#again she's loki leave her alone i beg

[shorlinesorrows]

every time someone tags a post as "lady loki" when loki is fem and definitely not possessing sif, an angel looses its wings

[wheredafandomat]

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Loki x mum! Reader

18+| contains alcohol, loss, Loki and reader share a child. I’m sorry I haven’t written anything in AGESSS

You quickly turned the radio off as the news reporter reeled off a string of recent burglaries that had happened in your neighbourhood. Grabbing your scarf, you adjusted it around your neck as you glanced at yourself in the mirror, offering a half smile as you tried not to focus on the bags colouring the skin beneath your eyes. You took a breath, your smile widening uncannily as your daughter padded towards you, half of her glove dangling off of her small hand.

“Is daddy going to be there?” She asked excitedly as you knelt down, helping her with her glove.

“No—not today” you hesitated “but one—one day he’ll be home” you rushed out, not believing your own words. The truth was, Loki hadn’t been home in almost a year. You didn’t know when he was going to come back, no one did. Unless they did and were just refusing to tell you. You took a steadying breath, cursing the fact that you no longer had the clearance to find out how the mission was going before doing what you had been doing since the day you lost communication. What you were taught. Assuming the worst. You faked a smile again, composing yourself before leaving.

Once you had come home from shopping, you unpacked before continuing the routine you had adopted since Loki had left. Making dinner, alone. Feeding your daughter, alone. Putting her to bed, alone. Showering, alone. Having a glass of whine, which was a step you had added recently, alone. Going to bed, alone and cuddling a picture of Loki. A tear began to pool in the corner of your eye as you looked at the picture, a memory of him overtaking you.

“If you ever need me, just say my name three times” he assured, squeezing your shoulder.

You closed your eyes, holding the picture against you as his name left your trembling lips. You called it three times. Hoping, praying that he’d hear, that he’d come. But alas. Silence met your awaiting ears.

“Liar” you sniffled through tears before begging sleep to overtake you.

By the time the morning came, the warmish glow of the winter sun had covered your room, waking you up before your daughter did. The morning routine was similar to the night one in the sense that it was done alone now.

“We’re going to see Santa today baby” you smiled, pressing the porcelain mug against your lips as you sipped your coffee.

“Yayyy” she exclaimed, her spoon almost flying out of her hand as she threw her arms in the air.

Two hours and another cup of coffee later, there you were in the mall, the line for Santa's grotto alarmingly long. You took a breath, looking at the workers dressed as elves as they spoke to some of the children further up in the line than you.

“Are you excited to see Santa?” One of them exclaimed, smiling widely at your daughter who answered with the same amount of enthusiasm.

You narrowed your gaze slightly the closer you got to the front of the queue, the elves beginning to look slightly more real. You were no stranger to elves. Loki had taken you on a tour of the nines when you were an agent and Alfheim was one of them. But this wasn’t Alfheim.

“Quit staring lady” one of them interrupted your suspicions as you reached the front of the queue.

“Sorry” you spoke, clearing your throat.

Sitting on Santa’s lap, your daughter began listing the things she wanted for Christmas as you took some pictures before her time was over.

“And what about you?” Santa asked, surprising you.

“What?” You answered just above a whisper.

“What is it you want this Christmas?” He smiled generously, your eyes meeting as all words escaped you.

“I-I don’t—” you began.

“You can’t lie to me” he reminded you, your gazes still connected as you lost yourself in this stare.

“Loki” you finally utter, truthfully. “I want Loki”

“Next” one of the elves called before you could even register what had happened. As if on autopilot, you picked your daughter up before heading home before performing the night routine, however this night, you felt off.

The following day rolled around and you took your daughter to her grandparents house.

“You are looking after yourself right” your mum asked, her eyes darting around your face.

“Yes mum” you huffed.

“You know you are still my baby” she reminded you.

“Yes mum” you answered in a softer tone.

“I’ll be round tomorrow with the angel” she smiled, looking at your daughter “don’t forget to stuff the turkey and preheat the oven to—”

“Yes mum” you quickly interrupted “bye mum.”

Getting home, you poured yourself a glass of wine before you began your food prep. Downing the liquid, you pourned yourself another, almost halfway through the bottle before pouring another. You began feeling what could only be described as tipsy before accidentally burning one of your fingers on the pot.

“Ouch” you yelped, running to the sink before putting it under cold water.

As you covered your finger in water, you looked down at it, unable to help the tears that escaped you, your eyes mirroring the tap. Just before you began to cry even more, you heard a crash upstairs, immediately sobering up as you turned the tap off. Suddenly the thousands you had spent on training to become an agent and the years you had spent on the frontline kicked in as you stealthily walked up the stairs. Whoever had broken in chose the wrong house you thought to yourself, remembering the burglaries. Following the noise, it led you to your bedroom as you carefully pushed open the door before gasping, your heart falling to the ground as your eyes met Loki’s dishevelled body laying in your bed. You honed in on the gash on his forehead, sprinting for gauze before you rushed to his side, clearing the blood. Disbelief shrouded you as you began to shake him awake.

“Lokiii, Lokiii” you called, half wondering how strong that wine was.

“Y/n?” You heard fondly, quietly as he stirred awake, you wrapping your arms around him.

The two of you embraced, no questions needing to be asked as your lips met. No words left either of your lips as you helped Loki into the bathroom, undressing him before turning the shower on. You didn’t leave his side, not wanting this potential mirage to fade into nothingness, not wanting Loki to leave again. As you guided him back into the bedroom, you still asked no questions, they could wait until tomorrow.

Wrapping your arms around one another, you embraced, the warmth of Loki’s arms around you, intoxicating you. Taking a deep breath, you breathed him in, your lips pressing against his exposed chest. You felt his lips on your forehead as you moved closer against one another. Home, you felt home.

Had to take a break from writing my assignment to write something Christmassy. Hope you enjoyed!! And I hope you have a wonderful Christmas if you celebrate ❤️

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[ffverr]

Ok so let me add my two cents to this and say how it isn't a good reference to Ororo and Scott's duel or history.

To do that I'll also compare McKay's reference in Avengers (2024) #18, which is just the proliferation of a fanon cliché at best, with Hickman's reference in House of X and Powers of X, which actually understands the context of the source material.

Storm and Scott's duel in issue #201 of Uncanny X-Men happens in a very specific context that both modern writers and fanon either forgot, don't know or misinterpreted it over time.

I-The necessary context:

Jean grey dies

Scott is deeply hurt by that

Over something like a dozen issues he decided to actually leave the X-Men as he doesn't feel up for it anymore.

The leadership of the team is naturally passed down to Storm that has always acted as a second in command to Scott. He often asked her opinion on plans and she often found last resort solutions when he was backed up against a corner.

On his "hiatus", Scott meets Madelyne Pryor. They fall in love, get married and Maddy is pregnant with a child as we learn when they reappear on the team in the mini: Alpha flight Vs X-Men.

Storm acts as leader of the team but goes through many changes, like losing her powers, which rattles her to her core and gives her some insecurities about her place in the X-Men as a leader.

An Asgard adventure tells the story of Storm and the new mutants getting kidnapped by Loki.

This emergency makes the rest of the X-Men call Scott back to the team's leadership for a rescue mission.

Madelyne is brought to Westchester to wait for the return of her husband.

After the X-Men's comeback from Asgard, The trial of Magneto is happening in Paris, where they are attacked by evil Mutants. They're immediately teleported to that emergency.

Charles Xavier almost dies, but is at the last minute rescued by the Star Jammers and his love interest Lilandra in order to get emergency care.

Charles is stranded in space, and no X-Men knows if he's even alive

This hurts Cyclops enormously.

During this long absence on the X-Men (asgard+trial of magneto), Madelyne gives birth to their child, Nathan, alone at xavier's mansion as Scott is gone fulfilling his momentary duty.

After their return, Madelyne feels like this huge absence from Scott and his half frequent comebacks to the team is making her lose him bit by bit.

So, with Charle's status as presumed dead, Scott, very paranoid and depressed, does the only thing he sees fit at the moment. Come back as leader because the team needs him without Charles around. This is Scott's pathetic attempt at regression to familiarity as Charles being dead and him becoming a father is a COMPLETELY new and very scary situation he's not sure to handle.

Becoming a leader again is a delusional idea considering he has pledged his presence and loyalty to his wife and newborn, in ALASKA, and Storm is already leader of the team.

Madelyne, pushed by the insecurity of her husband's lack of presence in their family, begs Storm to challenge him in a duel in order to banish the thought of leadership from Scott's head.

II- THE MISCONCEPTION ABOUT THE DUEL:

Storm didn't initiate it! She did not challenge Scott because she thinks she's a better leader than him or because she wanted to prove herself or even gain the leadership of the team for the first time (as some seem to think?).

She was ALREADY leader and completely agreed with Madelyne that Scott had to stick to his new family and responsibility as a father and husband. Ororo knows Scott extremely well, especially from an emotional stand point. Most of the time she sees right through him and she understands that this decision to come back to the X-Men as leader is coming from a place of deep confusion and loss. It's a coming mechanism for him, and she's not about to let him indulge in it when he's got new and more important responsibilities.

Thus, she complies with Madelyne's request and beats Scott in a duel for leadership.

#201 Uncanny X-Men

He snaps out of his delusional state (in which he couldn't even bring himself to communicate with Madelyne or be happy about the birth of his kid by the way).

He feels completely lost and dejected and comes back to his family. His relationship with Madelyne becomes distant and strained.(This plot continues in X-Factor).

Storm keeps on being leader of the X-Men and goes through her own hardships and journey for self determination.

So, no. Mackay's vision as this moment in time being "Storm can't go back to being under Scott's leadership because she's better than him or too cool to be a part of an X-Men team she doesn't lead" is utter bullshit.

III-Text, meta and fanon:

This fanon vision of the duel and later history between the characters just further carves the drift between storm and her friends that is already prevalent because of how many writers like to dehumanise Ororo as a character and limit her personal emotional relationships to the X-Men to a maximum.

Her and Scott have a deep friendship built out of mutual respect and their shared grief over Jean's passing.

God loves, man kills

She doesn't believe that her and Scott "can't go back to getting orders from one another" that's just a misconception....

The truth is, neither one or the other would mind taking orders from each other considering they work insanely well as co-leaders. (As they did during their time on the team as leader and second in command from #94 to Scott leaving the team)

The Meta problem :

The issue, of course, is meta-textual, and shouldn't be baked into the text.

Storm hasn't "outgrown" being on an X-Men team or being submitted to hierarchy. This is just mixing up meta textual and text.

Yes, as a character, Storm deserves to be pushed forward as a leader. It's a spot that suits her and puts her in a very interesting head space. It would be unfortunate for FANS and for the journey of the character to keep her subordinated to other leaders.

HOWEVER this isn't a feeling she has in comics. That just makes her relationship with Scott oddly bitter when in actuality, there is none of that...

Not to say they both don't enjoy a little fun teasing competition as "who's the best leader?" But it isn't that deep. It's not something they actually genuinely querelle about.

McKay's reference just feeds into the misconceptions about them and it sucks because they love working together! And this vision of their relationship just puts a useless drift between them that would, in the long run, take away their interactions from us.

To me, it's a cheap textual justification of why she wouldn't join Scott's Alaskan team when in reality she's just not interested in whatever fight he's fighting and thinks that at this moment she's meant for bigger things (protecting the entirety of planet earth, in natural continuation to her responsibilities on Arakko). It would have been completely fine to just say that instead of sticking it on them having a power struggle.

IV-Hickman:

Hickman's reference though is quite good! Not perfect, but it holds an overall good understanding of that spot in their relationship. (And their friendship in general)

In hoxpox Scott says "Once, I thought I was strong -- a leader of mutants. And then you showed me what strong was."

This line stays up for interpretation. But for me, it's Scott recognising that at that time, because of Jean's death and Charle's presumption of death, he wasn't in the right headspace to be a great X-Men leader. He was still dealing with a lot of codependency of Charles and jean and didn't just yet actually stand on his two feet in a way that wasn't fragile, strained and harmful for HIMSELF.

Meanwhile, Storm had lost her powers! She was going through a very very hard identity crisis. Dealing with imposter syndrome and overall depression. But that didn't completely hinder her leadership like it did Scott. She rained in her problems and handled the team the best she could.

Scott running away from his responsibilities as a father because of how complicated his bond to the team's leadership and members is, wasn't real strength. But Storm dealing with these life changing moments and still holding her ground was strength.

And that duel taught him this lesson. And that's why Hickman's reference is great. Not because Storm is an objectively better leader than Scott or whatnot, but because the two of them learned lessons about personal strength and perseverance from each other.

Storm responding with "I learned it watching you" is the cherry on the cake because she did. To a certain extent, on a tactical aspect, Scott taught her a lot about leading missions and that's undeniable.

Anyways, ted talk done.

Stan Ororo and Scott! The greatest leaders of the X-Men! Don't pit them against each other and leave their friendship feeling odd and distant for no real reasons. They'll never grow over cooperating.

[starieq]

“Lovin her seems tiring..” part 1

Taggies/ warnings; Pro!HeroKats, cheating, fingering, creampie, blowjob, ridding, cumming, squirting, swearing, mention of sex toys, dirty talk, titty fuck, drinking, drunk messaging, dry humping.

a/n: i had a little to much fun with the Taggies/warnings, lmao!: hello! Tysm for all the damn love! I honestly feel really happy I decided to make an account cuz I’d just go on tumblr and read bkg fics. Some of my favorites have liked Stuffie animals and some followed me, which oml🥹 but i’am really just on here to make people’s day and make some new friends:D enjoy my first 18+ fic and tell me what anime characters or characters I should write abt! Love ya! 🤭🫶🏼

part 2!

You’ve been working with Katsuki Bakugo, aka, the more professional word, “Dynamight” for a few months now. As his pretty little assistant, you have to deal with his bull shitting, make meetings for him, make meeting PLANS with other pro heros, schedule trips for him and his little bitch of a girlfriend, Kira. God you fucking hate her. You don’t really wanna admit that you have a big crush on Dynamight, but only your diary knows that information. But, you get why he chose her. She has the perfect long black silk hair that hangs out with her ass, glossy lips, pretty dark green eyes, slim hourglass figure, and perfect pale skin. But, you also don’t know why the fuck he chose her, because all she does on her free time is spend Bakugos money on stuff she wants. You’re also pretty positive she spent some of his money on a fucking boob job. 

You come home to your cute apartment to your cat Loki, stretching on your leg begging to be carried and snuggle up with his favorite human in the world. If you’re feeling in the mood, you’d pick him up and put him on the little bed by the window where he spends most of his time sleeping, when  you two get up, sleeping when you’re getting ready for work, and sleeping when you’re at work. 

Anyways, you’re in the mood to just sit in your bed, legs spread wide, with your box of toys next to you. head propped up on some pillows while your vibration toy is on your puffy sensitive clit thinking of Bakugo pushing his redish pink angry head through your sensitive folds while you’re moaning his name. 

“F-fuck..! C-cant.. f-fucking take i-it! Bak- mh~ Bakugo!” You moan. The white bed sheets turning a light shade of grey. 

You take a look down in between your legs to see what just happened. You’ve never squirted before? Usually your clit would just throb. You swipe off hair from your forehead when you hear your phone ringing. 

You scramble out of the bed to get to your phone which was across the room. 

:caller ID; Dynamight🧡💥:

“Shit!” You whisper yell as you tried to swipe answer.

“Hello? y/n speaking,” you say trying to sound professional and calm since you just fucking squirted.

“Fuckin know who you are.” Bakugo grumbles.

“Sorr-“ Bakugo cuts you off.

“Need ya to schedule a hotel for me and you. Got a fuckin mission in Tokyo and ya need to come with.” He says with an annoyed voice.

“I-“ you get cut off again, but with a girls voice.

“Katsuki! I need more laced bras! Ugh, you’re so cheap! Gimme your card now! And who the fuck are you on call with? Trynna cheat on me while I’m in the same fucking room as you right now?!??” 

You’re guessing that’s Kira. God she’s annoying. She’s obviously a fucking gold digger out for his fame and money. You’d be so much better to him unlike his bratty girlfriend.

“I’m on the fuckin phone with my damn assistant brat! I don’t give two fucks if ya need laced ass bras! Leave me the fuck alone woman!” Bakugo yells. 

“Make the fuckin reservations tonight.” The last sentence he said before hanging up. 

[mischiefmaker615]

Cheeky Minx

Summary: Disobeying Loki has some.. particular consequences.

Rating: R

Requested Poll DM by: @gigglingtiggerv2

Promp: Loki (thinking) what is she doing here, on Asgard? She swore to me- No matter, someone is clearly overdue a spanking, to remind them of their promises!

Front Row Seats: @sharris8 @foxherder @emeraldeyesloki @kenzie-luvzz @liminalpebble @mischief-blood

Loki’s POV

Even a mere day is to long away from my Y/N and it pains me not to have her in my sights, let alone holding the knowledge that we are currently in two different realms at the moment.

Despite how I feel about those low-life heroes, they will serve at least a decent amount of usefulness as protection while I deal with a few meetings here on Asgard, and yet it still doesn’t calm my mind.

With so much to do, I can’t help but think of her throughout my attempts to busy and distract myself. i count each second until I can finally return to her side.. Though she might not be initially happy for having to leave her behind despite how many times she’s begged to accompany me.

It is the last night for me here on Asgard before I can make my return and festivities have been thrown to celebrate an accomplishment after a long attempt to receive it and yet I do not wish to participate. I am not missed in the slightest and I frankly doubt people even realize I am not even at the party. I’ve acted to retreat and watch from the balconies, hoping sleep might meet me up here but I find myself wide awake still.

The music and cheering is hardly enough agitation to send me away from a palace ball but I find any domestic pleasures have lost my interest if Y/N isn’t here. I merely find even now that my dulled mood has started to get into my head because I could have sworn seeing Y/N herself down in the crowds, weaving through with an untouched glass of Asgard’s alcohol in her hand.

That be impossible, we both know it is merely impossible for her to handle her wine and stay standing. The more impossible fact would be her being here in the first place, after having her promise abundantly she would find no way to follow.. but the fact was in the back of my mind that this might have something to do involving my brother’s help back at that damn Midgardian’s tower.

As my eyes follow her form, in her shimmery silver dress that hugged her body perfectly, her proportions were spot on to my Y/N. the way her hips swayed, her hair fell perfectly the way she wanted it with spending an extra few minutes giving it special attention in the mornings, the way she laughed or said excuse me with a shy wave whenever she brushed up against a stranger..

My hands gripped the balcony edge as I watched her, my eyes trained and even from this far distance, I can practically smell her wonderful perfume from here. Y/N.. my Y/N.. she was here..

But how? what is she doing here, on Asgard? Thor had to have something to do with this despite how I warned him to refuse her efforts on getting him to cave.. She swore to me-

My eyes closed for a mere second so I could take a deep breath and compose myself. No matter, I believe someone is overdue for their lesson on how they should behave and to obey. She’s here now, that’s all that matters and she will learn..

I could feel my cape flow behind me by my pace I have set for myself that indicated that I was not in a rush nor in a panic, but the servants knew well to get out of my way. I made my way through the halls and across the ball floor, indicating each step where my pace would not faulter as others continued their dancing and strolling. My heart rate picked up when I had her in my sights again, seeing how she was speaking to a couple while she raised her hand to take a sip of her glass. Just before it could touch her lips, my hand caught her delicate wrist.

‘’I believe you’ll find that a bit to strong for you darling-‘’ my words fell short as her eyes locked into mine, wide from my appearance, excited by knowing who I was, and glassy that indicated she apparently already has had a few sips of it. by gods she will learn tonight..

‘’Loki!’’ she exclaimed and hugged me with her arms around my neck while my hand slipped the glass into my own so she wouldn’t accidently spill and I placed it on a passing tray before my arms were around her as well. I

My body felt like it was melting and I wanted nothing more than to stay like that for hours but even now I held myself back so I wouldn’t catch unwanted attention. ‘’darling, come this way so that we may catch up’’ I urged and she held onto my arm as I nodded our departure from the couple before I led her through the crowd.

‘’I can’t believe I finally found you-‘’

‘’what did I tell you about coming here?’’ I warned her but I kept my tone light to keep her calm, knowing as she was slowly falling into intoxication, she might draw a scene.

‘’I know I know I just.. Thor offered to help me out when he saw I was down and I just missed you so much-‘’ she explained as she seemed to cuddle more into my arm, her bosom pressing against me, sending me a feeling of strain in my groin as I kept us going.

‘’despite Thor’s best intentions, he had no right to go against my requests.’’ I spoke calmly and her eyes avoided me.

‘’you just promised me to take me to Asgard a long time ago and yet you’ve gone twice in the same year.. I just want to know I can rely on you and your word before I have to take things into my own hands.’’

‘’like sneaking into Asgard for a night of fun?’’ I ask dryly, almost as if I were scolding a child as I switched my arm to hold onto her waist when I feel her pace change. Her silence gets my attention and I see her looking away with her bottom lip between her teeth. ‘’..what is it?’’

‘’..I’ve actually been here two days looking for you..’’

That did it. she was lucky we had already excited out of the palace gathering areas for the party and into the halls now because my next action would have made a scene. As soon as I realized she’s been here unsupervised for two days, she was over my shoulder in a heartbeat and I carried her at my regular stride towards my chambers.

I feel her hands press against my back as she looked forward, all exits and hopes of escape disappearing from her view before I bring her into my room and shut the door. Once its secured, she is set down with her back to the hall and my hands caging her in on either side of her head. She sobered up briefly as her hands and body pressed back against the wall.

‘’you have disobeyed my darling and are lucky you are here safe and alive with no form of chaos knocking on my door involving your appearance in the palace. Although you are intoxicated and will need to be retaught this lesson when you are sober and more aware, you’ve brought it upon me to have you punished for your actions.’’ I told her with my nose dangerously close to hers as I stare her down. her perfume and warmth has my groin straining again but I refrain to give in upon this time.. for now. First things first.

‘’..p-punishment?’’ she said quietly and feel one of my hands sliding behind her and up her back until it has a first grip on her dress zipper.

‘’you could have put yourself in danger and have disobeyed me, amongst many other things. Allow me to list them for you.’’ I offer, my tone almost to calm to have her take on a shy demeanor.

‘’what are you-‘’

In one smooth motion, I pulled down and the zipper followed with no delay until she had to use her dainty hands to keep it from slipping off her shoulders. she gave me a pleading look but I opted for an indifferent one. ‘’darling, you don’t wish to put yourself in a worse predicament than the one you already in, so do not deny it. it has been a rather long awhile after all anyway’’ I tried lightening the mood a bit, do to the fact that I don’t wish to be to harsh with her in her intoxicated state and gently took her hands away from herself, letting the silky fabric fall to the ground and leaving an eye full of beauty in just her undergarments.

‘’Loki.. I really didn’t mean anything by it or any trouble it may have risk causing-‘’ she interrupted herself with an adorable hiccup- causing me much stress into not wavering my demeanor just then before she continued while my eyes drank her in from the neck down. ‘’I just missed you that’s all- there could be worse things-‘’

‘’yes, and be thankfully you haven’t done then. A proper punishment will ensure- I hope- that you do not try such things after any warning has been left by me.’’ I warn her and take her by the hand, backing up so she followed, my eyes never leaving her ravishing swaying hips, lengthy legs and anywhere my eyes to look until I sit myself on my bed with her standing before me.

‘’Loki please..’’ she whispered but it didn’t sound like begging as my eyes flick up to hers with a coil smile. I know most of her actually enjoys the punishments, but I need the rest of her to thoroughly understand she needs to listen the first time.

‘’I so love it when you beg darling, but I don’t think you are sorry. However,’’ just as I spoke, my fingers had already curled at the top edges of her panties, my eyes staying trained with hers as I slowly slide them down. ‘’I do believe I should greet you properly before we get into it, I have missed you terribly..’’ I say, finding my heart and voice full of longing as I relish any second I get feeling her soft skin and she takes a step back as I push forward and sink to my knees.

My hands run up her thighs as her hands rest at my shoulders, supporting herself as I already see her shaking with anticipation. I’ve barely even touched her and already have her riled up, making me smirk and she knows it.

I lean forward just an inch away from her sex, inhaling her intoxicating scent that I knew had her blushing without me even having to look up at her. Her fingers dripped my shoulders in nervousness, even though this isn’t the first time we have been intimate. My hands on her thighs were gentle but I was clear that she would not move away no matter what. I flick my eyes up at her, holding love and also amusement at seeing how much she could squirm with very little effort from me before I used the tip of my tongue to barely graze her clit.

She sucked in a breath, her cheeks red and balance swayed as she looked down at me with intoxicated yet loving eyes as she bites her bottom lip. Gods the mere looks she gives me is enough to have my groin straining, begging for relief.. but this isn’t about me right now. This is about her, and always will be and I enjoy and relish ever moment of it as she begins panting while I administer with my tongue in slow, long strokes against her sex. However just as I began feeling her clench around my tongue, I lean away onto my heels, my eyes gazing up at her fast enough to catch her pout.

‘‘do not get carried away darling, there’s still a purpose here to administer.’’ I smirk, as if she had forgotten as I take hold of her wrist just as she was about to take a step back.

I stand up again and take a seat on the end of the bed, feeling her limb strain just slightly at what’s to come but she knows she won’t be able to break my hold; she never has. In one smooth motion, I full her forward and turn her so she lands in a position where she’s laying over my lap, her gorgeous ass displayed before me.

‘’L-Loki p-please..’’ she whines and if I hadn’t already known better, I would have thought she was begging for me to continue rather than relent.

‘’darling, although I am happy to see you and safe, I will administer three strikes. Not only have you broken your promise by coming to Asgard rather than remaining on Midgard like I’ve told you, you’ve put yourself in potential danger with foreign beings here. if any Asgardian would have found out that you were indeed a Midgardian, havoc would have rose on questioning our defenses. If you could get in, what else could.’’ I begin, hoping that even with the soul fate of a realm, she should see her carelessness as I gently run my hand against her rump in slow circles. By this alone I feel her body tense and shiver and she made no move to get away, showing how much she wanted this.

No. this was important.

And with that, I gave her one strike, making her yelp at the unexpected impact as her body tensed on my lap. Three may not seem like a lot, even to some with my erotic and sexual nature, but I remind myself every day she is a Midgardian, a bit more delicate.

‘’you’ve also indulged in alcohol- Asgard’s alcohol where I know I’ve told you countless times it how different the effects are compared to your Midgardian piss water; and we both know how you get when you are drunk, increasing your endangerment.’’ STRIKE.

She yelped again, followed by a shiver as I feel her delicate fingers grip my pants ‘’I’m sorry Loki-‘’

‘’you’ve also had interactions with my brother and gods knows who else when you know how I feel about you interacting with any of the male species.’’ STRIKE!

That one was a bit of a personal one and we’ve talked about my.. over protectiveness before, but those idiots should have stopped her if she was asking how to get here!.. but it’s not on her for that one.. but she still asked..

Her panting drew my attention back to reality as I glance down at her, seeing how she had goosebumps with a small drunken-smile on her lips. Cheeky minx, even when a point is trying to come across, she also somehow manages to pick pleasure out of it.. though I suppose bringing her along from now on would keep her away from other males and my eye on her would keep her safe, rest assured for my sanity..

STRIKE

‘’ow! What was that for??’’ she questioned as I use a bit of my Jotun temperature through my hand to help ease the sting as I give her a smirk.

‘’just for my own pleasure darling, as I see you’ve chosen to do the same. However, I do hope you have been listening throughout all of this.’’ I test and just as I see her lip’s part to utter a word, perhaps some snarky comment to test me or even a flirtatious one, I cut her short by shoving two digits into her cunt.

‘’norns Y/N you’re holding on so tight..’’ I breath out, barely above a whisper as her cunt clenches around my slow, pumping fingers, seeing just how much she had enjoyed her punishment.

‘’please..’’ she breaths, her back arching as her grip tightens on my leg as I feel her orgasm drawing close.

Now I knew for sure her begging was to let her cum, and I couldn’t help but smile at her although she couldn’t see it. she may bring something out in me I may not need- stress, worry, anxiety, obsessiveness, over protectiveness- but she truly has made me a new man.. a new god. For her.

I quicken my pumping, my eyes fluttering with my heading falling back at the mere touch of her, her flutter, her tightness and she says it before I can even make her.

‘’gods please Loki let me cum! I beg of you my king!’’

That did it.

‘’cum for me darling’’

My panting quickened just as much as hers as my fingers sped up, my other hand gripping her flesh and kept her in place as she squirmed with her orgasm beginning to tip over. With one final strike on her rump while I shove one more digit in, she lets out the beautiful sound of her moans while I curl my fingers and my thumb meeting her clit.

She shakes and flutters, her pussy drenching my hand as I made sure she wouldn’t fall right off my lap as I help her ride it out, all the while my eyes drinking in her beautiful form that cums just for me.. that loves only me and.. would cross the realms despite my warnings just to be with me..

I carefully turn her over on my lap as she pants, her glassy eyes and tired smile looking up at me where she musters up the strength to sit up and press her soft, luscious lips to mine. Gods this woman was mine..

I kiss her with love, with my heart and everything I could give as she cuddles close, burying her face in the crook of my neck as I drink in her scent I loved so much. I would never tell her this to make this lesson useless but I am glad she is here, and I’ll tell her we are to remain a few days here like I promised her later. Right now, I will just hold her, feel her, smell her,.. have her.

I feel her eventually grow restless and- dare I say, horny as she begins cuddling closer and pressing her lips to my neck and jawline. This brings out a smile as I glance down at her eyes that held more mischief than my own in that moment.

‘’Loki..’’ she begins with a gentle voice as I begin to creep my hand back down to her beautiful sex.

‘’yes darling?..’’ I whisper, slowly moving her onto the bed on her back without so much as breaking eye contact, my body barely leaving an inch away from hers as I position myself on top, already my magic working itself on riding of the clothes that stayed between us.

‘’you taught me a lesson when I was intoxicated..’’ she begins, teasing in her voice but a failed attempt to try to act serious as her hands run up to rest at my shoulders. ‘’but I’m sober now.. I need some reminding..’’

Oh you little minx..

She never fails to make me smirk, but right now she brought out the all to familiar smirk on my lips as I tower above her. ‘’as you wish darling.. do try to stay focused this time..’’ I tease and in one swift motion, flipped her over.

•Thank you friends for reading my first one shot in HIS POV ♥ rusty and time will improve Lol but i appreciate all the support ♥ cool we share the same taste in men- or.. gods ;)

[lucianalight]

Well, that episode was depressing. I'm so sad and heartbroken for Agatha and Alice and Teen.

The speed with which the coven tried to punish Agatha was disappointing. Like what did she even do to you? She helped Jen and Alice. The reason you all could survive the last two trials was her. And yet they failed her and they were ready to leave her behind when she was begging them not to. After they found out about her past no less.

I've talked about her similarities with Loki and his story before, but it's still surprising how much they are alike and treated alike. Vilified, scapegoated, misunderstood, blamed. I mean look at this

And the way she begs her coven who were about to fucking hurt her just moments ago, to not leave her because she can be good, broke my heart to pieces. Just like she was begging her first coven and her mother. Just like Loki who tried to be a good son to have his father's love.

The way both her and Loki didn't want to be alone. Like she didn't even try to defend herself when they were all threatening her with different kinds of punishments and just made a joke. But leaving her alone was the worst punishment wasn't it. And her losing control was the result of that. Just like when she couldn't control her power when her family tried to execute her. She couldn't control it again because again her mother and her new coven hurt her.

And all the time the other witches were standing around uselessly either judging her or screaming at her to stop. Forgetting the trials were about facing their fears and they were NOT HELPING BY MAKING AGATHA'S FEARS COME TRUE INSTEAD OF HELPING HER THROUGH THEM LIKE SHE DID FOR THEM.

If it wasn't for Teen none of them would leave that trial alive. It was Nicholas' voice that made Agatha snap out of it. The voice of someone she knew who loved her.

And speaking of Teen he's certainly Billy isn't he. And obviously he doesn't need more power. And what Agatha told him, that he is a hypocrite just like his mother, make me think perhaps those theories that he killed Sharon are true. Didn't Agatha said "I didn't think you had it in you" and winked at Teen in that scene? And maybe she pretended she was possessed by Sharon to see his reaction? Wasn't this what she meant by implying Teen has killed for his agenda?

Also the way she changed from sad and honest, to spiteful and heartless because Teen hurt her and was being a hypocrite? JUST LIKE LOKI WHEN HE IS HURT😭

Anyway, this episode made me love Rio more. She's a true Agatha stan. And Alice deserved better :(

[myfictionaldreams]

Hello it's me your bestie! I am here to request some Loki smut! She's tired of Loki's lies and she tries to leave only for him to stop her and they get into a huge argument that leads to rough sex Dom!Loki sub!reader with biting and dirty talk maybe some oral. Also can you do a part with his eyes change and his skin goes blue? Your the best 💓💓💓💓💓

My King // Loki x Fem!Reader

A/N: Hey bestie! Thank you for your request, I hope you enjoy reading!

Tags: 18+ readers only, smut, angst, manipulation, dom/sub, frost giant!Loki, huge size difference, size kink, choking, oral (f and m receiving), deepthroat, throat bulge, marking, biting, rough sex, multiple orgasms, creampie, dirty talk, pet names, begging

Words: 4.1 k

my masterlist 📚 AO3 Link

Loki Laufeyson, the Prince of Asgard, God of Mischief with a silver tongue that had eloquently promised to be your equal in every way that was feasibly possible. His wife, his life soul partner, his equal.

Of course, this was not the truth that came from his wicked mouth, over the last few years, there seemed to be fewer truths spoken.

“You’re my priority”.

“I’m doing this for us”.

“This is the last time I try to get the throne”.

Or your personal favourite: “I won’t leave you again”.

All sickening lies because if you were at all his priority or his equal, he wouldn’t be leaving you all alone for weeks, months or even years as he had been exiled, presumed dead or having to live on a different planet after his plans to take over the throne once again failed and caused a catastrophe for you. You’d had enough, you couldn’t live like this anymore.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Loki’s honeyed voice inquired from where he now stood at the entrance to your shared chamber doors.

“I’m going to stay with my mother,” you revealed without further explanation, not stopping with your motions of packing a few of your favourite dresses into a bag.

The sound of the chamber doors shutting echoed around the spacious golden room but you ignored him, even when his deep chuckle seemed to drift through the air, bouncing off of the walls from every direction. You loathed when he reacted like this, laughing off your words like a dismissal of your feelings as he strutted around with arrogance and confidence to belittle your emotions.

“Are you now, my pet?” he asked in a silky smooth voice.

Your body jolted to a stop at the name, he knew what that name did to you, knew how it caused your core to warm with arousal. Shaking your head to try and stay on track with your plans, you couldn’t let him distract you so quickly from your plan, he had failed to listen to your complaints before so you needed to prove that you weren’t messing around this time and actually get some space at your mother's.

Whilst continuing to fill your bag with the essentials, you maintained your confidence, “I am, and you know exactly the reason as to why Loki, I can’t keep doing this.”

“Doing what, exactly?” he pondered from somewhere in the room but you didn’t glance over your shoulder to check.

Your frustrations grew as you huffed out a hot breath, losing more of your patients, pulling on the drawstring of your bag with more strength than you’d needed to. “I can’t keep waiting around for you to return from being exiled”. Turning on the spot to face him directly, you were only met with an empty room, Loki nowhere in sight. Your frustration swiftly turned into anger, not in the mood for his magical tricks, knowing he had hidden from you, “I’m done with your tricks, Loki!”

Without waiting for his response, you quickly walked across the luscious room, shoulders back, bag in hand and deciding that if he said another word, you would just ignore him. However, as you research the door, you were slightly surprised that he hadn’t spoken but isn’t that what you wanted?

Lifting your hands to turn the door handle, your fingertips slide through the golden object as it disappeared before your very eyes. Loki was up to his mischief and you weren’t having it, attempting to push your body against the 15-foot high doors but they were sealed shut.

Burning hot anger rose in the centre of your chest, “You can’t keep me caged in here, Loki!”

His only response was a deep chuckle that once more echoed around the room so you couldn’t tell where it was coming from as you chucked your bad onto the floor, turned to face the empty space and took three large steps until you were away from the door.

“Stop hiding and open the fucking doors, Loki. I’m leaving. I’m fed up with waiting around for you, with your quest to take the throne! I’ve been on my own for too long! Why can’t you just be happy with what you’ve got? With me by your side and as the crowned Prince of Asgard? Why do you have to keep fighting to be the King?!”

A cool hand was suddenly enveloped around your throat and with the sheer size of his long, magical fingers, they nearly wrapped the entire way around your neck. Immediately, you knew you’d said the wrong thing, but with your rising anger, you were bound to say anything to cause a reaction from him which clearly worked as he visualised himself behind you.

Loki never raised his voice around you, even with the numerous arguments shared between you both, he always kept his voice to a balanced level which could be sometimes infuriating as it made you look like the one losing control but it was just another way for him to manipulate you.

So when he began talking in his steady tone, you couldn’t initially tell if he was angry or calm until he finished his sentence. “Do you believe I am unworthy of sitting on the throne then, my love? Is this your big confession after all of these years?”

You were sure he could feel the increase of pounding of your pulse from where he held your neck as your anxiety raised tenfold, trying to recover the words you had said, trying to take them back. “You know that’s not what I meant-”, his hand squeezed ever so slightly harder, not cutting off your airway but more as a warning to remain silent.

“Are you sure about that? Because from what I can interpret, you are unwilling to support my attempts at taking what is rightfully mine”.

This was not what you meant at all, you’d been there every step of the way and he deserved every ounce of glory that he sought after. He was your King, and knowing his hardship with Odin and brother Thor, you supported his journey to the throne but when was it enough? How could you call him your husband if he was hardly even there for you? Attempting to pull free of his grip, you stepped to the side and tried to turn to face him but he held firm, stepping with you so that you still were unable to see him.

Loki tutted, “Oh, there’s no getting out of this one now pet, you’ve betrayed my trust, do you really think I would be letting you out of here again?” You could feel the brush of his lips against the ridge of your ear, causing a shiver to brush through your body as his breath tickled the fine hairs on your face. That damned nickname again, the ownership of it as well as the restraint around your neck was causing your emotions to feel all over the place, mixed between anger and arousal, the submissive part of your brain unsure of what to do. You wanted to make him happy and prove you didn’t mean the words you said, wishing to explain that of course you supported him, you were always loyal but you couldn’t live without him forever, needing to be with him.

Your shoulders visibly sagged in defeat, losing the spark of anger as you were now resorting to back-peddling and trying to apologise for what you’d accidentally said. Opening your mouth, Loki didn’t squeeze his hand, allowing you to talk for a moment. “I just don’t want to be by myself”, you sounded defeated and timid, wanting to lean into his body but once more, his grip on your throat tightened, a sign to keep still again.

Loki’s lips were still hovering close to your ear and you could feel his mouth shape into a grin, “My lonely Princess, have I been treating you unfairly, wife?”

Your eyes shuddered closed at his acknowledgement of your union from all of those many years ago. There was always something so possessive about the way he uttered the word wife, and much like the word pet, he knew exactly what he was doing. Loki rarely said the word wife as well, usually using the pet name “my love”, when referring to you so he was really trying his best to rile you up from angry to aroused.

“Is this what you would prefer instead? For me to stay chained to our chambers and look after my lonely wife, rather than take my claim for the throne? Hmm?” You couldn’t answer even if you wanted to. His taunts were really messing with your mind, confused now between apologising and needing to relieve the tension between your legs at the thought of him naked, waiting in your bed every day just to pleasure you, oh his silver tongue was really tempting today.

Loki then pulled your body flushed against his causing you to whimper with need, wanting to feel more of him. “Shall we find out what you think?” Loki asked with a hint of humour and you already knew what his plan was as his other hand drifted to the top of your thigh, pushing aside material where the open slit was in your long dress. His skin was cooler than your body temperature due to his Frost Giant blood and during your first few years together, you would jump at the touch, but now you welcomed it as his long fingers delved to cup your unclothed cunt.

He always preferred you without underwear and soon you disposed of every pair that you’d owned so he could straight away feel just how slick you were for him, your juices already coating your pussy lips and inside of your sensitive thighs.

Loki audibly sucked in air, “Just as expected darling, dripping wet at the thought of me locked in here with you. Well that’s what you’ve got today dear wife, the door is locked and I am all yours”.

You stumbled slightly as he suddenly released you from his hold as he gave you the opportunity to decide what to do next, continue to leave, shout and argue, or give in to your lust.

You knew and he knew that you would always pick the same one, no matter the situation, the metaphorical choke hold that Loki had on you, the decision was already made.

Without turning to face him, you pushed the straps of your dress off of your shoulders, allowing the material to fall clean off of your body, pooling at your feet, leaving you completely bare for him. Loki sucked in an audible breath between gritted teeth as he looked down your naked spine, lower to the curve of your arse then to your legs, admiring your body and he couldn’t wait anymore.

With a hand on your arm, he turned your body towards him and you jumped into his arms he, was more than ready to catch you with steady hands on each of your thighs, massaging the muscles beneath as your mouth descended on his. All of your passion was put into the kiss, it hurting slightly with how hard you pressed against him, fingers gripping his shoulder-length black hair.

Loki groaned deeply from the back of his throat, tongue pressing against yours to assert dominance and you willingly succumbed whilst subtly trying to grind against his leather uniform, your breasts catching against a strap that twinged your nipples. Releasing his hair, you ran your hands over his shoulders, tugging on his clothing, pulling away from his mouth to make one demand, “Take off your clothes”.

“As my lady commands”, Loki whispered against your lips, lifting a single finger from your body to focus his magic as suddenly your skin was flush against his, lean muscles stretching over his trained body.

You took full advantage of the freedom of materials by tightening your legs that were wrapped around his waist, pushing your wet cunt directly only his abdomen, and rolling your hips to cause your clit to have some stimulation against his body. At the same time, your fingers delved back into his hair, gripping and pulling, forcing his head to snap back and revealing the column of his throat. The overwhelming emotion to mark him, to show that he was yours and as you kissed and sucked on his skin, his deep groan only fueled your plans to make him feel good, once again your submissive tendencies to show him that you believed in him, would always be by his side and you could show that through worshipping him.

You kicked your legs out, trying to pull out of his grasp and he gently placed your feet back to the floor and within a second you were on your knees, hands on the top of his thighs as you marvelled at the proud standing cock you were now eye level with. Your mouth watered, taking in the sight, admiring the veins that were beginning to bulge and the reddening tip that was beginning to leak precum.

You didn’t touch straight away, looking above his cock to Loki whose eyes were closely watching your every move. Smiling slyly, you asked in a sultry voice, “My King, I want to see the real you”.

Loki’s smile turned feral, finger reaching to stroke your cheek in a small sign of reassurance, “Do you think you can deal with it, pet?”

“I can handle anything you are willing to give me, let me look after you my King, let me show you how much I truly love the real you”.

Your husband's eyes changed colour first from their usual pale crystal blue to a blood-pumping red. Sitting back on your heels, you watched Loki shift and change, his legs lengthening, muscles thickening as he grew and grew until he was in his true Frost Giant form skin shifting to deep blue that was lined with lighter shades of raised patterns. You were hypnotised by his true self, the sheer power that he held and the confidence that radiated off of him.

His finger stroked across your cheek once more and your whole body shivered with the contact as his body was now ice-cold. Goosebumps appeared over the skin at the touch, it was such a significant drop in temperature when he was in his frost-giant body so you couldn’t touch him for long but whenever you were willing to, it made Loki incredibly hard.

Reaching up to the tallest height on your knees, both of your hands wrapped around Loki’s shaft that had grown to be proportionate with the rest of his body and could definitely never fit in any of your holes but your mouth would give it a very good go. His skin was just as soft as his Asgardian form and his shaft was still hard and throbbing with your touch but it freezing cold and caused your hands to stiffen in position, almost like when you placed your hands into the snow for too long.

“There’s my King”, you praised and reached to kiss the tip of his giant cock before licking to hole delicately swiping up the precum that was slightly saltier in this form.

“Fuck, my love”, Loki’s voice was deeper now as he watched your mouth open as wide as it could, the skin around your lips stretching slightly as you lay his heavy cock on your flat tongue. “Always feel so good”, he complimented, sighing lowly at the temperature difference as your hot tongue lapped up the underside of his tip over his most sensitive spot.

Even though there was no way you were able to deepthroat Loki with him at this size but you tried your best, wrapping your lips over his tip and sucking, eyes watering as he was already at the back of your throat. This was why your hands were working well, moving up and down his shaft in unison with the sucking of your mouth, tongue swirling over his skin as you tried to ignore just how cold you were.

You wanted to keep going for as long as you could, his words still repeating in your mind of his lack of faith in your belief in him, you needed to prove him wrong. Breathing through your nose, you sucked harder, audibly choking with your efforts to take more of him and the gasps Loki was producing were only spurring you on.

“Doing so well for me Darling, taking my cock more than ever before”, he praised. Your entire body was shivering now, overwhelmed with how cold you were from his body but you didn’t stop or slow down your movements.

Loki could see you were struggling and knew you would speak up, not that you could with his cock in your mouth so he began to shift back to his Asgardian body, body shrinking and warming back to what they were before. Usually, he would always run at a cool temperature but compared to his Frost Giant ice-cold body temp, he felt warm to the touch as you adjusted back to what he once was.

As Loki’s shaft returned back to its usual size, still girthy and long before now at a reasonable size it slipped further down your throat. It was one thing that you were blessed with not having a gag reflex, and your hands rested on the tops of his thighs, allowing them to warm up. You continued to look up at him as your throat bulged with how far he fucked into your mouth and you began to bob your head.

Loki’s thighs tensed under your hands as you move up and down his shaft, quickening in pace, feeling him throb in your throat as you gave a particularly harsh suck.

And then he was pulling out, not uttering a single word as he reached to pull you back into his arms, taking powerful steps towards the bed and then carefully laying you down and you noticed a warm invisible blanket covering your body as he used his magic to continue to heat you up.

Then it was his turn to kneel at the edge of the bed but he didn’t have as much restraint as you, needing to taste your arousal, desperate to hear your moans.

Loki’s wicked tongue pushed through your folds and lapped up everything you had to offer, licking your juices before pushing into your hole, feeling it already clenching around his muscle that tried to reach as far as it could, stroking your walls. His hands were harshly holding your thighs spread wide and inviting for him, feeling them tremble as he swiped across your bundle of nerves.

You reached down to pull on his hair but he quickly snapped on your wrist, holding it down to your hips as his mouth continued to explore your pussy.

“Keep still”, Loki demanded as you tried to roll your hips against his face, seeing if you would listen to his instructions but he knew that you wouldn’t already too lost in pleasure. His teeth grazed over your clit, sending a hot spark into your abdomen, shouting out louder. 

“More!” you weren’t sure of exactly what but Loki could read you like a book, removing his mouth from your cunt only so that he could bite on your inner thigh, not hard at first but as you tried to shift your hips closer to him, he increased the pressure. This was how he spent the next few minutes, shifting between licking cunt and sucking along the inside of your sensitive thighs, biting occasionally, leaving indents with his teeth.

“Need…need to cum”, you gasped, still trying and failing to reach for him, your thighs sensitive and sore but the mix between pleasure and pain was perfect.

“You can cum”, Loki rewarded, and he spoke directly against your clit, causing the vibrations to rumble deep into your core and then he was back sucking on the throbbing nub, his chin pushing against your hole, stimulating it and bringing you over the edge.

With the way you were being restrained, all you could do was cry out in ecstasy, your breath getting caught in your throat with how good it felt as your cunt pulsed and Loki’s tongue kept lapping prolonging the pleasure until you collapsed back. Looking down at him with half-lidded eyes, you mewled pathetically, wanting to feel him, wanting more of him, the argument and feelings you were feeling earlier already a distant memory.

Loki listened to your desperate noises and smirked as he began crawling up your body, his cock occasionally bobbing to touch your stomach. Dipping his head down, he grazed along your collarbones with his teeth before caressing with his tongue, “What do you want? Use your words, Darling”.

“Want your cock inside of me, I want you to fill me up, please!” you begged, your hands finally not being held down anymore meant that you could claw at his back, feeling the muscles flex beneath.

Loki smiles hearing your pleas and sets into motion, easing his weight back onto his knees, giving him space to turn you over and onto your front, lifting your hips up so you were perking your ass and cunt into the air for him.

“Good girl”, he praised, seeing you shake your hips to will him to touch you. Easing between your legs, subtly spreading your knees further to give him more room, he smeared his cock up and down your folds, listening to your precious whimpers before pushing into your entrance.

Loki was slow with his initial penetration, giving you time to stretch around him but after that, he was held no restraint as he began fucking you hard. His hips slapped against yours, forcing you to bounce up and down on the bed, his balls grazing against your clit with each thrust and his hands gripped your hips painfully, holding your arse in place.

You wanted to reach for him, hoping to grip a part of his body in some way as you rested your weight on your neck and reached behind but Loki had other ideas as he grabbed both of your hands and held them against your lower back, now using this to help keep you in place.

He felt so good, dominating your body, knowing exactly what you liked, feeling his girthy cock pounding into your pussy, bashing against your cervix. 

Loki could feel how much you were beginning to clench around him, and quickly released your arms, deciding that he needed to feel you closer. He pulled you up onto your knees, his arm supporting your body so you didn’t tip forward again, his chest pressed firmly against your spine.

Then he was back nuzzling into the junction between your neck and shoulder. “Mine”, he mumbled possessively against your neck and once more, he knew exactly what the ownership did to you. Your arms reached behind you to grip his hair, holding him against your neck, pushing your hips back to meet his thrusts.

“Loki….yes!” you gasped, already sensitive from the first orgasm so the second snuck up on you, especially with this new angle and being so close to him. Thankfully he was strong enough to support your weight as your thighs trembled with the convulsions in your cunt.

You hadn’t even caught your breath before Loki was grunting out what he wanted, “I’m close, need to look into your eyes as I’m filling you with my seed”.

Once more, you allow him to manhandle you, his grip releasing so you toppled onto the bed face first, and then were turned onto your back so you were now looking up at him. His lean body was over yours in a second, his cock slipping back in as his hand held your jaw so you couldn’t look away, not that you wanted to, especially with the way his eyes had softened.

“I’d never leave you, Darling”, he whispered, his lips barely grazing yours and on instinct you reached for him, a hand resting on his back and the other cupping his cheek.

“You’re my king, you’ll always be my king Loki, please know that”, it was his time to find his pleasure, in hearing the devotion in your voice. Loki’s eyebrows knitted together, mouth dropping open, your name pouring out as his thrusts lost their tempo and his cum began coating your cunt.

You hold him to his chest as he relaxes over you, breathing heavily, fingers idly stroking along your sides as you stroked back his hair. Neither of you wanted to move from the spot but eventually Loki rolled off so that he could look you over properly, hand cupping your cheek.

“Do you want me to unpack your bags, darling Wife?”

A small smile spread across your cheeks, “Only if you promise to take me with you when you plan to take over the throne next time”.

“I promise”, he replied, leaning in to kiss you softly.

[maneskinwh0re]

“you want me to break you.” ~ fem loki laufeyson x fem reader

one shot, smut, 18+

this is porn with a plot. freak level 100. 3.4k words. yes, i’m ovulating. cw: 18+ dom!loki, fem!loki, loki x reader, begging, edging, teasing, embarrassment k!nk, knife play, cuffs, blood, praise, degradation, punishment kink, semi-public sex

read at your own risk babes. first time writing smut and my hormones did not hold back !! idk if i like this or not lol but i have more in the works xo

“tear you apart” by ‘she wants revenge’ while you read >:)

cred to loki concept artists - got these pics from insta and pinterest like a year ago

----------------------------------------

location: asgard

you pace the golden palace halls as you wait for thor and the warrior’s three to return. it’s been a few hours now, and your mission is only a simple weapons transfer across realms. once everything is in order, you plan to return to midgard, aka earth, and assist the avengers in whatever is next on the heroes’ roster. the sun has set and multiple asgardian moons are shining bright lights across the galaxy’s sky.

the sound of light steps echo the hallway as you walk, until you decide to lean against one of the wide, golden pillars that reach up to the high ceiling. with a heavy sigh, you close your eyes for a moment, wondering how much longer thor is going to take in the council meeting. when you open your eyes, thor’s sibling is staring at you only a few yards away, leaning on an opposing pillar. your startled gasp made her smirk, her emerald green eyes never leaving yours.

loki has heard stories of the midgardian avenger, often by eavesdropping on thor’s babbles of his “heroic adventures.” and you’ve heard stories of her, but often spoke with negative qualities through tony stark’s gritted teeth. you have never seen the goddess in person. her dark hair falls on her shoulders and a dark green corset hugs her hourglass figure. she wears black pants and tall black boots that reach her thighs. a fluffy, light-gray coat drapes over her while the tall horns on her golden helmet curve upward. she definitely looks like a goddess, but you internally curse yourself for the thoughts you have of the villain.

she slowly toys with a dagger in one of her slender hands until she finally speaks.“hello, mortal,” her voice is smooth, fit for a princess.

“loki,” you nod, crossing your arms over your chest. you know you shouldn’t be conversing with her. hopefully she’ll leave you alone if you ignore her gaze long enough.

loki sees your ignorance to be a challenge, of course, so she walks closer. “may i ask what you’re doing in asgard?” her tone is sweet as she raises an eyebrow curiously.

you inhale slowly as you think of a response. how much does she know?how much should she know? you assume not much and that you should keep it that way.

keeping it vague, you reply, “um, well…i’m here for a mission, under the avengers initiative.”

loki smiles sweetly as she stops in front of you. “mission? avengers initiative? oh my, how cute.”

you try to ignore the butterflies in your stomach over loki’s closeness. “it’s classified.”

“classified?” loki hums, looking down at you. “do you wish to tell me more? i’m very curious, y/n. just between the both of us, of course…” she leans closer, putting the dagger she was playing with in her thigh holster in order to give you her undivided attention.

“i’m terribly sorry, your majesty,” you reply in a sarcastic tone, smoothing out the fabric of your black training suit. “but i’m afraid i cannot disclose any more information.” you straighten your posture against the pillar and find some enjoyment as you tease loki. “not unless i could get…something in return.”

she thinks to herself with a smirk, then raises an eyebrow. “ah, something in return? what is this something that you expect me to give you, mortal?”

“again,” you whisper, looking her up and down. “classified.”

“you know, mortal, it’s really unfair if you don’t tell me anything whilst i’m standing here with such curiosity. i want to know,” she leans in closer, her lips brushing your ear. “what is this classified information you are hiding from me, darling?”

you close your eyes, focusing on the feeling of loki’s cold breath on your ear and neck, her scent of rain and oak filling your nose. she pulls back as her hand moves to your chin and turns your face to look up at her. your eyes flick open as she forces you to look up into her dominant gaze.

“it’s not worth your valued time, your majesty,” you breathe, speaking honestly. “only a weaponry transfer across realms. nothing more.”

loki’s fingers slowly move down to the zipper on the front of your skin-tight black suit. “nothing more? what if we make this mission a little more personal?” she asks flirtatiously as her hand begins to pull at the end of the zipper.

a moment of clarity hits as you realize you are both still in the open hallway. your lips part as you breathe heavily, grabbing loki’s hand to pause her movement. you look left and right, searching for any working guards or wandering civilians.

“what if someone-” you begin to ask worriedly until loki backs you behind another nearby pillar.

“that is why you’re going to be quiet for me,” loki whispers against your neck, her free hand beginning to roam. “no one will see you but me.”

she continues to try to unzip your suit, ignoring your hand lingering on the back of hers as her fingertips brush against your skin. “you need to be a good girl for me and let me unzip it…”

you start to focus on your breathing once again. you keep your hand on loki’s wrist but your resistance lightens, allowing her to move your suit’s zipper lower until the fabric falls slightly off your shoulder. loki’s fingers and thumb brush against your bare skin under the suit, teasing you until her lips coat light kisses across your collarbone.

“good girl…let me undress you, darling. you’re mine after all.”

a soft whimper escapes your lips as you allow her to remove your black suit. she helps guide your arms out of the sleeves and lets the top half of the suit roll down to your hips. a shiver runs up your spine as the cold night air hits your skin. loki’s gaze darkens as her hungry eyes lower to your breasts.

“gods, you’re so beautiful…,” she praises as her hands caress your thighs and slowly work their way up your torso. “yet so fragile. i could break you in half.”

“then do so,” your voice shakes as your hands tangle in loki’s dark hair, tugging on it slightly. “break me, princess.”

something inside loki snaps instantly as soon as those three needy words leave your mouth. she pushes herself against you as her lips latch to yours in a passionate kiss, gentle and warm at first, until her tongue enters your mouth as her hands travel up and down your thighs, squeezing them tightly. after a few moments, she starts biting and pulling at your bottom lip with her teeth.

the way loki kisses you brings up a moan from the back of your throat, a sound that only drives her crazier. her lips leave yours and you immediately try to catch your breath. she then bites down on your neck, leaving marks and hickeys that will only darken in time. you feel a drowsy heaviness pull your head back, resting against the pillar as loki pants into the nape of your neck.

your hand trails up loki’s arm and shoulder until you reach one of the horns on her golden helmet. you tug on one of the horns, subconsciously trying to pull her head downward for a moment before you realize what you’re doing.

“y/n,” loki warns, biting harder as one hand grips your waist and the other pulls your right thigh up to her side. she presses her hips against yours, grinding hard as she resumes suffocating you with open-mouthed kisses. your body tenses at the pressure, moving your hips in hopes to find more friction.

“loki…please,” you groan as soon as her tongue temporarily leaves your mouth. your fingers tug at her green and gold armor, craving her body even if that means you’d have to pry every layer of her clothing off yourself.

loki lets you move and squirm, all while still holding your right thigh against her left hip. she slips her free hand under your suit to start rubbing slow circles on your clit through the silky fabric of your underwear, bringing another whimper from your mouth.

“you want me to break you?” loki whispers into your ear, continuing the many pecks and bites to your neck. she sucks slightly on your collarbone until your nails are practically digging into her corseted waist. “such a naughty girl. let me punish you…”

you can feel yourself grow wetter with every filthy word that leaves her lips. you look up into her eyes and nod as a consensual gesture for her to be rougher with you, not being able to wait any longer.

“punish me, loki…please.”

“that’s it, darling,” she lowers your thigh as she kisses down your body until she is kneeling in front of you, her hands caressing every one of your curves as she moves. she then roughly pulls the rest of your suit down your legs until it pools at your ankles. her thumb resumes the achingly slow movements to your clit through your underwear as her fingers press against the dampening fabric covering your vagina.

“f-fuck,” you curse as both your hands grip the horns on loki’s helmet, using it to stable your legs’ weakening balance.

“easy, dear,” she says. “watch that pretty mouth of yours, or i’ll put it to good use.”

“i…” you breathe, trying to form an argument back, but loki’s thumb starts to move faster before you can think to stop yourself from cursing again. “oh- fuck!”

“ah, you little brat.”

she then quickly rips off your panties and stands up abruptly. she grabs your jaw and forces two fingers into your mouth. you don’t hesitate to shamelessly suck on her fingers. they’re in for only a moment before she pulls them out and wets her thumb with her own tongue. she then lowers her hand and you feel those same two fingers being pushed inside your wet cunt.

a pained yell escapes your mouth until it’s muffled by her free hand. her thumb resumes rubbing circles on your clit at a quicker pace than before, helping the ache turn to painful pleasure.

“shh, remember what i told you, hm? i said you need to be quiet for me,” loki shushes you. your legs are already struggling to support your body while the knot in your stomach grows.

your whimpers and moans are muffled by loki’s slender hand, forcing you to control your breathing through your nose. her thick gold rings are cold against your cheeks. both your hands grip her wrist, inhaling and exhaling unsteadily as your eyes catch the dagger sheathed in her thigh holster. when loki realizes what you’re looking at, she pauses her movements with a smirk and pins both of your wrists to the pillar above your head, not even bothering to wipe or suck your juices off her fingers. you let out a frustrated groan over your delayed release and squeeze your thighs together, feeling embarrassed on how loki caught onto what you were eyeing.

“how cute,” she whispers against your lips, her taunting tone and cold breath flowing into your open mouth. “is that how you want to get punished, my adorable slut?”

you press your lips together to stop yourself from whimpering again, only having the ability to nod in response. loki moves her fingers down to the holster and removes the knife. she then brings it up to your throat and presses the side of the blade against it. the threat is somehow arousing in a way you have never felt before. you wonder how far you’re willing to go. then wonder how far the villain is willing to go…

“do it, then,” you say with a challenging tone and a raised brow, half confident that loki is bluffing. part of you hopes she isn’t. “you won’t, princess.”

“oh, yeah?” loki looks playfully offended, tilting her head to the side as she studies your nervous breaths. her lips form a sly smirk on her face as she trails the cold blade down, past her leftover bite marks and down to your chest. she presses the blade against your skin harder, not quite drawing blood, but definitely causing enough pain for you to try to maneuver yourself away. “how about i carve the letters of my name right here across your breasts, you little brat?”

you suck your teeth as the pain grows. you squirm in loki’s grasp and lick your lips. “once again,” you chuckle softly and smirk back up at her. if you are going to do this, part of the fun is the fight. “you won’t do it.”

loki’s lips form a slightly cruel smile. a thin, red line appears on your skin, causing you to hiss out a groan. the pain doesn’t get any easier as you feel a bit of warm blood trickle down your breast before another line is slowly carved, creating an “L” shape on your lower chest. loki goes to continue the three remaining letters, but your struggle to stay still makes her pause. she uses her magic to create green, transparent restraints out of thin air, keeping your wrists pinned to the pillar before teasingly pressing the tip of the blade to the center of your sternum.

“is that all the punishment you can handle for now, little brat? are you gonna stay still for me now?” loki lifts your chin with the end of the dagger, watching you find the strength to nod and recover slowly. you try to ignore the painful reality carved into the skin of your breast. while you don’t yet regret challenging loki’s bluff, it still hurts like hell—like a good hurt…for now at least. you nod in answer to loki’s question before looking at her lips. she reads your expression, understands your nonverbal request, and willingly gives herself to you.

she hums into the kiss, a moan following shortly after as you lift a knee and push it up between her legs. her tongue enters the kiss as she throws the dagger aside, the clattering noise loudly echoing through the hallway. both of her pale hands cup your face, expressing how gentle she now wants to treat your fragile body.

you try to move your arms to hold her closer, caress her curves, tangle your fingers in her hair—anything, but you can only tug at the restraints created by her witchcraft abilities. “lo…,” you pant between kisses in her grasp.

loki notices, but doesn't care. she continues to enjoy caressing your face and body for a few more moments. her hands finally travel lower until her damp fingers reach your sensitive nerves, your aching cunt still craving the delayed orgasm from earlier.

“beg for it,” she coos as her fingers tease your entrance, coating her digits with your wetness.

“loki,” you protest, bucking your hips up slightly in hopes for resumed friction.

“don’t make me repeat myself.” loki’s tone is stern. her free hand squeezes one of your breasts and pinches your nipple, bringing another pained moan from the depths of your throat. you felt so weak already, but loki intends to fuck you as long as you can still stand.

“please, princess. i…i’m begging you. p-please,” you whimper, your back arching against the golden pillar as you continue to squirm under loki’s teasing grasp.

loki grins at the sound of your little whimpers and begs as her thumb adds pressure to your clit. “don’t you dare move now, darling, not until your princess decides you can cum. you understand?”

“yes, lo…” you gasp as she pushes two fingers into your wet cunt. you so badly want to continue to squirm and beg, but you know better now to follow commands to stay still and quiet. your chest unsteadily heaving up and down is the only movement loki allows as her digits pump in and out of you at a slow pace. “m-more…”

her smirk widens at your stuttered request, moving her fingers faster as her mouth reconnects with yours, swallowing every whorish sound you make as she fucks you. your eyes squeeze shut and your jaw locks, trying not to hiss curses through clenched teeth. your faint words are stuttered between soft, breathy moans. “loki…oh, god- i…i’m-”

“i know, my dear. i’m right here. gods, you feel so good wrapped around my fingers…just in a panting mess like this,” loki whispers seductively as her fingers continue to move faster and faster. she kisses the skin beneath your ear between praises. her grip on your breast tightens as she presses her body against you. her pace is perfect. it is all too much, yet not enough.

loki’s lips kiss your cheek before whispering in your ear. “cum for me, darling…”

her thumb presses hard against your clit, and at her words, your body follows her command. the tightness in your abdomen unknots as you release a high-pitched moan that causes a greater effect on loki than you know. she is practically soaked from watching your pleasured reactions. she does not rush you to open your thighs as you ride out your orgasm against her palm. she enjoys the feeling of her hand trapped between them…as well as the thought of what it would be like for her face to be in her hand’s place instead. her kisses are gentle and slow, finding a steady rhythm to allow you breaks in between to catch your breath.

“you’re such a good girl. doing exactly what she’s told.”

the restraints above your head fade away, and you practically melt into loki’s arms. your head feels as light as a feather and every nerve in your body is relaxed. you feel loki’s palm on your breast, resting over the “L” she cut into your skin. a comfortable silence falls between you two as you lazily wonder why her hand is subtly glowing. you know you will never be able to explain how she heals you, even as you watch the tingly green magic flowing from her palm into your sore muscles. once she removes her hand, it’s like there is no trace of the injury, to the point where you almost ask if it was ever there. loki brushes a strand of hair away from your face and kisses the bridge of your nose. with a single motion of her fingers, your black training suit is rolling up until it is snug on your body, with no trace of her hungry hands pulling at the fabric minutes prior.

as if on cue, you hear the double doors at the end of the hall open, making an unmistakable creaking sound notifying you the council meeting is over. stomping noises of guards lined in pairs and the confident voice of thor reverbs off the walls, causing you and the goddess to shrink further behind the wide golden pillar.

as you smooth out your hair, she adjusts her helmet and attempts to play with the small weapons in your belt. you swat her hand away as thor, odin, and rows of asgardian keepers pass by, sounds of their armor clanging and clashing.

thor’s words boom above all the noise to instruct a young palace maid to fetch you from your chambers, where you’ve supposedly been told to wait during the meeting. steps at the volume of a mouse scurry off towards the direction of your quarters.

as soon as all footsteps recede, loki’s arms wrap around your waist from behind and cling tight, her chin resting on your shoulder.

“surely, you’re not leaving for midgard now. are you, darling?” she pouts.

you chuckle for a moment until you realize she is serious. “i do have to go, princess.”

“and there is no way i could…convince you to stay?” she purrs, nibbling at your ear.

“i know you could, and that’s why i need to leave now before you get the chance,” your voice is soft and teasing. “but if there is another…weaponry transfer…i’ll make sure to travel along.”

the goddess of mischief reads your honest facial expression and kisses you. a gentle goodbye.

“that’s my good girl.”

---------------------------------------

as much time as i spent working on this…i don’t like it >:(

my wife deserves better smut than this smh

requests are open babes <3

-bee xx

[brnesblogposts]

love lost.

pairing: loki x gn reader

warnings: angst

(repost from my old blog because i’m moving to this account !!)

reposts appreciated :)

—————————————-

Loki watched as his friends turned into nothing before his eyes, the fear behind theirs would stay with him forever. Mobius, OB, B-15, Sylvie, Casey.. all turned into what can only be described as spaghetti. Then just as he thought it couldn’t get any worse. You. He turned around to see you were still standing there, eyes wide with fear at what you’d just witnessed, Loki rushed to your side tears in his eyes and hands cupping your face as if to check you were really still with them.

“Loki..” the words got stuck in your throat as shock overtook your body and Loki pulled you into a hug, rocking you back and forth in a soothing manner.

“How are you still here?” Loki was confused as she had just seen all of her friends vanish but you remained. The last two people in the universe it would seem. “I’m so glad you’re still here” Loki shakily said while kissing the top of your head.

“What do we do??” You were panicked “Are you gonna leave me too? I don’t wanna be alone Loki” crying again you clutched onto him as if that would stop him from disappearing. Losing Loki would be like your heart stopping, there is nothing worse you could think of than losing him.

“I’ll never leave you, my darling. As long as you don’t leave me either” He’s stroking the back of your head now “We will figure this out, together.” Loki stands back and puts his hands on your shoulders to look at your face as if he wanted to remember every last detail, just in case.

You did the same, neither of you looking away from each other for a few minutes.

You felt funny all of a sudden.

“Darling?” Loki’s voice was distant yet you could see him right in front of you.

You felt your body disappearing from beneath you, looking down your legs were the spaghetti you had just seen your friends turn into, oh no. Your eyes looked back up right into Loki’s he was still clutching your shoulders as if doing so would keep you with him, as if him not letting go would keep you from being taken from him.

“No, no.” He whispered under their breath as you started to disappear. They didn’t want to be alone again, they didn’t know how to live without you. You were Loki’s lifeline you were their heart and soul and the core of their very being.

“Loki..” Your soul staring into the gods eyes until you were no more, Loki’s hands simply clutching the air where your shoulders had been.

She fell to her knees. Head down in defeat, sobs racking out of their body.

“No” He cried.

He looked around him, nothing, nobody. He was the only one who remained and he didn’t know how to live or breathe without you.

— time skip—

Loki would spend years and years trying to find a way to get them all back, to get you back. He would eventually drive himself to insanity and hallucinate your presence often finding himself talking to you only to realise you weren’t there, nobody was. He was all alone in the universe as if he was being punished for all that he did when he was on Earth and Asgard, for the tormenting of his brother, the death of his mother, the battle of 2012 and everything else. Maybe he deserved to be alone, maybe the universe was punishing him indefinitely.

Loki hadn’t moved, hadn’t been taken anywhere. He remained where he’d last seen his friends, some part of him hoping they’d come back, that some day he’d wake up and find you next to him. They talk about hell being a firey place if torture but Loki was in hell already, hell was life without you, hell was knowing there was probably something he could do to get his family back but not having the ability to, without OB’s brains and everyone else’s assets.

Destined to a life of loneliness. The only company being a small photo of you that had faded over the millennia, your smile barely visible but Loki found himself looking at it constantly and smiling and crying, begging whatever did this to him that he was sorry and that he just wanted you back.

He’d lost everything when he lost you.

_______________________________

[megglesthegeek]

One More Chance to Be Near You

There had been too many mistakes. Too many retakes. Never being enough, never even coming close to being enough, and it was driving Loki mad.

He’d taken breaks, of course. Sometimes he’d time slip and just… pull Mobius aside, talk to him, and ask for distraction. Maybe come up with some reason to take him out of the temporal core and just take the time between then and the loom exploding to breathe. To just look at him and remember why this was important. To, occasionally in his more masochistic moments, ask Mobius what he wanted to do when they fixed it, what he thought he and Loki would go from there. 

Mobius would always say something about He Who Remains variants, focused on the job and not hearing what Loki was really asking. Depending on how insistent Mobius was when Loki would try to correct him, they sometimes ran out of time before Mobius could give him an answer. Most times, Mobius would look away, shrug, and say, “We get some pie, maybe some cocoa, figure out what we do when that’s all done.” But every tenth break or so, Mobius wouldn’t look away and instead searched Loki’s face and see what he was really asking. Then Mobius would smile, eyes bright with it, and one of two things would come out of his mouth: “Let’s see when we get there,” or “Guess I was wrong.”

But frankly, Loki had gotten to a point where, as Victor turned to matter, he just couldn’t think of another way they could try to get a different outcome and he couldn’t take another break and taste what he wanted so desperately only to never get there. He could only go back so far or they wouldn’t have Timely at the TVA for his temporal aura. OB could only have so much time to work on anything he came up with to make the throughput multiplier work better. The only person who could figure out how to get it to work, and have it ready early enough for Victor to get down the gangway in time, was Loki.

It was ridiculous and self-aggrandizing, but it had to be a better plan than repeating the same doomsday scenario over and over again and hoping for a different result. 

So as he heard the protests from OB, from Timely, from Casey as they stood around the model of the loom for the first and hundredth time, Loki asked, “But if I had to know. I mean, I really, really, really had to know, how long would it take?”

Decades.

Centuries .

Daunting.

He’d have to go back further. Further than he ever would have cared to.

On autopilot, Loki followed Mobius and Sylvie out of the room while Case, Victor, and OB got to work on a throughput that would fail. Because it always did and always would unless it could be ready well before they got to this moment in time. 

Lost in thought, Loki hadn’t really considered what this moment was until Mobius spoke about going to the automat. 

“Pie?” Sylvie spat, turning on heel to really glare the agent down. “What is the matter with you? You dragged me back here begging for help, so you must have some idea of what’s happening. Everything is turning to shit, and you want to leave it to them while we go and have some pie? Great idea, Mobius.”

When Loki said nothing, she turned an accusing stare at him but he didn’t flinch. It wouldn’t matter, this whole scenario would be erased and automatically reset to how it originally happened once Loki slipped again.

With a huff, she turned and stormed off, jacket flaring behind her before she stormed off.

“Is it so bad? Having a little creature comfort?” Mobius asked him, one hand on his hip as he gestured in the direction Sylvie stormed off in. Which, ironically, was the automat.

“I’d say no, but the pie is dreadful,” Loki replied, stuffing his hands in his pockets as he turned toward Mobius.

“You ate the pie, you liked that pie,” he argued with a hint of a grin still lingering on his lips.

“I ate the cream and pushed the rest around on my plate. I wouldn’t call that eating it, let alone liking it,” Loki quipped back as he crept into Mobius’s space. 

He frowned, trying to find what he wanted to ask, not sure if he should. Not sure if he could and not sound like he’d lost his mind.

“What is it?” Mobius asked quietly, his hand finding its way to Loki’s forearm and holding tight.

“When I was time slipping,” He started, “I had come from a time at the TVA when you didn’t know me. You didn’t even recognize me as a Loki.”

“Yeah, still find that hard to believe,” Mobius gave Loki’s arm a squeeze before he stroked it once.

“How long, do you think, that mosaic of the Time Keepers hid the evidence of He Who Remains?”

Mobius frowned, which was understandable, it was a strange question to ask then, of all times, when there had been countless of other times Loki could have brought it up. 

“They were there for as long as I can remember. I dunno, maybe… a mellenia? The dawn of time? I just… I don’t have an answer for you.” Then with a tilt of his head, asked, “Why?”

“Do you think… do you think the TVA, you, OB, all of you were here the whole time, or?”

“Do I think that He Who Remains plucked us off the timeline from the beginning? I dunno,” Mobius shrugged. “I mean, I’m still wrapping my head around being a variant. I haven’t… I don’t know how long I would have been kept here, you know. Still doesn’t answer the question of ‘why,’ though.”

Loki pulled his arm out of Mobius’s grip but letting his hand take its place. “I’ve been time slipping.”

“You’ve what?” Mobius’s eyes went wide

“I can control it,” Loki rushed to reassure. “I’ve been slipping back, over and over, trying to get this plan to work and I can’t. I can’t, and I think the only way to do it is if I happen to do it myself. Earlier or better. I don’t know, I just… I need to try. But like OB said it would take centuries to learn as much as he and Victor do.”

“Whoa, wait, back up a second. What do you mean ‘trying to get it to work?’ It doesn’t work? We’ve gotta think of something else-“

“Mobius, we can’t,” Loki cut him off, gripping his hand tighter. “There’s not enough time even if we tried. I know, I lived it. So I need to go back and learn all this, but if I do I need a who to go back to. And I want to know, need to know if you think there’s a you that I could go back to long before the one who didn’t know me. Which means long before you would have had your memory of me erased.”

“Ah, but then, wouldn’t I know you? If you went back to before that moment?”

“Not if you had your memory erased more than once,” Loki pointed out. “And I’ve a feeling you have. At least selectively. You spoke once of being a hunter, but you were an analyst when I encountered you. You were exactly as you are now, only outside the window you were standing near was a sculpture of He Who Remains.”

Mobius blinked then took another deep breath through his nose. 

“And what about Sylvie?”

“What about her?” Loki asked with a minute shake of his head and an infinitesimal shrug.

“Well, I mean, she’d been on the run for a long time. We never knew we weren’t looking for the typical sorta Loki. And you know where to find her, too. What if you go back and….”

Loki waited to see if Mobius would finish the suggestion.

“And?” Loki asked just before another power surge rocked the TVA.

As the lights flickered, Mobius said, “And find her first. Before we do, before all this. It’s not gonna be easy, walking away from her after, what was it? Centuries? I mean, I get you guys haven’t had a lot of time together, at least I don’t think you did. Not sure how long you guys were together on Lamentis, or at the End of Time.”

“Lamentis was a day, two at a stretch. The End of Time was hours, maybe. Not long. And we fought nearly the whole time.” He replied, utterly baffled by the turn of events.

“Yeah, well, you guys would be hiding out for stretches at a time in apocalypses together. It’ll bring you even closer, make that romance really sparkle.”

“What in Hel are you talking about?” Loki asked. “Mobius, I’ve no intention of trying to find her, to help her or otherwise.”

“Yeah, except you say that but we only just had your time slipping fixed - which apparently didn’t last - and then you talk about finding her.”

“Because I saw her in the future. I knew she would be here, I didn’t know why. I thought maybe she had wanted to help fix what she started, but apparently, that only came into play when her own branch died.”

Mobius frowned, leaning back, eyes darting over Loki’s face. Then that same awe and disbelieving smile Loki had seen countless times took hold of Mobius as his fingers curled more tightly around Loki’s.

“Guess you were wrong,” He said in sync with Mobius’s “Guess I was wrong,” which had them both chuckle quietly.

The TVA shook, lights flickered again, the power surges growing as they always did.

“You wanna go back to me.”

“Yes,” Loki replied.

“Before I knew you.”

Loki nodded.

“And before I would have to forget you again.”

Loki nodded solemnly.

“I don’t wanna forget you.”

It's a lot, probably too much for a Tumblr post.

More chapter one here on Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/59265844/chapters/151142950

[11queensupreme11]

Everybody fucking minds and always doing it the no sexy way 😞😔

Do love no war babygirls

If we're very decided we can solve all of this in bed! The sexy way

Or play UNO and whoever wins is the top

Sincerely, after watching the dress... Totally would think they're doing some kinky shit 🤣

Beelzebub: we can hold hands if you want 🥺 totally platonic no second intentions here

Percy: *didn't hear anything, cared no shit for what's happening, wants a hot dog with meat that probably is from a rat* what did you say?

Percy watching Sally being happier without her, her friends being happy with some girl... Queen, totally trauma, I'd cry and beg my mom to hold me even if that makes us miserable

Beelzebub, your yandere tendencies are showing. Giving her traumas and comforting her after. Get a man that can do both (please don't get you a man that can do that)

(Give us moooooore I'm starving)

(Waiting for what you're going to do with that, Percy progress- maybe fall is the correct word- is showing queen. Love it)

Anyway, can someone please draw them on their date? 😭 That's so cute, they're literally so perfect together, like that couple that is the black cat boyfriend with his golden retriever girlfriend and they're precious 💞

(Beelzebub worrying about her suicidal thoughts and he admitting he doesn't want to die so much... *Cheff kiss* we love an emo boy that is self aware)

Now, Loki?

Loki, my boy, your panic is beautiful to watch, horrific to endure.

I'm wondering how they are going to deal with being in the same harem? Fight to be the favorite concubine? Seduce their way to Percy's bed?

Percy: you're just a pathetic simp pretending to be an alpha man and you just go destroy mode whenever you're confronted with your own emotions. You love me so much that is making you look pathetic

Loki:

Him switching sides in the moment he accepts he loves her is gold.

He may be crazy, sadistic and a psychopath, but by the gods he's not going to fool himself.

He loves the girl, now he needs to kill all the other people that love the same girl.

Assassination! His favorite hobby! She's so much fun and they haven't even had sex yet! Wonderful wife indeed

And starting with Beelzebub is a wise move, you know? From all of them he's the one that she's the most comfortable with, he could play the slow game he's the one she'd fall at the end (you know, once she forgets about the other world, that he could make happen too).

Right now Beelzebub is that best friend that is the one for her (the other, even if I love them, aren't so close to her). He just needs to wait, fool her and she'd be his

(as if the other are going to let that happen, but is the scent, you know?)

Loki is right to be jealous of him, no one (with a dick) is close to her like him, she's herself with him and is the only one that likes him with his depressive tendencies.

He could say: Percy, for medical reasons, undress yourself and let me study your body. It may end in sexy medical porn, depending on my self control

And she wouldn't see no wrong.

Is Beelzebub! Her bestie! She can trust him with her security (poor navy girl, you can't never trust a man that much). Even if he has feelings for her she wouldn't worry about him doing anything to her, just worry about the uncomfortable situation.

Wondering if they're going to guilty trappe her to stay (You made us love you! We are learning to be open and to accept love and you want to leave us? Leave us in a world where we're fated to yearn for you for eternity and be alone again?), Percy would suffer whatever if she thinks she's saving people, such a naive and dumb girl, too good to this world.

This whole situation is pure chaos, they're planning so many things just to crash with each other. Would be funny to see them working together but also don't know how that situation would happen.

Anyway, thanks for the amazing chapter Queen! 👑

im sorry but this part cracked me up 😭

"for medical reasons we may need to fuck 😔"

"yeah sure ok"

😭😭😭

IM SO GLAD YOU ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER!!

i had a blast writing this chapter lmao, and im currently writing another chapter (not the next one) that's gonna be even better

maybe... idk. all i can say is that beel digs an even deeper grave in this one chapter and i just love watching him lose his shit

[daisybell17]

Fourth if July — Loki [song fic] {PART 2}

(warning: death‼️)

Well you do enough talk My little hawk, why do you cry?

Loki sat alone in your previously shared chambers once your funeral had commenced. Frigga had convinced Odin to allow you a “royal like” funeral as you were Loki’s beloved now gone.

Although it was a beautiful service in the eyes of the royal family and of the people of Asgard, Loki hated it. He hated every single moment of it…why did they always say funerals were a beautiful way to honor life?! You were gone. He accepted celebrating your life, but to call this moment beautiful?!

What a pathetic description. He wanted you alive. Forever. With him no matter what…even in death, if it were possible for you to enter Valhalla.

Breaking into tears and rage, Loki had cried cor hours on end, missing you, his beloved, his darling girl…

His best girl.

As the days grew closer to your final send off, Thor had tried reasoning with Loki to see you one last time…but he couldn’t even get words out, nothing left the God of Mischief’s mouth…he was silent, scarily silent, crying in bed, clutching a pillow and reading the first love letter you had sent him years ago, over…and over…and over

Tell me what did you learn from the Tillamook burn? Or the Fourth of July?

Soon his quiet cries turned into bright rage, lashing out at everything and everyone.

Constantly screaming and arguing with people, especially his All-Father Odin who had deemed his behaviour to be punishable.

Frigga had to kick some sense into him, reminding that this is not what you would have wanted or expected out of Loki once you passed…You’re gone forever, and nothing can change that fact.

“Mother you don’t understand, even when we enter Valhalla, she won’t be there…what even is the point of my existence?”

“Loki my boy, she was an extraordinary woman…she truly was your other half…bringing the light and best out of you…my darling, have you not learned by now? have your eyes not been opened? She may be gone, gone for eternity, but that doesn’t mean your existence is meaningless…she changed you for the better my dear…do you know how much you can do for yourself? for the world? because of her love for you?” Frigga had hold her son close, comforting him in his grief

“Mother…I…I have learned so much because of her…but what now? She was this once in a lifetime enigma…that I won’t ever see again…perhaps i can beg for Odin to strip me of my immortality, but even then…our lives beyond this plane will never meet” He stayed quiet for a second, letting a realisation dawn onto him

“You know Mother…she did teach me so much…about love and life…perhaps I can continue living her word and grace through teaching others…but I don’t know…I’ll need to think about it”

If there was a lesson you indirectly taught Loki when you were still around, it would be to continue loving even in places where love is non-existent. Become that beam of life and love, and Loki took that lesson to heart.

We're all gonna die

As the weeks passed, Loki was obviously still not ok, but he brought it upon himself to finally visit your grave…

Soon enough he visited you every other day and talked to you for hours in end. He knows you can hear him from your own Valhalla, which is the topic he always brings up in the one-sided conversations

“My love, I know one day I will too pass from this realm, that’s nothing to be afraid of…it’s just the mere fact that once I do die and ascend into Valhalla for eternity, without you. Its…something I don’t think I ever will come to terms with. Death can claim me now but even in the heavens, if we aren’t together, I will spend everyday missing you…All that I hope for is that for the rest of eternity, you and me stay happy, even if we are apart…You will never leave my heart…”

“I love you…forever”

——————————————————————————

(a/n): As requested part 2! Loki truly does love you so much :( But it seems he can slowly continue to live even if you were gone forever…i’m open to doing a part 3! love yalls!

[remarcely]

I think everyone has realised by now how cinematically beautiful Season 2 of Loki is, but there's one scene I want to focus on for a second, and that's Sylvie's scene in the record shop.

Not only does this section of Season 2 Episode 5 have some incredible visuals and works of CGI unheard of with Marvels rushed standards, but it explains so perfectly Sylvie's realization and understanding without a single word voicing her own thoughts.

Sylvie got out. She left the TVA, got a normal job, a normal life, and a normal friend; Lyle. A regular non-variant human friend who owns a record shop. This was her reward.

Something important to remember about Sylvie is that she was labelled as 'Variant' and taken to be killed by the TVA when she was a child, around the age of ten. She has spent over half of her life running in fear, which turned quickly into anger at the injustice of her fate. What do you think happens when you tell a child they have no right to exist? No one even remembers why she was taken.

She's earned this life of absolute blessed nothing, but that doesn't make the previous decades vanish. So she buys records, feels through music, and after slipping back into the never ending cycle of the TVA she goes to Lyle's store and puts on a sad song. She sinks into the leather couch, closes her eyes, and feels- a privilege she has only been allowed since she quite literally killed for it.

Then everything falls apart. The universe around her decays, she watches Lyle dissipate into strings, and is reminded of everything the small child inside her is begging to forget.

Sylvie is alone and is forced to acknowledge the one truth, through out all of space and time, that she can never out run.

The universe does not care.

It doesn't care that she's been fighting for as long as she can remember, that she it tired, and it doesn't give a single damn about what she is owed. Bad things happen all the time and there is no single person out there, directing them to the bad people as if they're checking off a list. Destiny is not justice. It's not even a roll of the dice. It's a case of the right place and the right time.

And Sylvie knows that she is one of the very few people that has the power to change at least this, the strings and collapse of the multiverse. Somewhere out there, there are thousands of Sylvie's and each one deserves the chance to live as much as her.

So, as her record swirls up into nothingness, she makes up her mind. A glowing orange portal opens behind her and she leaves, back to the TVA.

The colours and music express the melancholy of this decision so well, because this isn't some heroes epiphany. None of these characters are heroes, they are tricksters, variants, and people who worked for the system that wiped out truly countless lives. They are the people who were in the right place at the right time and saw fit to change that.

Loki Season 2 gives what may be one of my favourite discussions about power and the people that wield it. It is not a thing to be craved, it is something to be suffered. Power isn't fun, it's not meant to make you happy, it is simply something that must be carried on your shoulders as a burden.

All of these characters lose something so that others can have the blessing of existence. They may regain it again later on, like Sylvie having chance number who-knows what at a regular life in the finale, but that doesn't negate the lifetime of suffering that exists in her shadow, always with her and one step behind.

Loki didn't have a happy ending, but it did have the right one.

[remycroft]

Cross my heart, Hope you die || Heimdall X Reader

Chapter 15 - Vengeance

"Who are you, and what are you doing with my daughter?" My mother pushes her blade further into Dagna's throat.

"She's a mortal. She helped me escape. Put your sword away before you kill her."

"How could a mortal like her help you out of an Asgardian cell?" Her grip is a little looser, and the blade moves slightly back, but still too close for my liking.

"She was sent by Heimdall -"

"Then she's a spy." 

"I promise, I'm not, Lady. My Lord was willing to let me die before [N] convinced him to send me too."

"Heimdall doesn't do mercy, and he most certainly doesn't disobey his father by releasing his prisoners." Her grip tightens again. For Ymir's sake, why can't she just trust my word? 

"He does now, apparently. Now, leave the poor girl alone. She's frightened and just did old fashioned realm travel." My mother sheathes her sword, Dagna breathes a sigh of relief. 

My mother's eyes soften as she looks at me, smiling. She slightly caresses my face and I lean into the touch, I missed her comfort. I missed her. It isn't long before she throws her arms around me, hugging me tightly. "My daughter, how dare you leave me?" My shoulder starts to become wet as her tears flood from her eyes. 

"I couldn't leave him, but I wish that I had." I pull away, "There is so much to tell you, Loki -"

She places a finger to my lips, "Isn't important right now. What is important, is that you're back with me. Safe." She gently squeezes my hand, "Come on, let's get you back to Sindri's." We walk away, with Dagna by my side. This was nice, it was nice to feel safe again. 

~

"Oh, I hope she's okay. Atreus leaving her there was very wrong, very, very, wrong." I hear Sindri speaking and his frantic pacing the minute I enter the space where he made his home. 

"Stop the pacing, it's annoying. She's a strong kid, and she's with 'er royal majesty now. She won't be t' damaged." Brok was right, I wasn't. I survived Asgard, I survived Odin (and his damned chain). I survived. I think I'm stronger for it. "Besides you can't be harsh on Atreus. It's Odin." Yes, you can. He knew what Odin was and still fell for his lies.

"But leaving her there? It's not right." 

We enter and I reply, "You're right. It's not." I take a step forward, searching the room for Loki, and honing in on the amount of heartbeats. Tyr was in another room, Sindri and Brok were in here, where was the brat and his father? "Where is Loki?"

Sindri stands up straight, "Your majesties. It is good to see you again." He turns to me, "Atreus and Kratos are fixing realm tears through out the realms." Oh, so he'll be back soon. Then I can strangle the life out the little cunt. "I am sorry for the hardships you faced in Asgard, and if you don't mind, would like to express my disapproval of you risking your life to go to Asgard, and also thank you for protecting my people in Svartalfheim."

"Thank you, Sindri. You're right, I was wrong for going to Asgard, especially after I was betrayed by Loki. Yet, I am stronger for it. And it is my pleasure, to have risked myself to protect the many."

He bows his head, "I would also like to ask who this girl is?" I reach my hand out to Dagna and bring her forward, and explain exactly who she is. "A servant of Heimdall?" Sindri looks terrified, "She cannot be here. Heimdall would not allow her here if it wasn't serving his own cause." 

Brok comes forward with a hammer in his hand, I place my hand out defensively in front of her, "Heimdall saved my life, after Loki left me to die. I begged him to send her with me and he reluctantly did at great cost to himself. She is with me, under my protection, from now until she chooses to leave." I look to Dagna whose eyes are wide with astonishment, I smile and turn back to the dwarves, "She is good, intelligent, I'm sure she can be useful somehow." The dwarves still looked unconvinced, "Her family is dead. She doesn't have anyone else."

Sindri sighs, "Fine, but if she causes any trouble she'll be out of here in a heartbeat." 

Dagna stepped forward and bowed, "Thank you, sir." Sindri blushed. 

~

I hear the familiar footsteps of Kratos and Loki outside and smile. The door opens, "[N], you - you're alive." Loki stutters.

"Disappointing, I'm sure." Silence. I turn around to face him. Kratos stood to close to his side for my liking, but I didn't care. I was forced to rot in an Asgardian cell for FOUR FUCKING DAYS, with a chain sucking my power and life from me, in complete darkness. It may have been four days but it felt like a century. 

I rush to get my hands around the boy's throat but Kratos stands in my way, "Move."

"No."

"He'll still die by my hand. Move."

"Not with me standing in your way. You are angry. I understand, but revenge is not the path you want to follow." Then I guess I'll just force him out of my way. 

"I'm pretty sure it is." The doors burst wide open and gusts of high speed wind force the God Killer back and some of the others too. Nothing stands in my way apart from Loki with a knocked bow. I wave my hand and he loses grip of it. I bow to my element and use my hands to start bending the air out of Loki's lungs. "I wish I could kill you with my own hands but there are too many people standing in my way, so this will have to do."

"I -" He chokes.

"What? I can't hear you."

"Sorry." 

"Too little, too late. Say hi to my brother, you know, the one that you helped kill." with that I force the air out harder, he was starting to turn purple and I revelled in the sight. He was at my mercy, his father held prisoner by my power, and his weapons were gone. He was as helpless as I was. 

Loki's eyes start to roll back in his head but I don't get to enjoy his demise, as it is delayed by his father giving into his impulses, rushing at me and bashing my head against a wall, sending me to a far too familiar scene of black.

~

I wake up on a comfortable surface. I try to move but I can't. I struggle more and hear the clanging of metal. I'm in chains. No. I can't be back in chains. I can't. I won't. "LET ME GO!" I writhe and pull against the cold metal. My vision is blurry and my body aches horribly. What happened? Was my rescue all a dream? No, it couldn't be, Odin wouldn't let me sleep. The chain in Asgard was singular, I have one around each wrist and each ankle. 

Kratos. 

My unsuccessful attempt on Loki's life.

They put me in chains? An intense feeling of dread goes through me and I lie limp. Can I even trust my family? Where was Dagna? She surely couldn't approve this. I suppose there wasn't much she could do, even if that was the case. "LET ME GO!" I continue to writhe around in what I have discovered to be a bed, "PLEASE!" There was no answer. I couldn't hear anything, had they all left? All I could here was an incessant buzzing. "DAGNA!" I screamed for the girl who had been nothing but helpful. Maybe I should've drank the poison, it would've made things easier; Heimdall and Dagna would not have had to risk their lives, Heimdall wouldn't have had to have faced whatever he's had to face, things would be easier for Sindri and Brok. It could've stopped so much strife, yet, I was overwhelmed by a pathetic sense of rebellion. 

Dagna forces the door open and rushes to my side, my mother comes soon after. "Why am I in chains again?" 

"It was a precaution." My mother replies. 

"So you've chosen Loki over me?"

She crouches beside Dagna, "No, how could you think such a thing?" I roll my eyes, I wonder. She went on a war path for Baldur, and she chains me to a bed. "I think you need to remember who the real enemy is. Atreus was weak, he fell for Odin's lies, but you must rise above if we want to win the war. Kratos is against Odin and with us right now, we don't want him to be against all of us because you killed his son." She waves her hand and the chains loosen around my wrists, "There was more to Groa's prophecy. It will only be Asgard that is destroyed but it has to be led by a warrior." 

So it wouldn't be all realms? Just Asgard. This was good news. "And let me guess, you think Kratos is that warrior?"

"I know it." She pauses, "Kratos is vital. I'm willing to free you, but you must swear to me on your father you won't take vengeance against Atreus, at least until the war is done." 

If Kratos was the key to Odin's destruction than I suppose I had no choice, "I swear it." The chains are waved away and I sit up. 

Dagna reaches for my hand but I flinch, "I beg your forgiveness. I objected to the chains, I was told to hold my tongue." Why am I so scared of people touching me now? Hopefully they didn't notice.

"It's okay. You're in a game with Gods, Dagna. It is very rare that you may win." 

"You're a bit of a mess, after everything," My mother states, "if you want I can help you get ready."

The thought of her hands on me sends a shiver down my spine, "No, thank you. I can do it myself." Dagna offers the same, my reply is the same. 

~

I walk into the main section of Sindri's home and laugh as I see Kratos put a hand out defensively in front of Loki, "Oh, you're pathetic, absolutely pathetic. I've stopped hiding behind my mother's skirts, how about you stop hiding behind your father's." I can see his face become red with anger, "Although, do you even class this one as your father, considering how much your precious All-father called you 'son'?" Loki takes a half step forward then forces himself back. Oh, messing with him is going to be so much fun.

"[N], THAT'S ENOUGH!" My mother shouts.

I put my hands up in a surrender, "I swore not to hurt him, mocking him is still on the table."  

"This is not the time."

I groan in boredom and sit by Sindri, "I'm sorry for messing up the place with the wind, I would've helped with tidying if I wasn't clasped in chains." Sindri graciously accepts my apology, after Loki mauled him, he's understanding of his misdeeds - and why it would make people angry. 

"Ye, what was with that wind? You got some more power or some'it?" Brok asks,

"I don't know. I must have been born with it." I turn to my mother, "Do you know anything of this?"

"Your powers manifest with time." She gets up and walks to Kratos, "Now, is Heimdall our focus or not?" Why would they go after Heimdall? Apart from being a massive prick, he helped free me, why make him a target? Besides, they wouldn't be able to reach him without getting to Asgard which they would need him or Odin for. I voice my objections and so does Dagna. We are ignored. I am not surprised. I may have missed my mother but she's still a bitch sometimes who refuses to acknowledge me when I go against her. 

"We will rewrite our fate another way." Kratos states, forever the cryptic. 

"Then I'm going back to Vanaheim. My brother needs me. [N], Dagna, are you coming?"

"Yeah, would love too, thing is, if you hadn't noticed, I won't be that much of help to Freyr without weapons. I kind of got imprisoned, and my weapons were stolen." Loki looks down at his feet. It was a shame to have my weapons taken from me. The bow, arrows, and knives were brilliantly made and I'd grown accustomed to them, I also adored their makers. Thrungva was more of a significant loss. My brother had made it for my mother, and my mother had given it to me. I will never hold that sword in my hand again.

"We noticed." Brok and Sindri go to their station, and present to me a short sword laid next to its scabbard, knives, and a bow with arrows. The short sword had a black leather grip with a silver pommel and guards, the scabbard matched the sword. The bows and knives were made the same as they had been before. It was like I never lost them. 

"I don't have anything to give."

"We don't want anything. You saved our people, our friends, from Heimdall. Odin has increased Einherjar in our realm but some of the dwarves were inspired by you and people are actually wanting to fight back. We should give you the means to protect your own."

I look at Brok, "But Svartalfheim was my favour to you and Lunda. Lunda said that was it."

"Bah, while yer weapons 'ere pricey you still did our home a lodda good. Ya should continue." 

"Then call that my favour." They nod, I trace my finger over the sword, "Hefnd." Revenge, that would be its name. I prick a blackened finger on the sword's edge. 

[ninjahiccups]

The Songbird of Asgard

Chapter 16: Trust

AO3 Masterlist Word Count: 23.4k (jfc I'm sorry) Warnings: Some angst

The foreign god makes his appearance, but all is not as expected. In fact, dealing with him seems to be much easier than it will be to deal with Heimdall.

This ended up being the longest chapter yet...I just couldn't find a better place to end this sequence sooooooo. I also skipped through some parts of the game that I had to put in but aren't really relevant, but we'll go more in depth with scenes that are :)

(Song used here is "The Wolven Storm - Priscilla's Storm" from The Witcher 3, because I thought it fit too perfectly with this story after I heard it.)

Another dead end. The disappointment left Eivor sighing as she looked out to the calm waters of the wetlands, listening to the leaves of the large tree rustling next to her. It was only a hunch that made her choose to go to Svartalfheim instead of directly to Vanaheim, but thus far her decision had only proven to be unwise. For all she knew Heimdall could be fighting the foreign god — or worse, dead — and she would be too far to do anything about it. One poor prediction may have made all of her efforts fruitless.

As if she didn't feel bad enough already, her blasted tattoo was acting up again — the same one that led to her spending the night with Heimdall for the first time years ago. Ever since she left it had been pulling her somewhere, this time much stronger than ever before, making her wince and clutch the mark as it stabbed at her once more. The feeling of helplessness and the borderline painful nagging from her chest was beating her down too hard for her to bear.

Still, she was too set on her goal to give up. With a few calm breaths to restore her motivation, Eivor turned away from the water, reaching up to pull her hood back up.

"Stop."

An embarrassing yelp escaped her and she jumped at the new voice, her hands flying to her chest to calm her erratic heart. Once the shock passed she could finally focus on the figure who had come up behind her. Tall, pale…

Oh no…

The white skin, the red tattoo, the practiced precision in his posture as he stood at the ready, the gold spear in his hands pointed directly at her. It could only be him.

No. No, no, no, she wasn't supposed to find him first. She was supposed to find Loki, have the boy vouch for her and make his father listen, but now…he heard her asking for information about his son. And he clearly wasn't happy about it.

It was over. She could do nothing for Heimdall.

Eivor's voice trembled and her hands shook as she stammered, "P-please, I-I don't mean Loki any harm. I-I just wanted to…to talk to him! I —"

"Quiet."

This monster wouldn't even give her a chance to explain. From the looks of it he was already done with her, his eyes seeming to look past her, like he was prepared to mow her down and move on to his next victim. Just like that, she would be killed in cold blood, and Heimdall would never know the truth. Despite the firm, commanding tone the foreign god used she couldn't contain her fear as he lifted the spear higher. "I'll leave him alone, I swear, I won't ask for him again. Just, p-please, don't—"

Those gold eyes flickered to hers, making her freeze. But it was strange. He looked almost…sad.

She couldn't ponder it for long. The spear was shifted into one hand to be thrown, ready to soar through her heart. Panic forced her to beg, "W-wait, please! Don't —"

The spear flew from his hand. She shrieked in horror and instinctively put out her hands to summon a gold barrier, but her rational mind doubted it would be enough against this beast. The weapon would ultimately pierce through and impale her, her life would end, all of the suffering under Odin's control would be for nought…

Nothing hit her shield. But there was snarling.

Eivor looked over her right shoulder, eyes widening at the sight. A Grim, claws oozing with poison and reaching for her, was pinned to the tree with the spear, feet off the ground like it had been mid jump. She'd thought the rustling she heard in the leaves earlier was the wind or an animal, but it would seem she was wrong.

And the foreign god…saved her?

Just as that fact became clear, the spear handle disappeared, leaving only the head. From the corner of her eye she saw the foreign god moving, prompting her to watch as his spear returned to him, a new head in place. He slammed the base of the handle on the ground, which puzzled Eivor until the Grim beside her exploded. Another shout left her as she ducked away from the blood, her hands moving to her torso like she was trying to hide as much of herself as she could. In moments, the Grim was silent. Dead. 

Then that sunk in.

The foreign god had a spear with a detachable head, and it took only a simple action to make it detonate. A perfect weapon to use against him. 

This god was ready to kill Heimdall.

She let her barrier fade but her hands remained close to her heart, blood still curdling, shaky breath racing, and body frozen in place while the terror still showed on her face, even as the spear disappeared from the god's hand. His opposite hand raised just a bit, and the simple action made Eivor flinch. He noticed, hand pausing before beginning to rise again, slower this time. He reached out to her, speaking much softer than he appeared to be capable of.

"I do not wish to harm you."

Eivor stared, the phrase not making sense to her. She looked into those eyes, closely this time, and what she found was far from what she expected. 

Weary wisdom. Calm. An ancient sorrow and deep regret.

Based on his short display of skills and the gods he had killed so far, this foreign god was clearly willing to do awful things. But his eyes told her he didn't want to be.

She should have known.

Eivor's shoulders relaxed and her breathing became steadier, hands lowering to gesticulate with guilt. "I'm sorry. I've heard all the stories about you, but I should have known that Odin's tales were…" At the mention of his reputation she caught that sorrow in his eyes elevating to self loathing — A deep hatred for what he was. It disappeared as soon as it showed up, covered with a stoic countenance, but it told her what she needed to know. She couldn't help but feel bad for this man, who seemed to be so full of pain, yet did nothing to prevent others from fearing him. As if he had given up long ago. "...exaggerated," she finished, folding her hands in front of her to display her trust. "I'm sorry."

It was unclear if her apology was appreciated, the god moving straight to the point without hesitation. "You are from Asgard."

"By blood, and not by choice." She caught the quizzical look in his gaze before he could question her, explaining, "I'm of Aesir and Vanir heritage, though I'm not from Asgard. Odin brought me there for my magic."

A nearly imperceptible nod. "And you seek my son."

No judgment or hostility, a simple statement. It was almost mind boggling how inaccurate the rumors about him were, completely contradicting the controlled and reasonable man before her. "Yes, just to speak to him…although, my goal was to get to you through him."

Again, it was hard to tell what he was feeling based on such an indifferent expression. Neither party was able to move on, a voice chiming in from nowhere to say, "I certainly appreciate a bit of mystery as the next severed head, but do you mind, Brother?"

Without a word the god reached behind him and presented what Eivor thought was a sack. Until she saw it had a beard. And horns. And eyes. Eivor recoiled slightly at the abrupt reveal, but she very quickly remembered Baldur mentioning that he visited someone fitting this description shortly before his death. "You must be Mimir."

"Aye," the horned head grinned, happy to be recognized. "Smartest man in all the realms, at your service, m'lady. I couldn't help but overhear what you said about your parents, but as far as I know nothing came from that," he said, making Eivor's ears perk up. He knew something about her family, but it was unfortunately not the time to ask. "And you weren't around during my tenure, so you must be young for a goddess or very new to Asgard."

Eivor giggled, finding it almost silly that the smartest man alive would come to such an obvious conclusion. "Probably both."

"Interesting…so how—"

"Father?"

The familiar voice rang from behind rocks across the small island, one that immediately got everyone's attention. From an archway in the stone Loki jumped into view, gagging at the goo on his skin as he shook Wretches off of his arms, the disgust clear in his motions. As he regained his composure he called out, "Did you find any more — hey!" The boy smiled as soon as he saw Eivor, who looked equally as excited to see him unharmed. "What are you doing here?" 

While Loki jogged over to the group, stopping between Eivor and his father, she revealed, "Looking for you, actually."

His blue eyes grew curious, but he couldn't inquire before his father asked, "You know her?"

As if Loki just realized how tense this meeting could have been, he looked between the two with his hands held out to his father in a reassuring manner. "Oh, yeah. She's a friend." 

The emphasis on the final word suggested the importance of it, something Mimir didn't miss. "An unwilling servant among Odin's ranks? How would you manage to get all the way out here then?"

"Not now," the foreign god cut off, uninterested for the time being. "First tell us why you are here."

Eivor was ready to give a vague explanation that would be just enough to get them moving somewhere safe, but Loki beat her to it. "I think I already know…You're here because of Heimdall, aren't you?"

Sadness overtook Eivor even as she smiled at the boy. "As intelligent as ever, I see."

"What of Heimdall?" the pale god boomed.

Eivor, now getting nervous about how long she had been exposed to Odin's observant eyes, quickly and quietly explained, "I understand that there's a lot of questions, and I promise to answer all of them, but…not here. I'm only invisible to Odin's ravens until I'm near others. Can we take this somewhere else? Please?"

The two elders appeared more pensive, but Loki was more willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. "There's a realm gate just around the corner. We could go there. Right, Father?"

Loki's influence was strong, exemplified by his father's prompt agreement. "Fine." That was all he said, clipping Mimir back onto his belt and heading to the edge of the island without a word. 

Eivor gave a quiet "thank you" as they began walking, glad and very surprised that everything seemed to be going well.

Of course, she hadn't gotten to the worst part yet.

"So, you have a name, lass?" Mimir asked, seeming to ignore the pale god's curt nature.

"Eivor."

"Eivor. That's a lovely name! Well, you know the lad, and you know of me, so that just leaves the big grump here, who is Kratos."

Kratos didn't acknowledge the jab from his bodiless friend, not voicing approval or annoyance in any way. "You found no realm tears, Atreus?"

For a moment Eivor was very confused, wondering if there was a second severed head somewhere until Loki replied, "No, I think Svartalfheim is clear."

Wait a moment. "Your name isn't Loki?"

The boy blanched, scratching his head nervously. "Oh, uh, not really. But kinda? It's a long story."

Atreus. An odd name, but Eivor liked the sound of it. It felt brave, kind, much like the child it belonged to. "In that case, would you mind if I used your real name? I think that one suits you."

"Yeah, sure, that's okay."

"Y'hear that, Brother? She likes the name you picked!" Mimir became mischievous, his tone displaying his desire to mess with the old god. "That earn any points with you?"

Kratos offered almost no reply as they stopped in front of the pile of stones that would rise up to be a realm portal, only a noncommittal grunt sounding from him.

Mimir chuckled, jubilantly declaring, "I'd say that's a yes!"

With the portal opened, Kratos stepped inside, giving no one a chance to respond. Atreus looked at Eivor, as if telling her she had no reason to be worried once she was in an enclosed space with Odin's most daring enemies. With that trust, Eivor walked through, the boy close behind.

She was once again on the branches of the Yggdrasil, only this time with company. It became hard to stay calm when Kratos turned around after the portal disappeared behind them, looming over her with expectation.

"You say you are here for Heimdall. Why do you seek us?" His voice was harsh and unforgiving, but he showed a hint of his humanity by taking Mimir off of his belt again, allowing his friend to join the conversation.

This was a man who didn't beat around the bush. So Eivor didn't either. "Heimdall is being sent to Vanaheim, where I'm certain you will go very soon. You intend to kill him, don't you?"

"I do not."

"Why else would you make that spear?"

Mimir hesitated to intrude. "Ehhh, I guess you can say it was a…preventative measure."

Kratos added, "I will only do what I must."

Eivor grew solemn, the pain evident in her eyes. "Then you will kill him. When you find him he won't give you another choice. His pride won't let him," she muttered, holding back a sigh. 

Atreus didn't seem convinced, piping up with, "But would the spear really make a difference? He can see everything coming."

"And we weren't even sure if the spear would work," Mimir supplemented. "We were hopin' it would at least overwhelm him enough to give us a chance."

"It would. In fact, it's the perfect weapon to use against him." Eivor saw that all three of them were confused, stepping closer to the edge of the branches to stare into a purple skies as she explained, "You say his foresight sees all, and everyone would agree with you, but what they fail to realize is he can only see things coming when they're from a source with intentions — something that can think. If the threat is an inanimate object, like a falling rock or flying mud, he won't catch it. In the case of your spear, he may see that you intend to detonate the heads you leave behind, but he won't know exactly when they will explode. They're out of your direct control, so there is no intention coming from the explosion that he can sense. Of course, his reflexes are still good enough to dodge some of them but eventually…" her eyes fell, heart dropping as she finished, "he will falter."

Kratos merely nodded, appearing indifferent to the information. Mimir's brow was furrowed, looking flabbergasted at her knowledge. "You seem to know him rather well. How is that?"

This was destined to come to light, and yet Eivor still wasn't entirely sure how to say it. "Well, he's my…" she hesitated, searching for a proper word to describe their relationship. Something that would capture the depth without exaggerating their formal status. "...my partner." Sure, that was close enough.

But not clear enough for Mimir, it seemed. "Like a uhh…business partner?"

"No, a…romantic partner."

"BAH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HOO HOO HEEHEEHAHA HA HA HAHAHAHAHAHA HAA!"

Three pairs of eyes landed on the guffawing severed head. Atreus's were occasionally flickering over to Eivor apologetically while the goddess crossed her arms, unamused. Kratos matched her glare with his own look of disapproval, giving the head a slight shake as he sternly growled, "That is enough."

"HAHAHAHA, HOOOO HOH, I'm s-sorreehee hee, Bro-brothaha HA HA HA HAAA! That-that's just so hooh HO HA HAHA!"

Atreus, feeling how awkward the moment was growing, also tried to get the head to notice that no one else was laughing. "Uh…Mimir?"

"OH HAHA, haaah ha, s-sorry, sorry," Mimir panted, having to catch his breath between words. "That's a good one! Hahaha! Haha…ha…" The Smartest Man Alive finally saw Eivor's impatient frown, realizing that no joke had been told. His demeanor instantly changed to one of exasperation. "Oh bloody bollocks, you're serious?!"

"So you finally noticed," she replied sarcastically.

Mimir sputtered for a moment, unable to find the words to express how gobsmacked he was. "Look, you'll have to pardon my blunt language here, but how in Elli's wrinkly old saggy buttocks does a fine lass like you end up with an absolute arse wipe like him?!"

Despite the recent annoyance Eivor couldn't hold back a snicker, finding his to be the funniest version of that question she had ever heard. "I've been asked that many times. I hated him too, at first, but that's a long story."

"And irrelevant," Kratos interjected, glancing at Mimir to indicate that this was a topic they could discuss at another time. Looking back to Eivor, he asked, "What is it you intend to do?"

"Talk to him."

A brief silence, then Atreus voiced the collective disbelief. "That's it?"

"Yes." The crowd was not convinced, prompting her to persuade, "I've been trying to tell him about Odin's true intentions for years, but every time I get close the All-Father gets in the way. I'm hoping that once Heimdall is far from Asgard I can finally make a breakthrough." The eyes on her were still hesitant. Gesturing to Atreus, she asked for his support. "He listens to me, you've seen it yourself. If you can just let me come with you to Vanaheim until you encounter him I can try to get through to him."

Atreus, unfortunately, couldn't back her up, only able to reply with, "Yeah, he does listen to you, but…"

Mimir shared the skepticism, gently voicing his disbelief like he was trying to comfort her. "I'm sorry, lass, but I don't think that will work."

"It might not."

Her frank acceptance caught Mimir off guard. "He might even harm you once he learns that you ran away willingly."

The time had come. She was finally forced to lie. "Maybe. But he would never seriously hurt me." Judging by the look Mimir gave her, he pitied her unfounded faith. But that was fine, they didn't need to know about her backup plan. 

No one would approve of it anyway.

This time Atreus was appalled. "And you would just let him?" Eivor nodded, leaving the boy desperate for a better solution. "Why don't you just tell us what to do and hide somewhere, away from Odin?"

Eivor shook her head, looking out to the starry violet sky around the World Tree, eyes distant. "There's nothing you can do. Even if you convince him for now, you'll end up in Asgard at some point, and nothing gets there without going through Heimdall first. It will happen. And if I just hide, save myself knowing that I didn't even try…No. No, I can't do that to him."

Atreus couldn't take her careless shrug, but had no way to counter her decision. "But…"

Mimir, who was just as dissatisfied with the reality Eivor painted for them, said, "And you really think it's worth a try? You really think you can…'fix' him?"

Eivor paused thoughtfully. So many people had asked that of her — to "fix" Heimdall, make him into something he was not. But they never saw what she did. They never knew that he was just as dynamic and complex as anyone else, just as human as every other person alive. He wasn't a heartless and uncaring two dimensional monster in need of taming. He needed patience. Kindness. Time to learn that there were people worth trusting. Holding back her melancholy, voice quiet but steady, she showed how strong her resolve was. "I want him to know that he doesn't need Odin to be whole." Taking a deep breath, she put her case to rest here. This would either buy their support or leave her with no options.

"I don't want to fix him. I want him to know that he isn't broken."

The phrase was heavy, the air between them growing more solid than stone as Atreus and Mimir lamented Eivor's few remaining choices. Only Kratos held no doubt, his mind going someplace else while he looked at Eivor silently, eyes growing hazy as he saw someone else in her place — someone taller, with red hair and eyes that matched his son's. A person that was far more similar to Eivor than he initially realized.

"Very well."

The intensity broke, everyone looking at Kratos as Mimir asked, "Brother?"

"You may join us."

Finally. The first shred of hope Eivor had seen in ages.

"Just like that?" Atreus questioned, shocked that his father gave in so easily, seeming to ignore any inconvenience and risks that would be involved.

"Yes," was all Kratos said, not giving any reasoning behind his quick decision. In this case, he wouldn't have explained himself even if they asked him to.

It took all of Eivor’s willpower not to jump with joy and throw a hug at the old god, which he definitely would not have cared for in the slightest. Words could not express how grateful she was, so glad that all the stories Odin spread about this foreign god were as far from the truth as they were. "Thank you! I-I can't even tell you how thankful I am, Kratos. Thank you."

"Well," Mimir chimed in, feeling more cheery with Eivor's elevated mood. "I guess it's settled then!"

Kratos, unsurprisingly, only answered with a short nod and a hum, placing Mimir back on his belt while heading for the open portal that would take them home.

As they made the short trip, Eivor spoke up one last time. "Just one more thing; I think we shouldn't tell anyone else that all I'm going to do is talk to Heimdall. Odin is going to be listening to anything I'm doing, and I'd prefer he didn't try to get in the way again."

"Sure, that's fine," Atreus agreed, knowing his father would likely not give an answer.

The group stepped through the portal, revealing the elegant home built on the World Tree's branches that Eivor couldn't help but marvel at. It also looked familiar…it matched the style of —

"Do you think Sindri will mind that we brought someone else home?" Atreus wondered.

"Sindri lives here?" Eivor exclaimed, eyes lighting up.

"You know Sindri?"

"I do. I met him while I lived in Alfheim, when he needed help finding some materials that the elves were hoarding…He said something about having to do it because his brother was banned from the realm?"

Mimir chuckled, "Well that story certainly checks out."

Kratos confidently pushed the door open without hesitation, calmly entering without preamble. Atreus, on the other hand, rushed inside, calling out, "Hey Sindri! We brought a friend!"

Eivor smiled with anticipation as she entered, briefly taking a look around the beautiful dwarven home while she heard Sindri unenthusiastically respond, "Oh, uh…you did? Well, I guess I can find space…somewhere. Out of curiosity, not reluctance of course, why did—" Then she heard a dramatic gasp, making her turn her attention to the forge to the left of the entrance. "Lady Eivor!"

"Nice to see you too, Sindri!"

The blue dwarf, who she presumed was Sindri's supposedly troublesome brother, harrumphed, "Who now?" while her old friend scurried around the table and greeted her.

"I can't believe it, it's been so long!" Sindri marveled, stopping just in front of her. Eivor knew not to attempt to touch him, which seemed to make Kratos release some tension she hadn't yet noticed he was holding, like he was waiting for some indication that she was lying. "What in the nine realms has brought you here? Last I heard you were taken to Asgard!"

Kratos did not stick around for the introduction, instead accepting Brok's invitation to "get somethin' productive done while everyone else was bein' touchy-feely." Atreus, contrastingly equally pleased that Eivor was welcome, gave away a bit more than she wanted. "She's here to help us with Heimdall."

"Wait, you're trying to kill him?!"

"No, she wants the opposite."

Sindri, now blatantly lost and stunned, looked back at Eivor with a quiet, "Oh…" Hands waving around as he tried to find the words, he sat in silence for a moment until he managed a bemused, "...why?"

Eivor caught Atreus giving her a sheepish look when he noticed her unease, but she waved both of them off. "Something for later."

Trying to change the subject, Atreus questioned, "So it's okay if she stays here? Before you sounded a little —"

"Of course it is! We might be a little crowded now but I'll always welcome Eivor! I've been meaning to make another chaise anyway."

The goddess smiled shyly, already feeling like these people were bending over backwards for her despite her intention to protect someone they all hated. "Oh, don't go through that kind of trouble for me, I don't need much."

As Sindri assured her that she was no trouble, Kratos returned to the crowd, asking his son, "Are you ready to continue?"

Eivor caught his question, realizing that Kratos didn't plan on going straight to Vanaheim. "You're going to look for more Hel tears?"

"According to Hræsvealgr, there are two more we must find. We have yet to check Midgard," Kratos answered, confirming her speculation.

With an understanding nod, Eivor proposed, "Then I'll wait here until you are ready to head for Vanaheim, just to make sure I don't get in your way." Her excuse was truthful, believing Kratos and Atreus together would be more than enough skill to handle the tears without needing her support, but it was also to cover up her own need for time. There was no telling how her next encounter with her beloved would go and many things to consider before the time came.

She had to mentally prepare for her backup plan.

Kratos merely grunted, signaling Atreus to follow him out as Sindri excitedly introduced Eivor to Brok and demanded that he be polite to her, which sparked an argument between them. Mimir ignored the typical banter as the doors closed behind them, sighing, "Well…it was nice knowing Eivor."

Atreus scolded, "Don't say that! I don't think Heimdall would hurt her even if she did betray Odin."

The severed head was not in agreement. "I know you want to see the best in people, lad, but Heimdall is simply not capable of defying Odin's orders, and he will absolutely tell Heimdall to kill her. It's a lost cause."

Kratos remained neutral, but listened closely as his son explained, "I thought so too, but when I was in Asgard he threatened me after I met Eivor. He said he would come after me if I spoke to her again, no matter what Odin says."

"Those were his exact words?" the head asked with a hint of shock.

"Yeah, that's what he said."

The elder god grumbled, "An exaggeration."

"Maybe not, Brother," Mimir disagreed. "Heimdall always touts about how honest he is, even if it's in terrible ways. He wouldn't say something like that, especially where Odin is concerned, unless he meant it." He paused, considering his own words. "Perhaps she does have a chance."

"I hope so…" Atreus said. "Father, what do you think?"

As Kratos activated the realm travel gate he couldn't offer an answer, knowing there was no way to predict the actions of a god he'd never met. "We will see soon enough."

Despite his failure to show optimism, something in him was sincerely rooting for her success.

The doors to Odin's study opened, allowing Heimdall to enter. Odin waved for Heimdall to approach his desk, not commenting on the disheveled state of the usually spotless scion. His boots were stained with dirt, clothes wrinkled and discolored in some places, the metal portions of his armor cloudy and unpolished. Even his hair was unkempt, and his beard was growing beyond the subtle shade across his cheeks.

It had been three days since he learned of Eivor’s fate. Three very long days that stretched on for what felt like ages. Emotion had left him, as had any other sensation, causing an agonizing numbness that was devoid of any passion. He'd done the bare minimum of his duties, containing no motivation to take pride in any extra effort he could provide, thinking there was no point to protecting the realm so diligently when it was missing one very crucial piece of its beauty. It was a fresh trait that he couldn't conceal despite his meager efforts, finding pity in every single mind he crossed since he fell into his grief. With pity being the last thing he wanted, he felt the urge to kill anyone he caught directing it towards him, but then would immediately resign to his sorrowful fatigue that left him with no energy to exact punishment upon them. The deluge of sadness made him want to find Eivor and make her take away all of his troubles. Then he would remember that he couldn't, increasing his pain ten fold and giving everyone else even more reason to look down on him. In the end he ignored his distrust for every single one of them and blocked everything he could read out, believing ignorance to be more bearable.

Heimdall looked and felt not at all like the guardian he needed to be, but that was not relevant to the All-Father. "I'm assuming nothing is out of place in Asgard?"

Heimdall, though quieter than normal, confirmed, "Yes, All-Father." 

Odin nodded without looking up from his work. "Good. Then make any final preparations you need to travel. You'll be going to Vanaheim tomorrow."

It had been days since he felt something, but with those words entering his ears a spark of determination and purpose made him smile. It was time. Finally, it was time.

Revenge at last.

"Of course, All-Father. I will be ready for your call," he replied, sounding much more like himself than he ever had. Odin barely acknowledged his reply and sent him off, the scion heading out with a burst of energy. The monster that clipped his Songbird's wings wouldn't see him at his weakest — it would know exactly who it had crossed with its endless bloodlust. He had to look sharp, strong, as powerful as the noble god he was to show the monstrosity how inferior he was to the Herald of Ragnarok.

As he made it to the stairs leading up to the Lodge's main level he slowed, remembering what he had to do to accomplish that. He needed to bathe, shave, change, polish his gear…and to do that he would have to go…

Home.

Or what used to feel like home. He was ashamed to admit it, but he hadn't been there since he lost her, not ready to face the memories that would undoubtedly cripple him within moments. It had been days since he bathed, since he slept, since he remained anywhere that wasn't completely isolated, spending most of his time atop the high wall that no one would ever disturb. But now he had no choice. And that realization dragged him back down into his despair. 

Just as he was opening the doors to the Lodge he heard his name, too lost in thought to pinpoint who it was, and frankly in no mood to care. Yet he stopped, looking over his shoulder to find Sif, halfway through reaching out to touch him before catching herself. He offered no greeting, no response, not even a glare. All he did was wait, eyes empty, waiting for her to go away. The goddess gawked at him for a moment, still blown away by just how much he'd changed since her good friend passed. His insults had been sparse and half-hearted, things that usually agitated him went ignored, even bumping into him failed to provoke any sort of response beyond a weak sneer. He simply wasn't himself at all, wallowing in the grief and hardly interacting with anyone outside of the hollow stares he gave when it was required of him. She had seen how his mood had plummeted and hoped that, because she was also very close to Eivor, that they could potentially calm each other's sense of loss, she herself feeling dazed since she failed to help her friend through her anxiety. Every time she stopped Heimdall to suggest as much he ignored her, like she didn't even exist, but now that she had his minimal attention she couldn't believe she was speaking to the right person. "I just…I wanted to see how you were." She expected a snarl, a growl, an offended bark, for him to curse her for even saying something so unwelcome. But nothing. She received absolutely nothing. She wasn't even sure if he heard her. "I know that…it hasn't really been easy since —"

No. He didn't want her to say it. He couldn't take it. His eyes left her as he dejectedly refused her gesture. "I don't have time for this," was all he said, and with no heart behind it. Sif was left behind, just watching him go with amazement. And regret. For the first time, after all these years, she finally believed that Heimdall truly did love Eivor. It was unfortunate that it took her so long that the one thing they could have bonded over was gone.

Heimdall soon stood at the door to his cabin, merely watching the motionless door and still not ready to face the demons inside. The only reason he didn't spend an eternity there was the bystanders that would surely notice his pathetic state if he stayed for too long, and everyone had seen too much of that already. His hand raised to push the door open, stopping when he noticed it was shaking like he was freezing in the depths of Helheim, proving how disturbing the endeavor truly was. Angrily rejecting the cowardly desire to leave that fueled his jitters, he shoved his hand into the door and pushed it open, stomping in without giving himself time to think about it.

As soon as the door closed behind him he froze in place, taking it all in. It was precisely how he left it, and the acknowledgement of that fact displayed his unconscious hope that it had been disturbed, giving any indication that she had been there. His eyes scanned the room, taking in how astronomically different it was without her. It felt empty. Dead, like he just walked into the aftermath of a massacre. The plants around the room had begun to wilt, having been neglected since their caretaker disappeared. He could picture it so clearly, Eivor humming as she tended to each of the numerous plants in the alcove by their bed, the recollection so vivid that it felt real. His jaw clenched, closing his eyes tight and tilting his head to his right as he willed the illusion away. When he opened them again the bookshelf against the right wall came into view. He saw her again, crossing her arms and giving him the most adorable pout while she reprimanded him for putting her things on the top shelf, where he knew she couldn't reach it. He had done that so many times, just waiting for her to ask him to get it down, wanting to feel the satisfaction from the little things she needed him for. It made him smile in spite of how much it hurt to think about. His gaze wandered to his reading chair in the corner, specifically to the pot of white flowers on the table next to it. There she was again, singing while she watered the delicate petals, his smile falling when she vanished and the flowered morphed back into their dehydrated selves.

He jumped and tensed when he heard it. Her voice, singing one of his favorite songs in the other room. In a trance, he turned back to the doorway to their bedroom, slowly taking one step after another until he was in the doorway and found Eivor folding clothes on their bed, unaware that he had come in. This was more than familiar — it was a distinct memory he cherished. Just as he remembered, she heard him and looked over her shoulder, grinning as she sang. The melody still drifted through the air as she reached a hand out to him, asking him to come closer. He took one step forward. Then two. His arm lifted against his will, wanting so badly to carry out the past by taking her hand and pulling her close, resting his forehead on hers while she sang against his lips and placed her hands on his jaw. His fingers were mere inches from hers, trembling, cold. And when he felt how cold they were he was reminded that there was no warmth coming from her, that there was no one there to radiate that glorious heat. His eyes clamped shut and he took a deep breath, gradually opening them again. 

She was gone. 

Heimdall growled and his hands flew to his face as he turned his back to the bed, the reality too much to tolerate. He just breathed, eyes behind his fingers, trying to block out the insurmountable avalanche of sorrow and grief and regret with all of his might. 

Then he felt something comforting sliding over his sides, softly making their way to his front. It was so heavenly, so lovely, and it felt so real. It had to be her. It had to be.

His head lifted but he didn't look down, too afraid of knowing if he was wrong. Looking straight ahead, his shaking hands went downward, hovering just above the arms that wrapped around his middle. With a bout of courage he pulled his hands in, the temptation of her skin too potent to fight off. 

They fell onto his torso, and all he felt was the fabric of his tunic.

His lips pulled back into a snarl as his shoulders heaved with labored breaths, fists clenching and teeth grinding from the awful depression within him until he could no longer hold it back. A guttural screech rang out as he spun around and kicked the bed so hard that it hit the opposite wall, cracking the wood and splintering the bed frame before it slid just a few inches short of its original spot. Heimdall panted as he stared into nothingness, his anger dying down and muscles relaxing, lashing out making not even the slightest difference. His soul still ached, his heart was still heavy, the room still felt icy and lifeless. All of the rage faded into the hopeless anguish that he'd been walking circles around for days. As it all simmered he felt his vision blur, water clouding his sight.

That gave him pause. When was the last time this had happened? He had forsaken teary eyes long ago, in the earliest days of his youth, yet here he was, in so much misery from her loss that the childish reaction was creeping back into his psyche. 

No. He refused to cry. Using the last of his strength, Heimdall approached the damaged bed and sat on the edge — what was once Eivor's side, to be exact — and put his head in his hands, rubbing the heels of his palms into his eyes. 

This was all just a representation of how powerless he was. There was nothing he could do to bring her back. None of his abilities or skills or his foresight could do anything to turn back time and save her. He had no way to fend off the waves of debilitating torment. 

But he could make her killer pay.

He took a deep breath. It was too hard to linger. He needed to prepare to leave for Vanaheim as quickly as possible, to do right by his Songbird by avenging her. With that bit of redemption, even if it was scant at best, he could move forward, get rid of every trace of her and pretend that she never existed to ward off the trauma.

With a heavy sigh, he dropped his hands and looked down at the floor. Could he really just forget her? Did he really want to forsake the happiest moments of his life? Completely leave behind the one person he would give anything to have back? Could he live with the grief if he did keep her in his heart and mind? 

He'd been drowning in his emotions for too long. He had to clean up and leave before he lost his sanity.

Just as he prepared to get up and shut out the suffering, something caught his eye. The corner of a box, once nestled under the bed. It wasn't one he recognized and was by no means important enough to look at, but his curiosity got the better of him. He reached down and pulled the box out, mechanically lifting the lid. Eivor's songbook sat at the top, a fact that puzzled him. She always kept it in the same place by her nightstand, unafraid of him finding it and unashamed of what was inside. Why was it hidden? 

He carefully took it out of the box, holding it off to the side to examine the contents beneath it. A huge pile of little squares of parchment…each one with his handwriting on it.

Stomach churning, he knew what they were right away. The songbook was set down as he took out one of the notes, reading through the first he picked up.

Morning, my dearest love,

A raven pulled me away earlier than usual today. My sincerest apologies, I do wish I was there to greet you. I'll be looking for you until I can kiss you good morning. Don't keep me waiting too long.

Forever yours,

-Heimdall

He didn't even remember this one, and judging by the smudged runes it was quite old. The next one he picked out was his latest, throat drying out as he read it. Then he read another. And another. And even more, until he was certain that she really had really kept all of them. Every. Single. One.

To him they were nothing but small means of communication, but to her they were the world, treasures to be admired and preserved. She loved these little things more than any grand gesture he had ever carried out. That was all she ever needed, more than she ever wanted. These tokens were enough because they came from him, and that was all she could ask for.

The bile bubbled in his throat, stomach revolting at the despair engulfing his being. He couldn't look at any more, putting the box down before he lost all will to fulfill Odin's orders and rid himself of this wretched place for the time being. Instead of heeding that logic, he subjected himself to further torture by retrieving the songbook, flipping through the pages and recalling every tune, recognizing her unique method of transcribing her music. Songs with nonsense lyrics, all written out in gibberish. The piece that described her feelings of isolation and hopelessness while servicing the elves, the very one she sang to him in Gulltoppr’s pen so many years ago. Bars full of symbols to represent musical notes, some with no lyrics accompanying them. All of the unfinished pieces she didn't like enough to complete or sacrificed to satisfy budding inspiration. He could hear every sound like she was performing right next to him.

His heart sank when he reached a blank page towards the end of the book. There was no more to look through, and no more would be added. Defeated, he let the final pages glide across his thumb and let the back cover fold over.

Wait. He'd never seen that before.

He opened it again, finding a song written on the last page. He didn't know this was here even though he had seen the book time and time again.

Glancing over the notes, he recognized the melody. A song she only hummed and occasionally played, but no lyrics were ever assigned to it. She said she never wrote any, but this page begged to differ. Still running low on strength, Heimdall skimmed through the lines, thinking nothing of the meaning or story behind these words. Until he saw the end of the chorus.

To dream of golden locks entwisted, stormy

Of violet eyes glistening as I weep

Was this…? This was about him.

He reread the chorus, internally reciting it with the melody he remembered, finding only more proof of his theory.

You flee from my dream come the morning

Your scent, berries tart, lilacs sweet

Yes, this was about him, recounting that he would leave her every morning, bearing a pain that this song embodied. A pain he left her to bear alone.

Why did she never tell him? What was hurting so much that she would write this? Searching for answers to questions that couldn't be answered, he read the third and final verse, but it brought no closure. It even made everything worse.

I know not if fate would have us live as one

Or if by love's blind chance we've been bound.

She expected this to happen. She predicted that, one day, they would lose each other, and was waiting for that day to come. Waiting for years, it seemed, considering how faded the writing was. What was bothering her for so long? He returned to the first verse, looking back on the lyrics he skimmed over and found nothing that helped, but the second verse was the next hint.

     wolf

The hope I will follow into the storm

To find your heart, its passion displaced

The second line was obvious, referring to all the insane things she accused All-Father of doing, as well as her disapproval of his supposed compliance. The first line was what caught his attention. The word "hope" was crossed out and replaced with "wolf." What was significant was how dark that line and new word were, like they were written recently. That, combined with the book being hidden for the first time since they began sharing his cabin, made him believe that it could only have been added days prior to her disappearance. 

But what did it mean?

It felt like a message, a clue of some sort. She was trying to tell him something from beyond this life, trying to recreate the events surrounding her demise. But if she was trying to tell him something, why was she hiding this from him? What was he missing?

All of the confusion and gloom had piled up, his mind too ravaged by his past blindness to continue wondering what it could all mean. He closed the book and nearly tossed it away, catching himself just before he did, gingerly holding it in both hands, thumbs caressing the leather cover. With this being all he had left of her beautiful voice, he had to keep it close. He wouldn't go anywhere without a piece of her now. 

A decision he immediately started second guessing. The book's presence only kept those swirling questions alive.

What was she trying to say? Why did she leave this clue and then hide it from him? Why did she even leave in the first place? Why did she replace that one word? What did any of it mean?

Who was "the wolf?"

"Hey, Ratatoskr isn't here."

Atreus's comment was met with a hum from Mimir's place on Kratos's belt as they crossed the courtyard in front of Sindri's home. "Maybe he's busy tending to the branches? S'pose we'll have to give him those Lyndwyrms later."

The boy nodded, concern rising in his voice. "Do you think everyone is getting along with Eivor, Father?"

"She is familiar with Sindri. There is no reason for her to be regarded with hostility."

His father had a point, as he always did, but it was her goals that felt like too much of a problem to be ignored. Just as they reached the front steps, Atreus elaborated, "But considering she wants to save someone everyone hates, don't you think that they would —"

When the door opened the trio was met with an explosion of howling laughter. Eivor, the dwarves, Tyr, and even the missing Ratatoskr were all sitting at the table in front of the fire, giggling at the story Eivor had finished telling. Atreus jogged ahead of his father and over to the crowd, smiling from the situation being much better than he expected. "What's going on here?"

As the chuckling died down Brok slammed a hand on the table. "Why donchya bring more people like her around? She's the only one o' ya's who's any fun!" 

Sindri, for once, was on the same page as his brother. "You said it! Oh! Uh, no offense to, uh, you, Lord Tyr."

"No offense taken at all. I actually agree with you, Eivor is certainly a welcome addition to our team." He nodded kindly at the goddess as she thanked him. Ratatoskr climbed down from the back of a chair and onto the table to address Eivor directly, an action that made Sindri gag. "Indeed. I am normally wary of gods meandering around my tree, but this is one of the rare and very welcome exceptions."

Kratos now at his side, Atreus grinned at his father before asking, "So everyone's okay with it?"

"Whatchu think, pipsqueak?" Brok grunted as he stood. 

While the blue dwarf stretched, Ratatoskr sighed, sounding tired. "And with that, I'm afraid my time to socialize has come to an end. It was a delight to make your acquaintance, Eivor."

The squirrel leapt away and returned to tending to the vast branches of the World Tree, and Tyr went to the kitchen area to stir his simmering stew. "Sure is a damn shame," Brok muttered as he and Sindri made their way back to their workstation, "That's another fine woman with questionable taste in men. The second I've met!"

His grumbling went ignored as Kratos gained Eivor and Atreus's attention, the goddess's expression growing serious. "You two are finished with your errands?"

Kratos answered, "Yes, we have done everything we can for now."

"You ready to head to Vanaheim?" Atreus asked, drawing concern from Eivor.

"Right now? You just got back, you should rest first."

"Don't you want to, uh…do what we need to do?" None of them noticed, but the mention of Eivor's vague intentions caused Tyr to glance over his shoulder with interest.

Smiling kindly, Eivor replied, "I'm thankful you want to help, but there's no point in going if you aren't prepared."

"She is correct," Kraros agreed. "Rest. We will go in the morning."

Shrugging, Atreus bid goodnight to his companions, not bothering to check if his father was doing the same. Kratos didn't, and lingered by Eivor for a moment as she brought her flute box to the tabletop and opened it, stopping when Kratos finally addressed her. "You are still certain?"

A saddened breath passing through her, Eivor's fingers drifted across the beautiful flute that was just out of the god's view, remembering all of the fond memories spawning from it. "Yes."

"Are you sure, lass?" Mimir sighed, still convinced her success was unlikely.

Resolve present in her tone, Eivor left no room for argument. "At this point I have no reason not to try." Nodding at Kratos, she added, "My mind is made up. I'll be ready."

Thinking of one last method, Mimir attempted a more humorous approach. "I guess it might be worth rephrasing the question; are you sure you want to be stabbed by the Scion of the Aesir?"

Not appreciating his obtuse lack of faith, Eivor showed no mercy in return, smiling brightly with her tone light and deceptively friendly as she shot back, "As ready as you are to mysteriously end up in Tyr's stew."

Brok's raucous laughter erupted from his forge while Mimir's mouth hung open in shock, the sass completely unexpected. Even Kratos gave a short huff that was likely the closest he would ever get to chuckling. "Ah," Mimir said flatly, finally regaining his thoughts. "I see why Heimdall would like you now."

"Everyone does eventually," Eivor proudly claimed, clearly pleased with her ability to stun the realms' most intelligent figure. But in the end it was Kratos that needed her final confirmation before they could move on. "Take your time. When you're ready, I'll be waiting."

Kratos gave a shallow hum, saying nothing more before heading for his own room to get some sleep. Once inside, he faced the door and gripped both sides, pulling them inward to shut out the noise from the rest of the home. 

Then, all at once, his mind went elsewhere.

He stopped closing the doors when there was a few inches left between them, listening to the music playing from just around the corner. A flute.

It had been…eons since he heard one. His eyes glazed over, hands blending into the vision before him. He was carving the last few imperfections out of a wooden flute, an eager little girl practically bouncing in place with excitement, begging her father to let her see his gift. Her tiny hands took the flute from him, turning it around with joy while giving countless thanks, grinning as she tried to play a few notes for him. So innocent. Pure. 

Alive.

"Brother?"

The past faded away and the present took its place, reminding him of where he was in the moment. 

Rest. He needed rest.

The doors closed, his voice barely a whisper.

"It is nothing."

When the retired god of war awoke there was more music in the air once more, but this time it was the sound of strings. Kratos entered the common area and found Eivor still sitting at the table, plucking at a lyre while Tyr tended to more food behind her. With their departure drawing near, he set Mimir down on the table as he questioned Eivor one last time. "Are you prepared?"

Eivor looked up at him from her seat and nodded, setting the lyre back into its open case. "If you're rested, then yes, I am." She had to hide a wince when her tattoo decided to make itself known for the umpteenth time. The damned thing was even worse in the realm between realms, yanking her into some nebulous direction.

Kratos had no response, giving Mimir the chance to satiate his curiosity. "I've heard two instruments from you now, lass. How many do you play?"

"Just the lyre and flute is all."

"She sings too," Atreus yawned as he exited his room. 

"That's quite impressive! How'dya get started on that?"

She stopped in the middle of closing the lyre case, smiling sadly while she remembered the one instrument she left behind. "My Vanir father taught me. I actually had a lyre he made, but I couldn't bring it with me. It wasn't exactly in traveling condition." The lid closed, but Kratos's eyes lingered on the box, Eivor's story feeling all too familiar once again. 

His reply was impulsive, no forethought preceding it. In that moment he wasn't speaking as a god, or an ally, or a friend. He spoke as a father.

"He would understand."

Surprised, Eivor looked into his eyes, finding the same sorrow she found when they first met — a sadness and remorse that was unmatched in any capacity. She only wished she could offer some sort of comfort in return. "I hope you're right."

Choosing not to linger on the subject, Kratos went straight to business, Atreus heading over to Tyr in the kitchen area for something to eat. "Before we leave we must consider a detrimental possibility; we may be separated before we encounter Heimdall. You may lose your opportunity."

Eivor stood, not at all worried about the scenario. "That's actually something I considered, and I have a spell that can help. May I?"

Kratos eyed her outstretched hand for a moment before extending his left arm, allowing her to gently take it, fingers glowing gold and trailing illuminated dust as they waved over the center of his collapsed shield. A circle of runes swirled over it, spiraling together until they dispersed into sparks that rained down on his arm before disappearing, only a string of light connecting to Eivor's hand remaining. It slowly faded into the air as she explained, "This is a teleportation spell, one I made based on Odin's ravens. By placing your hand over that spot it will send magic down the line and create a temporary portal that will take me directly to you. If that's alright with you, of course."

Kratos examined the center of his shield, making out very faint runes floating over the surface. "It will do."

"That is rather remarkable, Eivor," Tyr complimented, setting the huge pot of stew on the table, Atreus holding one bowl and handing another to his father. "Though I'm not sure why you would need something so urgent. You still haven't mentioned exactly what you plan to do once you find Heimdall, or how you intend to 'help us take care of him.'"

An intentional outcome. Her temporary housemates seemed nice, but she wanted to take no risks. If any of them tried to interfere it could ruin everything, her backup plan especially. "It depends on what is going on when we find him."

"Is it really wise not to have a defined plan?"

"I know him well enough to think on my feet."

Tyr looked away briefly to pour himself a bowl of stew, hiding the clench of his jaw. "I see…well, I may not be able to advise you before you head out, but I have something that may help. If your spell is based on Odin's ravens, there would be a delay between activation and the teleportation, yes?"

"Well, a slight delay, but yes…" Eivor grew confused as he approached Kratos.

"Kratos, if you don't mind?" Tyr cast his own magic on the shield once the Greek god held up his arm, an orange glow passing between his hand and the metal. "A little bit of Giants' magic to improve it." 

Atreus's face lit up and he leaned in to take a closer look, though Mimir beat him to the question. "Giant magic? What exactly is it?" Unfortunately, due to his position on the table he couldn't see Tyr's trick well enough to identify it.

"It's not exactly a spell, but it's magic that acts as an amplifier to it. Instead of there being a delay after it's used, Eivor should be taken to Kratos almost immediately. Of course, it'll make the transportation a bit more jarring, but I believe the few more precious moments could make a difference."

Eivor, noticing that both Mimir and Atreus seemed puzzled by Tyr's information, realized that she was not the only one who had never heard of such magic. She supposed that was a good thing. If this amplifier was so potent that the Giants only trusted Tyr with it, it may be very useful. If it helped, she would take it. "Thank you, Tyr."

The peaceful god gave a shallow bow. "Of course, I'm happy to assist." 

Atreus looked between his father and Eivor, equally nervous and restless, though his eyes seemed to linger on the latter for a bit longer, like he had something to say. A thought he chose to keep to himself for now. "So…are we ready to go?"

While Mimir was strapped back in place, Eivor's instruments were fastened to her back, and weapons were looked over by the dwarves one last time, Tyr stared into the stew as he stirred it again, a smile on his face.

"Be careful out there!" Sindri called out worriedly, waving goodbye to his old friend.

Eivor smiled back, reassuring, "I'll be back!" despite the very real chance that today could be her last day among the living. The thought sent a shiver down her spine as the worst case scenario played in her mind, forcing her to find some kind of distraction as they approached the realm travel door. "So, what are you planning to do in Vanaheim?"

Kratos allowed his son to fill her in while he opened the portal to the World Tree's branches. "Freya went there to help her brother fight against Asgard. We were going to help."

"Freya is a friend of yours?!" Containing the excitement was beyond her abilities, never even thinking that she could speak to a master of magic before such a pivotal moment. 

Mimir chuckled, almost nervously, as they walked across the branches, heading for the next portal that would take them to Vanaheim. "Ehhh, well, she is now. We had a rough go of it for a while, but that's a buried hatchet now."

That's right…Odin's stories surrounding Kratos may have been exaggerated but he was still the one who killed Baldur, and no mother could forgive that so easily. More questions came to mind but they were all swept away when she entered the Vanir's realm, amazed by the beauty of the jungle and all the life hidden behind the flowering trees and massive leaves. Odin had never permitted her to go to Vanaheim, though why he was so against it was a mystery to her. Denying her the joy of exploring a new realm was likely reason enough for him, making it especially unfortunate that there was no time to take advantage of her freedom, and even more so that their destination was a short jaunt away. It was a single boat ride — Atreus kindly letting her sit across from Kraros while he stood behind her — and a quick leap across a few gaps to get to Freyr's camp, one that was much smaller and shabbier than she would have expected. And empty, which took Kratos and Atreus off guard as well.

Then a puff of smoke, and an apparent acquaintance of her traveling partners appeared, leaving her slightly confused until the man, Hildisvíni, addressed her, appearing suspicious of an unknown face. "I see you've brought a friend. And you are?"

"This is Eivor. She's here to help us in case we run into Heimdall," Atreus added, hoping it would make Hildisvíni relax.

It worked, the Vanir's shoulders loosening with relief. "Well, we certainly need it. Ever since Heimdall led Freyr's kidnapping that ended in Byggvir's injury, we have to use every pair of hands that are willing to help. Disposing of him is a necessity at this point."

A ball of thorns dropped into Eivor's gut, reminding her that there were few sympathizers to her cause, that the one person she wanted to save was the one everyone wanted to get rid of. She could only hope that they wouldn't ask exactly how she planned to help, or that she could come up with an excuse that would hide her intention to do anything but kill Heimdall. 

Luckily she had time to do just that. With Kratos and Atreus searching for Sköll and Hati she doubted they would encounter Heimdall before they returned to camp, allowing her to volunteer to stay behind and help with the rescue effort, and tend to Byggvir. The group was in agreement, Kratos assuring that he would summon her if Heimdall did cross their path. Once they left Eivor examined Byggvir, surprised to find that he was a light elf, and even more surprised when the rest of Freyr's crew returned from scouting and learned his wife was a dark elf. She had to admit, it was refreshing to hear that a pair of elves felt the same way about Alfheim's war as she did.

In the time Kratos and Atreus were searching for the Celestial Wolves, Eivor became familiar with the crew. Beyla was curt, but appreciated anyone that helped her husband, Birgir was quiet, but friendly, and Hildisvíni welcomed her as an ally despite her sudden appearance. Really, the only member that caught her off guard was Lúnda with her rather… "direct" compliments, but every single one was happy to have her on their side.

It was a shame that it left her incapable of telling them exactly who Heimdall was to her, making her feel almost…deceptive. 

All she could do was hope they wouldn't hate him more if things went completely wrong.

All of those worries were forgotten when a bird's call echoed above the camp, Hildisvíni stepping into open space as the falcon glided down to the ground. Eivor felt her breath hitch when the bird transformed into a woman, who spoke to Hildisvíni with certainty and authority. That, combined with the magical shape-shifting, practically confirmed that this was the one ally she had yet to meet: Freya herself. Lúnda chuckled when Eivor became still as stone, pausing in the middle of gathering medicinal herbs that they were setting aside for after Freyr's rescue. The dwarf took Eivor's basket of herbs and put it down on her workbench as she teased, "Don't worry, ol' Freya won't bite! Ain't no reason to be so starstruck."

Eivor's gaze dashed between Lúnda and Freya, unsure of how to even approach the goddess she had wanted to meet for so long. "R-really? There's no way I could just walk up and—" She stopped, along with everyone else in Vanaheim, when the sky shifted into an eclipse, then the extended daylight finally faded to the first night since the Celestial Wolves' disappearance. Freya smiled up at the sky and guessed, "That's them?"

Hildisvíni laughed openly, glad to finally have a step in the right direction. "They certainly work fast!"

Freya and Hildisvíni continued further into the camp, making Eivor tense up more as the Vanir queen took the lead once again. "Kratos certainly makes things happen. All the more reason for us to finish our preparations as soon as possible. The Einherjar won't…" she drifted off for a moment, making eye contact with Eivor, "be far behind," she finished before taking on a friendlier, but cautious tone. "Who is this?"

"Oh! Um," Eivor stammered, unsure if she should bow or curtsey or greet the queen of the Vanir in some excessively respectful manner. "My name is Eivor, and I apologize, I-I don't mean to intrude, Your Majesty."

Hildisvíni lended her a hand, holding back a smile. "Kratos and Atreus brought her with them, and she's here to help us with Heimdall."

"Is that so?" Freya seemed suspicious, and understandably so, getting Eivor to explain, "Yes, I know Heimdall’s abilities well enough to help counter them." Not a truthful explanation, but it would suffice.

With Freya still wary, Hildisvíni emphasized her innocence by informing, "She's an Aesir who has defected to our side."

She's an Aesir. The phrase made her stomach lurch, hating how it made her sound like she was a willing participant in Odin's atrocities. "Though I would really rather not be referred to as an Aesir."

Before Hildisvíni could apologize, Freya pointed out, "Especially with those tattoos. They're Vanir, much like mine." She held out an arm to present her own markings, the circular patterns similar to the ones on Eivor's arms, even resembling the carvings on her father's bone flute.

Knowing this would lead to a long story, Eivor kept it short and sweet. "My parents were an Aesir and a Vanir."

Freya seemed to relax, finding truth in her claim. "I do remember hearing a story like that. An Aesir goddess and a Vanir god who fled Odin's wrath, never to be seen again. Do you remember that, Hildisvíni?"

"I do, although I never knew if it was actually true."

People who knew of her parents and had a moment to talk about them. A first in Eivor’s life. "Did you know them?" She blurted out, unable to shroud the hope springing into her heart.

The frown Freya gave her was answer enough. "I do not, unfortunately. Although the identity of these gods has never been revealed, making it possible that I did know one of them, but I can't say who they were. It could be a number of people."

Containing the disappointment as much as possible, Eivor all but sighed, "I see…"

Feeling the hurt in Eivor's heart, Freya sought to comfort her in the only way she could. "But I can still tell you about Vanir culture and tradition. I'm sure you never heard about that side of your heritage in Asgard."

An offer Eivor eagerly accepted, Freya allowing her to ask as many questions as she wished as the elder goddess guided her through sorting the rest of the herbs and assembling the signal flares that would be used during the rescue. She spoke of Vanir harvests, their symbiotic relationship with nature and the beasts that inhabited the jungles, shared stories of her and Freyr flourishing in the peaceful Vanir lifestyle with a fond look in her eyes. After that, more recent events were expounded upon, mostly related to Baldur. The queen wanted to know about Eivor's relationship with her son and was grateful that she befriended the senseless god and remained a positive presence until his untimely death. With that in the air, Freya also cleared up the lies Odin had told surrounding Baldur's death, revealing her role in his curse and her willingness to die for him, only to be stopped by Kratos. The anger and lack of forgiveness was apparent when she recounted the events, but the goddess had a sound enough mind to recognize her vengeance should be directed at the common thread between every tragedy that had afflicted the realms. 

In time, Eivor even shared more about herself, confided in Freya about her time with the elves, her regrets while "serving" Odin — a regret she herself could relate to — and the Vanir goddess was able to counter her every insecurity with warm reassurance and care. The biased stories about Freya that circulated Gladsheim had all been so far from the queen before her, not at all doing the kind yet strong goddess any justice. It had been only hours and Freya was already feeling like the mother she never had. And that would lead to Eivor's secret being revealed.

The pair was picking leaves and flowers from the trees surrounding the camp and placing them in baskets when Lúnda chimed in after overhearing Eivor vaguely mention her magic. "Y'know Freya, this little lady is just itchin' to hear about your fancy tricks. You're almost like a celebrity for 'er!"

Her face growing red as Lúnda guffawed mischievously, Eivor stuttered, "Lúnda! Freya, that's really and exaggeration, I, uh, I don't mean —"

Freya laughed sweetly, having no issue with her curiosity. "It's alright, Eivor. I'd be happy to teach you things that can help with your magic. It's the least I can do after you've helped us on such short notice."

"Well…" Where did she even begin? It was the first time she could ever have an expert explain magic to her, answer direct questions instead of finding only somewhat related answers from books. "I guess I could start by asking how you're able to control so many types of magic. I've only been able to do new things with practice and experimentation, and even then it takes a long while to truly master it."

She was met with a wise smile. "It's simple, actually. I don't."

"...huh?"

Directing her attention to the vast branches and roots intertwined together in the rocks above them, her hand raised while magic flowed from her fingers. "What so many fail to understand is that magic is the very foundation of all the realms. It is a natural force, and like any other it cannot be controlled, only…shepherded." She called the roots forward, extending and twisting them into beautiful shapes as Eivor watched with wonder. "It is not a matter of give and take, it is a compromise. Think of it as an exchange. You stimulate the magic in the environment, and in return it temporarily follows your lead. Once you withdraw from the interaction," the magic faded, and the roots slowly and gracefully receded back to their natural state, "the product withdraws its compliance, falling back into its natural form, unharmed and unchanged. It is a power to be respected and understood rather than bent to one's will. That is the basis for any magic, regardless of its source, and one that is commonly ignored." Eivor nodded eagerly, taking in every world as if they were her lifeline and wishing she had her songbook to take notes. It did make sense. In desperate times when she needed to improvise in the moment she often could figure something out and use it in an instant, but when she thought extensively about what she wanted to do it would be much more difficult to carry out, evidenced by the years she spent crafting spells to keep Odin's eyes and ears off of her. She was trying to force the magic instead of understanding how to make it work. "Here, you try it."

Eivor hesitated for a moment, her hand hanging in the air as she wondered if she could follow Freya's masterful lead. With an encouraging smile from the elder goddess, Eivor reached up, feeling the magic dwelling within the roots and letting it mingle with her own, successfully making the roots grow and extend towards her. 

"Well done," Freya congratulated, proud. "You're a natural."

The roots curled back into the stone as Eivor had an idea. "I'm just wondering…I can copy magic that I'm familiar with and use it in my own form."

Freya's brows shot up. "Really? The same principle applies, however it would benefit you to master external sources of magic as well. Relying on magic from oneself is much more exhausting, even for the gods."

"I know you're definitely right about that from experience. But it just makes me think…" Eivor reached up one more time, this time focusing on the presence of the magic within the roots, memorizing the natural composition and feeling. Her eyes closed, she took a deep breath, and when she drew her hand back the roots stayed in place. In their stillness roots of gold flowed from them, like a ghost leaving a body, twirling with her fingers before fading into gold dust. Freya did not exaggerate in the slightest, the nature of magic was much more powerful than the form it could take.

"Remarkable…" Freya gasped, amazed by just how unique Eivor's skills were. She grinned, already feeling much more confident about her brother's rescue than she already was. "You have such unique skills. I'm glad we have you on our side when we eventually have to take care of Heimdall."

Heart sinking and hand falling back to her side, Eivor's face lost all excitement as she was reminded of the circumstances, how hard it would be for anyone to believe Heimdall was worth saving. She understood why that was the general consensus, but it still broke her heart and left her unsure if she could get to him before something happened to him. Freya caught her change of demeanor right away, concern rising as she set everything aside to address her. "What's wrong?" Eivor couldn't look at her, and the queen knew she was hiding something. One look at the pain etched on Eivor's face told her enough. "You don't intend to do that, do you?"

Eivor's face scrunched up in sadness as she finally relented, giving away her secret to people who might reject it immediately. "I…I will help, but not by hurting him."

Freya was in shock as Eivor looked down. There was no way her assumptions could be accurate, not when it was Heimdall they were talking about. "He…means something to you, doesn't he?" Her voice was soft, trying to convey her care and display no judgment.

It was time. Not just time to tell the truth, but to let out the despair that she'd been holding in for years. "He means everything to me."

Shaking her head, Freya pitied the blonde, fully aware that her words would be hurtful no matter how gently they were delivered. "Eivor, I know this is not something you want to hear and that it sounds very…harsh, but I can't imagine he would ever return your affections."

Laughter was almost Eivor's response. Bitter laughter, but an expression of how ridiculous the idea was nonetheless. "He does, actually. And he has for some time."

"How do you know?"

A pained smile came to Eivor, reminiscing about a much simpler time. "Well, I've lived with him for almost a decade now."

"Really…?" Freya's face gave away how unbelievable the concept was to her. "I can't see him ever agreeing to something like that…how did that come about? Was he asked to do it?"

"It was his idea, actually. He invited me to stay with him."

Freya shook her head again, at a loss for words and unsure of where to even begin voicing her disapproval. "Are…have you ever considered that this might be a temporary arrangement to him?"

Smile taking on some of the fondness for these memories, she replied, "I did, at one point. But when he found out he changed right away, and I haven't doubted him since." That promise he made her was always in the back of her mind, lighting the way down this dark path that held a misty fork near an undetermined end. He was always devoted to her and her happiness, never shying away from her needs even if they would be totally absurd. That level of love and dedication would be what she gave him in return.

The joy behind her words did little to convince Freya, who still appeared uneasy. "Have you — forgive me, this will sound hurtful as well, but I'm asking with your best interest in mind. Are you sure that his desires are aligned with yours? That he wants the same things you do?"

A question she had heard before, one that had given her enough experience to know her confidence would not sway anyone without some form of proof. This time, however, she had proof in the form of a tale.

"Odin always punished me for stepping out of line." The statement caught Freya off balance, seeming very irrelevant in this context, but she listened anyway. "He often asked Thor to do something that would be a problem for me, knowing his son wouldn't defy him. On one of those occasions Thor 'accidentally' redirected Seiðr magic to me that left me ill. Thanks to Odin's 'inability' to fully cure its effects right away, I was bedridden for several days, barely well enough to move. When Heimdall heard he dismissed every servant that was treating me."

"He didn't want servants constantly around his home?" Freya asked with disdain.

Eivor shook her head with misty eyes and shocked Freya more with every second as she continued, "No… he said nothing they could do was good enough. That he would take care of me himself. And that was exactly what he did. He answered my every call and catered to my every whim with his own hands, and when he was working around Asgard he would come back and check up on me regularly. At least…once per hour, actually. 

"I play music, and I sing. That was one of the things that brought us closer…he enjoyed my music," Eivor said, feeling the weight of her lyre and flute cases grow heavier with thoughts of the scion. "Over the years I asked him…hundreds of times to let me teach him how to sing, make it something we could do together. He always refused, of course, saying that he 'had no use for it.' But on one of those nights that he was caring for me, after already spending so much time on my treatment…" She had to hold back tears, that night playing out before her in perfect detail. When he came home he woke her up and started removing her clothes, which she protested at first. He promised her he wasn't doing what she was thinking, then carried her into the washroom and stepped into the warm bath, setting her on his lap while she leaned against him. He held her close while she just relaxed, breathing in the warm air and letting it relax her tired and sore body. A cloth was gently rubbed across her skin, he carefully washed her hair, making sure she "didn't smell like she'd slept all day." After he was satisfied with his handiwork, he picked her up and dried her off, then retrieved one of his tunics that he never let her wear to bed no matter how many times she asked, claiming the material was too fine to be used often. But on that night she was worth more than that soft tunic. Sleep was overtaking her before he even took her to bed, where he laid on his back and let her rest on his chest, his heartbeat lulling her into rest. And then…

"He sang to me." Eivor couldn't keep her voice from shaking as she recalled his voice, performing his favorite song out of nowhere. Her fatigue faded for a minute after he started, the surprise nearly knocking the wind out of her, tears falling as she fell asleep in his arms, already feeling so much better. "I didn't ask him to, I didn't even think about it, he just did it on his own…because he knew it would make me happy."

Freya could only nod, her story sounding more far fetched than such a simple memory ever should, yet she couldn't discount its validity. The one tear that escaped Eivor’s control was too real to accuse her of fabricating any part of it. 

Voice tiny and weak, Eivor looked up at Freya, desperate for her to believe everything — for anyone to see why she wanted to save him. "Odin makes people do terrible things, and won't let them notice until it's too late. You would know this better than anyone." Freya's eyes fell for a second, unable to refute Eivor's very valid point. "Heimdall has good in him…it's just been buried. Living in Asgard, where everyone will do anything to impress Odin, even if it means harming each other, it's made him think everyone is only out for themselves. He can be good, but he has no reason to be. And every time — every single time I come close to giving him a reason, Odin pulls him back. Keep him distrustful, detached…dependent." 

As Eivor's eyes went to the stone, lost in thought, Freya felt she understood Eivor's explanation more than she wanted to. Odin had done the very same to her during their marriage, convincing her that she didn't need her brother, that she only needed him just to keep her under his thumb. With that knowledge she couldn't deny that it was a very real possibility that Heimdall faced the same fate, and likely for as long as he could remember. It was…odd to connect with Heimdall in such a way, but not even this empathy could earn her full understanding.

"I hope you're right. For your sake." Freya led Eivor away from the vines, bringing her to the table near Lúnda's shop to set the gathered herbs down. With the topic being so sensitive, she found it best to take it in another direction. "What I don't understand is why Odin would let this happen in the first place. Heimdall is his most devout servant, and dividing his loyalty would not be in his benefit."

"That's exactly what I thought," Eivor nearly exclaimed, satisfied that someone else finally saw it too. "He was fine with it at first, even seemed to encourage it sometimes. Then one day he just…turned."

Extremely suspicious, especially for Odin. Freya was certain of that. "Did anything significant happen around that time?"

Eivor thought back to that period, remembering Odin's betrayal like it was yesterday. "It happened soon after I began living with Heimdall."

Freya paused, needing only a minute to put the pieces together. "I see…Then I have an idea that may explain his behavior." Eivor gave Freya her full attention, hopeful that everything would make sense after pondering it for so many years.

"If there's anything I know about my 'dear' ex-husband," Freya began, spitting out the phrase like it singed her tongue, "it's that everything he does is driven by fear — fear he seeks to eliminate through control. You have very unique skills, ones that could be used against him, which is why he would take you under his wing, but you and I both know that your allegiance wouldn't have lasted forever, and Odin knew that too. That frightened him." Eivor could only nod, finding it unbelievable that the powerful All-Father would be afraid of a single goddess tucked away in the temples around Alfheim. It only served to highlight his chronic paranoia. "He wasn't willing to let you get away from him if it would risk losing control over your magic. If you wouldn't stay in Asgard for him, he would have to find something else to keep you tethered to him. Something you would never give up."

The blonde goddess's face fell as the very logical line of reasoning was tied together, now seeing that she was trapped in a cage for far longer than she ever knew. "He used Heimdall as my shackles." 

Freya nodded solemnly. "Exactly. Your loyalty would falter, but Heimdall's is unshakable. Once Odin was certain you were bound to him, he showed you his true self to make you believe Heimdall was in danger, knowing you wouldn't leave him to save yourself."

Eyes closed and shaking her head, Eivor admonished, "And I played right into his hands." How could she have been so blind for so long? If only she had maintained some of her initial suspicion she may have seen Odin's ploy from the beginning.

Then again, if she didn't she may have never grown close to Heimdall. Was being right worth more than him? No, not at all. Not to her.

Freya put a hand on her shoulder, her own pain evident. "We all do at some point. But we will not be fooled again."

So many had been misled by the Raven God, allowing him to inflict far too much harm to far too many people over far too many lifetimes. Yet Freya, who was one of those victims, was still standing on her own legs, sturdy enough to move past those mistakes and take back what was stolen from her. Seeing Freya's tenacity gave her hope that she may do the same for herself and Heimdall, fueling her own determination to fight back. Eivor nodded with a steely, reinforced gaze, and Freya returned the gesture with one of her own. Just like with Sif, she had found a sister fighting against the crimes that destroyed their families.

The uplifting conclusion was perfectly timed. Kratos and Atreus re-entered the camp as if on cue, approaching the goddesses to report their success. Freya greeted Kratos, giving him a run down of their rescue plan, an explanation that Eivor tried to learn as well. Atreus prevented that by tapping on her elbow and whispering, "Hey, uh, can I ask you something?"

Eivor caught the hint of distress on his face and tuned out everything else to listen. "What's wrong?"

He took a deep breath and pursed his lips, wondering how to approach the subject. "Well, I wanted to say this earlier, but I talked to Mimir about something while Father and I were exploring."

"Okay, and?"

Another pause, the boy looking almost sad. "Um, about Heimdall…I think that —"

The crack of thunder and the explosion of lightning in the distance shattered the calm over the camp, all eyes swiveling to the source of the unrest in the night sky.

"Was that…?" Hildisvíni began.

Freya replied, "It can only be one."

"Thor." Kratos glared at the sky, remembering his recent battle with the God of Thunder too well to tolerate another. 

"But Heimdall is here, and we're already at a disadvantage. Why would Odin send him?" Mimir questioned, just as lost as everyone else.

Everyone except Eivor. Mimir was right, Thor had absolutely no reason to be there. And every time he was sent somewhere for seemingly no reason was when he had one purpose — intimidation. She doubted this time was any different. "He's here for me."

"You said Odin uses Thor to punish you. Do you really think he would do so even now?" Freya asked, watching the sky carefully.

"If he wanted something done without any questions asked, yes. Thor is the only one who will accept it silently." Not even his family would know what would happen here, even if his wife was a dear friend of hers.

Freya would not stand for this nonsense. "We can't let him interfere, we'll never get Freyr out if we have to deal with two of the Aesir."

"Then we send him back to Asgard," Kratos said, deep and gravelly voice deadly. 

"Agreed. You held your own against him, didn't you? Not even he will have an easy fight with both of us present."

Eivor stepped forward after Freya insinuated that she and Kratos would go alone. "This time I'm going with you."

The hardened stare of a warrior fled from Freya as her caring heart shone through. "Are you certain? You are his target."

"He wouldn't be here if it weren't for me. It's my responsibility to deal with it."

Her decision was stubborn enough for neither god to protest further. Atreus took his eyes away from the flashes of lightning from the distance, ready to take on the threat at hand. "Then let's go!"

"You will stay here." His father's stern command elicited a response that any teenager would give.

"Why not?! I can help!"

"I know you can, son," Kratos said, growing gentler with the boy. "But I will not have you threatened by him again."

"Actually…" Mimir chimed in, causing Freya to sigh in annoyance. "That might not be a great plan, Brother. Heimdall is still out there and the Einherjar must be anticipating an attack now that we freed the wolves. The lad would be a big target if he's left alone, even with Freyr's crew here with him."

Kratos considered his options carefully, looking down at his restless son and trying to have faith in the strength and wise courage he had built in such a short time. "Then you will come with us." He addressed Eivor next, "Your magic. You can create staves for protection?"

Eivor already knew where he was going. "I'll stay close to him. I won't let anyone hurt Atreus."

Though still reluctant, Kratos accepted her answer. "Then we go."

Mimir managed to earn more resentment from Freya when he joked, "For what it's worth, I would still like all of you even if you get charred by lightning." All the Vanir queen did was scoff.

The four gods and their bodiless friend headed straight for the source of the thunder, flashes of lightning still striking the jungle as they traveled. Thor wasn't too far, near cliffs that led down into the valley the wildlife used for migration, and he made no effort to be discreet. Claps of thunder were nearly constant, lightning struck at the trees and blew up ruins scattered across the area, destroying anything caught in the blast. Freya could only mutter her concern for the environment as they avoided the carnage, making their way closer to the eye of the storm. 

They made their way to the edge of the cliffs bordering the valley where Kratos and Freya witnessed the Great Migration shortly after killing Niðhogg, finding an entire section of the precipice chiseled out into a deep and miles wide crack with its lowest point surrounded by jagged rock faces that crackled with lightning. They found Thor it seemed, but he had burrowed so far into the mountain that he couldn't be seen from their view. "At this rate he's going to level the entire valley!" Freya growled, growing too impatient with their progress. "I'm going ahead, you —"

Out of nowhere an Einherjar leapt from the trees and barreled at Kratos, crashing into his shield with a staggering clang! Another lunged for Freya, keeping her occupied while a third erupted from the trees and also charged at Kratos, sword poised for an attack. Atreus was faster, an arrow landing in the warrior's leg and slowing it down enough for him to land another directly on the face, just in time for his father to throw the Einherjar ramming into his shield in his son's direction. The boy needed no instruction as the Einherjar stumbled to him, landing a perfectly timed kick to the Einherjar's chest that hurled him onto a thick tree trunk, knocking him out cold. More came from the trees all at once, but Eivor was quick enough to summon a barrier in their way that they all barreled into, falling back in confusion. "Eh, mayhaps this was a trap?" Mimir guessed nervously, another pillar of lightning zapping the cliffs next to them and sending charged stone down the rock face.

The queen of Vanaheim held three Einherjar in place with her powerful roots, her sword flying across the row to slice each of their heads off in one swoop. "They're going to need a better one," was Freya's fearless answer, both swords drawn and at the ready.

That seemed to be true. Eivor watched as closely as she could while staying close to Atreus, though he didn't seem to need her help either. It was a rare opportunity that she got to watch such impressive fighters closely enough to commit their skills to memory, and ones that could serve her well very soon. Kratos in particular was a marvel; a perfect balance between precise moves with his weapons and brutal hand-to-hand techniques, marking his experience and prowess in combat. He was certainly as good with his bare hands as he was with any other weapon. Terrifying, if she was honest, but probably one of the most useful combat styles for her to take in while she could. 

When the Einherjar were cleared, another bolt of lightning struck right next to them, the ground giving away and sending them all tumbling to a ledge further down the cliff. A short fall, but the collapsing stone made it more disorienting than the distance could. Before he was on his feet Kratos immediately called out, "Atreus?"

The young god sprung up, dusting himself off. "I'm good!" Eivor stood and watched Freya approach the nearby ledge, glaring down at the sight below her. Soon they joined her in peering over and witnessed Thor, standing in the enormous crack in the cliff, casually throwing Mjölnir into the stone on the opposite side of his crevice. He had flattened so much of the cliff that there was a wide clearing of broken branches and fried leaves crunching underneath his boots. 

"He's just causing a spectacle," Mimir pointed out, prompting Freya to roll her eyes at the obvious comment. 

"Yes, I never would have guessed." Freya added sarcastically. "He's luring us out."

Before Mimir could come to his own defense Eivor corrected them. "Not all of us." The guilt was creeping into her voice, the destruction of the land weighing heavily on her already.

Freya surprised her by meeting her remark without hesitation. "We will not let him get to you," giving Eivor a determined look before returning her gaze to the edge. Once again, Freya was feeling like the parent she never knew. "But we must act now."

Just like his Vanir ally, Kratos was just as hesitant for all four of them to confront Thor at once — namely, a certain young man. He turned to Atreus and Eivor and commanded, "This is where you turn back."

Atreus did not hold in his frustration. "But Father—"

Though Kratos would prefer to keep his son as far from the God of Thunder as he could, he did have a strategic reason for his decision. "This is a formidable foe. If we fail we will need reinforcements to come to our aid."

For a moment Atreus processed his father's order, slowly realizing that he was being trusted with a very critical responsibility. It was the first time his father didn't just send him away to safety, a fact that bolstered his spirit. "We'll be ready!"

In truth, Eivor was also a bit irked at being left behind, having come along specifically to deal with a threat directed at her. But if it was between her ego and making sure Atreus didn't traverse the jungle alone, she would swallow her pride.

Another ray of lightning struck a tree on the cliff above them and sent a burning log down, but Freya was able to use roots to sweep it off to the side and away from them. Just as the flaming wood was out of the way an Einherjar attempted to jump down to them, the Vanir magic giving away their location, only to be struck down by Freya's arrow well before it reached them. "It may not be much safer to send them through the jungle on their own. Atreus especially. If Odin still needs him for his mask he's definitely waiting for an opportunity. "

The God of War huffed. Did he throw his son into a deadly battle or risk him getting surrounded and captured before reaching sanctuary? It was a conflict that did not show on his face, which remained neutral as always, but his eyes darkened with worry. Eivor knew what to do to ease the father's heart, reaching a hand out to him and Atreus. "Here."

Kratos recognized the gesture and held out a hand, Atreus following suit. She took Atreus's hand, but paused at Kratos's. It was his left hand, the same one that she had already placed a transportation spell into. Interference could mean that Heimdall…

"Um, give me your other one. Just to ensure the spell stays in place." He complied, allowing Eivor to place the same spell on him again, only this time she laid the runes on Atreus's arm and weaved the golden thread to Kratos, winding it around his wrist before it disappeared. "There. If you need help Atreus will be able to reach you right away. And if we run into trouble on our way back, he can get to your side before he's hurt."

Unfortunately, Atreus caught the one flaw in her plan. "What about you?"

Honestly? It didn't matter to her at that moment. Yes, she wanted to survive for Heimdall, but she couldn't put herself first. Not after these people took a chance and trusted her word without much resistance were met with Thor in exchange. She owed them too much already. Smiling at the boy, Eivor reassured, "I can fend for myself long enough. I'll be fine."

It was not an answer he liked, but there was no time to consider an alternative. From below Thor shouted, "Come oooooon, where are ya?!!"

Freya did not take his challenge lightly. "Go. And be careful." Unlike Kratos, it was much easier to see that Freya was equally reluctant to bring Atreus any closer to Thor.

Swallowing his complaints and trusting in his father, Atreus nodded, "You too." Eivor gave Kratos one last glance, silently reinforcing her promise to keep him safe before following the boy down a narrow stone path.

Ateus called over his shoulder, "Can you climb?"

"I can do more than that." It would be a bit of a shock since she had yet to give details of the full extent of her abilities, but she could explain the sudden Valkyrie wings later.

Finding no usable footholds, Atreus led her farther down the rocky path, jumping across gaps and dropping down a few levels on the way to a wide crack that would serve as a good starting point. He was tense, and not because of the dire situation they were in. 

"I wish he would let me stay," Atreus muttered, hopping down to another ledge.

Eivor understood why Freya and Kratos wanted to keep as few people around Thor as they could, but his frustration was valid as well. Trying to remain neutral, she comforted, "He's not dismissing you. He's just trusting you with something else."

"I know, but…" he paused in front of the crack, needing to get his thoughts out before they started climbing. "It still feels like an excuse."

Perhaps it was. Eivor wanted to interrupt him as he took his first step onto the wall, hoping to preface her transformation, but the bright blue flash of lighting that blinded them tore the ground from beneath them before she could. They dropped down the cliff, broken trees and boulders falling alongside them while they plummeted further and further from their starting location until they crashed into more broken rocks. A rough fall, making them both groan at the impact's effect on their bodies. Eivor found herself wishing she had practiced summoning her shroud on short notice — wings would have been perfect if she could have concentrated long enough to call upon them.

Sitting up slowly, Atreus asked, "You okay?"

"For the most part." Eivor made her way up and looked around. They had fallen a ways, and they were shrouded in fallen trees that obscured just how far the top of the chasm was, though the walls of the crack in the cliff were closer, indicating that they had fallen further into the wedge-shaped ravine. She hoped that wouldn't affect their even longer climb back to safety.

A climb that would never happen. Her blood drained from her face when Thor's voice rang from around the debris in front of them, much closer than before. "There ya are! Are you comin' out or what?"

Not only had they fallen deeper into the gorge, they had gone all the way down to the bottom, on the same level as Thor. And he saw them come down.

This was bad. She doubted Thor would do anything to hurt Atreus since Odin needed him, but the All-Father was surely watching and would not waste a chance to use the scenario to his advantage somehow. What were the chances of that actually happening? Low, but there was still a possibility, and it was one she would not subject Atreus and Kratos to. 

"What do we do?" Atreus whispered, drawing his bow. He knew just as well that they were in a poor position, and a lot could happen while Kratos and Freya made their way down.

Actually…that gave her an idea. Atreus wouldn't be happy with her when he figured it out, however. Something to deal with later.

Hopefully.

Eivor turned to Atreus, serious and relentless. "Go. Thor can't know you're close and that transportation spell gives off light when it's used. Run towards the other end, about a hundred or so paces, then use the magic to get back to your father." A hundred paces. Yes, that seemed like enough to kill some time.

"What?! I'm not leaving you here alone!"

For this, Eivor took a page out of Kratos's book, though in contrast her excuse was a complete lie. "He and I made a plan this morning before you woke up. He knows what to do if something like this happens, you just need to tell him to do it. I'll buy you guys time."

He looked at her and at the debris shrouding Thor behind her, the torment of his position in plain view. 

"Come on out!" Thor boomed again, though this time with less energy.

The voice of the Aesir god made Atreus give in. "Just… keep him talking or something. I'll be right back!"

Eivor certainly hoped he wouldn't.

Atreus ran off, hopping over boulders and ducking through leaves of fallen trees, leaving Eivor alone. She took a deep breath. Then another for good measure.

This…was a terrible idea.

But she wouldn't let Odin hurt anyone through her. Not anymore.

Holding her head high, Eivor went around the stone and branches blocking her sight, coming out to the clearing that the God of Thunder waited in. There was no turning back. Not after his eyes met hers.

Silence. It gave her a moment to examine the destroyed terrain, and see that, given how atrociously deep the canyon was, Kratos and Freya were much higher up than she expected. All she could do was hope she could last long enough, facing Thor with a cold gaze. 

Nothing at first. And then…

"Hey, Birdie." Said the same as always, as if nothing had changed.

Birdie. The nickname he managed to slip past Heimdall. He was expecting her to reply with her usual greeting, fondly referring to him as "Big Guy," like they weren't on opposite sides of a war now. It was a seriousness that Eivor did not dismiss, steeled for the inevitable. "Thor."

He was disappointed, grimacing at her flat tone. "Come on, don't be like that…" Thor sighed, his reluctance so obvious that the raven above them landed on a nearby branch, reminding him that Odin would be expecting very specific results. Nearly groaning, he still had so much he wanted to say and had no chance to speak it. "Look…" Electric blue eyes flickered to the raven.

Eivor wanted him to speak freely, believing this may be the last time they ever could. At the same time, she couldn't convince him to do so if it meant inspiring Odin's wrath, the God of Thunder dealt with it enough without mistakes fueling it. Her barriers that kept everything out of ear's reach was not an option either, as an extended conversation that Odin could see but not hear would only convince him of treason if she came out of this alive. The only option she could think of was her spell that concealed her from both sight and sound, though she'd never used it on another person, could never get it to work.

It is a power to be respected and understood rather than bent to one's will. 

Then again, she had never tried to use it in its most natural form. Freya's lesson echoing in mind, she closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on the magic she used every day with a new lens. It wasn't her power, it was an ally. She didn't control it, it was a force she needed to understand. What could it do? And how could all of its abilities work together? 

She let instinct take over, breathing deeply as she raised a hand and let the gold dust flow freely from her fingers, channeling that same spell she used to escape Asgard, this time feeling its full potential and encouraging it to reveal itself. A faint gold light burst from the dust and expanded upward into a pillar, the top spreading out to create a dome around the clearing. Her eyes opened to examine the outcome, not even needing to wonder if it worked. The raven's confused cawing and gliding between branches while looking in every direction told her she had a private moment with an old friend. Even if it was a short one.

Thor noticed the raven's panic as well, not wasting any time. They both knew if this went on too long Odin would take matters into his own hands. "Look…I don't want to do this," he sighed, sorrowful while he threw up his hands in calm exasperation. "I don't have a reason to hurt you, Sif and Thrúd miss you like crazy… Why don't we just set something up, make it look like we had a fight that threw you somewhere. Then you just…hide or something." 

Again, she had been asked to hide. Were the situation not so dire she would start to feel annoyed. Eivor looked away, keeping her hand raised to maintain the stave while she slowly walked around, hoping some sign of movement would convince Odin that they weren't attempting a truce during this blind spot. "You know I can't do that."

"I mean, would you rather die today? Over nothing?" When Eivor didn't answer he grew more desperate. "You're probably the only one who can hide from him, and the world is better with you in it. Just…get somewhere safe."

A flicker of magic sparked in her. From a safe distance Atreus used her spell to get back to Kratos and Freya, making it safe to end this get on with it. Resolute and unyielding, Eivor gave no impression that she would ever consider his suggestion. "You should know I'm not one to go back on my decisions."

He should. He knew very well how tough she was, even though he himself had beaten her down so many times. The first of his crimes against her being the one that always weighed the heaviest. "I'm sorry about what I said."

Eivor furrowed her brow, lost.

"Years ago. At that party we threw for you after you got that…thing All-Father wanted."

…that's right.

"Here's to bein' useful."

Words Thor drunkenly slurred long ago that made her crippling fear of being used bubble to the surface. The words that drove her to lose herself to fear and flee from her own celebration.

Words that drove her and Heimdall to finally elevate their relationship.

Of course. Knowing what she did now it was obvious. Odin specifically asked Thor to say that with the intention of driving her to the one person she had confided in — and the one person Odin could use as her chains.

It was so long ago it didn't feel real, but to Thor it must have never left his mind, his tired eyes showing more shame than ever before. It wasn't his fault. They both knew that. "That's in the past now," she dismissed, referring to that specific event and all other times Thor had to be Odin's punishing hands. "But it changes nothing."

"Guess not. But I wanted to get it out before…" A hefty sigh, one that would only come about from a lost cause. Thor knew he would have no choice here. But he had one more thing that could get her to reconsider, and he was certainly going to use it.

"He's pretty torn up, you know."

Her footsteps froze, the words stabbing her heart so deeply that she nearly lost her balance. It had been the first time she heard of Heimdall's reaction since she fled, and the details made her face scrunch up with pain.

"Hasn't been himself since. Quiet and indifferent." Thor let out a bitter chuckle. "If he looked even a little different no one would recognize him anymore."

I'm so sorry, she said to herself as if her lover could hear it. The thought of the turmoil she put him through was almost enough to make her second guess her plan, wondering if it would be better to wait things out and pray she could find him later. But there was no chance of that happening, and she knew it. She was doing this for him. Her heart had to remember that to overcome the fear.

Voice nearly quivering, Eivor made her point one last time. "I'm not changing my mind." To emphasize the finality of her choice she lowered her hand, dismissing the stave and allowing Odin's eyes to watch them once more. The raven overhead immediately set its eyes back on them, giving the God of Thunder no more time to try to save someone his family cherished dearly.

Thor lifted a hand and let it fall back against his thigh, defeated. "Well…" A lull in the showdown where neither of them moved, both wishing this wasn't the way their friendship came to an end. Then, Thor snapped his fingers, his hand opening again to receive Mjölnir as it flew into his awaiting palm. Eivor braced herself, standing tall and shoulders squared, focused and ready. "This is your last chance," he warned, "I know you're tough, but you know you can't beat me." The bloodthirsty Aesir in him was taking the spotlight, his voice growing low and deadly.

That didn't matter. She was going to fight, even if victory was impossible. "Don't you think for a second that I'll go down easily."

High above the exchange, Atreus had returned to Kratos and Freya, the two parents already asking why he had returned while Eivor confronted Thor. "Never mind that!" He panted, panic and fear settling in as he watched Eivor stand across from Thor's hammer. "Father, whatever you planned, do it now!"

"What I planned?"

The boy paled, already realizing what had happened. "Eivor said you guys made a plan…"

"We had no plan," Kratos replied. He, too, had caught on. 

Eivor was facing Thor alone to protect his son.

All they could do was begin working their way down the miles of stone as Thor charged.

And gather their wits when a gold Thor charged back.

The God of Thunder swung Mjölnir at his magic doppelganger and was met with a strength comparable to his own — but not a match. He threw Eivor back and hurled his hammer at her, knowing she had no means to block such a severe blow. What Eivor did have, however, was wit. Rather than blocking she countered by sidestepping and reaching out to take the hammer by its handle as it flew by, spinning around to gain some control over it. It automatically tugged towards Thor, and combined with her mimicked strength she launched the hammer at him with deadly speed. She manages to hit him right in the gut, making him stagger back. When his balance was regained he clapped to blast a sound wave at her, one that she would be too encumbered by fighting Mjölnir's pull to dodge. Forced to let go, Eivor rolled away, allowing the hammer to fly back into Thor's hand. He slammed his weapon into the ground over and over, calling bolts of lightning to strike next to her and leave an electric patch on both of her sides, then held out his hand to channel sparks into a beam of lightning. With the crackling ground on both sides and the oncoming attack, Eivor had to switch tactics. Her disguise was shed in favor of one that could deflect even Thor's lightning, Gná's form overtaking hers and creating armored wings that parried the oncoming flash of energy. As soon as it hit her wings unfurled, a flurry of golden feathers sweeping out in an arc and piercing into Thor's chest, but he barely even acknowledged it as he sprinted across the distance. As terrifying as it was to watch the Giant Killer himself sprinting at full speed, Eivor maintained her composure and waited until he readied a punch, strafing to the side and slicing him with a wing. He grabbed it before it could strike and slammed Mjölnir into her chest. The force caused her to slide backward and stumble, giving Thor a perfect opening for one more voltaic attack. Eivor was able to steady her focus quick enough to glide out of the way, but it was at a cost. Already she felt her magic draining her stamina, and she would falter if she didn't step back and breathe soon. In that split second she chose to pull her wings in close and rapidly spin in place, shredding up Thor's side and blasting him away when she opened them on the final rotation. That was all she could manage, dispelling the mirage and nearly losing her balance as she panted.

Thor lumbered back to his feet. "C'mon, Birdie. Don't make this harder than this has to be. You know you can't keep this up forever." It was hard to tell if it was a taunt or a plea for her to reconsider his previous offer, his voice hardly conveying any emotion. A rarity for someone who enjoyed battle as much as he did.

Regardless of his intentions, the comment still made her blood boil. It sounded too much like he believed she would let something as simple as one fight be the end of years of pain — pain that she endured solely to create a better outcome with her own hands. Standing straight and eyes full of fire, she barked out, "I've been through much worse for far longer!"

A change in strategy this time. As opposed to meeting his strength with an imitation, she countered it with speed. Her new shroud was lean, quick, and one that she would have felt terrible about using against Thor if she were in a better headspace. She zipped forward and threw a punch, her fist colliding with Mjölnir's side and leaving Thor stuck staring for a moment. "Oh, that's low, especially for you!" Thor growled as he stared at the copied face of his late brother.

Not giving herself time to feel guilty for using Baldur's form in front of both Thor and Freya, Eivor sped to one side and zoomed to Thor's back, a powerful strike landing square in his back just as he was turning to block her. He fell and rolled back onto his feet while she leapt at him, hands ready to batter the god for as long as she could. She slid out of the way of a soaring Mjölnir before she dashed forward with a sharp fist ready. One hit to his chest, then two more in a blink, and a final one right to his jaw. To get her off his back, Thor recalled his hammer, commanding it to fly straight towards her on its way to its master. Eivor was able to dodge, but the advanced speed proved to be only so useful against the God of Thunder. His experience in combat made itself known, having the perfect way to take down an enemy that exploited his weaknesses. Mjölnir flew out of his hand and straight up, pausing high in the air and exploding into a ball of lightning, shooting out streams of sparks down to everything in its wake. There was no way she could dodge such sudden forces, even with Baldur's incredible power. 

But there was one god who could.

Another shroud was taken, this one so familiar that it almost hurt to copy. With the rudimentary forgery of Heimdall's foresight she could instinctively feel every shock raining down nearby and slip out of the way well before it hit, at the unfortunate cost of being unable to damage Thor between dodges, the task of keeping the shroud up while using such a grueling ability already too taxing to tolerate. Thor saw how well she managed his impromptu thunderstorm and immediately knew how to retaliate. He called Mjölnir back from the airborne ball of lightning and threw it right away. Easy to dodge, and just as easy when it came again from behind her, but he correctly predicted a fatal flaw in her movement. She ducked under Mjölnir as it returned to Thor, and with her limited version of Heimdall's foresight unable to read intentions, she failed to find a sturdy position before he summoned a storm in his hand and forced a beam of sparks directly at her. The foresight acted automatically before she could jump out of the way herself, moving her in all directions like her entire body was consumed by spasms as it avoided every little spark spewing at her. The overwhelming sensations made her headache, the shroud's opacity fading in and out while she struggled to maintain it just a little longer. Her breaths grew ragged as her energy fell to a dangerously low point. The disguise did give out, the lightning coming into full contact with her and shocking every nerve she had, her legs giving out and leaving her on hands and knees, hardly able to breathe.

Thor's onslaught stopped, his reluctance to fatally harm her returning. "Face it, Birdie. You've got no one in there that can get you out of this."

Now Thor was the one who miscalculated. After all, there was only one god who stood a chance against him — the very same god who gave him the bloody gash on his stomach.

Giving Thor no chance to take advantage of her fatigue, she ripped herself off the ground as the shape of the foreign god of war overtook her, his hefty and practiced fist smacking Thor hard enough to send him flying. Eivor already had to pause, the act of summoning her magic already tiring her out. In the meantime, Thor stood, surprising her with a chuckle. "Nice try, but trust me, you haven't even seen the God of War he's hiding in there."

Even if she did, she doubted she could replicate it in her exhausted state. Still, she refused to surrender, choosing to run right for Thor and put the hand-to-hand skills her ally built to good use. As helpful as they were, she still wished she had a weapon.

Luckily, the youngest of her approaching comrades had noticed the common flaw in every shroud she had used thus far, proven when a frost axe flipped into view and landed in the ground between Eivor and Thor. Without a second thought, Eivor pucked up the axe and reeled it back, swinging it while shards of ice gathered on its blade. It landed in Thor's shoulder, but he recovered almost immediately. Eivor recalled the moves Kratos had used only minutes ago, tossing the axe so it spun around her before returning to her hand to force Thor to give her space, then use that freedom to completely freeze the blade and slam it down onto the ground, the ice shattering and scattering cold shrapnel and a cyclone of frigid wind around her. The onlookers were actually impressed that she could recreate Kratos's skill almost to a T.

The final attack and the amount of effort required to perform it was a final mistake, the magic draining her of whatever fortitude she had left. The axe slipped from her fingers and she fell to her knees, hyperventilating and gasping like there was no air to be found. Thor hesitated one final time, his expression morose as he prepared the blow that had to be dealt. He chose to distance himself from the task as much as possible, throwing more lightning at her and hoping it would do the trick. With the last of her resistance, Eivor's hand raised and built a barrier between them, the lightning bouncing off until Thor chose to stop. Her arm fell like it was made of metal, hardly able to remain conscious at this point. Thor took a step forward, paused with another demoralized frown, then proceeded. This was it.

I'm so sorry, Heimdall. I love you.

The Leviathan axe disappeared from her side and flew past her just as a vortex of roots descended into the cliff crevice. The living wall fell between the two gods, the axe flying into it and freezing it all into one solid block. Kratos raced into view, displaying his impressive strength by taking hold of the frozen block and ripping it free, shoving it forward until he heard Thor collide with the other side. He then pulled it back and threw it hard enough for the God of Thunder to be thrown off balance. The colossal brick of ice slid across the crevice and pushed him over the edge, him and the ice falling over and into the valley below.

A beat of silence. There was not a sound. Thor could very well have come right back and faced Kratos without a problem.

But he chose not to.

Eivor whispered a silent "thank you" before collapsing onto her side, having to painstakingly peel herself up and into a sitting position, gulping in air and feeling her aching muscles pound with rushing blood attempting to mend the internal damage. She only opened her eyes and lifted her head when she heard light footsteps rushing to her, catching Atreus kneeling down next to her with Freya close behind. "Are you okay?!" He exclaimed, looking her over to find anything he could treat with his own magic.

Eivor shook her head, causing Freya to cease her own examination while Kratos met up with them, holding a hand out until the Leviathan returned to him. "I-I'm…okay," she gasped, taking a couple breaths before adding, "Just…tired."

Atreus nodded, but his worry remained — worry, and guilt.

"I've never seen anything like that, lass," Mimir marveled from Kratos's belt. "It's no wonder Odin wanted you around him."

Kratos didn't comment on her skills. "You told Atreus we had a plan."

Eivor couldn't make eye contact with him or Atreus, knowing where the guilt Atreus held came from. Brow furrowed in sadness, he said, "You…you just said that to get me to leave."

A solemn nod. "I did."

"But why? Thor could have killed you!"

Green eyes went to his. Then Freya's, then waited on Kratos's for just a moment longer before saying to all three of them, "I won't let you lose a loved one to save mine."

The quiet that enveloped them was thicker than the ice wall Kratos effortlessly hurled off the cliff, all four of Eivor’s friends stunned by the selflessness of her actions. After years of torment, she would give up the chance to save the one she loved to prevent another from dying in the process. An act of a pure heart.

An act that none appreciated more than Kratos. The loved one she was referring to in this context was his son, and this was a sacrifice he would not forget. 

"You truly are one of a kind, lass," Mimir complimented, even more amazed by her character.

"Yes. In skill and in spirit," Freya praised, smiling softly, admiring the bravery Eivor did not fail to wield.

Freya stood, ready to help Eivor up, but it was Kratos who beat her to it, reaching down to take Eivor's hand and assist her while she stood on shaky legs. She was astonished by how gentle and careful he was in spite of his size and gruff nature. Atreus, now smiling, asked, "Can you make it back okay?"

"I'll be fine…maybe just a little slow at first," Eivor laughed, lightening the lingering worry between them.

Mimir was just as kind. "Take your time, Eivor. We'll be here to help along the way," he said softly. "Well…I'll help as much as a decaying head can," he joked, making her giggle.

Now that it was clear Thor would not return and everyone was safe, Freya scanned the skies and the valley, looking for any more disturbances that could get in their way. "Rest while you can. Once we return…" she looked back at her friends, taking on the look of a competent queen and caring sister. "We have much to do."

Everything was ready. Everyone knew the plan and was raring to go. It was now time to rescue Freyr — to march on the operation Heimdall was ordered to carry out. 

They were ready, but Eivor was wondering if she was. 

She stared into the fire in the middle of Freyr's camp, still resting even though her exhaustion had subsided, using the last moments she had to think about what she would say to him. In all honesty, she thought the words would come to her along the way, yet she still had no idea where she would even start. An apology, probably, but after that…

"Eivor."

Kratos's voice was low and calm, yet it still startled her, too distracted by her own thoughts. He towered over her as she looked up at him from her seat, something in his demeanor feeling different than usual. "Yes?"

As usual he was stoic, giving nothing away. "Are you well?"

"Yeah, I'm alright now. Really."

"Well enough to travel?"

Eivor nodded, but a part of her wasn't so sure. Kratos and Freya were to split up from the rest of the team, and since he had the spell that could summon her, she saw no reason to insist on staying close to him. Though she volunteered to go with the rest of the group, where Freya said she would be needed, her anxiety infected her mind with horrible possibilities. What if Heimdall had already killed Freya's brother and she refused to let him live? What if he was furious with her and wouldn't listen to anything she had to say? What if Kratos didn't keep his word and call her when Heimdall was found?

The god accepted her silent answer, quiet for a few thoughtful moments. He steered the conversation into a completely different direction. "Earlier…you took great risks to protect Atreus."

Eivor winced, expecting some kind of scolding that fit the stern, strict general-like behavior he displayed almost constantly. 

But he had no lecture for her. "When I encounter Heimdall, no matter when that may be, I will hold back for as long as possible."

Eivor's eyes widened, putting together the unsaid words on her own. He would make sure she had her chance, regardless of the circumstances. It was amazing that caring for his son was all it took to gain his favor, for him to be willing to sacrifice anything to help. Almost failing to contain relieved tears, Eivore breathed, "Thank you, Kratos."

He had nothing to say, merely giving a small nod before taking his leave and meeting Freya on the other side of the camp. They exchanged a few words, Freya waved to Eivor, and they were off on their side of the rescue. It was just about time for her to do the same.

"Hey, Eivor?"

Atreus, timidly approaching her after putting some distance between himself and the others. He seemed nervous, almost sad. "What's wrong?"

The boy didn't hide how troubled he was, scratching the back of his neck while he stared at the ground with a deep frown. "Can I talk to you for a sec?"

"Of course, I'm always happy to talk with you," she smiled, hoping it would ease his worries at least a little.

He chuckled nervously, "Uh, yeah, we'll see if you still feel that way in a second." Atreus inhaled deeply, thinking of how he would explain this without making it sound like he was criticizing her decisions. "So…I have this theory. While Father and I were exploring I asked Mimir some questions about things I saw in Asgard, like what Odin does to new Einherjar."

New Einherjar? Was there any difference between the newly recruited and the veterans? "What does he do?"

"He showed me this spell he uses on them and said it gave them a 'sense of self' or something like that. When I brought it up, Mimir speculated that Odin was using it as an excuse to make them unconditionally loyal to him with some kind of magic."

Eivor barely batted an eye to that. "I believe it. That sounds like something he would do," she grumbled bitterly, despising his obsession with control.

"Yeah, that's what I'm worried about." Eivor tilted her head, losing the path Atreus was exposing. "Have you noticed what the Einherjar's eyes look like?"

She did. In fact, she had once asked Heimdall why their eye color was so similar to his, and he explained it was related to the high concentration of bifrost in their beings. Though she did wonder how he would be so sure of that. "Yes…what about it?"

Atreus hesitated, eyes looking around like the best words were hiding in the treetops. "Well…I noticed that before Odin cast the spell, the Einherjar's eyes were dark, almost black. Then after he used it, their eyes turned bright purple, looking almost exactly like…"

Heimdall's.

He didn't need to finish the explanation. She knew exactly what this meant. If the eye coloring was due to bifrost, it would have always been present in the Einherjar. If they changed after that spell…

The reality settled in and filled her stomach with poison as her face morphed with dread. 

All this time. All this time she had wondered why Heimdall never believed anything she said, always dismissed the things he knew she wasn't making up. After all these years she thought he wouldn't believe her, when the truth was that he couldn't. Even if he tried. 

Gods, what other choices had been stolen from him?

Her blood began to boil and singe her insides with fury for the wretched All-Father and his monstrous ways. Just when she thought she couldn't loathe him any more he managed to outdo himself in the worst possible way and get away with it.

The anger faded as a realization overcame her. She had a backup plan that was her last resort, something she kept to herself and was praying she wouldn't have to use. But if Heimdall was incapable of listening to her of his own free will, then when she used that plan he would surely choose…

No. No, she wouldn't think that. This backup plan was made because she knew what would happen if she tried to free her lover, and that there was no chance she would live if she didn't have Heimdall with her. Thor had already demonstrated that her presence among Odin's enemies would only bring them more trouble than they already had; she couldn't seek safety among them while she thought of something else. Convincing herself that this theory was improbable and moving past it was not an option either, considering Heimdall's account was not backed up by evidence and Atreus's was, and the boy's proof was rather damning. It left her with one possibility, and that was to embark on a hopeless endeavor.

A voice in her pointed out that there was no guarantee Atreus was right. There was still hope. She had to at least try to give Heimdall a life he deserved

In just a second her common sense quieted that voice and drowned it out with the only consolation she had.

At least she would get to see him one last time.

Atreus, unsettled by her silence, shifted his weight on his feet with guilty shoulders rising like he was trying to bury his head in his neck. "I'm not trying to talk you out of anything, I just…thought that was something you should know."

"I…" What does she even say to that? "I'm glad you told me. Thank you."

"Atreus! Eivor!" Hildisvíni called while the rest of the camp headed into the jungle. "It's time to move out."

Eivor stood, feeling her legs tremble with despair that she had to suppress. "Just…" Atreus sighed, still disagreeing with her decision but not having the heart to voice it. "Just be careful with him, okay?"

It took everything she had to smile back like there was no problem. Like she didn't know how this night would go. "I will."

As if it mattered.

"Completely giving away your position. What iiiiiidiots."

The unfamiliar voice matched an equally unknown face, though Kratos could easily predict his identity once he caught Freya's arrow before it could strike him. The god smiled from atop his mount, the beast growling as he mocked. "Oh, if it isn't Queen Mistletoe herself — hilarious by the way." He tossed the arrow away with mild annoyance, abandoning it to feign interest. "Been a while."

Freya confirmed the God of War's suspicion as she greeted their new foe. "Heimdall." Said coldly, like she was attempting to hold back her disgust.

Then Heimdall's attention shifted, violet eyes shooting to Kratos. He was shocked to see hatred eclipse his arrogance. "And you…" Heimdall drawled,  pointing at the tattooed god while the graðungr paced and snarled impatiently, "must be the little half-breed's father." He practically spat the word, like this was a personal matter. The change in his demeanor was masked with controlled excitement, slapping his saddle while he laughed, "Lucky day! You have a lot to answer for, sunshine."

His distaste for Kratos was palpable, and seemingly without reason.

"You too, traitor," Heimdall added for Mimir, though much lighter than the way he addressed Kratos.

As Mimir criticized Heimdall, Kratos reached a hand down to his shield to cover Eivor's runes with his hand. There was a spark, dust appearing to leak from the spell that was consumed by orange fog before it fizzled out. 

Nothing happened.

Freya glanced down as she noticed the failed magic, the pair sharing a look of resignation. There was nothing they could do. 

Heimdall saw the magic pathetically fading with a smirk, finding it absolutely hysterical that they had tried some silly trick that was incredibly stupid and pointless yet again. 

In the back of his mind he noted that something about that spell was familiar…

A matter he could consider later, after this monster was dealt with.

From across the jungle, Eivor shielded her allies from the waves of Einherjar, keeping as many adversaries away from Beyla as she freed Freyr from his bindings as quickly as possible. The burst of energy from within made her heart stop. 

She lifted her hand to witness the spell's activation, getting mentally prepared for what could be her most painful battle yet. Her blood ran cold mind froze as she saw the runes glow weakly before fading, the magic slipping away in a faint orange glow without the pathway she expected.

"No…" Eivor nearly clawed at her hand as if it would bring the spell back, somehow mend the connection between her and her one chance. "No no no! No! Why didn't it work?!" None of her magic had ever malfunctioned before, not even in the slightest. The same spell had even worked just hours ago. Why not now?!

Hildisvíni called to her as he shot arrows at the Einherjar that were no longer hindered by her barriers. "Eivor, what's wrong?"

"No, no please…" Her world was falling to pieces before her eyes, the Einherjar threatening to jump at her any second far from the most debilitating threat now. "Heimdall," she whimpered, only able to picture his cold corpse abandoned in the jungle, grasping the back of her palm like it held the solution.

Perhaps it did. With the extended physical contact she felt a single thread. Weak, and hardly existent, but it was there. It pulled her in a direction, much like her mysterious tattoo did on occasion.

There was hope.

Without a word Eivor barreled into the trees, Hildisvíni begging her not to run off alone when there were enemies everywhere. Nothing could stop her, not even the destruction of the realms. Heimdall will. Not. Die.

She hated that the jungle was far too dense to fly through with Valkyrie wings.

"I know you didn't want this, but we know how this ends," was Freya's warning. There was no telling if Eivor would make it now, and Heimdall's survival became more and more unlikely by the second. "See you soon."

A part of Kratos was relieved Freya gave in so quickly. Not only did Freyr need her more, but he was certain Eivor had some way of knowing her spell had failed. She must have been on her way, and Kratos would give her time to travel. 

He owed her as much. She risked her life for his son, and in return he would ensure she had a chance to save the person she loved — even if it meant letting Heimdall get away alive.

Heimdall chuckled at Freya's ridiculous notion as Kratos solidified his decision to take a risk for Eivor. "Oh, we both know that's not true. But don't worry Frigg, I'll be coming for you and your brother as soon as I am finished here." His sentence grew lower and more acidic as he spoke, Gulltoppr stalking closer to Kratos in agreement. "Now…"

Kratos watched as his eyes fell into a vicious darkness, scowling at him with a level of abhorrence for him that he hadn't witnessed in lifetimes.

"Watcha got?"

[mischiefmaker615]

Ghost (Loki Love Story) Ch. 23

Loki’s face went as pale as hers as his mouth gaped open, trying to find a better solution while remnants and pieces continued to fall amongst them. ‘’wha- Y/N i-.. I can’t do that-‘’

‘’Loki..’’ she begged, her voice with held back agony while a hand reached out into the dirt, curling her fingers until they clenched into a fist while she pushed her cheek to the ground, trying to cope through the pain that shot through her with wave after wave. ‘’please.. I know you can do this but..’’ she inhaled sharply, her eyes squeezed tight. ‘’it will take to long for the others to get down here- let alone find us while the rest of the building is caving it.. we need to leave now..’’

‘’but-‘’

‘’Loki..’’

Loki gazed down at her, his body feeling extremely heavy on his knees while he lowered himself for his hands to fall forward into the dirt, taking a bowing position that seemed to beg her for him not to do this. Her feathered appendages were special, hers and something rare that he wasn’t even sure still existed with others out there.. she felt grounded now, being stuck together, now having this on top of that? ‘’Y/N..’’ he breathed, his voice shaking and barely above a whisper as he saw her clear as day through the smoke. He felt useless, powerless, weak, and didn’t even have enough magic in his reincarnated state to lift the rock he so easily could have when he was still alive. His fists clenched, hating himself, hating this, and felt his own tears fall onto his hands while Y/N weakly raised her head to look up at him, a pained smile that still told him it will be okay.

‘’please..’’ she whispered.

Loki held her gaze, his eyes giving her one last plea before he slowly rose when her eyelids began to flutter shut. He knew he had to move, and fast while more dust was thrust into the air by more falling wreckage, causing Y/N to cough weakly and flinch where it would shift her back to cause more pain.

His eyes fell upon a chard of glass, broken from one of the damaged windows and slowly picked it up, the blade cutting through his hand where he didn’t seem to notice. With heavy steps, he slowly moved himself over to her, his stomach twisting while her eyes followed him with a gentle smile, a sudden calmly peace washing over her as her trembling lips parted.

‘’it’s going to be okay..’’

Loki’s breath hitched, his chest tight at her soft words where he brought himself to his knees beside her, her hand slowly moving itself to rest against his knee and prepared to squeeze when the pain will show up. There was no other choice.. no other way.. he had to accept that, and the monstrous feeling that came with it as he gently placed a hand on her shoulder, small pressure being pushed down upon it to have her body turn every so slightly towards the ground, granting better access to her back.

Her wings were beyond under the concrete piece, nothing much left being shown attached to her back where he saw her muscles tense and tremble at the strain she was giving to grant his access. With a trembling hand, he slowly raised the glass, her reflection flashing upon it as he watched her slowly close her eyes and lay her head down before he held his own breath..

And brought it down.

~

Y/N gasped as her eyes shot open, flexing her muscles to jolt up but the pain in her back forced her to remain down. ‘deep breaths.. deep breaths.. what- what happened..’ her brain raced before she closed her eyes again and drew a breath. Everything was a blur, what happened?

She was laying on her stomach on a bed, the bedroom looking like someone previously lived here. It was.. homey.. but nowhere she recognized. She carefully placed her hands up to her shoulders, in a pushup position and drew in a breath. The pain shot again through her back, telling her getting up wasn’t going to be an option right now.

That’s right..

Her chest tightened as her memory began to come back.. the explosions, the building falling,.. the glass.. Loki-

Her eyes widened as her muscles tensed. Where the hell was he?? Was he okay?? Wait- how was he not here??

‘’I’m here love..’’

His familiar voice came from the other side of the room, making her turn her head to the other side to see he was making his way over in a fast pace before getting down on one knee to be at eye level with his hands gripping the edge of the bed beside her.

His eyes were almost bloodshot, showing he might not have gotten some sleep in awhile and looked paler than usual. His fingers gripped the side almost as if one was hanging off a cliff. His shoulders tense and his stare searching her everywhere but her eyes.  

‘’Loki.. what happened? Where am i?..’’ she whispered, her voice hoarse and she guessed it most likely was from the debris while his shared the same tone.

‘’Barton’s home.. his family resides here and has been nothing but welcoming to us- Rogers, us, Widow and Barton.’’ He said quietly, his eyes taking interest in the pillow under her head before she drew her hand to rest on his, almost getting him to look at her.

‘’..did-..are they-..’’ she whispered, almost not wanting to know, even if the pain in her back was enough to already tell her.

She could feel Loki’s hands squeeze into a fist with the sheets underneath wrinkling. His eyes stayed low before he slowly lowered his head to rest it into the mattress, a small flinch through his body showing that he was holding back tears.

‘’Loki.. Loki please.. it’s okay.. I asked you too-‘’

‘’you shouldn’t have..’’ he said quickly, his voice muffled but he almost seemed to hiss. ‘’I should have been strong enough.. I should have been making sure the area was safe or.. something- Tony’s defenses-.. there could have been a way! I know where could have been a-‘’

The hard slap on his hand made him quickly lift his head to gaze upon her, eyes wide and puffy with remnants of tears finishing their journey down his cheeks.

Her face was serious, eyes harsh but her grip on his hand was desperate, as if it willed his attention to stay on her and to stay calm. She was resting up on her forearms, one turned so her hand stayed on his. The pain shot through her back but he needed this.. he needed to see she was okay.. even if her body shook from it.

‘’listen to me..’’ she said carefully, her voice a little above a whisper. ‘’none of this is your fault. It’s nobody’s fault. I asked you to do something, and you did it.. and because of that, it saved my life.’’ Her voice softened at the last part, his eyes looking into hers finally where it seemed to have her chest tighten again at the sight.

‘’they are apart of you Y/N.. something precious.. special.. and I took it away..’’ he whispered, his face lowering to go back into hiding before her hand left his to catch his chin, lifting it up to look at her that now shared tears as well.

‘’I am who I am, with or without wings Loki.. nothing has changed at what I am, what I feel, and what I love.’’

‘’..so.. you still love me?” he whispered, his eyes almost not wanting to know the answer in fear that it may be a no.

Y/N gazed at him a moment, tilting her head a little in wonder at why he would ask when she clearly did love him.. unless.. ‘’Loki.. what are you not telling me?”

He was silent a moment, his eyes glancing to the side before returning to hers again, his body taking several breaths to speak before it would coward again. Her hand gently moved to his cheeks, his head tilting a bit to lean more into her touch before he gathered a breath to speak. ‘’..the curse is over darling.. we are no longer stuck together..’’ he whispered.

Y/N heart seemed to stop, her body tensing and almost flinched as the pain shot through her again, causing her to wince and her breath to hitch. Loki’s hand quickly took her hand, his eyes wide as if waiting to be told what to do.. how to help.. but she shook her head a little before she exhaled carefully to speak. ‘’removing my wings is what broke your heart.. that’s what broke it..’’ she thought out loud, her eyes wide as she looked upon the pain in his face, the agony he must have felt doing it and the memory that has been burned.

All he gave her was barely a nod, one that would be missed if you weren’t watching carefully. She didn’t even feel relief at the freedom, knowing the pain he was going through must be far more painful than losing her appendages. Slowly and carefully, using her forearms, she scooted herself over on the bed- it being large enough for two people anyway and she guessed it was Barton and his wife’s. making enough room, she patted the side beside her. ‘’come here.’’

With a moment of hesitation, Loki carefully rose- still in his attire he was to exhausted to remove- and carefully laid down beside her on his stomach, his side pressing up against hers while he supported himself on his forearms in a plank like position just like her. She then rested her hand in his, pressing her shoulder against his with a careful lean while her eyes told him to look at her.

‘’stuck or not Loki, I still choose you.’’ She said quietly, tears falling down her cheeks but her features were soft and relaxed.

Loki’s heart jumped; his eyes wide yet his expression hard to read; but she knew him. exhaustion seemed to rush over him, his shoulders slumping and an exhale left his mouth he didn’t know he was holding. Relief washed over him, his face pressing gently into her shoulder while she left the mattress shake a little, indicating he was crying while she squeezed his hand.

‘’I love you Y/N.. I really.. really.. do..’’ he whispered.

Y/N eyes closed as she left a smile tug her lips up, exhaustion consuming her as well as her hand lifted from his and began stroking his hair. His head immediately leaned into her touch before she left his body slowly lower to lay fully on his stomach, his arms curved to rest his head on them while she scooted a little to lay close to his side, also on her belly with an arm tucked under her and the other draping over his shoulder blades securely.

‘’I love you too Loki..’’

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