emotional exhaustion.

Thor followed, seating himself in the armchair across from Loki.

"It may be best if I remain for the night. What happened?" Thor asked.

Loki detailed the events of the evening from the time he arrived at Arvid's residence, concluding with his discovery of Arvid's remains in the wardrobe.

"It's fitting actually. Like myself he cared about dressing well. We first met at the clothier. By the end of that first evening we both found ourselves three sheets to the wind and-– I'm sure you're not at all interested in the rest."

"You've spent too much time in Midgard. Asgard grew past such prejudices long before even father's time. Though I don't share your proclivities, I'm not troubled by them, though you're correct in that I have little interest in the details."

"Boda told me of a mortal she met in her tavern. He was beaten by two ruffians for such 'proclivities.' He died in her arms. At least he was afforded that comfort at his end," Loki said, "Before Arvid, I visited the healer. There's been no progress on a remedy. She gave me another dose of the elixir but it's unlikely to have much effect."

Thor, taking note of Loki's stony expression, rose from the chair and seated himself beside Loki on the chaise, the two sitting in quiet contemplation.

"I had told Boda many times never to accept food or drink from an enemy, even to be wary of that offered by friends under certain circumstances," Loki said, breaking the silence.

"None of this is your doing," Thor assured him.

"I'm certain Father would disagree. Say nothing to Boda of Arvid," Loki told Thor before rising from the chaise.

"Where are you going?" Thor asked.

"To bed. Needless to say after the events of this evening..."

"You're sharing a bed?"

"It will be far from the first time. Where else would I sleep? On this?" Loki said, indicating the chaise, "You're welcome to it."

"Do you think it's wise?"

"The eitr has rendered her nearly as weak as mortals and as vulnerable. It's unlikely she could do me harm," Loki said, Thor recalling the bruising to Boda's wrist he had caused with what he had considered a weak grip, "I'm more concerned about Dario paying a visit."

"He would make it no farther than the door," Thor said confidently, extending his arm, Mjolnir sailing from where Thor had sat it beside the chair into his hand.

"There's no need to attempt to sooth my anxieties as if I were a child," Loki said, recalling Thor's assurances to Vanar earlier that day, "May I ask you something?"

"Of course," Thor replied.

"Have you never questioned why father bestowed Mjolnir upon you, yet has never gifted me such a weapon?" Loki asked.

"You have your magic."

"A poor substitute compared to a weapon forged in the heart of a dying star."

"What's your point?" asked Thor.

"Asgard can afford the loss of a shepherd and an architect, even one skilled in Asgardian magic, but not the heir to Asgard's throne."

"Father has not yet declared between us."

"You can't possibly be such a dunce. If he makes an appearance here, take Vanar and flee to our old hideaway as children. It's within the boundaries father set. I will deal with him."

"I have never shrank from battling Asgard's foes," Thor said, setting Mjolnir down and standing from the chaise to face Loki.

"Not all defeats come in battle. He wants the goblet but for whatever reason he wants Vanar as well. There would be no other reason to harm her. As Arvid was fond of saying, may fortune favor us."

Loki turned from Thor, Thor reaching out and grasping Loki's shoulder, Loki turning again to face him, his stony, stoic mask slipping for a quick moment to expose an expression of deep grief before Loki regained it. Thor embraced Loki, Loki returning it, the mask slipping once again.

"I grieve with you your loss, brother. I did not know him well, but I knew him to be a good man," said Thor.

"His worst mistake was involving himself with me. It rarely turns out well for anyone it seems."

"This is not the first time Asgard has faced danger. We will emerge victorious as we always have. The goblet is safe in the vault. Even in the unlikely event he were to find a way to infiltrate it, we know what would happen if he were to attempt to take it," Thor attempted to reassure Loki, ending the embrace, gripping Loki's shoulder, "Goodnight brother," Thor said, releasing his grip, Loki turning and crossing the room to the bedchamber door.

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The clanking of chains filled the throne room as Boda, wearing a simple gray gown, was led in shackles by four einherjar towards the throne upon which Odin sat. Beside the throne stood Loki, both father and son glaring down at her as she and her guards reached the presentation area at the foot of the dais.

Turning her head to the left, Boda's eyes fell upon Frigga who stared back at her in silence with an expression of sadness and disappointment.

"I'm sorry–" Boda began to say to Frigga in a choked voice before Odin interrupted, his booming voice echoing through the expansive chamber.

"The prisoner will be silent!"

Boda turned back to face Odin, looking up at him as he stared back at her icily.

"You have been brought before me to face justice for your act of treason against the throne and the people of Asgard. Do you admit to your misdeeds? What have you to say for yourself?"

"I had no intention of harming anyone."

"You don't consider enslaving another's mind, stealing their free will as causing one harm?"

"I had no intention of taking anyone's life, causing pain and suffering."

"You seduced my son in the hopes of using him to gain knowledge that would assist you in your scheme."

"I didn't 'seduce' him! He was the first to call on me!" Boda exclaimed.

"You sought to usurp the throne," Odin continued, ignoring Boda's protest, "You believed you could do better than myself governing Asgard and safeguarding the peace of the realms?"

"No! Not at–" Boda began, her eyes meeting Loki's, his face expressionless and unfeeling as if he were a statue. Breaking off, she paused for a moment, hanging her head, "You sent my father and many others to their deaths."

"Your father willingly pledged to sacrifice his life in the defense of Asgard and the realms. He was in no way coerced to do so. He died honorably and nobly defending others who could not defend themselves."

"I needed him more than did the realms," Boda responded, continuing to gaze at the stone floor.

"I held your father in high esteem. He earned my trust and respect and the high station to which I raised him. Your actions dishonor him," Odin said, silent tears escaping Boda's eyes upon hearing his words.

"My King…" Frigga spoke, Odin looking to her and raising his hand in a gesture demanding silence, Frigga acquiescing, bowing her head.

"For your act of treason, I sentence you to death, the sentence to be carried out immediately," Odin said, banging Gungnir, his spear, on the floor, the sound echoing through the throne room.

"What?!" Boda said, raising her head.

As Odin stood from the throne, an einherjar approached from behind Boda and her guards carrying a golden gilded block, placing it on the stone floor in front of Boda. The guards surrounding her took hold of her, moving her to her knees before it. Boda witnessed Odin magically produce a large axe in his free hand, offering it to Loki who took it from him, stepping down from the dais.

Boda struggled against the guards as they held her firmly, forcing her head down onto the block as Loki approached. Boda fought to turn her head to look up at him, their eyes meeting once more, Loki staring down at her coldly as he raised the axe.

"Loki! No!" Boda cried out.

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Boda shot upright in bed, her cry reverberating off the plaster walls of the cottage's bedchamber. Loki, lying awake on his side, his back to her staring at shadows from the cauldron's flames, turned over and sat up, startled.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Loki asked as he took hold of her arm, Boda's breathing slowing as she leaned forward, covering her face with her hands.

"Your father...he ordered my execution...he gave you the axe…" she said between sobs.

"It was only a dream," said Loki reassuringly as he relaxed, placing his hand on Boda's shoulder as she continued to shake.

Loki turned his head toward the bedroom door as he heard a knock.

"Is everything alright?" Thor's voice asked from the other side.

"All's well. Only a nightmare," Loki called out in answer to his brother.

"It was so real…I was taken before your father...all was as it was on that day until…"

"It's ok. You're alright...Boda, look at me."

Boda slowly lowered her hands, turning to face Loki, her eyes teary and frightened.

"Even if my father were to threaten me with the axe, I would never do such a thing," Loki assured her.

"When did you return?" Boda asked.

"Perhaps an hour ago. I didn't want to wake you."

"Your friend, you broke with him?"

"Yes," Loki replied tersely.

"Did he take it as badly as you feared?"

"He accepted it nobly and honorably," Loki replied.

Boda looked into Loki's eyes, noticing in the dim light from the cauldron that they appeared red and slightly swollen. Boda placed a hand on his cheek.

"What's wrong?"