Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

As Loki turned he saw an arrow to his face, stuck right between his eyes. The sight made him crosseyed for a second. He follows the shaft of the arrow to the archers, narrowed eyes. There is a burning rage hiding behind them. Loki turns his head and sees the bright red rage hidden in the eyes of all the others. Realizing his plan had failed and that he had basically been thrown to the wolves. He swallowed a bit and chose his next words very carefully.

“If it’s all the same to you…” He shifted his vision to Stark specifically but never took an eye off the others. “I’ll have that drink now.” Loki said, trying to hold on to a bit of his pride. Even defeated he would not show weakness. He was pleased to see it worked. The one named Stark smiled minutely at his joke.

“You can quench your thirst later, Brother,” Thor said, clearly not understanding the joke. He moved forward and drew Loki to his feet. Loki winces as Thor jostles some of his broken bones. Once he is on his feet Loki has to place most of his wait on his left foot as his right ankle is broken. Loki takes a few breaths and draws in his seidr. It’s a trick he’s used often enough before, after various battles and adventures. Healing magic had never been his main interest nor was he ever the greatest at it. However, the skill came with enhanced knowledge of potions, which he did have talent and interest in, and it proved useful as he went on more and more assignments with Thor.
He drew his seidr deeper into himself and let it flow around his body, taking stock of anything hurt and reporting why. His ankle is broken, completely twisted by the green beast. That is the worst of his injuries. He has a few cracked ribs and other broken bones, along with some bruises internally and externally but he has had far worse injuries in the past. His right shoulder and some of his fingers became dislodged as well. He focuses his energy again but this time he uses it to heal his wounds. It’s not a particularly comfortable process but it’s better than letting anyone else prodding and poking him to try and ‘help.’ He can take care of it himself.
When he opens his eyes again, he sees Thor frown as if confused as to Loki’s reaction. Did he say something, Loki thought, as a possible explanation for Thor’s expression. Loki is about to say something snarky at the other Asgardian when a sharp pain and loud snap causes him to snap his mouth shut in an attempt to stifle a cry. Everyone else in the room jumps, surprised by the sound. Thor’s frown only deepens at this but Loki doesn’t care at the moment as he is trying not to wince at his body putting his broken ankle back together. Thor seems to study him for a second before nodding as if he made up his mind about something. Without warning the blond grabs his right arm causing Loki to wince. Thor loosens his grip slightly at that but does not let go and instead leads Loki to the couches at the center of the room. He forces Loki to sit down then grabs his wrists and wraps the chain around Mjolnir. He then sits Mjolnir down by the chair that Loki’s sitting in. Fortunately the chain is long enough where Loki doesn’t have to bend over but it is a small victory.
Loki turns his head and glares at his former brother. Another remark is on the tip of his tongue but is cut off by yet another pain and loud crack, this time in his chest. He winces and remains quiet. Everyone in the room turns in his direction and gives him odd looks. Loki just ignores them.

“What’s up with Reindeer Games?” Stark questions and looking more than a little uneasy. Though Loki can’t blame him, he and Stark are the only two who know what exists beyond the portal. It’s not a fate he would wish on his worst enemy. Literally.

“Loki is using his magic to heal any of his injuries. All is well man of iron,” Thor explained completely unconcerned. They still give Loki curious looks but eventually seem to accept this.

“Is he ok?” Bruce asked, seeming genuinely concerned as he walked up to Loki. Loki glares at him. The last thing he wants is for this self righteous mortal to be poking and prodding him for no reason. “I am a doctor. I could check him out.” Loki deepend his glare while Thor glanced at him.

“When I return him to Asgard I’ll have the healers take a look at him,” Thor said. “Loki has faced far worse injuries and is capable of healing himself. Besides, if I know my brother, he wouldn’t let you help anyway. The healers on Asgard are used to dealing with his stubbornness.” Loki turns to glare at Thor. He’s fine and he’s healing. No one needs to touch him. He hates that.

“Hold on, who said he’s returning to Asgard?” Agent Romanoff points out. This was something Loki was anticipating. A battle the mortal couldn’t win. Odin would never let Loki stay on Midgard, him or the Tesseract.

“Loki is Asgardian, he will be tried upon Asgard,” Thor said and Loki is surprised by how calm and patient his voice is. The Thor he knew would have raged at this.

“Yeah but you said you are Loki’s brother, so your dad is the king. How can we trust that this will be a fair trial?” Barton says skeptically. Loki starts to chuckle. Right, he thinks, Odin letting a Frost Giant off the hook.

“The Allfather cares not for me. I am but a pawn in a game he no longer wishes to play,” Loki says with enough venom to drown a man. “The only fate I face within Asgard is the ax.” They stare at him in shock.

“Father would never do that to you Loki!” Thor exclaimed, finally starting to get angry.

“I suppose it’s possible the Queen would try to negate my punishment. She’s alway been kind hearted.” Loki meant for his words to be biting but the last part came out as a solemn whisper. He would never admit it to anyone but himself that he missed her. He still wanted to see her and for her to make everything okay. She was more than kind hearted, she was everything a mother should be for him. He can hate Odin and Thor with all the anger and rage that exists within his very bone. But Frigga, he can’t hate. He feels betrayed, disappointed, and even guilty when thinking about her. But he just can’t feel anger.

“How can you say that, Loki,” Thor said, obviously not picking up on the actual emotion behind his words. “She’s your mother.” For a second Loki was going to bite back. Say something cruel. Tell Thor she was never his mother but he couldn’t. The words wouldn’t leave his lips. The best he could do was glare and hope his meaning came across.
The rest of the Avenger in the room shifted in an uncomfortable silence. This must certainly be quite awkward for him. Thor and Loki glared at each other daring each other to speak. Neither did. They both glared until they were both too tired to fight at the moment. Instead Thor places a hand on Loki’s shoulder that Loki tries to shrug off. He doesn’t succeed as Thor’s hand is keeping him in place. Thor then pulls out a small device and before anyone could ask, Thor slaps it down on Loki’s mouth. The pieces unfold into a muzzle that clenches his jaw shut. Loki glares at Thor however there isn’t as much fire as before. He just wants to leave.

“Will the trial be fair?” Rogers asks hesitantly after a long awkward silence.

“Through my foolishness, I once started a war between Asgard and another realm. As punishment Father banished me to your without my powers or immortality. And when I found Mjolnir, I could not lift it. It was cruel but fair,” Thor reasoned. Various expressions were mixed around the room. “Father is king, his job is to protect the Nine Realms, even from his children if necessary. That is why he sent me here.” The group nodded in understanding.

“Just one more quick question-” Stark perked up, breaking the uneasy tension in the room. “Reindeer Games may be Asgardian and all that but his crimes were committed here. Shouldn’t he face justice from the people he’s wronged?” It was a fair enough question, Loki would admit but would still not help their case.

“Loki has crimes he has yet to pay for on Asgard and Jotunheim as well. Your realm is not the only one he’s tormented. Thus Father must ensure he’s justly punished for the other realms as well,” Thor said.

“Yeesh, Reindeer Games, how many realms did you try and fail to conquer.” Stark's tone was obviously mocking but there was a hint of genuine concern there. Loki glared at the man with as much anger as he could. He never got that drink as well.

“Loki only ever tried to conquer this realm. He committed various forms of treason upon Asgard. And he tried to completely destroy Jotunheim,” Thor said, again not getting the sarcasm. Stark's eyes go wide at that but then shuts his mouth. A fact that makes Loki smirk from behind the muzzle. This makes many in the room turn to glare at him. “Perhaps I can invite you to Asgard to make your case to Father,” Thor continues, nonplussed. Stark bounces up like a little kid.

“Yes!” he exclaims while the others roll their eyes at his antics.

“I will have to talk to director Fury,” Rmanoff says calmly before excusing herself.

*****
As it turns out, Fury was quite taken with the idea, even decided to come along. Initially there was a fight over who would keep the Tesseract as well but the mortals eventually came to their senses and let Thor take it. As if they could have stopped him anyway. After something called shawarma, in which Thor insisted Loki eat something, Loki reluctantly gave in if only because he can’t remember the last time he ate, they stood in central park. It was awkward, all of them so close together in order for the Tesseract to transport them to Asgard but the journey was quick. Within a moment they were standing in the golden halls of Asgards royal palace.
It never matters how long Loki is away, he will never forget this place. The sight brings him both pain and longing. It’s home in so many ways, yet he left it behind. He’s not sure how he’s supposed to feel. The moment is taken from his hand when they begin to march to the throne room. The mortals are in awe of the world around them but Loki just keeps looking down. He knows what he’ll see when he looks up but he’s not sure how he’ll feel. The Throne room is huge, big enough to fit all of Asgard, however when they arrive it’s quite empty. Odin sits high upon his throne, Frigga to his right. There are guards around the room to protect it but other than that no one. Loki expected an audience. Perhaps this would be the small mercy that he would be granted. The walk to the bottom of the steps of the dais that led to Odin's throne. Thor kneeled and pulled Loki down with him. The other followed suit. Odin made a gesture and they rose again. Loki glared at his not-father through every step.

“Thor, my son, you have done well,” Odin addressed. Loki rolled his eyes. Of course the Allfather would address his favored son first. “Heroes of Midgard, I have heard from Asgards gatekeeper that you seek compensation for Loki’s crimes. Name your price.” It took everything in Loki not to roll his eyes as Nick Fury stepped up. This is a waste of time. Can’t they see that the Allfather is just indulging them.

“We just want to make sure that Loki is justly punished for his crimes,” Fury said. His tone was more commanding than it should be when talking to a king though Odin didn’t even flinch. The old man never showed an ounce of emotion. “And also possible insurance, in case any more alien attacks come to our realm.”

“Indeed,” Odin replied. “It is Asgard's responsibility to protect the Nine Realms. Your world has proven that you are ready to negotiate a treaty with. Until then I will allow you to stay to see the outcome of Loki’s trial.” Fury nodded and stepped back. The conversation wasn’t complete but there were more pressing matters to address. “The prisoner may step forward,” Odin addressed and Loki glared. Thor had taken the muzzle off. Loki took one stride forward and bowed in mock respect, he placed a self satisfied smirk on his face. There was no point in defending himself so might as well have some fun.

“I really don’t see what all the fuss is about,” he said completely aloof. He could feel glares all around him.

“Do you not truly feel the gravity of your crimes,” Odin replied. “Everywhere you go there is war, ruin, and death.”

“I went down to rule the people of Earth as a benevolent god,” Loki said, smiling just a bit wider as he added, “just like you.”

“We are not gods. We are born, we live, we die, just as humans do,” Odin refuted. Loki tilted his head back and forth in a so-so manner.

“Give or take several thousand years,” Loki snarked, he was about to continue but was cut off.
“All this because Loki desires a throne,” Odin pointed out and that made Loki’s blood boil.

“It is my birthright!” he exclaimed with more conviction than he felt.

“YOUR BIRTHRIGHT, WAS TO DIE!” Odin yelled back and his words hit home. Loki took a step back. It was one thing to think that way, it was another to be told. Loki couldn’t even gather himself before Odin continued. “As a child, cast out onto a frozen rock. If I had not taken you in, you would not be here to hate me now.” And wasn’t that just a big insult. Loki's anger turns into a burn simmer. He glares daggers at Odin as his next words are forced out, not even trying to hide the sarcasm.

“If I am for the ax then mercy’s sake just swing it. It's not that I don’t love our little talks, it's just that… I don’t love them,” he replied. It was really the only play he had anymore. Odin and Loki glared at each other, none of their anger was hidden.

“Enough!” a new, familiar voice entered the tirade. All heads sapped to Frigga standing at her husband's side. There was anger in her voice but sorrow as well. “Loki, my son, we would never do that. You are not going to be executed.” Loki wanted to glare or roll his eyes but instead he just looked away. He couldn’t meet her eyes.

“I have come to a decision,” Odin stated, cutting off any other words from anything else. “You claim that I took from you your birthright. Then I will return it to you.” Loki didn’t get a chance to ask instead he fell on his knees in pain. He screamed in seconds. Something clawed at his insides, suppressing his magic. He felt constricted, as if a tight chain were being wrapped around him so he could not breathe or even move chest to take in a breath. And it hurts. It burned like the fire of Muspelheim. A searing hot, sharp pain charged along every nerve in his body until it was done. The pain ebbed into an ache that felt empty and lonely. He was about to look up and glare again when the pain returned but was different.
This time, something inside him snapped and gave way. Odin opened up a lock chest and its contents attacked Loki he began to scream again but this time in more panic than pain. He felt an icy chill fill him. It wasn’t uncomfortable but it was familiar. A familiar he never wanted to feel again. He looked down and saw his hands start to morph into a deep blue. Raised line forms in the blue that were white.

“No,” he breathes quietly to himself. His eyes widened in horror before takes him again. His body continues to morph and change in an unfamiliar way. It’s as if his limb and joints have been stretched too far. So far until they snap and open up to that chill. That chill that doesn’t hurt physically but aches in heart. It makes him sick everytime he stares at it. Everytime he feels it. It seems to last forever until it finally ends. Loki felt like he had been in the sparring ring all day, facing off against skilled warriors and never getting to take a break for even a glass of water or to see the healers for all the wounds he’s accumulated.
It’s over. Loki knows that it is. His mind is telling him to look up in anger but he can’t. His ears ring. He knows their voices around him and people talking but he can't. All he can do is stare at his hands. If he didn’t know of the Frost Giants, he would say that his hand looks cold and dead. They were foreign and strange and it did not feel like his own. He stared in mesmerized horror at the ridges and sharp, black nails, like claws, that formed instead of his manicured Asgardian. All the emotions were there, buzzing inside him. But he couldn’t grab hold of one to feel. So he felt nothing, only horror.
A loud bang and a sudden silence made his sense of hearing return. He looked around to find Thor suddenly restrained by Einherjar guards. Frigga is on her knees crying and the mortals all seem horrified. Even Director Fury, who’s not one to show any emotion, looks at him with a single widened. Loki turns back down to glare at his accursed hands. He hates blue. He hates this skin.

“This is your birthright, Laufeyson!” Odin exclaims. What may have been left of Loki before snaps at those words. Odin officially disowned and claimed as the son of another. The son of a monster. “Jotun of Jotunheim. A dead realm that is only filled with decay and suffering. Their people are the enemy and monsters of children's dreams and stories. This is what you are, Laufeyson! You are an abandoned Jotun runt. Not even good enough for them.” Loki didn't know what to feel anymore. This is already stuff he knew but hearing them was different. Pain and sadness filled him and tried to consume him but he wouldn’t let it. Instead he let it fester and morph into anger. Anger that would make anyone run if they saw it glaring at them but Odin seemed unmoved by Loki’s glare. Though something in his face must have caught the old man's eyes. Something like regret shadowed the Allfathers face but was gone in a second, instead replaced by determination. His next words were soft but no less carried.

“Or that is what you believe,” Odin said. Loki didn’t understand it, didn’t know what Odin meant. All he knew was the anger and pain inside him. Odin continued and when he did, his voice turned strong and commanding. The voice of a king. “For your crimes, I will show you the truth of your birthright. I have bound your power and trapped you in your birth form. I now banish you to the realm of Jotunheim. You will see the devastation you have caused and live as one of them. This is your birthright!” Without any more preamble, the Allfather raised his mighty spear Gungnir, bright light charged from the tip. In his last moments, Loki snapped out of his trance. He only managed to push himself to his feet before the light of Gungnir consumed him and was pulled into a vortex. No longer Loki of Asgard. He is now Loki Laufeyson of Jotunheim.

Chapter Text

Loki didn’t know when he blacked out, sometime in the vortex, but he does know that when he wakes again, all he sees is white. White snow surrounds him and is only made more obvious due black of the sky. There are no stars in Jotunheim for there are always clouds. Jotunheim is a perpetual ice age.
Loki tries to put himself up but the pain and exhaustion of his trial catch up to him. All he can do is lay there, staring up at the sky. The bifrost created a circular gap in the constant cluster of clouds. Through Loki could see lots of stars, so far out of reach. He could imagine Asgard being one of them but before he could try to figure it out the clouds filled the gap and the stars disappeared. Loki lay there, unmoving and staring up at nothing. He felt like he should scream or rage or do something but he didn’t. He couldn’t. His mind shut down and everything felt numb. There’s nothing else for him. He lost everything. So he closes his eyes and just waits.
He waits and waits, unsure of what he’s waiting for but nothing happens. When he opens his eyes again, he’s nearly buried in snow. Little flakes fall all around him and if the clouds are anything to go by, it will only get worse. Reluctantly, Loki pushes himself to his feet. He doesn't know what to do anymore and he has nowhere to go. He looks around at his surroundings and there’s only snow for miles. Feeling empty and defeated, he chooses a random direction and walks.
Every step Loki takes he avoids looking at his hands. The blue gives him a sick feeling every single time he gets a glance. He wants to scratch at it and try to peel away the hideous blue and find his real skin. He knew it wouldn't work, it wouldn’t erase what he is now. He wanders for hours before he comes by some sort of forest. He wasn’t even aware Jotunheim had forests!
Though it did appear to be a forest, it was like no forest he had seen. The trunk of the trees were blue. A bright, shiny blue like ice, though when he reached out his hand to feel it it was as rough and coarse as any bark. The leaves and vines are a deep crimson red just like Jotun eyes. The sizes of the trees themselves were the most amazing part. He had heard of trees on other worlds that could get so big but none of them were on Asgard. These trees were like the stories he heard of the trees of other realms. The trunks were big, a small house or even bigger. Each branch is thick enough for him to walk on without fear of losing his balance. And leaves, he could wrap himself in one, if he so chooses. Each tree protruded from the ground at various angles, not one was straight up like the trees on Asgard. In spite of this they stood as the buildings in New York City. The roots came up to allow access into the trees. With the flora being so thick, one would have to climb the roots and branches in order to make it through the forest.
In spite of everything that has happened Loki never lost his innate curiosity. He had to learn and discover all he could. He didn’t know what this place was but it was stunning. Without another thought he climbed up in the trees and strolled along the branches. His head swiveled around as he went, taking in every sight. So far he found evidence of wildlife but nothing alive yet. Though the sky could not be seen through the thicket, snow somehow made it through and bound itself to the branches. It sometimes added more traction for Loki to walk on and other times it made the branches more slippery.
Eventually, Loki found tracks of some four footed creature. The claw made it clear that it was more than likely a predator of some kind. Loki followed them knowing it was a bad idea but couldn’t bring himself to care. If he became lost in this wood forever he wouldn’t mind, it truly is beautiful.
It isn’t long before Loki hears a deep low growl from behind him. He turns to see a creature that appears to be bilgesnipe but it is different from the ones he saw. This one is much bigger and is the color of a deep navy blue. Loki takes an instinctive step back as he tries to avoid looking at its yellow eyes. He suddenly realized that this is the same creature he, Sif, Thor, and the Warriors Three faced the last time they were in Jotunheim. The creature trudged forward slowly, prowling like a cat before it stopped. Instinctively, Loki jumped out of its path as it pounced. He fell to another branch and tried to land but ended up losing his footing. The next he knew he crashed into the snow that acts as the ground. Loki only begins to push himself up when the beast pounces on top of him and pushes him back down. As he stares into its yellow merciless eyes he honestly feels nothing. He feels no terror, no fear, just acceptence. He relaxes as the creature's jaws come close, though they don’t clamp. Instead the creature rear back and growls in pain.
A blue blurb flies across his vision and stabs the creature in the side. It wails in pain again but decidedly retreats. Loki pushes himself to a standing position in a moment and turns to face his new opponent. His eyes widen when he sees a Frost Giant. The Jotun looks at him with what appears to be confusion and shock as well.

“Who are you?” the giant demands. Loki doesn’t answer and just glares. He doesn’t know how much the Frost Giants know of his attack or what they would do to him if they find out but he’s not taking the risk if he doesn’t have to. “Answer me!” the giant exclaims. Loki glares harder, which the creature clearly doesn’t like. It growls low and then bends down Loki takes a defensive step back. His fists clench and shards of ice form along his arms. They push through his clothes which make the Jotun stop a second. It draws its weapon and before Loki can react, it hits him. The world goes black.

********
His mind is foggy as he opens his bleary eyes. He blinks several times trying to focus his eyes before lifting his head to look around. He’s met with the sight of some kind of throne room. The room itself is not as big as Odin's throne room but it is more spacious. Everything in the room is made for beings twice Loki’s height. The room itself is made of stone and ice. Parts of the walls or roof are missing. It’s a ruined mess. In front of him are stone stairs that are too big to be stairs for him. At the very to lies a throne. The throne is made out of ice and part of the back seems broken off. A Frost Giant sits high upon the throne. The ridges along its body contort into sharp turns that seem to angle his face more. They glow a soft white that would be easy to ignore. Shards of ice protrude from its head along with two big white horns on the front of its head. It had one giant diamond-like shard in the center of it forehead. The giant had a bulk like Thor and it glared down at him with angry red eyes.
Beside it on either side stood two other Jotun. The one on the right looked just like the one on the throne. Its ridges are a slightly different pattern and glow more. They look more youthful but aside from that it looks just like the one in the middle. If Loki had to guess it was the middle one's offspring. It glared at him with just as much fury as his father.
The third one glared as well but there was an uneasiness to it. It couldn’t meet his eyes. This giant was a little shorter than the prince and slightly more youthful. The ridges weren’t so bright and contained less hard edges. It was slightly more lanky as well, similar to Loki. If Loki had to guess, it was another offspring of the one in the middle. Like him, disrespected and treated as lesser. Loki decided not to dwell on that any longer and looked away to glare at the new king of Jotun.

“I know you, Odinson,” the Frost Giant spat. “You killed the former king of Jotunheim. You Unleashed the bifrost on our lands, devastating our people. Supposedly you had died and now you come back wearing Jotun skin and bearing Ymir's Crown!” Loki raises an eyebrow at that. He has no idea what Ymir’s Crown is but he doesn’t have it. Odin stranded him with nothing but the clothes on his back, which he suddenly realizes is very Asgardian. He’ll have to fix that at some point. “What is your game, Asgardian?”

“It is no game,” Loki replies smoothly, his silvertongue work without him needing to think about it. “I am no longer an Odinson, nor am I Asgardian. They abandoned me and left me stranded here. Though, perhaps that could be in your best interest. I have knowledge of pathways between the realm and knowledge of Asgard itself. I know how to avoid Heimdall sight. If we work together I can promise you the casket and finally victory against Asgard.” Loki leaves out the part that he no longer possesses the magic he so famed for. Admitting to a weakness will not get him very far.

“You must think me a fool, liesmith,” the giant growls. “Laufey was desperate and fell for your promises too quickly. You will find I am not like him. I am King Farbauti, Laufey’s brother. I took the throne after you killed him and I, unlike him, care not for the power of the casket. Jotunheim is mine and I won't let a runt steal it from me!”

“I think you misunderstand me–” Loki tried to say.

“Helbindi, Byleistr, take him to the dungeons. Get rid of him quietly,” Farbauti cut him off.

“Yes Father,” the two Jotunar on either side of him said simultaniously. They walked up to him and each grabbed one of his arms. Loki glared at Farbauti but he didn’t say anything more. Unlike Thor, he knew when to be quiet. Helbindi and Byleistr escorted him through a bunch of worn down, broken hallways. Loki didn’t really have a plan. He couldn’t fight his way out without his magic and he already tried talking his way out. He just had to wait and see for now. In any case, he’s not really desperate. Where would he go anyway?
The giants turn to the right where there are stairs going down words. They walk all the way down or more accurately, the giant walk Loki stumbles as the steps are too big for him. When they reach the bottom there are cells on either side. The cell appears to be a metal bar that is frozen. The walls are stone and the ground is dirt. As they walk through the dungeon, Loki sees various Frost Giants. Or he thinks they’re Frost Giant but they look different. There's a giant that looks like a Frost Giant but its skin is more gray, like stone. Its ridges have hard edges but it makes the creature look like its skin is cracked stone. Another giant has skin that’s a pale blue, almost white. Its ridge forms intricate swirls and jagged shapes. They are a deep blue that is probably closer to a regular Frost Giants skin tone but look much darker due to its pale skin. Its ridges glow brightly, much more brightly than any other giants he’s seen but the others ridges glow too.
When Loki reaches near the end of the cell his eye lock with the last prisoner. This one is female and all though she is still Jotun she looks a little Aesir. Her is the same blue of the giants and her eyes are the same red but she is the height of an Asgardian goddess, just a head smaller than Loki. Her ridge swirls downward and creates an intricate shape on the skin making her look like she’s decorated with snowflakes. Each flake is unique and beautiful on its own. She has one in the center of her head that is more intricate than the others, it looks like the brightest star in the Midgardian sky. On either side of it are to horns. They curve up from her crown and reach just past her head. The snowflake pattern of her ridges follow up the white as snow horns. The ridges glow a bright violet, illuminating them beautifully. That glow is reflected in the back of her eyes, as if hiding some secret power for him to discover. What sets her apart from any other giant is that like him and unlike all the others, she has hair. Thick, soft, bright ginger hair. It cascades down her shoulder and back in luxurious curls. She wore only a simple fur dress with a satchel made out of the skin of some animal. In spite of that she was dazzling to see.
Her eyes are wide as she stares back at him. Something like hope flashes in her smile. Loki can’t help it, he smiles back. He doesn’t know why, all he knows is that she is not like the others, not like anyone. Much like with the forest, his natural curiosity wants no more.

“Don’t get any idea’s runt,” Helbindi snarled. Her eyes were drawn from his and she glared at Helbindi. Then she did something wildly unexpected. She smiled, not just smiled but smirked. The Loki does when a scheme of his is working out sp satisfyingly perfectly. As if she’s already twenty steps ahead of them. Helbindi, the one who looks just like Farbauti, snarls again.

“Brother, we must complete Father’s wishes,” Byleistr says a little meekly. Helbindi glares at him but eventually nods in agreement.

“Move it runt,” Helbindi grunts as he pushes Loki forward. Loki continues to walk but he turns his head to see the girl runt give him a wide smile. Her teeth are much sharper than Asgardians, reminding him that she is one of them, but somehow it still matches her beauty.

Loki is thrown into a cell and chained to the wall. He glares at Helbindi and Byleistr. The brothers seem impassive to this but they know not the power he possesses, or the power he did possess.

“How do we kill him, Helbindi?” Byleistr asks. Loki rolls his eyes.

“Father, wants us to make sure it’s really Ymir’s crown and report back to him first. He doesn’t want to take any chances,” Helbindi states as if he’s speaking to a child. He might be, Loki has no idea how to determine Jotun ages.

“I know not what this Ymir's Crown is that you speak of but I can guarantee you I do not possess it,” Loki says. Helbindi glares harder, as if what he said was some great offense. Byleistr looked somewhat amused by this statement.

“I will be the judge of that,” Helbindi growls. He grabs Loki by the head before Loki can flinch away. Loki’s body is suddenly consumed by a strange feeling. It’s like a comforting warmth but it is cool. It feels like a refreshing cool breeze on a hot, sunny day but inside him. Eventually, Helbindi pulls hand away and Loki immediately misses the feeling. Helbindi’s eyes widened.

“It is Ymir’s Crown,” he breathes.
“You mean, he really is Laufeyson?” Byleistr questions eyes wide as well. Loki’s eyes furrowed in confusion. How did they find that out? He thinks.

“Byleistr, tell father immediately. I will dispose of him myself,” Helbindi commands. Byleistr gives a curt nod and runs out. Loki flowers as he leaves and shifts his vision to Helbindi. “It will be an honor to kill you myself, Trickster,” Helbindi spits as he forms an ice blade and draws it back to strike Loki. For some reason this seems worse than the creature in the forest. Loki’s eyes widen and he tries to pull away but his wrists are still chained to a wall.
Suddenly, the door swings open. A flash and a loud bang resonates through the room. Loki has to close his eyes and turn his. He feels something break the chain around his wrists and when he opens his eyes again Helblindi is lying unconscious on the ground. The female runt walks up to him, a look of determination is set on her face.

“Come on!” she commands. Loki doesn’t trust her or the two other giants by her side, they were the other two in the cells, but he didn’t have a choice. This was his only chance and he would take it. He nods and follows her out. They take the same path he took earlier to get here. It’s still awkward to get up the two big stairs but they manage. From behind Loki there's a growl as Helbindi awakens. The girl runt hears it too. “Hurry,” she says urgently.
They take a different path than the one leading to the throne room. As they run Loki can hear the stomping of Frost Giant feet behind him. They’re getting closer and Loki’s beginning to think they may not make it. It appears the others are thinking a similar thing as well. They’re all giving each other the same look.

“Beli!” The pale giant exclaims. The gray Jotun gives a grunt and nod. “Take them! I’ll cover you!”

“No!” the girl runt yells. “We are not leaving you!”

“You don’t have a choice, Angrbda,” the pale Jotun says. “The crown is more important and I promised Thrym I would get you back to him in one piece.” Angrboda’s eyes fill with tears. Loki wasn’t even aware Frost Giants could cry.

“You better come back,” she says in a commanding voice.

“I will,” the other replies with a smile. Angrboda hugs him before she’s grabbed and lifted up by Beli. Beli give the pale Jotun a curt nod and the pale Jotun nods back before turning around and running back down the hallway. Before Loki can even begin to question what is going on Beli grabs him and lifts him into his arms just like Angrboda. Loki growls in protest. Beli looks at him in confusion but at the sound of fighting behind them, ignores it and begins to run again. Logically Loki knows why the Jotun grabbed them. The giant is twice their height and can cover more ground in a shorter amount of time. That doesn’t mean he has to like being picked up by a Jotun.
Behind them they hear the pale giants defeat. Angrboda shoves her head into Beli's shoulder. Loki does not feel anything, except maybe a small amount of respect for his self sacrifice. Even an animal has its moments. Soon, they make it out of the palace and are moving through the snow. Beli doesn’t put them down until they're too far away for any of the Frost Giants to follow them. Beli and Angrboda look back with their heads bowed and grim expressions on their faces.

“I can’t believe we lost Billingr,” Angrboda said so quietly she almost whispered. Beli reached out and placed a giant hand on her shoulder.

“We’ll get him back,” Beli reassured though his voice held no conviction. Angrboda nodded but it was clear she didn’t believe him. Beli brightened at his next words. “What's more important is that now we have hope,” he says as he turns his head in Loki’s direction. Loki turns his head to see what they are looking at and sees nothing. He turns back around to find Angrboda now looking in the same direction. He blinks several times before he realizes they’re looking at him. Angrboda walks up to him and kneels.

“Your highness, it is an honor to finally meet you,” she says. Panic begins to flood Loki. How could they know? They couldn’t, they weren’t around when he first came to Jotunheim. They can’t know who he is and even if they did they wouldn’t be kneeling. His eyebrows furrowed as he tries to understand.

“Thrym told us the true king of Jotunheim would return one day,” Beli said as he mimicked Angrboda in kneeling. “And here you are.” How does everyone know who I am?

“I’m afraid you are mistaken,” he states, ``what else is there to say. He holds no loyalty or love for Jotunheim or its people. They are no more than monsters.

“But you bear Ymir’s Crown,” Angrboda replies confused as she gets to her feet. Beli follows. Loki’s eyebrows draw together in confusion. Again with this crown. He almost wanted to roll his eyes.

“I do not know what you speak of. I have not stolen any sort of crown,” Loki says. He just wants to get out of here. If he’s lucky, he can find a pathway between the realms and escape. Vanaheim is probably his best bet. He knows some people there who can help him get his magic back. Angrboda’s brows draw together.
“I know you have not stolen it, my King.” In spite of everything, Loki lets himself smile when he hears those words. Given freely and with all the respect the title is owed. Perhaps this Jotun could become useful. “You cannot steal something so scared. I refer to the markings along the crown of your head and the ice jewels along with it. Only the true king of Jotunheim bears the crown of Ymir.” Unconsciously, Loki’s hand raises to his forehead. He traces the lines and fragments of ice that seem to be connected to his skin. As if they’re apart of him. He also notices, much like the other giants he’s seen, he too has horns. He swallows a lump in his throat. He’s basically wearing a badge with his name on it on his forehead.

“You did not know any of this?” Beli asks, confused. Loki blinks at him. He can’t tell them the truth, they would kill him. But what could he say?

“Laufey abandoned me. I was found where he left me at the end of the war and was taken to another realm. I only recently returned.” It wasn’t technically untrue, it was just too broad for them to piece his life together.

“Of course Laufey would do something like that!” Angrboda exclaimed. She sounded genuinely mad but whether it was for his behalf or not Loki could not tell.

“It does not matter,” Beli replies. “You are here now. Now you can save us all from Farbauti’s tyranny and take your rightful place as king of Jotunheim.” As much as Loki wants to be king, it loses its value if you end up ruling monsters on a dead planet. He doesn’t want to rule them, he just wants to leave.

“As nice as that sounds, I have to decline,” It was almost humorous how their smiles dropped immediately. “I ended up in Jotunheim by accident. My only intention is to find a way out of this realm as soon as I can.”

“But my king… your people need you,” Beli pleads.

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out, but Jotunheim is not my home and its residents are not my people. I hold no loyalty to either,” Loki replies. He begins to turn and leave.

“How could you do this! Of course there your people!” Angrboda yells, her eyes filled with tears again. “Billingr sacrifice himself for you!”

“That was his choice,” Loki said sharply and Angrboda drew in a breath. Beli glowered at him. “I did not have a choice in coming here or anything that followed. I don’t want to rule here, I just want to leave.”
“If that is what you wish, your Majesty, then fine,” Angrboda said through gritted teeth. She then brightened like she just realized something. “We don’t know any paths out of Jotunheim but Thrym probably will. And what a coincidence, he is exactly where we’re heading off to anyway.” Loki rolls eyes at his condescending tone.

“She is correct, my King. And perhaps if you see what has become of your realm and your people, you might reconsider,” Beli says. “Jotunheim is in need of a good king.” Loki glares at him. He could never sympathize with monsters but if this Thrym really did know a way off this realm then it’s worth a look.

“Very well,” Loki resigned. “I will go with you but only to speak to this Thrym.” Loki made sure his voice held conviction.

“Of course, my King,” Angrboda says in a knowing way. She gave him an overly polite smile before taking the lead on the journey to wherever they were going. After getting to know Angrboda a bit, he regrets ever being curious and yet, somehow, he’s even more curious than before. He still does not trust these Frost Giants but if they are his only chance of escaping Jotunheim then he’ll stay with them for now.

Chapter Text

The silence dredged on for hours as they walked. Loki had nothing to say to them just as they seemingly had nothing to say either, but after a while of this, Loki couldn’t stand the silence anymore. On Asgard, if he got bored he’d usually set off some kind of mindless Mischief to cheer himself up. He rarely had to speak, he could just use magic. But without his magic he had to find some other source of entertainment.

“So Beli and Angraboda?” Loki asks. These are not names he’s ever heard before. They are Jotun names and do not exist in Asgard.

“Angrrrboda. Roll your R’s, my King,” she replies.

“Angrboda,” Loki corrects. The Asgardian language has rolled R’s in it but because of him traveling, the nice way of putting it, and not being in Asgard, he primarily used the Allspeak to communicate. Allspeak is designed so that it’s not hard to speak and learn for any species, thus Allspeak doesn’t roll its R’s.

“If I may ask, my King, what is your name?” Beli asks. That catches Loki off guard. Even if they didn’t recognize his name it’s still Vanir and therefore foreign. It’s a shame he can’t use it because he really does like his name. His mother–Queen Frigga named him. She’s Vanir. It was from some old story she liked when she was younger and growing up on Vanaheim, Loki for the life of him couldn’t remember the story but he did like the sound of his name. It was unlikely they wouldn’t recognize his name anyway. Their names of royalty were pretty much alway chosen to be unique. That way newborns would be named after rather than the other way around. No one chose Loki as a name for their child. He is the only one he knows with such a name and he likes it that way.

“I am afraid I do not know my birth name. I don’t know if Laufey ever gave me one. My name is from a different realm and I do not think it would be safe to use it here,” he replies eventually. Again, it is technically not a lie but not detailed enough.

“You may be right, my King,” Beli replies. “The Jotunar are suspicious of outsiders. If you showed up with a foreign name they would become suspicious of you.”

“We need to give you a proper Jotun name like…” Angrboda trails off, trying to think of a good name. Beli seems to be doing the same. Loki wants to roll his eyes. Just name me something so I have something to introduce myself with. His thoughts are exasperated. “Oh! I know!” Angrboda eventually says, snapping her fingers. “Your Jotun name will be Loptr.” She smiles at him as if expecting some great badge of honor for picking out a supposedly perfect name.

“Loptr,” Loki says, trying out. “It will suffice,” He determines. Angrboda smiles broadly at that. In a sense, reminding him of Thor. She sort of likes a puppy seeking constant validation and is overly excited when it is granted. On the other hand, it means that when validation is not given, she, much like Thor, will act like a kicked puppy. If anything he finds it annoying but for some reason he can’t help but feel endeared by it. Maybe that's why Thor always managed to convince him to go on one of his half-brained adventures.

“I’m glad you like it,” Angrboda continues to say. “My name is foreign too. Much like you I am only half Jotun, my mother was Jotun. She had abandoned me a long time ago, after the war with Asgard. My Father was one of Odin's soldiers. He deserted during the war and ran away to raise me on Jotunheim. He named me Sigyn but when I met other Jotunar, they did not like my foreign name. Especially after the war. So Thrym, he helped raise me too, gave the Jotun name, Angrboda. Now I have two names.” Loki’s eyebrow shot up in surprise. No wonder she looks Aesir!

“I thought you were just a Frost Giant runt?” Loki says. He doesn’t know how but he’s suddenly become more interested in this conversation than he previously was. Beli and Angrboda come to a halt, she looks at him and her eyes have fogged. Her face contorts in a mixture of anger and sadness. Beli looks fairly upset too.

“Please do not refer to me in that way, my King,” she says sadly. “I do not think of myself as a Frost Giant. They are monstrous and cruel. My mother was one but I am not. I am something else. I am Jotun.” Loki nodded in understanding, he didn’t want to associate himself with the Frost Giants either. He would never force that on someone else. Still…

“What is the difference between Jotun and Frost Giant?” he asks, trying to make his voice sound innocent to convey true ignorance. It’s not that he cares about whether he offends them but it would be better for them to trust him for now. So for now he has to play nice.

“We are all Jotun but not all of us are Frost Giants,” Beli explains. “I am a Fjall Giant, or Mountain Giant. You can just refer to our kind as the Fjall. There also Stormr Giants or Storm Giants–”

“That’s what Billingr was,” Angrboda cut him off but her voice was solemn. Beli nods solemnly.

“There are also Vatn Giants,” Beli continued. “Or Water Giants. They each possess a different kind of magic, much like the Frost Giant, or Fror Giants, they are named for that type of magic.”

“What about you and I,” Loki asks Angrboda.

“We are mostly referred to as smalr Jotun which just means Small Jotun but it’s better than Frost Giant.” Loki had to agree. He also had to admit that he is more than a little relieved to find out that he’s not fully Jotun and may be part Aesir. He doesn’t know how different the Fjall, Stormr, and Vatn are from the Fror but for now he’ll assume they aren’t that different. If magic is the only difference then he can’t trust them. After everything, he has just one last question.

“Is that why you and I have hair and the others don’t?” he asks Angrboda which actually makes her laugh. Loki doesn’t know why but her laugh makes his chest feel lighter and causes him to smile.

“Yes, that is why,” she says, smiling again. They continue on their walk and Loki considers everything he had just learned. Obviously there was more to Jotunheim than he recently thought. Still he has to get out of here. It’s too much of a risk to stick around any longer. He can’t trust them.

*******
They continue their walk in silence for a few more hours. This time it’s not quite awkward. Jotunheim is like a frozen desert for most of the trip. There’s nothing but valleys of ice and snow for miles. Asgard has valleys but they are green and filled with life. The only life in Jotunheim is them.
Loki discovered fairly quickly that Frost Giants aren’t, in fact, immune to the cold. Sure, he’s not cold enough to get hypothermia or anything like that but does get a bit chilly. He thought it might have been due to his Asgardian side but when he asked Angrboda she said that Jotunheim has become too cold for even the Frost Giants. Loki raised an eyebrow at that but she did not elaborate.
After some hours they made it to a forest. He didn’t know if it was the same forest as before but the trees are the same. Beli mentioned that the sun was rising and that they would rest for the day. Apparently Jotunar are nocturnal and have red eyes because of better night vision. Days on Jotunheim don’t last very long and the light that shines from Jotunheim’s sun reflects off of the snow, bright enough to blind a Jotun.
Though this was unexpected, it was easier to swallow than their dinner. Jotunar eat their food raw. Beli had gone out to hunt for something and Angrboda prepared whatever it was. But she did not cook it. It was yet another thing Loki had to ask them about, the complete look of befuddlement when he mentioned cooked meat would have been funny to see on them if it weren’t simultaneously terrifying. Suffice to say Loki nearly refused not to eat but did so because he would need to at any chance he got. Food had to be relatively scarce on Jotunheim and Loki hasn’t eaten since Midgard. He doesn’t actually know how long ago that was but it had to be at least a day and a half. Time is a little slower on Jotunheim. That much he knew.
Surprisingly, the food wasn’t that bad and he underestimated how hungry he was. He jealously ate everything. Angrboda and Beli smiled cheekily at him but fortunately kept their mouths shut. After dinner, they rested for the day. Which sounded so weird in his mind. As tired as he was, he could not sleep. He stared up at the general area of the sky that was too covered by the forests for him to see. His mind wandered here and there but eventually his thoughts drifted to Asgard. He missed it and he hated how much he missed it. How much he ached to go back. He had only been there for a few moments before being banished. For so long, his thoughts were consumed by returning to his nice, safe, warm bed on Asgard. He would imagine that he woke up after being sick and delusional and finding out that everything was just a bad dream. But it wasn’t. The terrifying truth was that Asgard is no longer his home, and could never be again.
He swiveled his head to look at Beli and Angrboda. Angrboda was fast asleep but beli remained a vigilant watch guard. It was strange, Loki had never faced such loyalty and trust before. They truly believed him to be their salvation. Loki had to admit, if only to himself, that the idea did sound at least somewhat nice.

“You should be resting, Majesty,” Beli grunted. It was obvious that Jotun was tired as well.

“I cannot,” Loki replied simply. There was no point in hiding it.

“You still do not trust us,” Beli stated. There was no question in his voice, it was a matter of fact. Obviously the Jotunar were smarter than Loki had expected as well.

“I barely know you and I did not grow up in Jotunheim,” Loki replied, he’s far out of his element here. Beli only nodded.

“Years ago, before I was born, Jotunheim used to be like other realms. Its climate was milder, there were places that were… warm, meant for Vatn, Fjall, or Stormr. There are very few Vatn left as there is very little water. Others had to abandon their homes when the cold consumed the realm.”
“What caused it?” Loki asked though he was already sure he knew the answer.

“The Casket used to connect all tribes. Inside it contains a bit of each of our magic but the Fror Giants grew greedy. They corrupted the Casket so it only uses Fror magic. They used it to conquer the other tribes and turn Jotunheim into an Ice Age.” Loki let that sink in for a moment. He didn’t want to feel any sympathy for them but it was hard not to. He knew what it was like to have everything taken from him and fight everyday to survive. He could thank Thanos for that.

“I’m sorry,” he barely believed the words left his mouth. What was he apologizing for? It wasn’t his fault that they ended up like this. It wasn’t theirs either, a small voice in his head whispered.

“That is why we need you, my King,” Beli replied with impeccable timing. Loki didn’t respond, he mostly didn’t know what to say. Jotunheim was not his home, but then neither was Asgard. If Asgards not his home anymore and all he has left is his skin, then Jotunheim is the closest thing to a home that he has now. The thought haunts him well into the day as the sun shifts. Eventually, he’s able to fall asleep. He doesn’t know where he’s going from here but he’s a little less afraid to face it.

Chapter Text

When the night falls, they eat the rest of yesterday's meal and move again. Through the walk it is quiet. Loki is too lost in thought to talk anyways, last night's talk with Beli still weighs on him. He never knew much about this realm, but he never realized how little he knew about it until recently. He wonders if Odin knows all this about the Jotunar, he would be surprised if he didn’t but that only confused Loki more. What was the old man's game? His thoughts are drawn to the time Thor was banished and his mothers words, “Your father never does anything without a purpose.” If that was true for Other than it has to be true now. Does the old man think that this is to teach him some lesson on humility like Thor? The thought made him want to roll his eyes.
When they eventually leave the forest, Loki can see the sky yet again. Before, he thought it seemed so dark and empty but there was more to it. In the clouds there’s a blue hue, almost like a diamond glow. Frigga used to tell him that in the most northern parts of Midgard the night sky would light with various colors. She said it was called the aurora borealis. Heimdall said he could see from where he stood watch and that it could even be seen from space. Loki had asked when he was a kid if they could go see it but they always became too busy. He never got to see it but still this sky makes him think of that. Not because of any sort of display of colors in the sky, but the possibility of it from behind the clouds makes him smile. Maybe before Jotunheim fell so far, it had an aurora borealis as well? It’s a nice thought. A childish one but a nice one.
Eventually they reached their destination and… Loki wasn’t sure what to think. It was a small village of sorts. The small huts were made out of wood and frozen dirt. Moseying around were Jotunar. Some looked like Beli, others looked like Billingr, and then there were a few that looked different than any other Loki had seen before. Their skin is a blue deeper than the Frost Giants however their ridge seem almost clear, like water. Unlike other Jotunar, they seemed to have hair and it was as blue as the rest of them. Their ridges form the pattern of waves on a sea and glow like any other Jotunar. Jotun with this feature, though not the same size as the Avengers, were much closer in, many reaching on a little above his height.
As they walked through the town, all eyes turned to him. They seem to study him with rapt interest. He studies them as well. Jotunheim is less and less what he thought it was the more he stays here. Eventually, they reach the center of town. None of the structures that barely pass for huts are all that intricate. Neither are they that big, in Jotun terms but in the center of town the structure is slightly more intricate. It’s certainly much larder and made with more than dirt and ice. The structure is made with stone and is more than a square block in that it has a roof. There are no doors for any of the structure, only a tarp made out of some kind of animal skin. Loki stares at it, unsure of what he feels. The whole place is silent, making him feel anxious.
Logically, he knows why they are staring. Ymir’s Crown. Perhaps the only, or at least primary, reason he’s made it as far as he has. That doesn’t make him any comfortable with the stare and expectation in their eyes. The Jotunar of the town vary in age and gender; none seem like fighters but survivors. And the moment they saw him he could watch as flickers of hopes crossed their faces. On one hand, he loves the idea of becoming their king. Of saving them from this cruel fate and ruling over, leaching off of their blind trust and easily given respect and loyalty. On the other hand, it’s Jotunheim. It may not be what he thought it was, he may pity them now, but that hardly means he cares. The realm is not truly worth his time. Asgard is the real prize and all he needs is way off this realm and a plan.

“Your Highness?” Loki snaps out of his thoughts those words. He turned to see Angrboda. She was both hopeful and confused. However, she said nothing more, only smiling before walking into the stone building. Beli follows her and after a moment as does Loki. the inside isn’t much better looking than the outside, however, there are some pieces of artwork strewn around. They are like nothing he’s seen before and he isn’t sure he can quite describe them either. The closest he can get are basically tapestries made with animal skin and figures made for various materials, some wood, stone, or ice, and others he can’t identify. The room is fairly open aside from the multiple pieces of artwork strewn around it. Loki so rapt in analyzing it all he doesn’t notice a little pull on his leather coat. He never got a chance to change his clothes. The little hand tugs three more times before he finally draws his attention to the little Jotun girl.
She seemed too small to be an Average Jotun, even for a child, yet she still doesn’t possess the Asgardian features he and Angrboda do. She has hair, much like the Vatn Jotunar. It’s a deep, almost black, blue that flows down the back of her head completely straight. Her marking clear like Vatn as well, however her skin is the same kind of blue as the Fror giant and her marking curve in the same way too. Loki also noticed that horns only seem common for Fror and Stormr giant, but others don’t have them. This little Jotun possesses no horns, however, in the center of her forehead is a frozen shard of ice that looks like a diamond. It’s obviously a part of her and Loki can’t help but stare in fascination. However the girl breaks through his thoughts before he can get anywhere.

“Brodir!” she exclaimed excitedly. Loki startles at the exclamation and pulls his hand away.

“What?” he snarls. How dare this claim him in such a way. The only brother he had was Thor and Thor is not his brother! Angrboda turns and gives him a disapproving look. Beli, likewise, glares at his outburst.

“My King, this is Jarnsaxa Laufeyjardóttir. She is your half sister,” Angrboda explained. Loki raised an eyebrow. A sister? He has a sister. He looks back down at the girl… Jarnsaxa. They don’t look much alike, even though he hasn’t had the opportunity to look in a mirror yet he knows they still look different. However, in spite of this his eyes catch the sight of the shard of ice on her forehead. Instinctively he reaches out to rub his fingers over it. Surprisingly, Jarnsaxa doesn’t flinch away and instead lets him inspect her markings. As different as they are to him he can see some similarities. He doesn’t know what he looks like but he’s gotten an idea from what Angrboda told him.

“Yep! I’m your sister! I have Ymir’s diamond, it belongs to all members of the royal family,” the girl gestures to her head then turns her finger to point at his head. “But only the king and his heir bear Ymir’s entire crown.” Yet again Loki’s hand instinctively reaches for his forehead. He is still not used to the raised ridges or ice shards and he’s alway surprised when he feels one of both of his horns. The ridges continue up his horns and from what Loki can tell, they are a good foot long, though they curve a bit over his head. It reminds him of his traditional horned helmet. Strangely enough, as strange as the horns are, they are also somewhat comforting for that fact. This body has felt foreign since the moment he was turned into it. He wasn’t sure how to feel from moment to moment and it made a wish for his shapeshifting back.

“Princess Jarnsaxa is correct,” a new voice stated. Loki’s head whipped up to face it. He was surprised to see a Fror Giant just like any other, except for one difference. He was elderly. He hunched over a bit and had a cane made of ice. His eyes were sunken and wrinkles added to the already existing lineage lines all over his face. He did not seem imobile or decrepit, it was simply obvious that he was the eldest one here. Possibly the eldest in all of Jotunheim. In spite of this he smiled genuinely at Loki.

“Your Majesty, may I introduce, lord Thrym of Utgard,” Beli introduced grandly. It threw Loki off to be honest. Of course he knew how to react when being introduced to lords and ladies of the court, he was a prince afterall. However this is different, because he’s Jotunheim, not Asgard. He’s in a small town made out of dirt, not a giant golden palace. He didn’t know if formality was even a priority anymore, he was fairly sure it wasn’t. Regardless, lord Thrym walked up to him and bowed.

“Your majesty, it is an honor,” Thrym said. It sounded like he was going to say more but halted his tongue, which only made Loki want to hear.

“Lord Thrym,” Loki replied curtly, still unsure how to deal with this situation. Thrym acknowledged this by straightening himself. Loki stared blankly at him. What was he supposed to do? Jarnsaxa, on the other hand, beamed excitedly.
“Does this mean Jotunheim will be saved?” she asked excitedly. Thrym chuckles at her.

“Perhaps,” he says. Jarnsaxa beams. “Beli, can you take Jarnsaxa to supper?”

“Of course,” Beli agrees.

“Can’t my brother come too?” Jarnsaxa whines. Thrym only chuckles again.

“I must speak with him first but we will all join you soon,” Thrym replies. Jarnsaxa whines a bit more but eventually relents when Beli promises to tell her all about their adventure. She forgets everything and rushes out of the hut with Beli on her tail. Angrboda smiles after them before turning back to Thrym with a wide smile.

“Afi,” she sighs before walking over to him and hugging him. Thrym hugs back just as enthusiastically while Loki stares awkwardly. Afi? How exactly is one supposed to act in this sort of predicament?

“Sigyn,” Thrym sighs and Loki perks up at that. As of yet, no one has called her by her Aesir name. Even Loki never did, though he could never bring himself to do so. She has Aesir features but she doesn’t look like Jotun. “I am so glad you are alright. I worried for you day and night.”

“I am alright, Afi,” Angrboda or Sigyn? Replied exasperatedly.

“I can see but I must ask… where’s Billingr?” Thrym asks. Angrboda looked down and away, the sadness returned to her eyes and strangely enough it didn’t seem as weird as it used to for Loki.

“We were captured as planned, when they brought in Loptr… that’s our King. The sons of Farbauti claimed they would execute him so we decided not to waste time and escape then. It was rushed and not well planned. There were too many Fror, Billingr told us to run and said he would hold them off. Beli took us and we escaped but Billingr… he didn’t make it.” Angrboda explained.

“I am so sorry, Boda,” Thrym replied. How many names did this girl have? Though, afterthought, he realized Boda was probably a nickname to shorten her name. A fact he was grateful for. Her name is a bit of a mouth full, as the Midgardians put it. “I know how close you and he were.” Right, sentiment, Loki remembered. He hated moments like this; he never knew what to do.
Thor would get drunk, or have an argument with Odin, or just had a bad day. His temper was never one anyone wanted to confront. Not even Sf and the Warrior Three were brave enough to face Thor’s ire so instead, Loki was always elected. No one particularly cared if he got hurt from Thor’s anger and they mostly thought his silvertongue would save him anyway. Sif even said and he quotes “For some unbelievable reason, he cares about you the most, Loki. He’ll listen to you. He always does.” Loki would beg to differ on that point but regardless. They always sent him in to deal with Thor. Loki knew how to placate Thor on an occasion but he never really solved anything. He never knew how. Thor would attempt to have a heart to heart with him and Loki, albeit extremely comfortably, complied. Somehow that worked. Thor was well after that. So every time, Loki would be sent in and everytime Loki stumbled his way to somehow helping his brother. Whatever, worked he guessed but he still didn’t have to like it.

“Thank you, Thrym,” said Boda and Loki snapped out of his thoughts. She smiled as she stepped away from his embrace.

“You’ve had a hard week. Go, get some rest. You’ve earned it,” Thrym replied.

“Thank you, Afi,” She turned to leave, giving Loki a weak smile before she left. Loki looked on after her for a moment then back to Thrym who was just staring at him. Loki shifted back and forth on his feet, not sure what to do now.

“Coma, Highness, I wish to talk,” Thrym did not wait for a reply as he made his way behind some artwork. Cautiously, Loki follows and realizes there’s a whole other room! He had not realized this place was that big! Though to be honest the outside didn’t reveal too much either. This room wasn’t as elaborate but did contain furniture. There was a carpet made out of animal fur, a table, and hearth filled with some strange blue fire. Thrym gestured for him to take a seat and Loki, hesitantly, did. Thrym brought forth two wooden cups filled with something that definitely was not water. It smelled sweet and felt warm in his hands. He was surprised. He hesitantly took a sip and was pleased to find tea. It wasn’t any kind of tea he is familiar with but it is tea. And very sweet tea at that. It reminds him of Asgard. He eagerly takes another sip.

“I thought you might enjoy that,” Thrym says. “It is one of my favorites as well.”

“Where did you get tea?” Loki questions. “I thought it was too cold in Jotunheim to cook anything? And I wasn’t aware there was tea?”

“Because of the extreme temperature of Jotunheim, many of our plants grow underground in caves where hot springs can still be found along with forms of magic that assist in the plant making its own food,” Thrym explains. “As for the cooking,” he gestured to the hearth. “It’s called logi fire. It’s produced by the Stormr’s sorcery. It’s not quite fire as it can burn even in the cold but it does heat our drink and food to some degree.” Loki stared at the logi fire curiously. There’s a lot he still doesn’t understand about this place.

“You must have many questions,” Thrym states as if he read Loki’s mind. Loki’s not sure where to start.

“I was taken at the end of the war by an Aesir warrior. He found me in a stone temple. But when he found me I shapeshifted into Aesir form.. He took me back to Asgard where I lived with that skin. Only recently have I found out the truth. I ended up here by mistake and… I am very confused.” It was the most honest thing he said in a long time. He didn’t know what came over him or why he spilled so quickly but he did. And now he felt vulnerable.

“That is entirely understandable, my King. And you may come to me with anything you wish. I know you have had a very long journey and a lot has happened recently.” Thrym replied and Loki wanted to snort. Thrym had no idea just how long of a journey he had. It was not even a week ago that he was on Midgard standing above the mortals as a god and now he is a half Jotun taking refuge with a bunch of rebels on a dead realm. It was hard to believe he could fall any further than this. He supposed he should be grateful that the Chitauri or worse one of Thanos’ children haven’t decided to drag him back to sanctuary. He could suppress the shiver at the thought. Never again. He would take this humiliation over the void any day.

“Look, I only wish for a way out of this realm,” he said, getting to the point. “I am not interested in your rebellion. I am sorry for all you have suffered…” and surprisingly he meant it. He really was sorry, for everything. “But I can’t stay here.” Thrym sighed, more in resignation than anything else.

“I thought you might say that,” Loki blink in surprise. All the others thought that he was going to be some sort of savior. They put him on a pedestal. They saw him as king without a second thought. But as Thrym sits here, looking at him, there is none of that. Thrym doesn’t look at him with any form of expectation or even fear. Sure there’s clear respect but otherwise Thrym looks at him like Frigga would. It catches off guard as he realizes Thrym is looking at him as if he’s a child that has said something disappointing rather than a full adult who’s capable of making his own decisions Loki’s blood starts to boil at the thought. How dare this creature act in such a way to him. Seemingly, Thrym notices this and just sighs while standing. He walks over to a small table in the corner where a pot filled with more tea sits. He pours himself another cupful before talking again.

“I know Asgard isn’t very fond of the Jotunar, the same goes the other way around. Neither realm has gotten along and there are numerous reasons for that. Regardless it is hard to get over internalized prejudice,” He turns to face Loki with very serious eyes. “You grew up in a culture that taught you to hate your own race. Angrboda has as well. However, I alway tried to help her keep an open mind. All that I ask is you do so as well. If you started from the beginning. If you knew nothing about us, none of the stories you heard about us before coming here, and add in what you know now what are your honest thoughts of us? Please.” Loki looks at him unsure of how to proceed. He looks down at his cup of tea. Possibly some of the best he ever had. Then he thinks about Beli and Angrboda.
Beli reminds him of Thor in many ways. He’s funny and loyal. Loki instantly feels like he can trust him and simultaneously fear becoming his enemy. However, along the way here, they laughed and talked. Loki doesn’t think he could hate the Jotun if he tried. He could almost see them as friends? It was odd but he found he wasn’t opposed to the idea.
Angrboda on the other hand is a puzzle to him. She is very exuberant and strong willed. She is obviously not a fierce warrior like sif but nor is she defenseless. She is rather intelligent. And her smiles are absolutely contagious. She’s beautiful and witty… and he thinks he rather likes her. He could see himself being her friend. In fact the idea seems as sweet as the tea in his hands. Everything that’s happened, this whole adventure in Jotunheim can only make him come to one conclusion.

“You people,” he finally states. “Just like any other realm. You’ve been through many hardships and survived. In spite of all you have to do to survive, people still treat you badly. But you keep fighting. You fight honorably and look out for each other like family. There are those around you who are bad just like anywhere else, but there are also those of you who are good.” It felt strange saying it outloud but it felt like a weight had been lifted from his chest. With this one realization that finally let himself admit. He looks down at his hands for the first time in a long time and looks at the blue. He no longer feels the resigned emptiness, or the pain he felt before. There is no more fear. Instead, he felt almost proud. Proud to be a Frost Giant, something in him sneers but he scoffs at it. No! Proud to belong. Proud to be accepted into a race that doesn’t give. That is brave and honorable. Proud to be thought of as their king. He looks back up at Thrym and for the first time gives a genuine smile. Thrym smiles back.

“You will find that I think no differently of the Asgardians. I understand that that is your home, or at least the one you’re familiar with and I don't fault you for having no loyalties toward us. But I wanted you to understand that we are more than what we seem, that we are worthy.” Loki looks up at him. With that word, that one word, Loki loses all his conviction because of course it’s about worthiness, it always is. But this time he isn’t mad he’s almost hopeful.

“I don’t know what you expect of me?” he asks. “Even if I am your King I cannot guarantee your salvation.”

“No one can guarantee such a thing, my King,” Thrym replies. “The only ones who make such promises are those who have no intention of keeping their promises. All we ask is for your help if you’ll give it.”

“But how could I help?” he asks. He saw Farbauti. Loki is a skilled enough warrior but Farbauti looked on par with General Tyr. The god of war and one of the greatest warriors in all of Asgard. Loki couldn’t win in a fight like that, especially without his sorcery.

“The Casket was meant to unify the Jotunar. But not alone. Only the Crown Ymir’s bear the ability to weird all other elements as well. The true King of Jotunheim must bond with the Casket and together they can restore the realm to what it once was.”

“But I do not bear the Casket,” Loki states a little mournfully, now wondering when did he start to care so much.

“No but you bear the crown. And you are half Asgardian. With your Aesir seidr, you will be able to access your other abilities even without the Casket. Or at least you should?” Thrym says confused and looks Loki up and down. “Your magic is bound.”

“Really? Hadn’t noticed,” Loki replies sarcastically and rolls his eyes. He feels more open to being himself in the Thrym company. It reminds him of Frigga. She could alway read him like a book— wait, how did Thrym know his magic magic was bound? His eyes suddenly became comically wide. “H-how did you know?”

“I am surprised you have not noticed yet,” Thrym chuckles at Loki’s expression. Loki is too shocked to take offense to that. “While Asgardians merely sense seidr, Jotunar can see it. We see it on our heritage lines and as a glow surrounding other beings. The color shows us what type of seidr and how bright the glow is tells us how powerful the seidr is. I can see that the magic you’re supposed to have is hidden inside of you.” Loki’s eyes, if it’s even possible, widen even more. So this entire time, he’s been seeing magic. Actually seeing the very essence of sorcery. He is very surprised to note that he did not realize it but it is so obvious now. It explains why Angrbada’s glow is violet. It’s her Asgardian seidr not her Jotun seidr.

“Oh,” is all he eventually says. “I guess that stops us from having me learn the other forms of sorcery the Jotunar possesses.”

“Not unless we can unbind you magic,” Thrym adds.

“Good luck with that,” Loki sulks. “It’s a long story but to make a long story short, Odin Allfather was the one who bound my powers. I very much doubt you’ll find anyone strong enough to break the spell.”

“If you had possession of the Casket you could do so yourself. It's magic is strong enough to combat the Odin Force,” Loki’s eyes widened at that. He had no idea the Casket was that powerful though it does make sense. It explains why the war lasted as long as it did. Then something just occurred to Loki. A chance.

“I know a way into Asgard, not using the bifrost. And I know a way to hide myself from Heimdall's eyes. From everyone’s eyes. I require Asgardian magic to do so but I have some. Angrboda, she possesses Asgardian seidr. Quite a bit of it actually. She can assist me to the vault where I can get the casket.” Loki thought it was a good idea but Thrym frowned.

“Angrboda is skilled in seidr you are correct. But she hasn’t had much training in her Asgardian magic and even still, her expertise is in healing magic,” Thrym replied. Ok, that is a set back. But Loki saw her magic. It’s bright and powerful and beautiful. She can do this. She just needs some guidance.

“I can show. She’s capable, I know she is,” he pleads. He’s not sure if he’s more eager to be of some help or now with the thought of getting his magic back. Either way, he’s desperate. “Please, this could be our only chance.”

“It’s risky and you don’t even know how to use the Casket,” Thrym points out. Loki doesn’t tell him he’s already used the casket before.

“No, but I know magic. I know I can break Odin's spell and I can teach Angrboda. Besides, she’ll be there to help me.” Thrym raises an eyebrow but eventually concedes.

“Very well,” he says and Loki jumps up eagerly ready to get to work. For the first tie in a long time, he has a plan. “But one more thing,” and Loki stops and turns to see Thryms pleading gaze. “I have helped to raise that girl since near infancy. I have come to love her like she is my own. I have come to love all of them. Please take care of her.” Loki stares at him, stares at his sincerity. And nod.

“I will. I will bring her back safely and the Casket as well,” he turns to leave but then adds under his breath, “And then, I will save Jotunheim.” He then leaves, newly invigorated.
The Casket can combat Odin power and with Jotunheim under his hand Asgard and the rest of the Nine Realm won’t stand a chance. And he gets to rule Jotunheim. Something in the back of his mind tells him it’s not such a bad idea. Soon all will learn to respect the name Loki. He grins to himself, wider than ever before someday soon, the Nine Worlds will be his.

Chapter Text

No sooner than the moment Loki had announced his plan had Angrboda bounce out of her seat and ran to get started. Loki was eagerly on her tail but they were both stopped by Beli and he definitely showed how he was like Thor. King or no King he demands that he and Angrboda get some rest, stating that they all had a long night and need to eat and sleep. The reaction both he and Angrboda gave out could only be that of whiny children but they both relented when Thrym agreed with Beli.
Angrboda left for a different hut while Loki and Jarnsaxa were escorted to their own. Their hut was slightly nicer than the others making it the royal hut. Not the nicest accommodations Loki has slept in but certainly not the worst. At the very least there were various soft pelt to act as a bed. Loki didn’t realize how exhausted he was until he lied down. Jarnsaxa clambered right next to him and curled up close to him. It was odd. It had been a long time since he had slept with someone else. Jarnsaxa treated him differently. All the other Jotunar treated him with respect but she treated him like family. She instantly trusted him as if he had alway been her older brother and for some reason, Loki didn’t mind.
The next day, Loki was eager to get started but Jarnsaxa had other plans. She took Loki by his hand and guided him around the town. They stopped at nearly every single hut and talked to every Jotun. Everyone acted respectfully, as if they were talking to royalty. Technically they were but it was strange coming from the Jotunar. However, he will admit that it was interesting talking to them. He learned a lot. While they weren’t the last of their kind of Jotunheim they were mostly what was left of what Jotun left of what Jotunheim used to be. Many of their ancestors fled their own villages to come here where they could support each other. Other Jotunar had apparently become nomadic.
They would all tell their own stories of how they got here, of their families and their dreams. The more Loki talked to the people, the more he felt at home with them. He felt a sort of kinship he never felt before. Everyone here was an outcast. They were hated and mistreated for what they were and they were abandoned to deal with it themselves. That was basically his life. They knew what it was like to feel lonely and it made him feel less alone. It was odd but it helped.
Many of the mothers in the town worked together to make Loki new clothes made of animal skin and both pelts. He had to be honest he rather enjoyed it although he still felt silly without shoes. The Jotunar basically never wore them. Well they did because of the cold, but usually they didn’t. Their skin was tough enough where they didn’t have to and it made them more to their home and to each other. He still thought it felt weird.
Later on he got to talk to Thrym a bit more about Jarnsaxa. After their little jaunt through the town he had started to grow a little fond of the girl. She followed him everywhere and became like a shadow looking up at him with admiration. He wondered if this is how Thor must have felt every day. He decided he liked it but unlike Thor, he wouldn’t shove Jarnsaxa to the side. Not that it matters, the girl knew how to get attention. Loki was curious then about her mother and more about. Thrym explained to him that she was a kidnapped slave by Laufey. She was a Vatn who didn’t survive the birth. Laufey attempted to do to her what had tried to do to Loki as Jarnsaxa was a threat to his power. However, scouts from this village found her and brought back with them. She was raised by the people of the village but never really had a family of her own. Which explains why she clung to Loki. He was the only family she had. And as soon as he realized that he also realized that she is the only family he had. He suddenly felt protective of her and again wondered if this was what Thor felt like.
Eventually, they made it out to open land, covered with snow. That is where Loki plans to train Angrboda. She and Beli were already there when they arrived. Jarnsaxa stood beside Beli a good distance away from where Angrboda and Loki would train. Loki had elected to start her off with some more basic Asgardian magic, that being illusions. Though illusions have many uses and is one of his most favorite forms of magic, it is still relatively easy. Angrboda, or Boda as she wanted him to call her, as it turned out was a natural. She shares his love for learning and magic to the point that everything he tells she listens to with rapt interest. It isn’t long before they take a lunch break as they both become so consumed with what they were doing.

“I never knew Aesir Seidr was so complex,” Boda stated. She had been ranting quite a bit about all that she learned. Loki wondered if this was what it was like for everyone else who had to listen to him talk about what he liked. He felt sympathetic, now understanding how it could be so annoying, but Boda talked, he wasn’t annoyed. He found it kind of endearing and every word she said he held onto. Her voice was soft and beautiful, it lulled him into a sense of calm. “What am I going to learn next?” Loki snaps out of his reverie at her words.

“I am going to teach you how to use what I have been teaching you, to hide from Heimdalls sight. It’s a far more advanced skill but you are a skilled sorcerer,” he replied. She beamed at his complement.

“Why thank you, your Highness,” she said all cordially. “Do I also get to learn how to open portals?” Loki shook his head in more amusement than anything else. From moment to moment he didn’t know what to think about her.

“No, I do not think we would have to teach you something that advanced,” he replied and it was cute how her grin immediately turned down in a sort of pout. Loki couldn’t help the chuckle that passed through his lips. “Perhaps another time. For now we will use one of my secret pathways between realms.” She nodded, determination setting on her face.
“Once the Casket is ours again, we finally will stand a chance. But are you sure we’re the only ones who should be going?” Loki looked down at this. It was something he considered as well. No one was happy about him and Boda going alone. She was much beloved in this village and he’s their king. Beli kept claiming that he would come too. And Loki had to smile when Jarnsaxa came up to him, telling him that she would be coming too. No question, she was dead certain she would come. Alas she couldn’t. Even though Loki could imagine how adorable it would be to see Jarnsaxa tell Thor off. He chuckled again at the thought.

“It would be best not to draw attention to ourselves. It won’t make a difference if we all go, we would still be outnumbered. Stealth would be best and it would be easier for you if I were the only other person you had to cloak,” he said. Boda nodded.

“Are you sure about this?” she asked.

“Absolutely,” he replied without a thought. He was quite eager to get his magic back. So much so that he half wanted to run off to do this himself.

“In that case you leave me no choice,” Boda suddenly said as she stood up and started to walk back to the clearing.

“What?” Loki followed.

“Look, you may understand Asgardian magic but you need to start understanding your Fror magic. If nothing else, it will help you make weapons to fight with,” she explained. Loki nodded. This was a topic he was trying to avoid for as long as possible however it became clear to everyone very quickly that he had no clue how to use his native powers.
Once they were in the clearing, the role reversed and she began to show him how to conjure a simple ice blade. It’s instinctual apparently however it takes a bit to learn how to do consciously. It took hours before he was able to conjure one successfully.

“I did it!” he exclaimed. He’s surprised how genuinely excited he is. For the rest of the night they teach each other and more about magic and don’t realize the passage of time until the sun begins to rise.

“What is Asgard like?” Boda suddenly questions.

“Much like everyone expects. A lot of sun and gold and warriors,” Loki replies in monotony. “What else?” Boda raises an eyebrow at that.
“My dad used to tell me a lot about Asgard. He said that there were celebrations every night and that every star in the sky could be seen at once. The days were always warm and sunny and during those days the markets were full of people shopping for things that could be found all over the Nine Realms. Is that true?” she asks.

“Basically, though it gets old after a while,” he replies. He’s still bitter about everything. How could he not be? Though he guesses it does sound nice from the way she says it.

“Considering that I’ve never seen a warm sunny day, I wouldn’t know,” she replies, something almost mournful in her voice. He guesses he could understand. What is that the mortals would say? The grass is always greener or something? Either way, he grew up with that every day but she has no frame of reference. He elects not to tell her how stuck up everyone is and the overwhelming sense of pride that makes Asgard too arrogant for its own good. Or the extreme prejudices that still exist within the realm eternal, making anyone who’s just shy of ‘perfection’ an outcast, forced to live in the shadows. Though technically, she probably already knows what it's like.

“Tell me about your father?” Loki asks. Boda likes to talk about him a lot and Loki knows he’s dead but aside from that, he’s not sure. Boda however seems caught off guard by this.

“He was a good man, the best I knew,” she said. “He didn’t plan on having a kid, especially not with a Jotun but he dropped everything to raise me anyway. There were times I could tell he missed Asgard, but I also could tell that he loved it here. He loved me and these people. The Jotunar didn’t trust him immediately but he earned their love. He never hated us for what we were and he told me stories about Asgard so that I knew not to hate the Aesir either. We’re all people. It doesn’t matter where we come from or what we look like. He promised that one day, he would take me to see Asgard…” She paused and as she did tears filled her eyes. Loki, unconsciously, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and brought her in close. Loki never really did hugs but he couldn’t deny her when she flung her arms around his neck. He had no clue what to do but he didn’t pull away. He had to admit, if only to himself, he was enjoying the hug as well.

“It’s okay Boda,” he said gently. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” She shook her head and he thought that meant that she would but after a moment she continued to talk.

“The colder it got, the sicker he got,” she said finally. “I was going to collect some plants to create a potion to help but then Asgard attacked us with the bifrost. Fortunately our village was too far away to be affected but the crust off Jotunheim began to crumble, killing much of the plant life. I could get what I needed to save him and… and…” she drifted off as she continued to cry into his shoulder and Loki felt silent. His fault. It was his fault her father died. And she was hugging him. Loki looked away from her in shame. If it weren’t for him, Laufey wouldn’t have died allowing Farbauti to take over. Laufey wasn’t good but he wasn’t as bad as Farbauti. If it weren’t for him Jotunheim would be more whole. He had the Casket. He could have saved them a long time ago but didn’t. He didn’t know.

“I’m sorry, your Majesty,” Boda mumbled as she pulled away. “I should have been more respectful.” Loki just stared at her for a while. She shouldn’t be the one to apologize, he hurt her. It took a few deep breaths before responding.

“Loptr,” he said.

“What?” she asked, perking up a bit.

“Call me Loptr,” he explained. “I’d like you to think of me as a friend. And you can give some to me for anything.” She stared at him in surprise for a while before a big smile split her face.

“Thank you, your- Loptr.” She gave him another hug before turning to leave. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” and with that, she’s gone. Loki walks back to his little hut where Jarnsaxa is already curled up in a little ball amongst the pelts and furs. Loki pulls her in close to sleep. Jarnsaxa, instinctively, cuddles up with him as she continues to sleep.
At this moment, Loki finds conviction again. He will save these people, his people. He’s not sure if he can be any sort of king to them anymore but he can save them. It’s the least he can do. And maybe, just maybe he can earn their trust. And if he can’t then he knows Boda will be a good leader to his people. They deserve a good leader. With those last thoughts, he hugs Jarnsaxa tighter and falls asleep. Soon, Jotunheim will be free.

Chapter Text

Per Thryms orders, they spend another day training before heading off to Asgard. However, soon enough they are on their way to the Golden Realm itself. The trek to the nearest pathway between realms takes half a day but is well worth it. Beli insists on accompanying them to the portal. It only makes Loki think of Thor more. He hates how much he’s started to miss the oaf and how excited he is to see Asgard again. In spite of everything, he still saw Asgard as home. Jotunheim became like a second home to him but it is not the same.
The journey is long but along the way he, Boda, and Beli, all talk and play games which reminds him of when he went on hunt with Thor and his friends. However, this time, he’s included. All his worries just fade away because of it, all but one. They don’t know who he is or what he’s done. He doesn’t want to tell them and in some ways, he wishes it could just stay like this. He could keep the secret even as their king but he knows it won’t work. Odin tried to keep a big secret like this and it did not go well. Loki’s smart enough not to repeat that mistake. He’ll save Jotunheim and then tell them. And hopefully Boda won’t kill him. He’d hate if his closest friend turned against him like that. He’s again left wondering if Thor felt like that when Loki turned against him.
Finally, they reach the portal and say their goodbyes. Beli almost doesn’t leave but eventually is convinced to stay behind. At that moment he and Boda turn to the portal. It sits right in front of a cliff wall. Before, Loki could only feel the energy of the portal but now he can see it. He can see the energy shift and pull around. It looks more like heat waves in the desert, or some sort of distortion. Regardless, it’s clear.

“Are you ready?” Loki asks.

“Apprehensive,” she replies. Loki nods. It’s what he’s feeling as well but for a different reason. She’s excited to see Asgard, the place she’s only ever heard stories of ever since she was a kid. Loki is apprehensive to return and face it all again. However, he’ll be happy to see his home again. With one last deep breath, he straightens his posture and walks through the portal, Boda follows.
The magic constrict around him before spitting him out. He nearly loses his balance as his feet come in contact with dirt and grass. He looks up and around. Asgard looks a bit different with him able to see the seidr flowing through the realm now but it’s just as beautiful. The tendril of magic are gold as the giant spires and buildings in the distance. It’s nighttime in the realm and the world looks absolutely peaceful. Only soft lights of magical lamps to light the way for those taking a midnight stroll illuminate their destination. Loki feels immediately drawn to it. He’s desperate to go home. To fall in his mothers embrace. To have Thor scold him for disappearing. He misses it, he misses it.
His thoughts are suddenly broken by a loud squeak and another figure stumbling through the portal. Boda trips out and Loki catches. Right, the Casket, he reminds himself. They need the Casket. That's why they’re here. He holds Boda for a moment until she finds her footing and looks up. Her eyes widen at the sight of Asgard and Loki chuckles at the image.

“It’s just like father said,” she says. Loki feels a small amount of guilt at those words that he pushes away.

“When Jotunheim is free, Asgard might become an ally again. You would be able to visit whenever you like,” he said. She turned to look at him with a bright smile that made him want to make her dreams come true.

“I’m going to hold you to that promise, Loptr,” she says smugly and he chuckles.

“Very well, but for now we best be on our way,” he says and she nods, determination coming back to them both. Loki leads the way as he knows Asgard the best. When they make it to the palace he knows how to avoid the guards. And he leads her to where his balcony to his room is. There are lots of trees and vines that he used to shimmy up into his room after sneaking out at night. The balcony is, unsurprisingly, a left lock spell that Loki showed Boda undo the lock and like that they’re in the palace.
As soon as they step into his rooms, he’s hit with a wall of nostalgia. Everything is mostly as he left it. A few things have been shifted around, probably by Frigga when he was in the void. But aside from that it’s all the same. It feels weird coming back after so long. He saw all his books and projects he was working on. Their trophies and nicknacks from countless adventures. Magical artifacts, potions, weapons. Everything he was but it feels so foreign it no longer feels like his room or his stuff. Like looking at past life that’s no longer him. He’s stepped into a stranger's room and it feels uncomfortable just standing in it.

“Wow,” Boda says from somewhere behind him as they make their way through the room. “Who do you suppose all this belongs to?”

“Prince Loki Odinson of Asgard,” Loki responds truthfully. It did belong to him. It still does, but Loki Odinson no longer exists. He’s been changed into something else. He sees Boda make a face at that. It was clear she was not a fan nor did Loki expect to be.

“Wasn’t he the one who attacked Jotunheim?” she asked with a bit of venom in her voice. Loki slumped a bit at her tone.

“He was,” he replies. “Very little is known about the second prince of Asgard other than the fact that he was extremely jealous of his elder brother. He wanted to prove himself to his father and in doing so, killed Laufey and tried to destroy Jotunheim. But it cost him his life and he fell to the void. He died.” Well, not physically, Loki added in his head. But the person he used to be is gone. That little kid, still searching for his daddy’s love has been replaced. Afterall, Odin disowned him. He can’t look for his father’s love when he has no father anyway.

“How do you know so much?” Boda asks. She sounded like she was starting to get suspicious. Luckily, Loki already planned for this.

“My family works in the palace. I rarely interacted with the princes but I was around enough to know some things about them,” he replies and she nods, accepting his answer.
Silently they agree to stop wasting time and get moving. Fortunately, Loki already knows the hidden pathway in the palace to make their journey easier. Within an hour, they make it to the entrance of the vault. Loki is fairly certain they won’t have to deal with the Destroyer armor since Thor, ironically, destroyed it. However, there may be another defense he’s not ready for hence before they came Loki gathered a bit more information on how to use the Casket and Boda will be able to help as well, if needed.
They successfully manage to sneak into the vault though it takes longer than Loki would have liked. By the time they reach the treasure room in the vault, Loki knows daylight is already beginning to seep through windows. True, he can’t see it here but he still knows. The Casket of Ancient Winters is in his sights, on the pedestal as usual. A small glow draws his eyes away as he approaches the Casket. The Tesseract, just sitting there in the open. He’s half tempted to take it now. That would give him the power he needs to break Odin's spell, to take over Asgard, and take his revenge on the Mad Titan. The thought is so tempting.

“What is it?” Loki snaps out of his thoughts and turns to face Boda. She’s looking at him concerned and her eyes drift to the Tesseract. Loki blinks a few times before remembering what they came for. Tesseract, maybe another day. For now, they need the Casket.

“Fine, nothing,” he replies. Boda looks like she has more questions but he walks away before she can say anything. He begins to look around at the walls and ceiling and floors. Odin had to have found another way of securing the vault. Unfortunately, as he looks around it appears that the magic is embedded into the very infrastructure of the vault, thus there will be know avoiding booby traps. Loki sighs and walks up to the pedestal. The feeling of anticepation floods him immediately and he’s brought back to that moment. That one moment that changed him forever. His hands stop just in reach at the Casket and he just stares at the blue. All the words the Allfather says comes rushing back to him and he is frozen in that time. Everything went so wrong in the past, he’s afraid what will happen now.

“Loki,” a voice says and he jumps.

“Loptr, is everything okay?” He turns and sees Boda looking at him concerned. Taking a deep breath he nods. The past should stay in the past. He turns back around and this time barely hesitates as he grabs the Casket. The familiar yet different power moves up his arms and coils in his chest. He feel it’s magic pulling him, it’s power calling to him and he calls. Thrym was right, the Casket is more than strong enough to break the Allfathers spell.
He closes his eyes and directs the Caskets magic using his own. He finds his power burried, confined deep with in him. Chains lock it place but he feel it. Angry that it was bound and desperate for escape, like a caged animal. He move to one of the tendrils of magic that act as and force the frost magic of the Casket upon it. Odin power does not let up, staying firm as the Casket decays the tendril, weakening it hold. Little by little, the first tendril snaps and Loki takes a deep breath at the sudden release.

“Loptr?” he hears Boda question though he’s to distracted. He hesitantly look down at his hand and sees a very subtle green glow along his ancesteral lines. A wide smile graces his face. It worked! It actually worked! “Loptr!” Boda’s voice came more distressed this time and he turns to her. “Apologies but I heard noises, they know we’re here and they’re coming.” Loki’s grin morph immediately into a look of determination as he nods.

“Right. Come, I know the way out,” he says, leading the way and she follows. There’s really only one way in and out of the vault and by the time they make it there there are guards surrounding it. Loki doesn’t have enough magic to conceal them or change form or do anything really. He still needs to work on undoing Odins spell. Instead he turns and Boda as the head in another direction.

“Where are we going?” Boda asks, her voice is clearly worried now.

“I know one other way out of here but it leads through a part of the dungeons that hasn’t been used in millenia,” he explains quickly as he lead her down another path. The go immediately to another vault where Odin keeps specific types of artifacts. The types that should never be used. They enter and look around at the assortment of abjects long ago used. Old blades and whips. Grotesque looking creation with runes that makes Loki sick were he to identify them. He hears gulp as she seems to catch on.

“What part of the dungeon, specifically?” she asks though tone suggests she already knows the answer. They reach the end of the path where Loki opens the doors that haven’t been open since this vault was used. They step through and he closes the door before he answer.

“The torture chambers,” Boda’s eyes widen but she nods. They don’t have much of a choice but to go through. Torture has not been in use for Asgard since the beginning of Odins reign. When he married Frigga, such punishment were made illegal. The only thing that was kept of then is flogging and that is seldom used. Thus only down in the torture chambers when they reach it is the smell of whatever was left rotting, spider webbing. Boda pulls out two Logi fire torches to light their way. They walk in uncomfortable silence for a few minute before it’s Boda who breaks the silence.

“So, you know quite a bit about the vault to have been simply working in the palace,” she points out and oh so perceptive she is. Loki sighs as if he’s admitting to some he turns head to Boda to find her smirking. He chuckles.

“As a child, I was a bit of handful–” he began.

“I figured,” she inturrepted with that same smug smile. He rolled his eyes but his expression was amused.

“I had habit of going where I wasn’t supposed,” he continued. “I would explore every inch of palace I could. I end up down here eventually. I knew about the door from the royal library. It helped me explore the palace.” As soon as he finished her smile grew two sizes.

“I loved to explore new places in Jotunheim as a child,” she said, her eyes going distant. “However, Father said it was too dangerous. I did anyway and it often got me into more trouble than it was worth.” She chuckled at probably old forgotten memory. “There was one time I snuck out to explore a nearby cave. However, clueless me got stuck in a cave in. I thought my father was going inprison me in my room for the rest of my life. Needless to say, I was more careful since then.” She smiled fondly as did. He had been caught many a times enacting mischief or exploring where he wasn’t suppose to. He could remember Frigga’s constant fussing. Caught between worry and checking if he was ok and being absolutely furious at him for doing something he wasn’t suppose to. Him as a child wondered if it would be worse to have her worry or have her angry and wanting neither.
Eventually they come up to another door to which they open. The room is somewhat roomy and there is a clear echo. Probably so the victim can hear their own screams as they are tortured. The thought send a shiver down his spine as his mind is forced to think about Sanctuary and the Mad Titan. He shakes his head, trying to forget those events and realizes the room isn’t so bare as he thought. In center is a patform made out of stone. There are chains connected to it, obviously meant to chain someone to the top of the platform. On one end the their is a tube the curves over to about a foot and a half above the the platform. It looks like one would think of a leak faucet. Especially considering the their is place to insert some sort of liquid to drip through. Belatedly Loki realizes what this place is. And he tries to grab Boda’s arm before it comes but she pulls back in surprise.

“What is it?” she asks. “What is this place?”

“One of the worse tortures anyones created,” he says in a rush. “Believe me we don’t want to stick around.” He grabs her arm again and begins to pull her to the other door. She resists a little but as soon as he loosens his grip she relax they barely make it to the door when they hear a loud hiss. Boda looks up her eyes wide but Loki doesn’t even turn his head. He tugs her again and this time she complies with resistance. They just make it to the door when a drop of venom hit his hand. He jerks his hand back with hiss as the acid seeps through his skin. When he turns his head back their path is blocked by the biggest snake he’s seen and it doesn’t look happy. He Boda begin to slowly back up. Only to realize the snake is so big, it encircles the room cover both of their exits.

“Loptr,” Boda squeaks from behind him. “What exactly was this torture suppose to be?” she asks though he doubts that’s her main concern. He answers anyway as he analyzes the snake movement. It’s circling them and will continue to do so until it decides to snap.

“They would chain some to that platform than take the acid venom of that snake and poor into the tube. The the venom would drip on their face and burn them for until they are finally released,” he explain.

“And that’s the snake they milked the venom from?” she asks but he has no doubt she already know the answer.

“They stopped using this place when the snake, Jormandgundr, moved in and decided to make this his territory,” he added.

“Right,” she said as if this were a normal conversation and the weren’t currently being hunted like prey. Unconsiously, Loki reaches out and grips her hand, he’s surprised when she squeazes back.
For a second his heart stops as he sees the exact moment when the snake will attack. At the last second he pushes Boda out of the way as he jump to avoid the snake jaws as well. He summon his ice blades immediately and begins to flings them at snake. It does very little as Jormangundr’s scales are too thick on the bright side however, he draw it’s attention away from Boda who has conjured some ice daggers of her own. Jormangundr lunges at him yet again and Loki takes the opportunity to send some ice shard into the creature mouth and throat, cutting it’s insides.
The snake turns away with a shriek allowing Loki to reposition himself. Boda sends shards of ice aiming for Jormangundr’s eye. The snake shrieks again as Boda his her target. Jormangundr set it’s sight on her again Loki fling more ice shards, distracting Jormangundr while Boda moves.

“The Casket,” the voice in his head returns. It’s not his thoughts but the voice sounds familiar. Loki shakes his head, trying to focus on the giant man eating snake in front of him. “Use the Casket,” the voice says and Loki still doesn’t know what it is but he like it’s ideas. When he looks back up Boda has Jormangundr’s attention again. Each attack is aimed for the snake eyes. However, with her last attack she stumbles. Jormangundr gains an upper hand. He rears back ready for the attack. At the last moment Loki steps in it’s path pulling out the Casket from his satchel. Everything goes white for five seconds and when his vision returns, Jormangundr is encased full in ice. Loki and Boda stare wide eyed at the snake that seemed frozen in time. Loki blinked a few time before realizing venom from it’s fanes were already burning through the ice. He snaps himself out of his shock and puts the Casket away. He turn to Boda, grabs her hand, and pulls her to the doors. She snaps out of her shock once they are far away from the snakes reach.

“Next time, warn me about potential giant man eating snakes,” she jokes sarcastically and he chuckle.

“Perhaps it would be best to hope that their isn’t a next time,” he said just as sarcastically.

“Perhaps,” she says. “But that wouldn’t be as much fun.” Her smile is absolutely mischievious and he loves.
“No, it wouldn’t,” he concedes. After a moment they continue on their adventure. It isn’t long until they finally see light. They walk through the next doorway and find themselves in the actual dungeons. Loki looks around checking for guards. He knows his way around the palace and knew the guards schedule for most places. But that was a kid sneaking in and out of the palace, he never went through the dungeons. In fact it was the one part of the palace he didn’t explore. He started to walk through one of the corridors carefully. Only to stop when he hears the very clear stomping of feet. He turns to the two other pathway unsure which to take.

“Turn left,” the voice answers. He’s hesitant to trust it but he has little choice so he does as the voice says and he turns left. Boda follows behind him. “Take a right uphead.” Loki continued to follow the voices instructions. The prisoner gave them both confused and nasty looks as they past but said nothing. Soon enough they made it out of the dungeons and into the natural light of Asgard royal palace. It is clearly morning but not to many people are out and about. Regardless, Loki knows where he’s going now. He takes Boda’s hand and leads her to his room using hidden pathway and hallways no one ever uses. With palace being so big it takes an hour but they finally make to his old rooms. He lets out a sigh of relief once the door close. He can hear Boda mimic the gesture.

“So, are we ready to go now?” she asks. Loki looks back at her. She’s beautiful. He never thought he’d say that about a Jotun but he means it but…

“Are you a shapeshifter?” he asks. She seems confused for a bit but answers anyway.

“Yes,” she replies. “Most half-breeds like us are. We take on more Jotun features than Asgardian so we end up being born with two forms instead of one.” This is not something she really needed to explain. He knows shapeshifting. It was always one of his favorite tricks to play with Thor. Long story short, Thor hates snakes now.

“Good,” he replies. “It’s daytime which means we could be spot by anyone, not only guards. And it’s going to be difficult to blend in with blue skin and horns.”

“Ok, then we should also change our clothes,” she points out. It was something Loki had thought about as well. He went over to his dresser and pulled out some of his more comfortable clothes. They were still made with high end fabrics and silks but at a distance, few would be able to tell. He’ll seem like anyone else in the palace. He goes to another dresser in his room and pulls out a green dress. It’s very basic in style but fabric is still fancy. Still it will do to fool most people they pass. He hand her the dress. “May I ask why Prince Loki would have a dress in his dresser?”

“I can’t know everything about him,” Loki shrugs. “It’s not like he’ll miss it anyways.” She raises an eyebrow but shrugs it off. He goes into the bathing room so that he can change. The first thing that he needs to work on is breaking the seals on his magic. He may not be able to break all the seals but he can break enough to regain his shapeshifting.
It takes him a few minutes to break the seal binding him to this form. However, when he goes to shapeshift he stops and sees himself in the mirror for the first time. To his surprise he still looks like himself. All the angles of his face haven’t changed. He’s just as thin and tall as he’s alway been. His hair is black and curly as always as well. But now he’s blue. Blue with white swirls that glow green and shape every curve of his body. On the top of his head, their are those shards on ice that are connected to him. They outline the crown of his head. The swirls beneath create a beautiful image of a bejeweled crown. They move around and go up the horns on his head. And in the center of forhead, and consequently the center of the crown, is a single shard of ice that looks like a diamond. The crown a green glow to it, showing his power.
As he stares he feel no hatred or shame wear this form. After spending so long in it, it’s become comfortable. He feels almost proud to be this we. To the lines that show him to be who he is. The true King of Jotunheim. With that thought however, he realizes that right now, he needs to be someone else. So after a few breaths his form shifts back into his familiar Aesir appearence. It feels comfortable, just like his other form but it also feels a little underwhelming. Without the hatred he used to have of the Jotun, this form feel like the same kind of mask like it used to. He’s not sure what it means but it’s not the same. After a moment he change his clothes and shifts his form again. This time to look like a more ordinary Asgardian. Muscles, blue eyes, blond hair, etc. Just another face in the crowd. After he’s down he walks out to see Boda or he guesses Sigyn in her Aesir appearence. He freezes when he catches sight of her.
Soft ginger curls frame her heart shaped face. The red eyes that he’s grown so used to have change to a bright violet. Her skin is just less pale then his, giving to a soft blush on her cheeks. And full lips. Physically her form hasn’t changed but the dress she’s wearing frames her curves much better than her fur dress and cloak did. Loki doesn’t even realizes he’s staring until she speaks.

“Do I really look that bad?” she asks. Loki shakes his head.

“You look beautiful, my Lady Sigyn,” he says and deep blush graces her cheeks.

“Only Thrym calls me Sigyn,” she says.
“Apologies, I just meant–because of your new… form.” He gestures vaguely to her. She blushes again at this and chuckle a bit.

“I am not offended, it merely caught me off guard.” She takes a quick look at herself in a nearby mirror. “You can call me Sigyn if you like.”

“Sigyn,” he repeats and he loves saying her name. “You really do look beautiful Sigyn.”

“I–thank you,” she smiles at him in the mirror but it fades and she turns to him again. “Your Aesir form should not look like this?”

“I do not want them to recognise me if I get caught,” he says, tone serious again. “It would be better if they think of us as nameless thieves.”

“Nameless thieves who just broke into one of the most secure places in the Nine Realm. Stole an artifact from Odin’s treasure vault and escaped,” she deadpands.

“Good point,” he admits. “Regardless, we don’t want any chance they could trace us back to Jotunheim or my family in the palace.” She nods at this and her face is sincere as if she understands some grave secret. Though she doesn’t realize that it’s his adoptive family they are hiding from. It brings some small level of guilt in his mind that he pushes away.
The most important thing right now is to escape but there is one more thing Loki wants to do while he’s here. Actually, there’s a lot of things he wants to do, but this one may be important. He remembers a book in Frigga’s private study. It’s about Jotunheim. She never let him read it and he never knew why until recently. He understands it’s not a priority but he couldn’t drop the feeling that it was somehow important. So when they make their plan of escape, he gives Sigyn the Casket and tells her exactly where to go while he makes a slight detour. She is not onboard with this plan, as the mortals would say, but she agrees if only because he’s her king and she trusts him.
He thought it was best not to tell her where he was going. That would be too much to explain and lie about. Instead, he promises to see her soon and sets off to Frigga’s private study. He elects to take a secret pathway he had found as a child. It leads to a secret entrance in the study that hides just behind a tapestry. He’s pleased when his disguise works and nobody recognises him. He made it to the study unseen. After a moment to check that Figga isn’t around, he slowly carefully makes his way in.
Much like entering his room for the first time, when entering Frigga’s study there’s an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. However, the room doesn’t seem strange or foreign like his chambers. Instead it feels like coming home. He smells the scent of Frigga’s magic. He can feel it everywhere. It’s safe, calm, warm, and inviting. He almost just wants to stand there taking it in but he has work to do. He shakes himself from his reverie and starts to search through the plethora of books to choose from. There is a spell in the room to help one find the book they are looking for. Though if he were to activate it, it would alert Frigga to him being here. Instead, he does it through memorization and actually using his eyes.
After a while of careful searching, he finally finds the book he’s been looking for. He carefully grabs it from his spot, what inside is exactly what he expects. Something important he can use to help Jotunheim heal. With his objective finally in his hands, he turns to leave the way he came in. Completely unseen.

“Loki?” He pauses. That voice. It’s the same voice he’s been hearing inside his head. The one that’s been helping and directing him. He can’t believe he didn’t recognize it until now. Slowly, carefully, he turns around and hopes beyond hope that he didn’t just jeopardize the entire mission. When he turns, he comes face to face with the last person he wanted, or expected to see.

Chapter Text

Back in Jotunheim Farbauti sits menacingly on his throne staring down at his two sons. Helbindi is as smug as ever while Byleistr tries to look tough under his fathers stare. The Jotun in the center of the room, who is on his hands and knees after being thoroughly beaten, glares right back at Farbauti. No fear or shame in his eyes, only defiance.

“You will tell us where they went and what they are planning,” Farbauti demands. His voice booms throughout the chamber.

“I will tell you nothing, usurper,” the prisoner, Billingr, spits.

“You will,” Farbauti snarls. “Everyone has a breaking point. Helblindi, Byleistr, break him,” Farbauti orders.

“Yes Father,” the son's voice echoes. They advance on the prisoner and the interrogation continues. Soon, Farbauti thinks. That worthless son of Odin will be dead and Jotunheim will be mine. As it should be.

**********
Sigyn makes her way steadily through the hallways of the golden palace. She must look very suspicious as her eyes roam around. She fears that at any moment someone may spot and realize she’s not supposed to be there. Realistically she knows there are far too many people in the palace for them to be aware of or even care about her. But she was cautious anyways. She slowly makes her way to the outside. Almost there, she tells herself. However, her heart races when she suddenly slips on the floor and two strong arms catch her. She looks up and her eyes meet the handsome face of an Aesir. He has dark hair and blue eyes. He seems tough but gentle enough.

“Watch your step there, my Lady,” he says in a gruff but friendly voice.

“Thank you, Sir–” she stumbles.

“Theoric,” he supplies.

“Sigyn,” she offerse. “Thank you, Sir Theoric.” He gives a friendly nod and continues on his way. After a moment, so does she. Asgard isn’t so bad, she thinks. She walks with more confidence now as she makes her way back to the portal.

Chapter Text

Loki blinks in mild surprise at the person. He tried to be so careful. He almost left sooner to avoid this exact situation but it came anyway. So now he has to face the music, as the mortals would say. He tries to maintain an even face as he looks at her. Of course she, more than anyone else, would know it’s him, regardless of his disguise. He takes one last breath before he finally speaks.

“Hello, Mother,” he says. He shifts his form again, back to his normal Aesir form. There’s no point in hiding it now.

“My son, I am so glad to see you again,” she says and her voice sounds so sincere. But he’s heard her sincerity before. She claims that he is her son and that she loves him. But she lies and in the end she casts him out just like all the others.

“Is that what I am?” he asks. “Your son.” As he says that his form shifts back to his Jotun one. Frigga looks only slightly different in this form. He can see the glow of her magic surrounding her. It looks much the way it feels warm and inviting.

“To me, you will alway be my son,” she replies. His eyes narrow in suspicion and she just sighs. “Please sit. I only wish to talk.” Frigga moves over to the nearby sitting area and takes a seat on one of the couches. Some tea materializes as she sits. She looks back at him imploringly and he sighs. She knew anyway, if she wanted to turn him in, she could have.

“You knew I was here and you helped,” he pointed out as he sat down and picked up one of the tea cups. He could imagine Thor laughing in a situation like this. His words, so clear in Loki’s head. “Only you, brother, could be in the middle of a heist and sit down to have a cup of tea with the person you're stealing from! It will be Ragnorak and will be laying in your bed reading.” Loki smirks at the thought. Though to be fair, Thor does have a point. Thieves don’t often have tea with their victims while stealing from them. However, this situation is different. Frigga knew all along and she helped him. But why?

“I did,” she said, not even trying to hide it. “I’ve been scrying, trying to keep an eye on you since Odin had banished you. I saw you planning to take the Casket and it wasn’t hard to track you since then, even when you hid from my sights.” Loki raised an eyebrow at that.

“You know where the portal is located?” he asks.

“Dearheart, did you really think you were the only one who knew of the pathways between the realms? Though I never had a use for them, I was glad it allowed you some freedom of your own,” she replied a little smugly. Loki nearly choked on his tea. It was always surprising to see the more mischievous side of Frigga. Until recently, Loki always thought that he got it from her. Maybe in a way he still did. Regardless, somehow she still knew everything.

“Do you plan to tell Odin?” he asks, as that’s the main question.

“In time he will find out anyway but your partner in crime… Angraboda was it?” Frigga says.

“Angrboda,” Loki says instinctively. He’s too used to correcting people though he knows Frigga doesn’t mind. “Roll your R’s.”

“Ah, yes,” she says. “She’s already on her way to the portal with the Casket. The Allfather knows that it was stolen but by the time he figures out who stole it, how they stole it, and where they went, you both will be long gone.”

“What if the Allfather sends armies after us?” he asks. He knows it's not likely, Odin would not want to wage war but if he figures out that it was Loki who stole it he might consider it a risk.

“He won’t,” she replies confidently. “As opposed to what you may think, he and I are both aware of the civil unrest within Jotunheim. War is the last thing that the realm needs. Especially over something that already belongs to it anyway.”

“If you are aware of what's going on then why don’t you do anything about it?” Loki exclaims. All this time, they knew and they did nothing! Worse, they just let the realms, let him, forget and hate them. He knows the Jotunar now. They are his people and his supposed family wouldn’t help!

“We couldn’t,” She says plainly. “I know it sounds like a bad excuse but it’s true. It started back with Gymir, Laufey’s father. Gymir had two sons, Laufey and Farbauti. Farbauti, his eldest, was to become King but he did not bear Ymir’s crown.” She gestures to his forehead where Ymir’s irremovable crown sits. “Laufey on the other hand did. Thus the throne went to him. Farbauti became envious of his younger brother and sought to claim Jotunheim as his own. He almost killed his brother in an effort to take the throne by force. Laufey was not as strong or powerful as his brother, so to face an impossible threat, he used the Casket of Ancient Winters to defeat his brother. But the Casket is not meant to be a weapon. It is meant to be a source of power and energy for the realm. However Laufey used it for one purpose and only used one form of magic. Frost magic. It corrupted the Casket as well as Laufey and all of Jotunheim. Jotunheim became a perpetual Ice Age. Laufey became a cruel and tyrannical ruler. And the Casket was changed from Jotunheimen salvation to its destruction as the corruption never ceased.

“We had thought that Taking the Casket from would stop Jotunheim from freezing but it didn’t. And Odin didn’t slay Laufey because he knew that Farbauti, an even worse King, would take over. You were the only heir to Jotunheim and if you had stayed, your life would be lived, constantly running from an enemy. You more than likely would not have survived. To save you, and hopefully Jotunheim one day, he took you and brought you here. We couldn’t afford to let Laufey know about you or else it would create war again, for he would not stop until any threat to his throne is taken care of. We hoped that we could prepare you for one day when you would save Jotunheim.”

“Why not just send armies?” Loki asks. “And understand that you may have had to lie to everyone else but why me? And why did you let the lies about the Jotunar continue?” Loki was becoming aware that his voice was getting more desperate than anything but he didn’t care. He was finally getting answers. The ones he’s been looking for for so long.

“No, people like a foreign military controlling everything, no matter how bad the state of the Realm is,” Frigga explained. “Asgard’s job is to maintain peace between the realms and offer protection from outside realms. If asked, we can help with civil issues as well. But Jotunheim never asked. The Nine Realms watch us. If we just marched into Jotunheim and tried to fix everything our own way… well we would start to lose the trust of other realms. They may understand why we did what we did, but they might fear what comes next. Your skilled politician, Loki, you understand.” And truthfully he did. There were many times he could remember Asgard showing up on Alfheim in order to prevent war amongst the Elves. Needless to say, they weren’t too happy.

“And as for my other question?” He was so close to all of his answers, he wasn’t going to stop there. Frigga sighed and looked up to him with sad eyes.

“We wanted to wait until you were old enough to understand. But as you got older, it became harder. Loki you don’t understand what it’s like to tell your child that their real family didn’t want them and abandoned them. You were so happy to believe that you were ours we… we just couldn’t break your fantasy. When you got older we were more afraid of how you would react and… we… I didn’t want to lose you.” Frigga looks away and tears feel her eyes. Loki feels the urge to comfort her but suppresses it.

“You chickened out,” Loki stated plainly. It causes Frigga to stop her crying and blink at him in surprise and confusion. “It's a Midgardian term. It means you took the coward's way out,” he explains and she nods.

“We did,” Frigga conceded. “As powerful as your Odin and I are, we cannot force the people to think or believe what we want them to. The war was violent and bloody much like the stories told. And we're too afraid of you finding out about your true parentage to teach you anymore about the Jotunar…” Frigga looks away from him for a second. Loki waits for whatever else she wishes to say. “Loki, I did not wish to hurt you. That is the last thing I wanted. But I know I have, and I just want you to know that I am truly sorry. I should have told sooner. I’m sorry.” She bows her head with tears and Loki can’t help the tears that well up in his own eyes. He shifts back into Aesir form and moves next to her, pulling her into a hug. Frigga doesn’t even hesitate to reciprocate the gesture.

“It’s alright, mother,” he says softly. “I understand. I… I’m sorry for hurting you,” he admits. He wouldn’t have believed all this was Odin but he can trust his mother. They stay like that for a few more moments until they hear the door start to creek open. Without a second thought Loki shifts into the form of one of his mother handmaidens. No one would question one of them sitting and talking with the Queen. She always treated them as if they were her sisters. A moment later the door swings open and the worst possible person in the world enters. Thor, he groans mentally.

“Mother,” Thor says in a rush. “The Casket of Ancient Winters has been stolen-”

“Oh no!” Loki exclaims, jumping up from the couch. In the corner of his eye he can see his mother trying to hold in her laughter. “That’s horrible!Who do you think could have done such a thing?” He can Frigga roll her eyes and take a sip of tea to hide her amused smile.

“I know not, Lady Helga,” Thor says solemnly. “But rest assured, my friends and I have it handled.”

“Do you think it could be Frost Giants?” Loki made sure to make his eyes go wide and frightened.

“I–we are not sure as of yet,” Thor stated in concern. “The King has other theories.” Loki resists the urge to raise an eyebrow and instead shifts his gaze to his mother. He gave her a questioning look. Her response is clear, Odin knows it’s him.

“I’m afraid we’ll have to cut this short,” Frigga suddenly announces. “It appears I have some work to get to,” Frigga’s gaze meets his and her words are serious, “You have to be going as well.” Loki nods in understanding.

“Then I shall be on my way,” Loki says as he curtsies and begins toward the door.

“Perhaps I could escort you, Lady Helga?” Loki stops suddenly. Why does the stupid oaf have to be such a gentleman.

I’m afraid we don’t have time for that,” Frigga says, saving Loki from a very awkward incident. “Besides, Helga knows the way. Am I right Helga.”

“Of course, your Majesty,” Loki replies. Fortunately Thor goes for it.

“Very well,” he says and nods. “Lady Helga.”

“Your Highness,” Loki curtsies, hopefully for the last time. With that finally done she heads out of the palace nobody questions one of the Queen's handmaidens rushing around and most are busy questioning it anyway. He waits until he reaches the forests just outside of Asgard where the portal is before he shifts back into his Jotun form. Ironically, his Aesir skin was always a mask to hide his Jotun self and now his Jotun form is a mask to hide who he truly is. He still feels guilty about that but he knows it won’t be long until he fixes his mistake and saves Jotunheim. He clutches the book from his mother’s study closer to him. He doubts that she doesn’t know he took it. He’s just relieved Thor didn’t think to question it. After a small hike, he finally makes it back to the portal. Sigyn is there waiting, back in her normal form. There’s a sort of goofy smile on her face that makes him laugh.

“What is it?” he questions.

“Nothing,” she says, still smiling. “The Aesir are interesting, that’s all.” Loki rolls his eyes. There are a lot of ways to describe Aesir. Interesting is not one of them. “Did you get what you were looking for?” she asks.

“Indeed and then some,” he says. She gives him a questioning look. “Lets just say that I am confident that Jotunheim will soon be free from tyrannical rule.” She smiles brightly at that.

“I am glad to hear it,” she says.

“So am I,” he says honestly. Frigga was right, Jotunheim doesn’t need anymore war. They need freedom. After today he hopes he gives his people that. From Thrym, Beli, Billingr, Jarnsaxa, and especially Sigyn. He fears he’ll fail her the most but he wants to make things right. He doesn’t care about Asgard anymore. That was of a former life. A life in the past, where it should remain. His present and his future are Jotunheim. With that thought he and Sigyn step back through the portal. Soon, his people will be free.

Chapter Text

They were welcomed with open arms the moment they returned to the Village. Loki presented the Casket to which people cheered. That night the village celebrated this small victory and the hope for the future. It had been a long time since any of them had reason to hope like this and Loki was happy to be the one to give it to them. He wonders for the first time, if this is what it’s like in Thor’s shoes. But then he realizes that it doesn’t matter. He and Sigyn were the ones to retrieve the Casket and he’s going to be the one to save jotunheim. Thor has nothing to do with this.
Nearing the end of the feast he chooses to walk outside. This is nothing new to him. Back on Asgard he rarely attended parties unless it was necessary. He did not often enjoy them. The only stories told were that of battle and they were told by drunk warriors who over exaggerate the tales. Any conversation would be with lords and ladies trying to gain the favor of the Allfather through one of his sons. There is dancing and while that is enjoyable for a short bit, it’s not quite enjoyable without an interesting enough partner and there never was one. Here, he enjoys the conversations and he doesn’t mind telling the Jotunar about how he and Sigyn stole back the Casket. They loved it when he told them about Jormungandr. But even here, he needs a break. So he walks out to the open field where he and Sigyn trained before leaving for Asgard.
It’s not a particularly interesting place as it is a giant field of snow, just like anywhere else in Jotunheim. But it is a place to be alone and think if one needs to and he needs to. He hasn’t unbound all of his powers yet, it would be better to do a little at a time and take breaks, but he can feel his power returning. Tomorrow, he’ll start to learn more about how to use the Caskets power and hopefully restore Jotunheim.

“Strategizing?” a voice behind him asks.

“It would not be wise to let our guard down with one victory,” he respond with a smile. Sigyn walks up right next to him and begins to stare off into the middle distance as well.

“No but there’s nothing wrong with a little hope,” she points out. He glances at her, there is nothing but trust and ease in her voice. There is nothing but hope in her eyes. He wonders if there was ever no hope in her eyes. From the moment they met she was hopeful for the future. She believed in him and trusted him right away. He wonders how it’s possible for her to do such a thing. To believe wholeheartedly in something that merely a few days ago seemed impossible.

“There was a time I wouldn’t have let myself hope,” he admitted. “I was alway different from the Asgardians and I didn’t know why but when I learned about this,” he lifts his hand to his head, gesturing to the crown, “everything started to make sense. Yet I still only ever had questions. I thought I’d never have answers.”

“But now you do,” Sigyn says factually.

“Not all answers,” he replies.

“What more is there to know?” she asks, concerned.

“Would I have a life here?” he asks. After they find out the truth he may not have a life here. But after living amongst them, being one of them, he wants to have a life here. He wants to be their king and take care of his people. He wants to be an older brother to his new little sister. He wants to be a good friend to Beli and Sigyn. He hopes he can.

“My father was Asgardian, yet if you asked him what his home was he would say Jotunheim,” Sigyn says. “Oh sure he’d tell you all about Asgard and he said he’d always have a home there, but Jotunheim is where he would choose to stay. I’m a shapeshifter, he could have hidden my true form as well but he chose to stay here. He wasn’t accepted at first, neither of us were. But Thrym helped him to adjust. We found our own places in this realm. I don’t think belonging is simply the people you come from. It’s something that you make yourself and that you feel comfortable with. That’s how it was with my father and me and that’s how it is with you.” Loki turns to her with a raised eyebrow.

“You think I already have a life here?” he asks.

“Of course,” she exclaims. “You’ll always have a life here. You have friends, family, and people you can trust.”

“I am glad,” he says. “I’ve already started to think of Jotunheim as my home.”

“I have to be honest, I’d be a little disappointed if you didn’t,” she replies shyly. For a while they just stand there in the small moonlight, in companionable silence. It seems even the weather is giving them a break. There is barely a small breeze and Loki can almost see the sky past the clouds. No snow falls to blind their sight of the white planet. “If it’s of any consolation…” Sigyn eventually says, “I think you’ll be a great king.” She gives him a quick hug and kisses him on the cheek before retreating back to the festivities. Loki is left to watch her leave in mild surprise.
Sigyn. He once thought of her as a puzzle to figure out. Now he doesn’t think he’ll fully understand. But only his mother has been able to read him like she can. Only his mother and now Sigyn could make him second guess everything. Maybe if everything works out and he becomes king she can be his Chief Advisor.

“He comes out here to look at snow but finds something more interesting.” Loki snaps out of his trance, only just realizing that he was still looking where Sigyn left. He turns to see Beli looking at him with a knowing smirk.

“Sigyn and I are close friends,” he replies.

“Oh! So she has you calling her Sigyn now,” Beli says, making no attempt to hide the mocking in his tone. “How interesting.”

“We’re friends!” Loki exclaims.

“Sure, and Farbauti is just going to hand you the throne,” Beli wink and Loki rolls his eyes.

“Sometimes you're more tiresome than my brother,” Loki mutters to which Beli raises an eyebrow.

“I didn’t know you had a brother?” he says.

“Adoptive brother,” Loki replies instinctively. “He had a nasty habit of ignoring my privacy and badgering me until I told him what he wanted to hear.” Beli laughs at that.

“Well then, your Highness, you can expect a lot of badgering in the future,” Beli jokes and laughs as he walks away.

“Great,” Loki replies sarcastically, but an amused smile plays on his face.

**********
“Brodir, we’re going to be late.” Early the next morning Loki wakes to the annoying whines of his little sister. At least she’s not another brother, he thinks. He groans as he rises from the furs and pelts meant to act as his bed. Jarnsaxa looks at him imploringly and he rolls his eyes. Today he’s supposed to begin his training on how to use the Casket and Jarnsaxa wanted to be there to see it all. Loki chuckles at her excitement.

“After breakfast,” he replies, which is responded to by another whine from his sister. Though she does eventually agree when she is forced to admit how hungry she is by her stomach growling.
After breakfast they go out to the field. Sigyn, Beli, and Thrym are all already there waiting for them. Jarnsaxa takes a seat next to Beli to watch the show. Sigyn is the one mostly showing him about how to wield Jotun powers. Every Time she touches his wrists to try to place them in a better position Beli gives him a coy smile which he rolls his eyes to.
They are out there all night practicing the same thing over and over and over again. Only around lunchtime do they take a break. Jarnsaxa wastes no time in grabbing his wrist and dragging him to a particular hut in town. It looks no different than any other hut, aside from the fact that a bunch of Jotun are gathered around. When Loki asks why that is, Jarnsaxa explains. All the Jotun eat together in the center of town but every once in a while, Bestla makes food for the town. Bestla is a skilled chef, she’s a Stormr Jotun with a skill for cooking and baking. When they get their food and sit down to eat, Loki can see why Jarnsaxa was so excited for this. Maybe when he’s king, he can hire Bestla as the head chef.

“A–a–and Bestla makes the best sweets in all the Nine Realms but she says she only makes them for special occasions because they are special,” Jarnsaxa says pouting a bit at the fact that she doesn’t get these delicious sweets all that often. Jarnsaxa has been chattering on since they made it to Bestla’s hut about the best food in the Nine Worlds. “Do you have a favorite sweet?” Jarnsaxa blurts out excitedly.

“I do, in fact,” Loki replies.

“What is it?” Jarnsaxa asks wide eyed, drawing a chuckle from Loki. Since he’s the only family she has he somewhat, accidentally, adopted her. Not that he minds. Something in him feels so satisfied with being an older brother. Furthermore he’s grown fond of the little girl.

“It’s a mortal sweet found on Midgard,” Loki replies. Remarkably, Jarnsaxa’s eyes grow even wider. “They call it ice cream. They add a lot of different flavors and sugar to it. I think it’s even better than this cuisine.”

“Nuh-uh,” Jarnsaxa shook her head in defiance. “Bestla’s sweets are the best!”

“Well, they are very good,” Loki replies calmly, it doesn’t full Jarnsaxa.

“The best!” she says adamantly.

“Sure, the best,” Loki concedes. Jarnsaxa nods victoriously, giving him the widest grin possible on her little face. The look makes him laugh. “Come, sister, finish up so we can get back to training.” That catches her attention because the moment he said that she begins to inhale her food, forgetting all about taste. Once they finish they head back to the field where more have converged to watch him train.
Loki tells himself that it’s because there’s nothing else to do in the whole village but he knows it’s because every time he tries to use the Fjall seidr something goes wrong and he ends up flat on his face. Or Stormr seidr which somehow ends in explosions. Surprisingly Vatn seidr isn’t that troublesome and if he does have trouble Jarnsaxa always gets up to help him. The day passes and his frustration only grow the longer it takes to master this magic that he did not grow up with.
The difference between Jotunar seidr and Aesir seidr is a lot more drastic than it should be. Aesir seidr is just Vanir seidr. Aesir are warriors, if they have magic of any kind it’s almost always imbued in their weapons. The only mages in Asgard are either healer or from Nornheim. Most sorcerers go to Vanaheim or Alfheim to learn seidr. The Vanir are mostly farmers, not warriors and many of their people are scholars. Frigga is from Vanaheim and was taught by many witches of that realm. When she married Odin at the end of the Aesir-Vanir war she shared her skills of magic with him. Asgard gained more seidrmardr after her arrival but Asgard was still lacking when compared to other realms.
Jotun seidr is not something that is simply learned and taught. All Jotunar are born with some amount of seidr in them and are capable of magic. Their seidr, however, is purely elemental. It’s basically working with raw power. Whereas Aesir/Vanir seidr is more precise. The magic he’s used to using requires more thought than strength. It not as flashy or powerful but it’s tricky and gets the job done. Jotun seidr is more like picking up and using Mjolnir, except more instinctual. And that’s another thing, Jotun seidr works mostly by instinct. He really only needs to learn how it feels. Aesir/Vanir seidr depends on what spell and enchantments he uses to complete a task. Each form of Jotun seidr works differently too. Vatn seidr is more fluid and graceful, like dancing. Fjall seidr requires a lot of brute strength and not much else, he would imagine Thor or the Hulk being very good at it. Stormr seidr requires precision and control. Some skills he’s exceptional at, others he’s not.
Regardless, by the time daylight begins to show itself he hasn’t even begun to master Jotunar magic. He doesn’t go straight to bed but instead goes to Thrym's hut, the big one in the center when he first came. He doesn’t know what exactly he’s looking for, he just has a feeling this is the best place to go to cool off.
He walks in and makes his way to the back room. Thrym has shown him how to make the tea he was given when he first arrived. He gets himself some tea and collapses on one of the couches. He has to admit that it is nice to be laying on an actual piece of furniture for once. He didn't get to enjoy it in Asgard, being so focused on escaping and his talk with Frigga.

“One would think you have given up, my King,” comes Thrym's voice. Loki is too tired to acknowledge that, he merely just hums in response. His eyes are closed but he can still feel the shift of the room as Thrym takes a seat on the other couch. “It is not easy to adapt to whole new way of life when you are so used to another.”

“Thrym, I spent the whole day training,” Loki groans. “I am not in the mood for a life lesson.” Thrym snorts at that.

“I merely meant to give you a compliment, my King,” Thrym replies. “Sorcery of any kind takes a lifetime to master. You are doing quite well for one who has had little experience with Jotun seidr.” Loki looks up at Thrym. Normally he’d give a sarcastic remark but here he only nods, if only because he’s too tired.

“You know, you may call me by name,” Loki says after a moment.

“I do not believe you want that, my King,” Thrym comments and Loki looks up at him again. Why would Thrym think that he wouldn’t be ok with it? He just said he would. However he knows Thrym to be much like his mother at times, cryptic. Apparently, it’s something that old people do when they have more wisdom than they know what to do with. They could probably tell you right away what you are doing wrong but don’t for their own entertainment. Of course they would get involved if things became serious but that’s usually how old and wise worked. So he put his head down and didn’t question it.

“If you say so,” he says.

“I used to work for your father, King Laufey,” Thrym stated. “And I was alive during the end of King Grymir’s rule. They were both good leaders. Kind, strong, wise. It was power that corrupted Farbauti and it did the same to Laufey. They fought for what they wanted but there was a time they fought for what the people needed.”

“So I shouldn’t judge them either?” Loki asks. Again cryptic, they never make any sense.

“No, I’m saying that people change,” Thrym replied. “They can get better or they can get worse. You are getting better, my King, and I think Jotunheim will truly be safe under your rule.”

“What makes you think that?” Loki questions. This time, genuinely curious. He wants to be a good thing but the thing he’s done makes him question the possibility.

“Because, my King, you care,” Thrym replies. “You have lived our lives. You are not just our ruler, you are one of us. You have found a place and home here and you have earned our trust. No matter what happens, you must not question that. We may accept you into our home but it’s for you to decide your place in it.”

“You know, I think Sigyn said something similar,” Loki said. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you two are ganging up on me.”

“I helped to raise her since she was a little girl. I think that if she told you that than I would have raised her right.” Loki snorted an amused laugh. Sigyn certainly has her own brand of wisdom, some of which may come from Thrym but Loki is certain that most of it is from her father. “Get some rest, my King. We’ll begin training first thing tomorrow evening.” Loki groans and this time makes it loud enough for Thrym to know exactly what he thinks of that. Thrym only laughs and leaves the room. After some moment, when he realizes that he’s falling asleep, he picks himself up and drags himself back to his hut with Jarnsaxa. She is already fast asleep but the moment he lays down her body somehow moves to curl up next to him. He doesn’t have the energy to think about it. In a moment, he’s asleep as well.

********
The next several days simply progressed. Loki spends most of his time out in the field with the Casket training. He’s pretty sure he’s gotten the hang of Vatn seidr. Fjall seidr he’s getting better at but Stormr seidr he’s hopeless. Maybe Thrym wasn’t so far off when he claimed that Loki was giving up. He’s not one for giving up so easily but he does get particularly frustrated when he can’t master seidr. It’s always been his area of expertise and not being good at it is just wrong.
After failing at Stormr seidr for the thousandth time, he decides to take a break and go for a walk. There aren’t many Stormr Jotunar living in town so there’s no one who’s able to help him. They used to live in the mountains of Jotunheim but were forced to retreat because of how swiftly their home froze over. Very few survived since they were the first to leave. Most of the Jotunar are Fjall because they lived near the or in the forests. While much of the wildlife has been destroyed, Jotunheim was already made for colder climates. The trees are capable of keeping the water from freezing and can even bear some fruit.
He takes a stroll through the forest, no longer worried about wildlife. He can defend himself now. He slowly makes his way to a part of the forest Jarnsaxa had showed him a few days ago. It’s one of the few places where the ground can be seen. A canopy of trees cover it so no snow reaches. Roots also seem to stay from this sacred spot. Probably the only place in all of Jotunheim where the actual ground can be seen. It’s not much, especially because the water and the dirt is frozen making the dirt dry, cracked, and unhealthy. Compared to Asgard it is nothing but to the desolateness of Jotunheim, it’s beautiful. He takes a seat in the small opening. He doesn’t know who else may know about this place but he is hoping it’s few enough where he can spend some time by himself.
There were many places in Asgard where he would go to be alone. He has no doubt that Heimdall knew where he was and his mother, Thor would usually sniff him out eventually but he always had somewhere to go to be alone with his thoughts. As he sits he looks up at the sky, he can’t actually see it through the trees but he can imagine what it would look like. Asgard glowed with magic and Jotunheim can’t be much different, except for the fact that all the clouds cover the night sky constantly. One day, Loki shapeshift into his Aesir form as day broke. He stayed to see what the realm would like during daytime. Would the clouds disappear? Would it be bright? Would the snow shine? Clouds still cluttered the sky but somehow the sunlight found a few cracks to break through. The light reflected of the snow causing the valley to shine like diamonds in coal. The forest seemed somehow brighter too. There was a beauty to both the day and night. But the Jotunar could only see one.
It seemed a little ironic. There was a culture in this small town. The only Culture the Jotunar know. It’s like the night, there is an inherent beauty in it but most of it is shrouds behind clouds. The day is what they strive for and the light shining through is what they could have. What they hope Loki will give them. He still doubts that he can. That he’ll bring anything but more pain. It’s as Odin said, “wherever you go, there is war, ruin, and death.” He wants to help these people. His people. But he’s Loki.

“Sigyn’s not going to be happy you snuck away from training,” the voice of Beli broke through his thoughts. He looks up to see the Jotun smirking down at him. Loki rolls his eyes playfully.

“I am merely taking a break,” he defends. “Besides, Thrym wants to finalize any plan of attack before we take Utgard.”

“By the lakes of Mimir, all you people do strategize!” Beli exclaims. “You're probably the most powerful Jotun in all of Jotunheim and that’s without the Casket.” Loki is well aware of Beli's propensity for rushing things. Though he’s never asked, he would guess Beli was the one who suggested breaking him out of the jail at that moment.

“My brother is very powerful as well,” Loki stated nonchalantly. “He would always rush into battle, getting himself caught in traps or facing enemies he could defeat with brute force. I assure you there is a method to our madness.” This time Beli rolls his eyes.

“Firstly, I understand that. I’m just getting sick of waiting to see you drive an ice dagger through Farbauti’s head.” Loki smirks at that. Beli once told him his story. His home was one of the few that survived the corruption of Jotunheim and his own attack with the bifrost. What did them in is when Farbauti took over and destroyed Beli’s home. Beli was the only survivor and took refuge here. To say that he has a grudge against Farbauti would be an understatement and he hopes to live his revenge vicariously through Loki’s defeat of Farbauti. Loki is more than happy to oblige. “And secondly, you brother sounds like an idiot.” At that Loki has to laugh, loud and hard. No one else, even if they agreed, would say such a thing at loud to the Crown Prince of Asgard or to the second one for that matter. The blatant disrespect is actually one of the things he likes about Beli. He’s respectful but he’s not afraid to tell you like it is. For someone who’s been lied to so often, it’s nice to hear blatant honesty, even if it hurts.

“I agree,” Loki says simply after he calms down. Beli comes over to take a seat next to him. The area is barely big enough for the two of them, specifically Beli because of his size but somehow he manages to squeeze in without it becoming awkward.

“Do you miss them,” Beli says, breaking the silence. Loki turns to give him a questioning look. “Your adoptive family I mean.” Loki looks back to the ground. It’s not an easy question to answer.

“I miss my mother,” he admits. That is the easiest of any of his relationships to identify. She may have lied to him but he doesn’t feel like she betrayed him. At least not like Odin or Thor. She was only ever a mother who made mistakes because she loved him. Odin and Thor made mistakes, but not because they cared about how it would affect him. They only thought of themselves. “I don’t think I could ever consider another as my mother but my adoptive father and brother are different. I was never close to my adoptive father since he favored my adoptive brother and rarely paid me any attention.”

“And your adoptive brother?” Beli asks. He sounds genuinely concerned and doesn’t jump to conclusions that most would. If Loki’s being honest, in some ways, Beli feels more like his brother.

“He cares. I think somewhere in that thick skull of his he does but he doesn’t really know me,” Loki replies. “He’s the center of his own universe. Everything revolves around him and he thinks what is good in his mind is the same for everyone. He never really understood why I didn’t enjoy doing the same thing he did or why I wouldn’t jump at every opportunity to go on a hunt or adventure with him. He rarely ever respected our differences.”

“But he does care,” Beli says as a statement.

“But he does care,” Loki concedes.

“I bet they miss you,” Beli says. “I would give anything to see my home and family again. I mean don’t get me wrong, I love it here. This is my home now but it’s still not the same. You know.” Loki doesn’t even respond and instead just nods. There have been some times when he’s thought of it. Just dropping everything and going back to Asgard, plead for forgiveness and hug his mother again. Pretend none of this ever happened. But to do so would mean leaving a different family, home, and life. One that he’s come to love just as much if not more. But everytime he thinks of this realm as home he can’t help but think of Asgard the same way as well. He used to think he didn’t have a home but now he thinks he might have two.

“Yes,” he finally says, and admits it for the first time. “I miss them. And I miss my home.” Beli isn’t at all offended at him calling Asgard home. He bristles a bit but doesn’t judge. That’s another thing that he’s come to like about Jotunheim. The Jotunar had to survive and sometimes that meant doing things that Asgard may consider monstrous but they don’t judge each other because they all have a past. Loki has a past to but a lot of things he did, he didn’t necessarily have to do. It’s why he is so scared of telling them the truth but intends to do so, eventually.
After he’s saved them and proved himself, then he will. Loki’s about to open his mouth to say something more when he is cut off by a loud scream. Beli and Loki share the same expression of wide eyes for a moment before they both scramble to their feet and go straight for the village. Beli, of course, reaches there first. But Loki manages to stay not too far behind. When they reach the village however, nothing else matters.
Fror giants surround the village and have begun freezing and destroying huts. The Jotunar scatter. What few fighters they have, attempt to fight back but are greatly outnumbered. In the center is Farbauti and his two sons. They are converging on his hut, where Jarnsaxa should be. Loki’s eyes go wide.

“No,” he says softly, almost as a whisper.

“It won’t happen,” Beli snarls from beside him. The Jotun is lost in his own world of rage. The ground shakes where he stands and his body automatically covers itself in an armor of rocks. A giant ax forms in his hands. He bares his teeth as he glares down at the village. In a second Beli begins to run, straight for Farbauti. “FOR JOTUNHEIM!”

“Beli! NO!” In a moment Loki is running too. He doesn’t know what is going to happen but he knows it’s not going to be good. Regardless, he runs. Jotunheim is his home now and he won’t let anything happen to his home. His course changes and soon he’s running after Farbauti as well. His ice blade is drawn and he shields himself in armor made of ice. He yells as he runs toward his enemy and once he makes it, he leaps for an attack.

Chapter Text

His course changes and soon he’s running after Farbauti as well. His ice blade is drawn and he shields himself in armor made of ice. He yells as he runs toward his enemy and once he makes it, he leaps for an attack. Farbauti quickly maneuvers to counter and hit him square in the jaw with a blungent made of ice. He flies back into one of the huts and blinks a few times as pick himself back up. Now that he has his Asgarian magic back, he can heal instantaneously. When he looks back up he finds Farbauti glaring at him. Loki smirks at his opponent.

“Why Uncle, I was not expecting you,” Loki says, voice dripping with sarcasm. “It’s a shame to warn me sooner, I would have prepared something nice for you. I suppose these will have to do it instead.” As Loki says in his last sentence he throws at least a dozen ice daggers at Farbauti. Farbauti swung his ice blunget out and whacked the daggers away. He advanced and gave another swing, Loki, ready for it this time side stepped and conjured an ice sword which he used to slash at Farbauti’s side. Farbauti gave a cry of pain before promptly swinging around and nearly striking Loki on the head. Loki dodges again and ducks behind one of the huts. He hears Farbauti growl.

“You are no nephew of mine, runt,” Farbauti grunts. “Jotunheim is mine. Surrender now and I’ll make your death quick.” Farbauti then finds him behind the hut and swings his blungent down. Loki narrowly dodges the attack and throws some ice daggers Farbauti’s way as he does so. Farbauti blocks his attack and advances. Loki dodges to the left, only to find that he miscalculated. Farbauti’s weapon came into straight contact with his chest. Loki drops to the ground in a bit of a haze. “Do you surrender now, runt.”

“You know,” Loki wheezes as he tries to pull himself out of the snow. “I’ve gotten far better offers from monsters far worse than you,” he spits. Farbauti growls and prepares to bring his blungent down on him again. However, Loki is prepared for it this time. He uses his Asgardian seidr and conjures fire. Just as the blungent begins to fall, flames erupt from Loki’s hand. The ice blungent melts and Farbauti screams in pain of the burns he’s accumulated. Loki takes advantage of this opportunity and lands a few blows with his ice daggers. A loud growl is heard but it doesn’t come from Farbauti this time, it comes from Helbindi. The Fror throws several shards of ice directly at Loki. He barely has time to throw up an energy shield before being bombarded with shards of ice. The force throws him back into the snow again. Just as Loki recovers and pulls himself back up, he sees that Farbauti has recovered as well. Evidently, Jotunar can survive a lot worse than Aesir. Good to know but doesn’t really help him now as both Farbauti and Helbindi advance.

“You will die, Odinson,” Helbindi growls. Loki glares and dodges Helbindi’s attack with an ice sword. Farbauti has regained a weapon of his own, this time an ax which he promptly uses to attack. Loki conjures duplicates of himself in order to confuse the two Fror giants. At the same each duplicate and the original release a stream of ice daggers. Many miss and many hit their target. Farbauti and Helblindi growl, obviously more angry than injured. Farbauti makes the ground shake by swinging his ax down. This makes Loki lose his concentration and the duplicates disappear. As soon as Helbindi spots the real Loki he whirls in for the attack. By the time Loki regains his balance, an ice dagger slashes him in the leg. Loki falls to his knees. And slash to the side makes him yell in pain. Farbauti comes up and smacks him over with his ax making Loki fall to the ground again. He tries to conjure something, anything to help him. But his head still throbs and he can’t focus. Just as Farbauti gears up to hit Loki again a loud roar can be heard. In a second the earth began to quake and crack open. Beli appears with a giant ax in his hand and charges straight for Farbauti. Helbindi stands to guard his father but is suddenly hit by a violet blast of magic that knocks the Jotun down. Beli completes his charge and attacks Farbauti. Farbauti narrowly dodges this attack and begins to fight his new opponent. Loki watches in shock for a moment before a hand draws his eyes from the fight.

“Come on, Loptr,” Sigyn says as she helps him to his feet. “We must bring the King and the Casket to safety.” Loki opened his mouth to protest but was cut off by a pained cry. He turns and sees Beli hit in the stomach by Farbauti's ax. However, the Fjall giant just growls and brushes off this attack. He grips his own weapon tighter and begins to fight Farbauti again. “Beli can handle himself. We have to go.” Loki looks back at Sigyn's worried face and finally concedes. Their main priority should be the Casket anyway.
They run through the town, destruction everywhere. The Jotunar fight each other with whatever they have. Several times he and Sigyn are stopped and have to help and fight, however it never lasts long as she rushes them through to the center of town. They duck into Thrym's hut. Just as they are about to be hit, Sigyn throws some shards of ice behind her, taking out a Fror Giant. This hut isn’t safe per se but it is safer than outside currently. Sigyn begins to look around for presumably the Casket, while a gasp catches Loki’s attention.

“Brodir, you're alright!” Jarnsaxa exclaims as she runs up to him and hugs him. Loki kneels down and pulls her into a tight hug as well.

“Systir, I am glad you are alright as well. I was worried,” he says. Jarnsaxa is next in line for the throne after him. She is as much of a target as he is. He was worried that Farbauti had already gotten to her. Thanks to the Norns, Thrym and Sigyn made it first!
“I’m alright,” Jarnsaxa confirms. “Some Fror tried to hurt me but I ran away. Then Boda found me and she used an ice sword like this…” Jarnsaxa held up her hand in an imitation of holding a sword and began to swing her arms around pretending to fight Fror giants. “And then she won and she brought me here.” An amused smile appears on Sigyns face as she continues her search.

“Well it’s a good thing she was there then,” Loki said, slightly amused as well. Jarnsaxa nodded sagely.

“Indeed it was,” Thrym’s voice halts any further conversation. They all look up at the older Jotun. He holds a bag with a distinct blue glow, the Casket. Sigyn marches up and grabs the bag. “Get their majesties out of here,” he says to Sigyn who nods.

“Wait, what about you!” Loki exclaims, eyes wide. “What about them!” He then gestures to the warring Jotunar outside.

“You are more important, my King,” Thrym says. “If you are lost, Jotunheim is lost.” Loki turns head to Sigyn. She doesn’t seem any happier about it but her face is resolute. Loki looks down. Normally he’d be more than happy to run but that’s all he’s been doing . He looks down at Jarnsaxa as tears begin to well in her eyes. He picks her up and holds her close. Unfortunately they’re right, they’re not given much of a choice. He nods to Thrym and Sigyn, a silent agreement. They nod back and with another word Sigyn begins to lead them to the back room. She goes to the hearth which is now devoid of any logi fire. She pushes along the back wall until a small, secret door opens up. She pokes her head through and looks around before turning to him and nodding. She goes through the small door and Loki follows.

“Let's go,” she nods to them and they head off to the forest. Jarnsaxa snuggles up closer to Loki, clearly not happy with being forced to leave her home. Loki can agree with the sentiment but there is little else for it. If they escape then there’s a chance for them to regroup and save the others, hopefully.
They almost make it to the forest when they see a group of Fror giants. One of them is Byleistr.Sigyn quickly steps in front of them and prepares for a fight. Byleistr meets their eyes and for a moment just stares. He doesn’t attack or mock them for trying to leave, he just stands there. They all do, tense with anticipation. Then Loki sees it, minute as it is it shows Byleistr’s intelligence for his eyes flicker to the bag holding the Casket. He hides his expression well but can see the surprise and the Jotun’s face and another emotion, one Loki knows all too well, hope.
A split second is all it takes and one command from Byleistr and Sigyn and Loki are fighting Fror Giant. However, Loki knows it’s a distraction. Just to confirm that thought, Byleistr conjures a horn of ice and blows on it hard. The Jotunar from the battle below turn to spot Loki and Sigyn still fighting. Helbindi and Beli are locked in a fight with each other but Farbauti breaks away from the battle and heads straight for them.

“Norns!” Sigyn curses as she takes down one of the Fror. Loki heads straight for Byleistr, even though he knows it won’t do any good. He’s just glad that the moment he set Jarnsaxa down, she was smart enough to go hide in the forest. Loki throws several ice daggers at Byleistr. Byleistr easily dodges but the point was to distract him. As soon as Loki makes it to his target he conjures a sword and slashes Byleistr in the face. Byleistr lets out a cry of pain and Loki prepares for a counter attack. Eventually Byleistr does pull himself together but instead of conjuring some sort of weapon he mutters a few words that Loki can’t quite make out. Suddenly the snow beneath his feet starts to rise up and take the form of Jotunar. Jotunar soldiers conjured by ice. Loki’s eyes widened and only now does he realize his mistake. Byleistr is a sorcerer not a warrior. Loki immediately shifts gears and switches to his Asgardian sorcery. He conjures a blast of energy to attack the ice golems with instead. Every single time one of the ice golems comes in for an attack Loki conjures a shield to defend himself with. As he fights he notices Sigyn taking on Farbauti. He wants to help but can’t step away from the ice golems just yet.
There are about five ice golems. They seem to be unaffected by Loki’s seidr blasts until he remembers his fight with Farbauti. Quickly he conjures some duplicates. Then he waits for the right moment to strike one of the golems. As soon as he spots it he conjures some fire and attacks the golems weakest point. The golem doesn’t just melt however, no instead it shatters. Loki repeats this method with the rest of the golems until they’re all destroyed. He then confronts Byleistr. Byleistr seems ready for an attack but Loki doesn’t advance, instead he draws on he learns and uses some Fjall magic. The ground shakes and rocks emerge as big as Byleistr. Byleistr is thrown to the ground and only then does Loki advance. However, he halts when a loud scream suddenly makes him remember, Sigyn!
He immediately turns to face Farbauti. Sigyn is next to him on the ground. She seems injured but not with anything fatal, fortunately. Unfortunately, Farbauti is holding the last thing he should be holding in his hands, the Casket of Ancient Winters. Loki scowls at his uncle. Farbauti looks at him with a very smug look. He looks about ready to say something but Loki doesn’t give him the chance, at that moment he charges. Rage takes over and all he sees is red. He conjures fire in one hand and a blade in the other. Not an ice blade this time, a real one made with Asgardian metal. He attacks Farbauti with everything in him, each attack is swift and powerful. Somewhere he hears a loud cry of anger but only when he takes a shot at Farbauti does he realize that that cry came from himself. Farbauti hits the ground with a loud thud. Loki glares, waiting for the monster to get back. Eventually Farbauti does but instead anger or indignation, there is only laughter. Horrid, mocking laughter. Farbauti laughs at him as he gets to his feet.

“Struck a nerve, did I? Odinson,” Farbauti says menacingly.

“Odinson?” Loki’s eyes widen as he turns to see Sigyn give a questioning look.

“Oh, didn’t tell you?” Farbauti continued. “Allow me to introduce your king. Prince Loki Odinson of Asgard. A traitor to his people. Conqueror to the realm of Midgard and you’ll like this one the best…The one who slayed Laufey and set off the bifrost with the intent to destroy this realm.” Sigyns eyes widened in shock and betrayal. Her eyes meet Loki’s hoping to find out that this isn’t true. Loki opens his mouth, he tries to explain but in the end he just looks away in shame.
Sigyn is about to say something when Loki suddenly gets shot in the chest with what can only be described as a ball of ice. Farbauti has the Casket and is using its Fro magic to attack Loki. A chill suddenly comes, something much colder than Jotunheim and for the first time Loki can feel the corruption of this realm and the Casket. It only deepens as Farbauti uses the Casket more and more. Loki picks himself up to attack again. But everytime Farbauti counters with the Casket. Loki tries to draw on the Caskets magic, tries to draw on all the Jotun seidr he possesses but it does nothing as Farbauti grows more and more powerful.
With a final shot, Loki practically flies back to the center of town. Pain seeps throughout his entire body. It’s worse than when the Hulk smashed. A deep chill sets itself inside of his bones and it’s like even his seidr has been frozen solid. All Jotunar stops and watches in shock. Byleistr grabs his hand from behind. In that moment, Loki feels a shift deep within his bones and his magic working without his consent. He writhes in pain as his body morphs into something it wasn’t ready to change into. He screams as for the second time his body is forced to shift forms. However, nce the familiar shift takes place, Loki relaxes as his familiar Aesir form takes hold. Only to realize what has happened. Farbauti exposed him. His greatest secret or one of his greatest secrets is out in the open, and there’s nothing he can do about it.
Loki looks up to find the Jotunar, his people staring with mixed emotions of horror and betrayal. He looks away, the all too familiar feeling of failure and shame fills him again. They look at him the same way Asgard always did. He wanted to be angry at them. Lash and tell them that it wasn’t his fault but he knew that would just be another lie. It was his fault. He did lie to them. He did betray them. Just when he thought it couldn’t get any worse, Farbauti begins to talk.

“This is your king,” Farbauti sneers. “The great Loki Odinson of Asgard. A traitor and murderer. Do you want to know why he’s here? Because he was banished for trying to conquer another realm and steal a throne. All I did was take Jotunheim when it rightfully belonged to me but Loki killed innocents. Took out whoever stood in his path, in his attempt to acquire great power. Like father, like son. He’s no more your king than Laufey ever was. I am your king and the rightful ruler of Jotunheim. Do not doubt me again.” With that Farbauti lifts the Casket and all eyes widen as more clouds darken the sky. A snow storm begins to rival that of any snow storm. The winds are strong enough to tear apart the village. Farbauti turns around to give Loki one last smirk before he and the Fror leave.

“Retreat to the forest,” Loki hears Beli yell and all of a sudden the entire village is running, fleeing what used to be their home. Loki doesn’t move his eyes too wide and his heart is still pounding. Farbauti took the Casket and destroyed everything. He just sits there and watches as everything is destroyed before his eyes. Before he realizes it someone is behind him, helping him to a standing position and ushering him to the forest.

“Come, Highness,” the voice of Thrym says through the thick snow, making Loki realize that's who was helping him to the forest. Once they make it to the forest, Loki is just grateful to see that everyone made it. Many are wounded but they made it. However it’s made a little bitter when Loki knows the reason why they were spared. Farbauti was clearly smarter than Loki thought. It was the same trick that he had played on the Avengers. It’s one thing to destroy your enemy, to kill the supposed hero. Doing so could very well destroy hope or garner it as said hero would probably become a martyr. But to make them distrust him, to create chaos and dysfunction within a team, that would work much better. Hope would be lost, the enemy in disarray, and there would be no coming back.

“So, Loki,” Sigyn says and he winces at the clear anger in her tone. Loki can’t make himself meet her eyes. He dreaded this moment and a part of him hoped it would never come. He looks around at the group, some glare at and others refuse to meet his eyes. Specifically Beli. He looks down and to the side. Loki can’t tell which is worse, the blatant anger of Sigyn or the clear disappointment of Beli. “Were you ever going to tell us?” It is then Loki finally meets her eyes. He used to think Jotun eyes were monstrous but now they scare him for a completely different reason.

“Yes,” he says quickly. “I was, eventually. I just–”

“Eventually?” she exclaims. “When? A year from now? Two?”

“I wanted to save Jotunheim first and I needed you to trust me–” he tries to explain.

“Trust you? You lied!” Sigyn practically yells.

“Sigyn…”

“NO! Don’t call me Sigyn,” she snaps. “Loki, I don't care about your Odinson. But I do care that you didn’t tell us that you were the one who attacked Jotunheim! You said you wanted our trust but after everything we’ve been through you couldn’t trust us enough with this?”

“There was never a good time to say it,” he says quickly before could cut him off. “I–I wanted to help. I wanted to save this realm and restore it to what it was. I wanted to be your king–”

“But you’re not our king!” she cuts him off. “You want the throne. That’s all you care about, thats all any stupid king of Jotunheim cares about. You tried to destroy our realm. You killed Jotunar, for what? A crown? And then you lied. Farbauti was right for once, you are no better than Laufey.” Loki’s eyes go wide at that. What is he supposed to say to that? The last thing he wants to be is like Laufey but in a way she’s right. He’s lied and cheated and killed. In the end, it cost him everything. Boda turns around to face the other Jotunar. “The Casket is gone and we have no king. This is our last chance. I say we attack Utgard now, what else do we have to lose,” she says and her voice sounds so broken. To his horror the other Jotunar agreed. Even Beli.
Within the next few hours the Jotunar make a half put together plan, pack up, and leave. Loki does not follow because he is not welcomed. He finds the small open Jarnsaxa showed him in the forest and sits there. He lost them. Jotunheim is going to fall and it’s his fault. He thought felt dead and empty when Odin first banished him here but this is worse, because this time he actually had something to lose. Now he has nowhere to go. There’s nothing to be done. Jotunheim is doomed and it’s his fault.

Chapter Text

Jotunheim is doomed and it’s his fault. It’s hard to say that he has never felt so hopeless before because that is simple not true. There have several occasions, especial in recent years, that he could draw from. Those moments he knows were easily more hopeless then this. But that what makes this time worse. Those times were hopeless in absolute. He didn’t have hope to begin with. He had hope this time. Hope that things could change. Hope that he could change and that other would help him. It wasn’t hopeless from the beginning, no matter how much he told himself that it was. And now it’s gone. He lost all hope. All those times before he could find someone to blame his misfortune on. Odin, Thor, Thanos, the Hulk… But now he can’t. All hope is lost and he is the reason for that.
Loki picks himself up and slowly trudges to the now ruined village. The huts have but collapsed in on themselves. Even Thryms hut wasn’t spared the chaos. Everywhere you go, you bring war, ruin, and death. For once, and very annoyingly so, Odin was right. War came to the village because he was there. Ruin came to the village because of his lies. And he already brought more than enough death to Jotunheim. Why not pile on top because he can’t even do anything to fix it this time. With nothing else to do, he might as well continue his plan of leaving Jotunheim. Problem is, he doesn’t want to leave and he wouldn’t know where to go. He doesn’t particularly care about Asgard anymore. He found a new home. And you lost it again, his voice sneers at him in his head.

“Brodir!” He only register the cry moments before he’s tackled by Jarnsaxa. He loses his balance and falls flat on his butt. Jarnsaxa doesn’t think twice as she readjusts herself to hug the now accessable top half of Loki. He knows she heard everything that had just happened so he’s surprised at her reaction yet still he hugs her back, thank for the small break from his thought and the little support she offers.

“Systir, is everything alright?” He’s not really sure what else to say. She knows everything that has happened. However when Boda started to react and the others turned away, Loki admittedly wasn’t looking at Jarnsaxa at the time. He feels the most guilty betraying her trust like that, she his kin. His only blood kin that is not currently out to kill him. And he just now realizes how confusing his family dynamic really is. That will be something to think about some other time.

“Are you alright?” she asks in her innocent voice. “I thought you were leaving, but you can’t leave. Your my brother. You can’t leave me.” At this Loki’s whole demeanor softens. It hard to stay face when talk to the mortal equivalent of a six year old.

“I am not going anywhere, Jarnsaxa,” he says and hugs her tighter for enphasis. He means it too. He literally has no where else to go and so long as Jarnsaxa is still rellying on him, he can’t just leave.

“Well that is good to here.” The voice of Thrym cuts through his thoughts. He turns his head to see the older Jotun standing over him. It’s something Loki has quickly grown used to during his time here so he is neither surprised nor intimidated. Though he still finds it a bit awkward to be looking up at everyone. In Asgard there weren’t many who were taller than him. And if they were, it was only by a few inches. Nothing so drastic.

“I am surprised to see you both here,” Loki comments. He tries to make sound as nonchalant as possible but it still comes out a bit like a question. And even a hint of accusation.

“I am no warrior and someone need to stay behind to watch Princess Jarnsaxa,” Thrym states. Before Loki can reply, Jarnsaxa jumps and glares at Thrym with complete indignation.

“Hey! I can take care of myself!” she explains. Both Loki and Thrym have to hold back chuckles. Even Loki can’t deny how adorable it is seeing kids try to be angry or look scary but only end up looking that much cuter.

“Of course, Princess. But I also wanted to speak with, his Majesty.” Thrym tilts his head in Loki’s direction as a gesture. Jarnsaxa seems to accept this answer and nods. She promptly sits down on Loki’s lap again, thereby preventing him from getting up.

“You don’t ave to call me that, you know,” Loki says to Thrym but can’t meet the Jotuns eye eye as he says it. “I am no king, nor am I a prince. At least not anymore.” Jarnsaxa looks at him curiously.

“But you are a King?” she asks. “King of Jotunheim.”

“Not without a people to rule,” Loki replies. “I can’t be a king if they don’t trust me.”

“They don’t trust you because your real name is Loki instead of Loptr?” Jarnsaxa questions. Loki looks up to Thrym for help but he only finds Thrym smiling encouragingly. Loki sighs, this is going to be a painful explanation.

“It’s not because I lied about my name, iit’s because I lied about who I was,” Loki explains. “My adoptive father is King Odin Allfather of Asgard. The Queen was my adoptive mother. And the Crown Prince, my adoptive brother. That is the family I knew and grew up with. The people of Asgard don’t like Jotunar because of a very old war. Because of that, I grew up not liking Jotunar either. But only because I didn’t know anything about them. I was angry when I found out that I was one and in my anger I set of the bifrost to attack Jotunheim.” Jarnsaxa looked like she had just been smacked in the face. Her face turned into a scowl which made Loki both a little nervous and want to chuckle at the adorable expression.

“That’s mean!” she exclaimed at him.

“It was,” Loki sighed. He wasn’t going to deny it. After all that’s happened, there has been too much he regrets. Or maybe he always regretted them but just didn’t accept it until now. “Jarnsaxa,” he said and lifted the girls chin to meet his eye. “I was stupid and scared and angry. I didn’t know you or anyone else here. What I did was very very wrong. And if I knew then what I know now I would never have done it.” That part was very honest. Even before his attack on New York, he regretted that moment. Though for entirely different reason. “I’m sorry.” Jarnsaxa stared at him, analyzing him. Sometimes he forgot how clever the girl was. Youth gave such a strange perspective on the world. However, it also gave them a unique sort of wisdom.

“Do you love me?” she finally asked. Loki stared back at for a moment then pulled her into a tight hug.

“I love you more than anyting,” he said honestly. She is his family, they all are. He can’t just stop loving them. He could stop loving his adoptive family. It’s just those emotions became decidedly more complicated.

“I forgive you,” Jarnsaxa replies but then adds, “But never do that again, promise?”

“Promise,” he says, with a smile on his face. Jarnsaxa gives a curt nod before her face breaks into a wide smile and dives into his embrace again.Thrym smirks at them both in a knowing way. It reminds Loki to much of his mother, which only serves to make him more uncomfortable.

“I am sorry, Thrym,” he might as well get that out of the way while he can. Luckily this one won’t come with a lengthy explanation. Hopefully.

“You have nothing to apologize for, my King,” Thrym replied non-chalantly. “I already knew.” Loki’s eyebrow rose, not necessarily in surprise. Thrym, like his mother, always knew when he was lying. But the confusion was why he didn’t say anything all along. Thrym didn’t answer, not really. But he did reply to Loki’s unspoken thought. “I never told you how I ended up here, in the village. I know you’ve puzzled over it. After all, I am a full blooded Fror Jotun.” Loki nodded but didn’t say anything, he sort of suspected it was becasue of the Jotuns age and the fact that he wasn’t prejiduice like the rest of the Fror. It eased his curiousity to some extent when came to that conclusion but it wasn’t fullfilling. Loki stared at Thrym with his full attention. “I was Laufey cheif advisor, even through the Aesir-Fror wars…” Loki had discoverd that most Jotun, not Frors, referred to the war that way because it was only between Aesir and Frors. The Jotunar in general didn’t particularly care about Asgard. They had their opinions but their fight was always with the Fror. “The battle was vicious and deadly. And when I saw the blood Aesir, Jotun, and Mortal alike, I questioned what we fighting for. I was one of the ones loyal to Laufey. After everything with Farbauti, I though he was king that did what he had to do. But I was wrong. Laufey had turned out to be no better than his brother. I was loyal to him, but questioned him. Do you know what finally made me turn away?”

“No,” Loki said, this is not what he was expecting at all.

“You,” Thrym replied simply. Loki’s eyes drew together in slight confusion before something dawned him. “The birth of the new King of Jotunheim was to be a monumental occasion. However, many including Laufey would deny you your birthright, simply because you were a halfbreed. He himself was granted the throne for Ymir’s crown, it is a simble given by mimir to choose the worthiest leader, and he would deny you that for his own selfish ambitions. He saw a threat to his power and wish to be rid of you. So I took you instead and I brought you to the temple. I new you would not be safe with the other Jotunar, that once Laufey found out, he would stop at nothing to kill you. But Odin then came. He did not take you, I gave you to him. I said that you were the future of Jotunheim and that he would need to learn to be true king before he took the throne. Odin agreed, he took you back to Asgard to raise you as his own. I knew would be fine considering your half Aesir. After that, I spread the word to the rest of the Jotunar that our true king would return one day. However, I never told this story to anyone else, except for one man. Sigyn’s father.” Loki stared at him wide eyed.

“You mean, Sigyn’s father he knew…” Loki began.

“He knew you were the one who attacked Jotunheim and that it would only be a matter of time when Odin would send you to us. He had hope that you would restore Jotunheim and when he died, he regretted nothing,” Thrym said. Loki knew he said that last part for his benefit. For the guilt he felt of killing Sigyns father.

“He was never going to survive, was he?” Loki asked.

“Joutnheim became far too cold and he was growing old. Sigyn may well have slowed his death had she succeeded but it would not have been for long. He was on his deathbed, there was nothing that could be done,” Thrym elaborated on. Loki nodded, it was more than he ever thought to take in. The entire time, this is what Odin and his mother were planning and Thrym was in on it. A part felt anger and betrayed. Why can’t people tell him these things? But another part was relieved to finally know, to finally understand. He was taken for political reasons but that’s not all he was. Not Thor, Frigga, or his people. He’s still not sure about Odin but he has just a hint of more respect for the king. Odin intended for this to happen. A part of him was revolted to have fallen into the trap but another could only be happy at the results.

“Why is it that no one thinks it right to tell me these things?” Loki asks. While he does mean it, there is mock indignation in his voice. He’s not upset with the result, merely the means.

“I cannot speak for Odin. I know that if they spread the knew that you would be in danger from both Laufey and the Aesir. But when you were older, I have no clue. I know that when you first came here you were very prejudiced against us. You had much anger and hate in your heart. I did not think it would be wise to tell you this until you adjusted. I had to wait for you to let go of your own lies for me to release mine.” Loki nodded at Thryms sound logic. Loki would have fought and been enraged at being lied to again. In truth, he still was. A part of him desperately wanted to yell at Thrym but another part knew that it would gain him nothing.

“None of that matters now,” Loki said, as his mind shifted back to the matter at hand. Jarnsaxa shifted in his arms, he had almost forgotten that she was there. He has become used to having her around, like a little shadow.

“We need to help Boda,” she said in the most innocent way possible. Loki nodded at her. He finally got a home and a family. He would fight to keep this one, even if they altimately choose to reject him. He had no where else to go.

“How?” he asked to more himself than anyone else.

“I may have a solution,” Thrym offered. Loki looked over at him with a lifted brow. This should be interesting.

*************
Blood red eyes, tusks and horns thicker than Thors arm, thick, black skin, that looked to be stone, and claws and teeth to rival that of the worst beast of Asgard. That’s what Loki was staring at right now. A giant, four legged creature that could, and probably has, kill and eat prey bigger than him. And according to Thrym, Loki had to ride it. Needless to say, Loki did not approach the beast. It was the same sort of creature Thor had taken down on his first trip to Jotunheim. Apparently Jotunar would mount and ride such creatures. Loki wasn’t surpirsed to find out that there were no horse but this–this was not expected. The creature was bigger than a bilgesnipe, big enough for an average sized Jotun to mount and ride.
He felt a nudge from behind him and slowly began to walk toward the creature. Grimulfs, Thrym had called them. He also them loyal and friendly. As if the were basically puppy dogs. Jarnsaxa had added cute. Given Loki was in his Jotun form, he was certain it wasn’t the unique eyesight that made her think that. She always found the good everyone and everything she had met. Case in point, him. But Loki would guess that she is really stretching her talents with this one.
Finally, he approaches the creature. He tries to stay in its eyesight so as not to spook it. It follows his movements closely, as an animal would when watching his prey. He looks up to give a silent plea to Thrym for him to just run away but Thrym only gestures to the Grimulf. Loki takes a deep breath before approaching. No sudden move, Thrym advised. Just like riding a horse. Loki did not believe that.
He stood right in front of the Grimulf staring it into the eye. It occurred to him that that may not be the wisest idea. He can feel it warm breath on his skin and every instinct is telling him to turn away. Against his better judgement, he stays his ground. The creature huffs and bends down. Loki looks over to Thrym for advice and is only rewarded by a singal nod. Loki looks back at the creature nevously before moving around to it’s back. He carefully mounts and the Grimulf begins to rise. That wasn’t so bad.
In that moment the Grimulf breaks into a run, nearly making Loki fly off. He holds on tight as the creature jumps and changes direction trying to shake him. The Grimulf smacks against a couple trees and it’s only after the fifth try that Loki goes flying off. Jarnsaxa races over to him laughing, while Thrym make his way slower. Thrym seems but at least tries to hide it at Loki’s annoyed glare.

“That was a good start, my King,” Thrym tries to sincere but Loki can hear the mocking tone in his voice.

“You don’t just jump on their back,” Jarnsaxa giggle.

“Well you both weren’t very heavey with the details,” Loki defends himself which only amuses the coconspiritors who put him up to this. He wasn’t surprised to learn that Jarnsaxa had a mischievious side but he expected more from Thrym. “As much as I enjoy a goo prank, now’s hardly the time.” His voice is stern a those word and the two of them snap back to attention. There are times, like these, where the idea of being a king is just to sweet.

“Of course, my King. I apologies,” Thrym says with lingering amusment in his tone. Loki waits patiently until Thrym explains. “We do ride Grimulfs like you ride horses but not is the same way. You once asked why we don’t where shoes and told you that it was to be more connect to our home. Our magic come from the very land we stand on. Asgardian may draw from anywhere they need but Jotunar draw from the very essance beneath our feet. When you do that you become one with Jotunheim and it’s inhabitance. With the Casket, you gain control over those connection. You become able to control the weather, shape mountains, and so on. Jotunheim becomes yours and you use tha power for you people. To ensure good harvest every year and bountiful hunts.”

“How come I never had axcess to this power when I had the Casket before?” he asks.

“Because Jotunheim wasn’t your home. You were in conflict of where you belong. You still are and everything from the realm to the wildlife knows it.” Thrym then gesture to the Grimulf who’s settled down for a nap.

“Are you saying I have to choose?”

“I am saying that you should stop being so afraid to accept Jotunheim and all that it offers. You already sees this realm as your home, now make it your own and find your place here.” It was the same thing everyone else has been telling him. What was it that Boda had said? “It’s something that you make yourself and that you feel comfortable with.” Jotunheim was his home, he just needed to prove it.

“How are we getting to Utgard if I can’t ride?” Loki asks.

“You can’t drive but I can. I will take you,” Thrym replies and Loki nods.

“Great! Than you and me can fight Farbauti!” Jarnsaxa exclaims. Loki gives her a lopsided smile.

“Your not going to fight Farbauti, Systir,” Loki replies, nealing down to her.

“But I want to help!” Jarnsaxa says petulently. She crosses her little arm and give a very childish pout. He imagine this is how he must have looked when he wanted to join his brother and father on hunts but deemed to small to go with them. He was always told he could when he was older and was absolutely furious that that wasn’t now. In any case he brought her chin up to look at him in the eye.

“When the fight is over, I will show you how to fight. But this fight is too dangerous and your not ready. Stay with Thrym. You’ll help me by staying safe,” Loki said. Jarnsaxa looked sad but there was a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

“You promise you’ll teach me how to fight?” she asks and the innocents is almost to cute.

“Promise,” he replies.

“If your quite finished,” Thrym replies, draw the attention. He rides up to him on the newly mounted Grimulf. Loki rolls his eyes at Thryms smug smirk. With a nod Loki lifts Jarnsaxa up to Thrym. Thrym secures her before Loki follows. Loki grabs whatever he can to keep himself secure. With that Thrym whistles and the Grimulf takes off. Step on complete, getting to the battle. Step two, find Farbauti and end the war. Loki didn't know how it would turn out but he knew he had to win. There was a lot more on the line than his life. Jotunheim is his home and he will save it.

Chapter Text

The journey to Utgard goes a lot faster from the back of a Storrulf. Still it took nearly the entire night to make it. They stopped several miles from the palace so that he could get off. Jarnsaxa couldn’t fight and, well, Thrym had to protect Jarnsaxa. They gave the final word of encouragement before leaving him to journey the rest of the way to Jotun.
Morning was the perfect time to attack as Jotun eyes cannot take the direct sunlight. However, with some shapeshifting, Loki’s Aesir form was more than capable. He had forgotten how truly cold this realm is. He could feel cold as a Jotun but it wasn’t as biting and something about it came almost as a comfort. Now the conditions seemed too harsh and he found himself breathing a sigh of relief when he was finally out of the wind. He sneaks his way through the corridors, taking the semi familiar path to the throne room. Normally, he’d worry over the lack of guards and sound but he doubts that Farbauti doesn’t know he’s coming. Loki is ready for a trap. He sneaks his way into the throne room, fully knowing that he is being watched. He looks around and spots a lone figure lying on the ground.

“Sigyn,” he breathes softly. He doesn’t think as his feet carry him to her side. He studies her still form and breathes a sigh of relief as soon as he sees the settle rise and fall of her chest. He kneels beside her and checks her injuries. He can’t see much beside cuts and bruises but they are pretty nasty wounds. He touches her shoulder, shaking her very carefully. “Sigyn?” he questions softly. Sigyn lets out a low groan, arm raising to her head. Loki breathes again. He sits back on his heels and waits patiently to become fully conscious. She looks up and squints her eyes at him.

“Loptr?” Her voice is so quiet he wouldn’t have heard if the room weren’t dead silent. She begins to sit up more and Loki reaches out his hand to help her. He can see the moment everything comes rushing back to her. Realization dawn as she narrows her eyes further on him. “Loki,” she says in a low growl. Loki winces at her tone but doesn’t say anything. That was his mistake before. After some time to think, he realizes what he needs to say. “What are you doing here?”

“I came back,” he replies, calmly.

“Obviously,” she sneers as she attempts to push herself up to a stand. Loki feels the urge to put his arms out and help her again but he knows she wouldn’t let him now. Instead he breathes a sigh and tells her what he needs to.

“Look, I understand that you hate me. And believe me I understand more than you know.” He can thank Odin for that. He’s not as bitter as he was about his adoption but the lies still hurt. He doesn’t think he’ll ever fully forgive Odin. “But I am not here for that. If you choose to never forgive me and if I never became King I would still come back. Because of you, all of you, I’ve learned so much. I used to fear what I am but I don’t anymore. I’m proud to be one of you. I came back because I truly care for you and this realm. Jotunheim is my home now and even if you do not reciprocate these feelings, the Jotunar are my people.” Sigyn looks at him with disbelief in her eyes. Loki understands, there’s a reason he didn’t agree to go back with Thor the first time they met after the void. After losing their trust, it has to be earned. “I know you don't believe me and I am, truly, sorry. But please, at least accept my help. You can do whatever you want with me after. You can banish me, throw me in prison, whatever. Just let me help you.” Sigyn's eyes do soften a bit. She looks at him and studies him for any lie but he knows that there is none to see. For the first time in centuries, his face is an open book.

“It would be tyranny to throw you in jail or banish you over a lie,” Sigyn finally states. “But that doesn’t mean you're off the hook when this is over.” Loki smiles a little too gleefully at this.

“Thank you,” he says genuinely. Now all that’s left to do is defeat Farbauti and his sons and they’re free. Unfortunately, the good moments are short lived. A low chuckle is heard throughout the throne room. Loki and Sigyn look around until they spot the cause of the atrocious sound. Loki eyes the figure in the shadows on the throne. The only thing seen of Farbauti are his blood red eyes and all his pointed white. His smile is more like a sneer.

“Prince Loki Odinson. And here I thought you weren’t one for sentiment,” Farbauti growls. Nothing he says is in any kind of normal speech. Loki narrows his eyes at the figure.

“I once thought sentiment was a weakness,” he admits. There’s no point in hiding it anymore. “I killed a man on Midgard mercilessly, however before his death he told me that I lacked conviction. I didn’t understand what he meant for a long time until now. His death was the catalyst that banned the mortals against me and gave them the conviction to gain victory. Sentiment.” The last word he says softly as he remembers him on top of Avengers tower fighting Thor. “I did not have conviction because I had no reason to win. I had no love or sentiment for what I was doing. But the mortals did. You will lose because you have no reason to win. You have no conviction.” Farbauti growls lowly. The sound can be heard reverberating throughout the room.

“We shall see,” he sneers. “Kill them.” At first Loki thinks he means himself and Sigyn but when he looks around he sees his people being used as living shields. They are trapped in a large cage of ice that is constantly getting smaller as shards of ice sprout from the edges. How could he not have noticed that? His people scream in fear and he can see Beli doing his best to keep them calm. In a second, he turns his head to Sigyn. He doesn’t have to say anything as she’s already rushing into the fray. Loki followed soon after.
Sigyn is having some trouble getting the ice to be undone. As skilled as she is with her sorcery, her ice magic is worthless and she is still new to Asgardian sorcery. Loki steps in, drawing on his magic. The room goes silent when they see fire sprouting from his fingers and not logi fire but the kind that burns within the feast halls of Asgard. They avert their eyes from its bright glow and shy away from the heat. Loki is careful not to harm his people as he melts the ice. When the fire dissipates, all eyes are wide on him. Loki smirks a bit at the irony of him being Fror Giant who wielded fire. Farbauti is the first to regain his bearing and with a cry of anger more Fror appear along with Helbindi and Byleistr. Beli and the other Jotunar who can make weapons out of their elements. Any one left retreats to the door. The Fror attack with a loud battle cry and Jotunar reciprocate.
Loki gets caught in the middle of clashing weapons. He takes out a few Fror but his eyes are set on Farbauti who is leaving elsewhere. However, it’s not hard to guess where: the casket. Farbauti is heading for the Casket. In a moment Loki rushes in the same direction. Farbauti is much larger than Loki so he barely manages to keep up. However, as he does he realizes that Jotunheim is far more complex than he thought and he sees how the Jotunar were able to survive so long while their realm decayed. Much like Asgard, there are catacombs beneath the city. Loki follows Farbauti through the catacombs to a completely different building. The building is mostly one room with a pedestal in the middle. On the back wall is a mural portraying a Jotun wearing the same crown that Loki possesses but different. The markings are more complex and the symbol etched into his skin are like nothing Loki has seen before. Loki’s eyes widen as he realizes who it is.

“Ymir,” he breathes. He looks around at his surroundings as it dawns on him again. A temple. The Temple. He can almost hear his own screams of years ago when he was abandoned. He imagines Odin finding him after the battle. The warrior was covered in blood with one missing and only wearing torn armor as protection from the elements. The King of Asgard stares down at the weak creature left on the pedestal and lifts him into his arms. The child changes from a Jotun to an Aesir. He then imagines Thrym coming out of the shadow and speaking with Odin. The place where everything started. Where everything went right and wrong all at the same time. Loki’s breath quickens as he takes a few steps back. He’s vaguely aware of Farbauti’s presence out of the corner of his eye.

“Welcome home Odinson,” Farbauti sneers. “What do you think?” he mocks, gesturing to his surroundings. “Do you honestly think that you are worth anything to anyone? You were abandoned here, left to die. And when Odin got tired of you, you were abandoned here a second time. You fight for people who do not care for you, who don’t trust you and for what? A throne? An army? Maybe a chance at revenge?” Farbauti chuckles mirthlessly. Loki winces when he realizes that that’s how he must have sounded to everyone else. He’s never doing that again. “You have nothing.”

“You're wrong,” Loki says before he’s even sure what he’s saying. “They are my people just like Asgard was and in some ways still. Whether they accept me or not right now is not what matters. I made my own place here, my own life. Jotunheim is my home and I don’t care about a crown or revenge. I just want my people to be free from you.” Farbauti laughs, full out laughs at him.

“Jotunheim can never be truly free!” Farbauti exclaims. “Its reputation is ruined! The Nine Realms either think of us as monsters or as a joke! Our world is dying and our people along with it! There is nothing worth saving or letting free! Even if you win you still lose.” Loki clenches his hands and grits his teeth. A part of him deep down knows it's true. Even if the Casket restores the world and heals it, it will still take millenia before Jotunheim regains the reputation it once had or the strength for that matter. They would not be strong enough to defend themselves. Still, that won’t stop him.

“Maybe, maybe not,” Loki growls, trying to keep himself from lashing out. Farbauti wants him to get angry, to lose control so that he stops thinking. “But that won’t stop me from trying.”

“And what is your plan?” Farbauti mocks and Loki smirks.

“I still have a few tricks up my sleeves,” Loki jokes as he throws several ice daggers toward Farbauti. Farbauti wastes no time advancing with the Casket in hand. Loki does his best to try and connect with the Casket. He can feel its corruption making things more difficult. He is about to try again when Farbauti forces it to fire ice at him. However, the ice is different, it black instead of blue. Cold and twist. Loki dodges and lunges for Farbauti. He manages to drive a dagger into Farbauti’s shoulder before being tossed away. Farbauti conjures an ice blade of his own and is quick to attack with that. Loki conjures fire and melts the blade just before it meets his head. With Farbauti temporarily blinded, Loki takes that opportunity to take the casket from his hands and make a run for it.
He keeps trying to control the object but it keeps pushing back, he is not sure why. Before he knows it, he’s outside and the sun is not hurting his eyes. He blinks a few times before realizing the clouds in the sky and the temperature change. Jotunheim is getting worse. Now, there is no sun. Loki hears yelling and screaming. He rushes towards the palace again where he sees their fight also taken outside.
Sigyn and Beli are working together to fight Helbindi and Byleistr. They seem to be giving his cousins quite a hard time. Loki smirks at that. He jumps down easily and assists in knocking Helbindi and Byleistr out. Sigyn and Beli turn to him. Beli smiles when he sees the Casket but Sigyn looks less convinced.

“Where’s Farbauti?” she asks.

“Behind me,” Loki replies. Her curtness is painful to him but he can’t let himself think about that right now. “I cannot connect with the Casket. It keeps pushing me away.” He doesn’t know what’s wrong, he fully accepts Jotunheim as his home. Does he have to let go of Asgard completely, he’s not sure if he can.

“The Casket is older than any of us,” Beli supplies as if that’s helpful. Fortunately, he does elaborate. “None of us really knows how it works. I do know however that it is connected to Jotunheim. It doesn’t control the realm but does communicate with it.”

“So what do I have to be less forceful?” Loki questions. He understands how magic works. One has to listen and understand before one can wield it. However, the only thing he feels from the Casket is anger and corruption. “Maybe it’s too damaged to talk.” Sigyn and Beli give him sorrowful looks. Well, that is not working.

“ODINSON!” Loki whips his head around to find Farbauti stomping towards him, looking like he’s reached a whole new level of anger. Loki rises to his feet and advances immediately. If nothing else he can at least take down Farbauti, hopefully.
Loki conjures several ice daggers and thrusts them at the giant. Farbauti easily dodges but Loki is too swift with his next attack. Within moments Farbauti is on the ground. Struggling to rise as Loki and Loki duplicates bombard him with attacks. Suddenly there is a rush of cold and the duplicates disappear. Loki is tossed back and when he moves to rise Helbindi is standing over him with an ice blade in hand. Loki against all three of them is not the easiest task. Helbindi is about to strike when Beli comes out of nowhere and rams into the Fror.

“Round two Helbindi,” Beli growls before beginning another fight with Farbautison. Loki picks himself and finds Sigyn similarly fighting Byleistr, except with sorcery. Loki wonders if he can learn that kind of sorcery another time. But for right now his attention is on Farbauti.
Farbauti conjures two ice blades. Loki conjures more daggers and whatever magic he has to aid him. It isn’t long before they’re the center of attention. Helbindi and Byleistr attempt to help again but the Farbauti holds them back. Evidently he wants to win this fight himself. Arrogance, something Loki knows a lot about. Still, Loki gives a wide grin at his uncle. Loki throws everything he has at Farbauti and the Fror retaliates with his strength.Eventually, a slight miscalculation on Loki’s side causes him to drop the Casket. Farbauti steals and immediately begins to destroy everything in his path with it.. whether that be Loki, Jotunar, or Fror. Even Helbindi and Byleistr are forced to dodge an attack by their father. Farbauti begins to cackle with madness and now Loki knows how the mortal must have felt. He makes several more attacks to try and get Farbauti’s attention back on him. However, Farbauti just turns the beam of ice coming from the Casket on him. The skies darken even further by the Casket corruption. Everyone can feel the storm building around them. Loki throws up a magic shield to defend himself but it is fading under the Casket's power.

“You were mistaken Odinson, I will win!” Farbauti yells over the building winds! “You cannot win, I hold the power of all of Jotunheim in my hands! This realm is mine to control!” Loki can tell the exact moment when Farbauti attempts to access the full power of the Casket and it backfires. Farbauuti screams when the corruption spreads to him. The beam of ice breaks along with Loki's shield and he takes this opportunity to attack.

“I think you are mistaken for Farbauti!” Loki states, his voice has risen to reach over the winds which have built up to the point where snow is blowing in directions. Loki attacks, firing at the Fror’s leg and knocking him to the ground the Casket falls from his hands but Farbauti can’t fight back as he is half covered in ice. Loki stands above him with an ice blade in hand. “You have been mistaken quite a bit! I am not a hero or a monster! I am not Odinson or Laufeyson! I am not Jotunheim’s destroyer! I am Loki of Jotunheim! And I have been burdened with glorious purpose! To end you.” Farbauti’s eyes widen as he begins to realize his defeat. In a quick motion, he attempts to lunge for an attack. However, Loki quickly dodges and retaliates. In one swift movement, Loki’s blade cuts right through Farbauti’s neck, killing the would-be king.Loki steps back and pants heavily. It’s over. Jotunheim is free from Tyranny. Now they can begin to rebuild and…

“Loki!” Loki snaps back to himself and turns to meet Sigyn who he can only barely see through the storm. The storm! The Casket has become too corrupted. The entire realm is freezing over. As if to prove this theory as he feels the ground begins to crack, Too cold to stay in one piece.

“Everyone inside the palace!” He yells to whoever can hear. It appears no one had to be told even once as when they make it inside, most of the Jotunar are already there. Loki studies the crowd to make sure everyones safe. He sees no sign of Helbindi and Byleistr, but if they choose to freeze that’s their choice. He stops his search to find two very important Jotunar he’s glad to have made it to safety. Thrym and Jarnsaxa. He rushes to them in no time Jarnsaxa comes to fill the gap.

“Loki!” she exclaims as she rushes to embrace him. He wrap his arms around her and holds her close. They’re alright. He didn’t realize how much that scared him until this moment but they're alright. As expected of someone her age, Jarnsaxa pulls back and begins to rant about her own adventures. “We watched as you and the other’s fought and then there was this giant storm and Thrym told me that we had to come here and–” Whatever, else she was going to say get cut off as loud crash from somewhere in the palace, just proving how strong the storm has become. Jarnsaxa squeal and rushes back into his arms again.

“The only thing that can stop the storm now is the Casket,” Thrym states, gesturing to the artefact which was grabbed and brought in at some point Loki doesn’t know.

“I tried connecting and I can’t,” Loki replies. “It’s too corrupted. I can’t break through.” He doesn’t know what else there is to say. Farbauti was right. The realm is dying. It’s too far gone to be saved and they can’t leave. And Heimdall would never let them into Asgard, certainly not now.

“Then don’t try to break through the corruption,” Thrym replies. “The corruption is still a part of the Casket.” Loki furrows his brows. What does that even mean? He stares at the artifact as it gives off an ominous feel reminiscent of the Tesseract. The mere thought makes him shiver. He never wants to remember his time in the void again even though he knows he will never truly forget. Loki takes a few deep breaths. There is no point in not trying. It’s not like they don’t have another choice.
Loki hands over Jarnsaxa for Sigyn to watch and then pulls the Casket to himself. Much like the first time he’s held it, he hesitates as he brings his hands to wrap around the handles. The world fuzzes when he feels the corruption invade him, trying to take over Loki looks to Thrym for help but for once the old Jotuns face is blank. He doesn’t know what to do. As painful as the corruption is, Loki closes his eyes and lets himself be pulled in. Much like the Mind Stone did, Casket whispers in his mind. However, it’s different. The Mind Stone was soft, cold, manipulative. The Casket is screaming. As if it’s afraid or in pain or angry. That’s it! It’s angry! Loki gets pulled further and further in until he loses track of the outside world and all he feels is the Casket. He opens his eyes to find that he is back in that forest but instead of the beautiful sight it once was, it is now dark. The fluffy snow is now jagged black ice. The trees are leafless and black. Millions of eye glare at him in the shadows.
Loki gulps slightly. He looks around and finds a single pond. It is like an oasis in the rest of the forest. It is frozen over by clear blue ice. The kind that mortals would skate. Fluffy snow does surround it. Loki remembers when he and Thor were young and would play in snow just like this. They have snowball fights and build forts. Loki used to love snow before he learned what he truly was. The sight makes him smile. Snow now reminds him of home, Jotunheim. A home with family and friends even if they are mad at him right now, it’s still his home. He walks up to the pond and stares inside.
There, frozen, is the rest of the Caskets magic. What is needed to cure the realm. He understands it. Like Thrym said, corruption is a part of the Casket. It's upset, angry, about being used. Betrayed. He knows well how that feels. He kneels down to the pond and draws his magic, his Jotun magic. He pulls on the seidr in the pond. He pulls and pulls until the ice starts to crack. With a little bit more force the ice shatters and the power releases.
He feels it overwhelms and consumes him until he’s connected to everyone and everything in Jotunheim. He feels the storm getting worse and the screams of his people as more of the palace crumbles. He takes a deep breath and directs the Caskets magic. The storm slows until it is no more than a cool breeze. He doesn’t stop there however. He uses Stormr seidr to change the climate. The clouds dissipate to reveal the sky. He pushes the Fjall seidr deep into the ground until plants and grass long thought dead sprout again. Streams, lake, and oceans melt to bring back flowing water to the realm. He uses all the magic in him and in the Casket but soon enough the realm becomes whole again. Jotunheim restored to what it once was. He opens his eyes to find himself back in the palace. It only lasts for a second when everything goes black.

Chapter Text

The first thing he notices is the feel of hand holding his own. The hand is soft and warm. It reminds him of his mother, so he squeezes the hand. He hears a shift and the sound of some mumbling. Then whoever it is gasps and squeezes his hand back. “Loki?” The voice is not that of his mother but of someone else. Someone familiar. Then he remembers. Jotunheim, he was banished. He met an uncle and cousin and joined a rebellion and… Sigyn. Slowly, he opens his eyes, he has to blink several times to adjust to the light but when his eyes finally focus, he’s gazing up at Sigyn’s face. Her eyes are wide in surprise but her face forms a soft smile that quickly turns cruel. In one swift motion she slaps him across the face. Loki stutters for several moments.

“How dare you!” she exclaims. She stands up abruptly and begins to pace. “I know you wanted to prove yourself again but did you really have to nearly kill yourself?” Loki opens his mouth to speak but nothing comes out. He repeats the process several more times but to no success all while Sigyn glares at him.

“I’m sorry?” he manages to reply weakly. Evidently that was a mistake as he coughs from his dry throat. Whatever anger was on Sigyns face seems to leave. She rushes over and helps him into a seat position before rushing to get him some water. After Loki finally calms, he looks back at Sigyn with a raised eyebrow. “I nearly killed myself?” he asks then adds with a smirk, “Oh well, maybe the third time will be the charm.” Sigyn’s confused look turns back to anger and she seems very close to smacking him again. Loki quickly raises his hands in surrender, eyes wide and full of innocence. “Alright! Alright! I yield!” Fortunately she calms but gives him an eyeroll. “What happened?” he asks, more sincere this time.

“You used the Casket to restore Jotunheim but you nearly used up all of your Seidr in the process. You almost died!” Her last words were said in worried anger.

“You really missed me that much?” His words are said in jest but he can’t hide the sincerity in his voice. He thought he lost everything again when he lost her. And given his past mistakes, he feared he would never win her back. Or anyone else for that matter.

“Of course I missed you, you idiot!” Sigyn exclaims before sighing. Her voice becomes soft, almost solemn. “Thrym explained everything. How he gave you to Odin, how you explained using the bifrost, and that there was nothing I could have done to…” Sigyn chokes up at this and Loki’s eyes go soft.

“I am so sorry Sigyn. Had it been Frigga, my mother, I would have probably reacted the same. It’s easier to blame other than accept consequences. I understand,” he replies. She looks at him with tears in her eyes and studies him again. He speaks the truth this time too. He’s been blaming everyone else for his own failures. It doesn’t mean others haven’t wronged him but only he is responsible for his own action and thus the consequences that lead him here. At least it turned out well, he hopes.

“Thank you,” she replies softly. “You still shouldn’t have lied…”

“You're never going to let me live that down, are you?”

“It’s the only way to keep you honest,” she replies with a smirk as he rolls his eyes. But he’s not going to fight her, he deserves it. Besides, if this means she forgives him then it is worth it.

“Thank you,” he says. He can’t believe it. He’s still wrapping his head around the idea that everything turned out well. They actually won and nobody hate him. Well, Helbindi and Byleistr probably hate him but he hates them so he doesn’t care. He looks up to Sigyn and draws short. “Now what?” he asks and she give him an amused smile.

“Now you rest,” she says and Loki huffs. Sigyns amusement becomes stern, making him think of his mother. “You are still not at full strength yet. You need to be strong enough for your coronation and to lead Jotunheim back into its former glory.”

“Coronation?” he asks, surprised. He doesn’t even know if he’s more surprised by Sigyns words or the fact that he forgot he is technically a King.

“Of course! Have you forgotten that you are the true King of Jotunheim?” she jokes. But Loki doesn’t laugh, another thing on his mind.

“I kind of believed Jotunheim wouldn’t accept me as their King anymore,” he states sadly. Not because he’s losing the throne but because he’s lost the people's trust.

“Loki, you revived the realm,” Sigyn replies as if it’s the most amazing thing in the Nine Realms. “Water is actually flowing. The Climate is pleasant. I have seen Jotunheim so green and filled with life. You did that Loki. You saved us.” Loki looks at her in disbelief. There have been many times he’s helped people, saved them. However, he was never acknowledged for his good deeds. She sits beside him and places a hand on his cheek. “Everyone agrees… I agree, You are our savior Loki.” Before Loki can even process her words, she pulls him towards her and places a soft kiss on his lips. Everything is forgotten in that moment when he tastes her sweet lips.

“Ahem…” Sigyn and Loki pull away with wide eyes and both turn to stare at a smirking Beli. “Oh no, don’t let me stop you. Please, continue.” Sigyn rolls her eyes, breaking the moment.

“I will go tell Thrym you are away,” she states; giving Beli a glare as she leaves the room. Beli just smirks wider and turns to Loki, his look suggestive. Loki rolls his eyes similarly to Sigyn.

“Don’t get any ideas,” Loki replies sternly.

“I didn’t say anything,” he replies but his smirk cuts off when he changes the conversation. “Sorry about not believing you.”

“It’s fine,” Loki replies. “I deserved it. Besides, it all worked out.” Beli nods his thanks.

“As much as I would like to talk, I am promised by Thrym to ensure you receive necessary rest,” Beli says sternly. And Loki rolls his eyes, why are they all mothering him all of a sudden. He guesses he should be thankful his mother isn’t here. She would fret over him being too cold even though he is a Fror Giant.

“But I am not even tired,” he whined innocently. It’s obviously a lie, his eyes are half lidded. Even though he’s been sleeping, he feels like he could sleep for the rest of the year. Restoring Jotunheim really took a lot out of him.

“Not a chance, Highness,” Beli replies sternly. “You will not leave that bed until you are better.” With that, Beli turns on his heels and marches out of the room.

“Nag!” Loki calls after him with a fond smile. He sighs in content. For the first time in a long time, things are actually going well. With the knowledge that everything will be fine, he cuddles into the Aesir size bed and falls into a deep sleep.

*****
Loki begrudgingly follows order and stays in bed for the next week and half. Fortunately, it wasn’t all bad. Jarnsaxa made a habit of visiting him all the time, bringing all kinds of treats from Bestla. She tells him about the goings on in the realm and how everything is being rebuilt. Spending time with Jarnsaxa make him feel like he’s a child again, playing with Thor. He loves his little sister like he loved his brother. Sigyn would visit too. She would tell him challenges they’re facing while rebuilding and help him prepare for his responsibilities on the throne. Their shared kissed was not spoken of again much to Loki’s dismay. But he understood, the realm was more important right now. They were both too busy to think about that. Beli would often talk to him. He brought him food and anything else he needed and kept him company. When it was finally agreed that he was allowed to leave, he ignored their protest of him taking things slowly.
He jumped right into helping his people rebuild. He started to set up plans to set up trade with other realms and rebuild Jotunheim’s reputation. Things were complicated given the animosity between the Jotunar and remaining Fror Giants. That was Loki’s first priority, he was thankful to find that most of the Fror listen to him as the Jotunar did. Though many of them were the wives and children of the Fror Giants. At least it was still progress. As he helped his people, Thrym, Jarnsaxa, and Sigyn planned and prepared for the coronation.
That is where he is now. Staring at the giant doors that lead into the throne room of his own palace. His own coronation. The thought makes him think of when this all started at Thor’s coronation. He imagines his brother standing next to him and giving him a goofy grin. He frowns at the thought of him not being here to support him. But with everything that’s happened over the past few years, it’s probably for the best.

“Are you ready, your Majesty?” Loki jumps at Beli’s voice which makes the other laugh with mirth. “Let me guess, think about Sigyn?” Loki rolls his eyes. Ever since Beli walked in on them that one time, he wouldn’t let the matter drop. It’s a miracle he even manages to keep it a secret. The way Beli acts is reminiscent of Thor at least. It sort of feels like his brother is with him.

“No,” Loki replies, letting his annoyance be known by the sharpness of his words. He softens his speech as he continues. “I was thinking of my brother and what it would be like if he were here. I love Jotunheim, it’s my home but there will be some things I miss.” Beli nods in understanding.

“There is nothing I would wish for more than to have my family here with me,” Beli states, his eyes distant as he thinks back to his old home and his life there. Beli shakes his head out of his trance and turns back to Loki. “I am sorry that he is not here. It would be dangerous to let the famed Jotunslayer into Jotunheim.”

“I know,” is all Loki says in reply. There is not much to add. No one else would understand but at least Beli comes close.

“Well, he may not have been able to make it but I know of another surprise behind the doors,” Beli states cryptically. Loki turns wide eyed to the other Jotun. He opens his mouth to say something but before he can there is a loud sound of metal hitting stone three times, followed by the doors opening. Beli bows before retreating elsewhere.
Loki turns back to the doors and takes a deep breath. He closes his eyes and takes steps in. When he opens his eyes again, the throne room is decorated with green ribbon. The pillars are no longer the dreary stone he once saw but now a metal that looks much like silver. Each pillar is carved with intricate designs much like Jotun ancestral lines. The stone of the ground has been fixed and polished to be as smooth and white as marble. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, lit with logi fire. However, the greatest thing he sees are his people. All of them pact into the large throne room. Every one of them cheering and clapping in support of their new King.
Loki nearly stumbles at the thought. This is what he’s always wanted. What he’s dreamt of his entire life. Having the love and respect of his people. His family and friends. Though they aren’t the ones he was thinking of he feels more honored to be surrounded by them. Jotunheim has truly become his home in every way and it fills his heart with so much joy. He finally has a place where he belongs.
He looks forward to the stage where his new throne is. It’s been altered and redecorated. The dais is designed for his smaller physique as is the throne. However, the dais is still tall enough for him to be looking at eye level with any Jotun. It was his idea, he doesn’t want to look down on his people like other kings do. They are his people, not his subjects. The throne itself is also made of that silvery metal that he has to learn the name of. It is carved on his ancestral line and topped with Ymir's crown. The cushions are dyed a bright green. It’s then that Loki wonders where they even got the dye from. Does Jotunheim possess such things? He will have to ask Thrym about it.
He finally makes his way up the dais. Thrym is there with a wide proud smile on his face. He possesses the Casket and a staff in order to pronounce him King. Sigyn stands to one side with Beli. Both look somewhere between excited and formal. They give him proud smiles which he returns. On the other side of the dais is Jarnsaxa with someone he did not expect to see, his mother. Loki’s eyes widen as he takes in the sight. Jarnsaxa is nearly bouncing up and down with excitement, only being kept in place by Frigga’s gentle hand. His mother is not in her great formal attire from Asgard but it no less shows her royalty. She wears a gold and green dress. His colors to honor his day. She also wears a white shawl that he had gotten her when she traveled to Vanaheim to visit her family. It was a particularly cold year on Vanaheim so Loki enchanted the shawl to keep her warm. It is also proof that she came in person. Her eyes are filled with nothing but warmth and pride for him. He reciprocates the look of love until Jarnsaxa breaks away from Frigga’s side and rushes to hug Loki around the legs.

“Good luck, Brodir!” she exclaims in a whisper.

“Thank you,” Loki whispers back as Frigga comes up to pull the girl away. However, his mother can’t resist herself and pulls him into her warm embrace.

“I am so proud of you,” she whispers to him and gives him a loving smile.

“I know and thank you… for everything,” Loki replies and kisses her on the cheek. His mothers fill with tears as she takes Jarnsaxa’s hand and moves them back to where they were before. Loki turns to face Thrym, more confident now with his friend and family here. Thrym taps the staff on the ground with a loud clang. The room falls silent and Loki kneels.

“Loki Laufeyson,” Although Thrym’s voice isn’t loud it still carries throughout the throne room. “You are our rightful King returned to us. You have proven yourself as a worthy leader by saving it from its corruption. This is why the Norns have chosen you to Ymir’s crown. You are now connected to the Casket and it follows your command, however you must promise to wield as a true King should and to break this promise is to circome to corruption. ” Loki nods in understanding as he stares into Thrym's eyes. Loki places his hands on the Casket, feeling its power run through him. Laufey broke these promises but Loki will not. Now that he has a family in a home he does not wish for power. Still, he takes these vows very seriously. “Do you swear to use these powers for the sake of Jotunheim and its people and not for selfish gain?”

“I swear,” Loki replies, taking great care to ensure his voice is both loud and not wavering.

“Do you swear to treat all Jotunar with equal respect and care? Uphold the rights of all in spite of any prejudice you or others might possess?”

“I swear,” Loki replies again with the same serious tone.

“And do you swear to take the counsel of your people? To follow our laws and gain wisdom to help you in your rule?”

“I swear.” With each promise made the Casket binds him and seals him to his word. There is no going back.

“Loki Laufeyson,” Thrym states as he places the staff above his head. “I now proclaim you Kind of Jotunheim!” Loki rises to his feet and turns to face his people as they all cheer. Loki can’t help the grin that comes onto his face. The feeling he has right now he would not be able to place if he didn’t have others there who felt the same. Pride. He is proud of himself. It was something he never felt possible but here he is. He feels no shame over who he is or what he’s done. He’s proud of it all and no one can take that from him. He has to admit, it feels good. He raises his hands for everyone to calm so that he may speak.

“I wanted to thank everyone,” he begins and now regrets not having planned anything. “When I first came to Jotunheim I was lost. Both figuratively and literally,” chuckles a bit embarrassed but continues. “I knew nothing of this realm and had only believed what I had been told but I was wrong. You are some of the most amazing people I have met. You have more life and culture than other realms could dream of. You are as brave and strong as any warrior and you are smart and wise as any scholar. I feel honored to be accepted as your King and my only hope is that I remain worthy of your trust and love. Thank you… for giving me this second chance.” The room abrupts into more loud cheers of approval. It goes on for a little while but fortunately Thrym dismisses them to an adjoining room for the feasting and celebration.

“Come on!” Jarnsaxa exclaims as she pulls him towards the adjoining room. The room is decorated much the same way as the throne room. However, instead of a throne there is a long table, piled high with foods of all different kinds. Loki is led to a seat at the head of the table. It is decorated similarly to his throne. The room is big enough the half of it doubles as a ballroom for dancing after the feast.
Loki learns pretty quickly that Jotunar knows how to party as well as any Asgardian. Probably better. The drink they possess is actually stronger than Asgardian mead. The dancing is also more chaotic than Loki was expecting. They danced and ate when he and Sigyn returned with the Casket but they never celebrated like this. It was nice to see his people having so much fun. Loki partook what he could. He talks to his people, listening to their stories and their advice. He drank and danced a bit, something Odin would never have done. He would drink but nowhere near the amount he or Thor did. And Loki, to this day, has never seen the Allfather so much as tap his toe to music. Though that might be because the court music on Asgard is so plain and boring. The music the Jotunar put on is so full of life and practically demands people get up and move to the music. The Jotunar pretty much do what they want without fear of looking ridiculous. They’re all like family anyway.
Eventually, Loki moves away from the party to a balcony to get some fresh air. He looks up to the night sky and a smile plays at his lip. The sky is clear and all the stars can be seen. He can even pick out a few other realms. It's how a night sky should look. However, something even better shows. Light reflects through the atmosphere at such an angle that it colors the sky. Just like the northern lights on Midgard. A smile pulls at his lips when he remembers always wanting to see such a sight.

“Just like I told you when you were a child,” the familiar voice of his mother pull him out of his thoughts.

“I finally get to see it,” Loki replies as he turns to meet his mothers eyes.

“Your realm is beautiful, Dearheart,” she says with a loving smile. “I hope you will allow me to visit again soon.”

“Of course mother but you are leaving so soon?” Loki questions. He knows she can’t stay here forever, no matter how much he wishes she could, but the party is not even close to ending.

“I am afraid so. Odin had no clue I am here. He is a little upset about you stealing the Casket and still doesn’t want me to visit you. So I followed your lead and snuck away for a bit,” his mother chuckles at the last part and Loki smirks. Many believe that he is a black sheep because he is so mischievous but in truth he likes to believe he gets it from his mother.

“Do you need any assistance returning?” he asks.

“No, no, I am fine,” she replies. “Sometimes I think you forget that I am the one who taught you magic.” She pulls out a stone from her own pocket dimension space. “It helps me teleport where I need to go. Sometimes I use it to visit Vanaheim when I am upset with Odin,” she says in the last part in a whisper as if the Allfather could hear. Loki barely stifles a laugh.

“Is it also what prevents you from getting burned by my Jotun skin?” Loki jokes but the question is serious. He at first thought it was the shawl but he was the one who enchanted it thus he knows it can’t do that. Instead Frigga grips a necklace that Loki has seen her wear since childhood; she seemed to be never without it.

“I enchanted it when Odin brought you home to me,” she replies. A smile forms on her face and her eyes go distant as she recalls the memory. “You hadn’t been properly fed and you wouldn’t take to a bottle. I didn’t want to give you to a nursemaid so I used special herbs to breastfeed you myself. However, you had no control over your shapeshifting and would change spontaneously. So to protect myself, I made the necklace so that I wouldn’t be burned.” She chuckles as she adds, “Odin was so afraid that a servant would walk in and find me breastfeeding a Jotun.” Loki turns away so she doesn’t see the look on his face. He’s forgiven her for her part in their lie but it still hurts. Evidently, his attempt at hiding his thoughts failed. Frigga places a hand on his cheek and turns him back. “I am sorry, Dearheart I—”

“It’s alright mother,” he cuts her off. The last thing he wants is for her to be upset after everything has finally settled. “Just need some more time. It’s fine.”

“I understand, thank you,” she replies. Loki smiles and pulls her into a hug, kissing her cheek.

“I love you mother,” he says as he pulls away. “And thank you for coming.”

“I love you too, Dearheart,” she replies. “And you are very welcome. Thank Angrboda for me, she is the one who invited me.”

“I will,” he promises. She gives him one last hug before stepping away and in a flash of gold she disappears. “Goodbye mother,” he says softly. He turns back to the sky and continues to gaze at it for another couple minutes before rejoining the party. He stays until the end as the party is for him. It’s something he’s never done in Asgard. Even on the rare occasion that there was celebration in his honor, usually for his birthday. Thor quickly became the center of attention anyway. That was one reason to leave but the other was that he simply didn’t enjoy the events even with his friends and family. He wasn’t one to get drunk and lose control at a party. Like he needs a party anyway. So he waits to the end of this one seeing as it would be kinda rude not to. He leaves to put Jarnsaxa to bed and then he retreats to his chambers.
The place has been redecorated, more so to match his size but other things have changed. In Asgard he had an entire hall to himself, he doesn’t get that kind of luxury here. Loki isn’t complaining though, compared to some other residence he’s had it is a luxury. There are four separate rooms that make up his chambers. First, is the sitting room. A small lounge with comfy chairs and couches decorated similarly to his throne. There is a hearth with logi fire and a rug on the floor. The room also doubles as a dining area with a table and a few chairs. It connects to his office which is basically just a desk and a chair or two. There are some shelves and bookcases for storage. The sitting chambers also connect to his bedroom. There is yet another small sitting area with a hearth with logi fire. His bed is big enough to fit two full sized Jotunar. However, it is low enough that he can still climb into it. The rest of the room is filled with books and other objects that belong to him. As he looks around he notices that it’s all from Asgard. He picks up one of his favorite books on the shelf and caresses it lovingly.

“Thank you, Mother,” he says softly as he puts the book down. The rest of the room is just the basic necessities. A dresser and vanity. There is a closet already filled with traditional royal Jotun attire and some nice clothes brought from Asgard, which may come in useful if he wanted to travel back at any time. There is another door that leads to the bathroom which also connects to his study. Though, not for a while. The room also has another desk, however this one is personal. It already has a letter on it from his mother along with several books for spellwork. There are also some differently dyed inks for drawing. Something he would do to pass the time in Asgard. That or writing. The only other thing of significance in the room is the balcony. Although it is different then the one in his room on Asgard it feels the same. It looks out over the city and his people. He can watch over them and take care of them. He sighs, content to watch the city for hours.

“I am surprised you are still awake, it’s nearly morning,” Thrym comments from behind him.

“I’m probably going to have to make a law about walking into the King's chambers without knocking,” Loki replies. He hates it when people do that. He can forgive Thrym this once but he’s not going to put up with it like he did with Thor now that he is King.

“I did knock. You were so lost in thought that you didn’t hear,” Thrym states factually but when Loki turns he sees a small smile playing at the older mans lips.

“What do you want?” Loki asks, deciding to change the subject.

“Merely to offer up my congratulations, my King,” Thrym says as he bows.

“Thank you… for everything,” he says and realizes that there is more to say. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without you. Thank you for believing in me and trusting me.”

“Of course, my King,” Thrym says with a smile on his lips. Loki has tried to get Thrym to stop referring to him so formally, especially in private. However, Thrym insists on it. He says it’s because Loki is the first King he respects enough to refer to in that way. After that, Loki didn’t question it. Besides, he can only selfishly admit to himself that he does enjoy the sound of it. Thrym begins to leave but Loki stops him.

“Thrym?” Loki asks and Thrym turns to give a questioning look. “Do you really think I can make a good King? I mean Laufey you said was a good King before the power of the Casket corrupted him. And I’m his son. I know that I love power a little too much for comfort sometimes,” Loki says with a worried glance over at his spellbooks.

“My King,” Thrym says, coming back over to him and placing a hand on his shoulder. “I have seen many Kings rise and fall to power. But never before have I seen a King fight so hard knowing that he would gain little from it. You did what you did for your people and for the people closest to you. Fame, glory, honor, these are traits of a warrior but tend to get in the way of a King. You my King are so much more than that.”

“Thank you, Thrym,” Loki replies and tries to hide the choke in his voice. The only person who ever believed in him was his mother and now he has an entire realm who will support him.

“No, thank you, my King,” Thrym replies. With that he finally leaves. Loki watches out the window until he begins to see the sun rise. Realizing how late, or more accurately, early it is, he changs into his night clothes and climbs into bed. He left a book on his nightstand to read earlier. It was one of his favorites as a child, The Complete Adventures of Sigurd the First Hero of Asgard. He remembered Odin would read to him and Thor these exact stories. One of the few good memories he has of his adoptive father.
He flips through the pages to find his favorite story. It was a basic one, much like a Midgardian fairy tale. Sigurd would rescue a princess from an evil dragon. Personally Loki had always felt bad for the dragon, thinking he just wanted company since he was living in that big cage all alone. However, the story always drew him in as a kid because he wanted to be just like Sigurd. A hero to his realm, an adventurer, and someone beloved by all. Though it wasn’t the same as Sigurd, in some ways, he achieved that dream.
Loki gets pulled out of his thoughts by a creek of his door. He really needs to find a way to prevent people from doing that. Seriously! What if he had been changing! However, when he looks to see that it is just Jarnsaxa his eyes soften. She’s just a little girl, he won’t hold it against her when she doesn’t know. Beside the Jotunar used to live so close together all the the time that probably doesn’t really even know what privacy is.

“What’s the matter, Systir?” he questions kindly. Jarnsaxa looks up to him with pleading eyes.

“I don’t like my new room,” she says timidly. “It’s too big and I am all alone and I think there are creatures hiding in the closet. Can I sleep with you?” Loki smiles at that. He remembers when he was rather young and would get afraid of a storm. At this time he and Thor shared a room so he would just crawl into his brother's bed and sleep there until morning. Thor would always hold him close, as if to protect him from the storm. It’s so strange for Loki to think of himself as the older brother now but if that is to be his role than he will take it as seriously as his new role as King.

“Very well,” he says, tapping one side of the bed. Jarnsaxa beams excitedly and rushes to crawl into bed. She makes herself comfortable and cuddles up right next to Loki. Loki places his arms around her to hold her close just Thor would do.

“What are you reading?” Jarnsaxa questions curiously.

“Stories of a great hero who used to travel the Nine Realms,” Loki explains. He won’t mention that the hero is of Asgard. To a child's mind a hero can be themselves whoever they are or wherever they come from.

“Can you read one of those stories to me?” she asks excitedly.

“Of course,” Loki replies. Thor would rarely read to him. They were so close in age that they were basically learning how to read at the same time. But he remembered Odin and his mother reading to them. And that’s when another thought occurred to him. He’s also the closest thing to a parent she is going to get. Though the thought fills him with fear, he will take that role seriously as well. He wants to give his little sister all the love she deserves. “This story is about how Sigurd rescues a princess from a bad dragon,” he explains before he begins to read. “Once upon a time in a far away land, the great hero Sigurd traveled…”

He reads out loud until he reaches the end of the story. By this point Jarnsaxa has fallen asleep in his arms. Loki closes the book and puts on the nightstand beside him. Then he curls up next to Jarnsaxa and pulls her in close as he starts to drift as well. He spent his entire life finding a place where he belongs. A home of his own. He never would have guessed that he would be among the Jotunar but as he looks out over his kingdom and sees the beautiful forest, the white valleys, and bustling city, he knows where he belongs. Jotunheim will forever be his home.

Chapter Text

Loki sits in his office studying the small book in his hands. The text is of an ancient language; so old that the Allspeak no longer translates. Though Loki has spent many years on Asgard studying that language for his studies in various ancient spells. But this is not a spell book. It is a map or at the very least directions. Fortunately, he didn’t have to use it against Farbauti but something tells him that Helbindi and Byleistr are going to be different problems.
Loki hears a knock on his door and knows immediately that it is Sigyn. She always knocks and is the only one that does so. He calls her in and she makes her way to his test with a stack of paper. He’s been working on potential trade agreements with other realms. He has already sent a letter to Asgard requesting to change the terms of the peace treaty between the realm, given that Jotunheim is under a new rule. Only time will tell what the Allfather has to say. Loki notices Sigyn eyeing the book as she places the paper on his desk.

“What is that?” she questions. She looks at the language in confusion. Loki gives her a sympathetic look. Her father was not a scholar and she grew up her entire life in Jotunheim. The only language she knows is Jotunheim’s native language. A fact he is going to rectify. One of the first things he plans to rebuild of this realm is education. Learning halls to teach the Jotunar other languages and important information about other realms. As well as a greater understanding of how the universe works. He’s doing his best to tutor Jarnsaxa himself but he just doesn’t have the time to be there constantly and she is not the only one lacking in any formal education. The only one with any formal education is Thrym and even he is lacking in some areas. He plans to speak with his mother about this.

“A book,” he replies simply with a smirk. Sigyn rolls her eyes.

“I can see that,” she says, snatching it. “I mean what is it about? It’s what you took from Asgard. You said it was useful but we never used it.”

“Have you ever heard of the legend of Mimir?” Loki asks as he takes the book back from her hands.

“Of course,” she says as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “Who hasn’t?”

“This book is our only clue to finding Mimir’s Well,” he replies and Sigyn’s eyes widen at that.

“Are you sure it’s worth the risk?” she asks, still eyeing the book wearily. As if it was now some kind of curse.

“We know not of what Helbindi and Byleistr plan to do next and none of us knew Jotunheim at its best,” Loki replies. “This is what the Midgardians might call an ace up your sleeve.” Sigyn gives him a curious look. “It’s a reference to a game. It means that it’s a back up plan that our opponent doesn’t know about so that we can stay ahead of them.” Sigyn nods in understanding.

“I hope we won’t need it,” she replies.

“As do I,” he agrees but something in him knows they might. Helbindi just had everything taken from him, he knows how that feels. When he lost everything and was casted out, he ended up killing hundreds and attacking an innocent realm. Not that that makes him like Midgard any more but they still didn't deserve to be on the wrong end of his anger. He just hopes he can stay ahead of Helbindi and ensure that it doesn’t become an even bigger problem than it already is. “Anyway thank you for bringing me these documents,” he says, snapping out of his trance. Sigyn gives him a smile.

“Of course. You can always count on me,” she replies before turning to leave. Loki wait until she’s too far away before answering.

“I know,” he says with a fond smile. He shakes himself out of his daydream and returns to work.

*****
Fury glares with his one good eye at the scene before him. An entire town in Norway, wiped out by giant blue creatures. They came in, terrorized the town, killing and destroying everything in sight before leaving. The town itself is now frosted over. Snow is piled up on the ground in spite of there not being a storm. Houses and buildings are ruined, no more than scrap frozen in ice. And what's left of what can be seen from the civilians were so burned from the cold that they are unidentifiable.

“Sir?” an agent asks, coming up beside him.

“Call in the Avengers and see if we can contact Thor,” he orders. Something was too familiar about those creatures and if his hunch is right, he doesn’t want to take the risk of waiting. “We may have another alien invasion on our hands.” With that he turns on his heels and heads for the chopper. He may not know what is going on but he knows an attack when he sees one.