#my partner's brother's pawn is The Elf

[quortknee]

my arisen bull and his pawn friends; bear, eagle, and uh... the elf

[the-night-writer1]

In the moment

This is a Vax x Percy ship fic for Vox Machina. taking place in an au I like to call “One of the De Rolos”. My partner wanted me to share this because it made them cry. They are very hard to make cry. I can’t remember the actual ship name so sorry.

blame @autisticrandomart for convincing me to post this )

It was a private moment, in the moonlight that seemed to dance around their features. Bringing a sense of calm and sweetness to the scene as Percy approached the half elf.

That elfen grace showed off at its finest as Vax'ildan stared off into the distance of Whitestone from the Castle balcony. He had Percy so smitten that even Percy's father could see it. Tonight had been a bust. That state dinner with the Briarwoods had Vax's nerves on high. 

Percy looked at the ring in his hand and thought back to what his father had told him. The best time to purpose was in the bleakest of times as it proves you love them even when everything has gone wrong.

"Vax?" Percy asked softly as he over and stood next to the half elf. Vax looked over at him with a tired expression. More tired than Percy could register. Almost alien in this moment," could I ask you something?"

"What is it Percival?" The half elf grumbled as he looked away from Percy. 

"Well I know today has been rough and -"

"Oh yes remembering that my father sold me has been "rough" that's the word for it" the half elf stated as he rubbed his brow,"just get to the point Percival "

“I love you Vax” Percy started nervously as the half elf looked back at him, their expression not changing as Percy swallowed air,”I have for a while now, there are not enough words in the world for me to express how much you being here means to me.You’re sweet and kind but also reckless and stubborn. My entire family adores you”

“Percival I'm tired, get your point” Vax said with a near hiss that sent a shiver up Percy back. Something was off with the half elf. He’d never heard Vax call him by his full first name so much. Recently it was Percy or Freddie. He looked at Vax’ildan a bit concerned. He didn’t realize today had been that draining. Yes the Briarwoods had been a bit blunt about their feelings on Vax’s arrangement but he and his parents had gone to bat for half elf. Eventually even kicking them out of the castle. They did really care about him, surely Vax knew that right? They wouldn't bat for him if they saw him as a mere pawn.

“I'm just trying to say that you are loved” Percy said as he tried to place a hand on Vax’s hand, the half elf merely pulled away from him which hurt. He could tell that Vax needed some kind of subtle comfort which he wasn’t allowing Percy to give him. What could be done?

“I was sold to your family” Vax said as he cocked a brow at percy. It seemed like Vax didn’t see it as genuine love for him. Percy thought he knew that Percy’s parents just wanted to get Vax out of a bad situation. Did Vax forget? 

“It was the only way to get you out of the bad situation. Hell my parents still are trying to get your sister out there Vax. If there was any other way we would have done it.”Percy said, a bit concerned by the sudden bitterness the briarwoods had instilled in the half elf.

“Oh yes I’m the charity case and pet half elf for the De Rolo family” Vax grumbled as he turned away from Percy.

“We don’t care that you're a half elf or where you come from! “ Percy said as he grabbed Vax from behind. Then the entire mood seemed to shift and there was suddenly a large sense of dread. His hands seemed to be covered in blood as he let go of Vax. His heart was racing as the room had changed. What was going on?!

“Did you really bring me into a better situation?” Vax’s voice echoed.

“Brother wake up, they brought Vax back!” Cass said in a panic as she shook Percy awake. Right, right it was a dream. He pushed himself up as they threw the half elf inside the cell. He scrambled over and pulled Vax into his lap. The half elf was weakly breathing as Cassandra brought some of their water over. 

“Vax can you hear me? Can you understand what I'm saying” Percy asked softly as he removed some bloody hair from the half elf’s face. It brought the De Rolo twins to tears to see his condition everytime torture was over. He was bloody, torn up , there was even black goop in some of the wounds that concerned Percy. They could be signs of infection and he couldn’t do anything! He was pleading to the Dawn father every night for some kind of rescue!

This man was the love of his life, his sister’s savior from physical torture, and there was nothing he could do to help. Those far to familiar tired eyes made his heart ache, especially as Vax weakly lifted a hand up to cradle his face. It hurt so much to see the tired pain in Vax’s eyes as he rubbed Percy’s cheek with the softest of smiles.

“Here Vax. drink this slowly”Cass said as she fought back tears as she came to the other side of Vax and slowly gave him the water to drink as he lowered his arm. It was so much worse this time. His left leg was mangled by claws and teeth. Possibly and probably other items from Dr.Ripley's as well. She was trying to keep her hands from trembling as she poured the water into Vax’s mouth. 

Percy however lost that battle as he held Vax in his hands. His whole world was shattered weeks ago and one of the only loved ones he had left was bleeding in his arms. In worlds of pain he could only imagine. The half elf was so cold as well and it terrified Percy. This was his lover, the only person who could drag him into a prank war when he was doing experiments. The only person who could convince him Cassandra wasn’t evil and they were laying in his arms barely clinging to life.

Cassandra was ripping a large part of her dress off as Percy brought Vax’s head up and kissed his forehead. Trying to form words. Words that keep Vax alive. He was trying to think but what could convince Vax they’d make it out of here?

“The best time to purpose son is when times are at their bleakest. It shows that even in your darkest hours your love will always be there” His father’s words echoed in his head as he glanced at the De Rolo family engagement ring in his shirt pocket. Only items other than the clothes on their backs and Percy’s that weren't taken. He thought about it as Cassandra put their medical training to use. She wrapped up Vax’s leg as tears were now leaving her own eyes. 

Percy took a deep breath in as he took the ring out of his pocket with his free hand as he pulled vax in close. He pressed iit gently against Vax’s chest while saying,” Marry me? Be with me forever Vax’ildan? Be the De Rolo you are destined to be and throw away Vessar forever… I’ll do whatever you want we escape here”

His tears were no longer silent as he spoke so only Vax could understand what was he saying now as Cassandra was starting to sob as well,”Anything anything in the world Vax…anything you want no questions asked. Just..Just marry me. Promise to be mine forever. I’ll take you anywhere you want… we could even overthrow your father just marry me…just say yes.. I wouldn't be able to marry anyone else… My heart, my being, belongs to you already.”

Percy closed his eyes for a moment as he continued to sob, pleading silently to any god who’d listen to let Vax’ildan live. Unaware a goddess was listening to his plea from behind him on the wall. A shadow who’d been following Vax’ildan all day. The goddess of death, though Cassandra and Percy couldn’t see her, Vax had been staring at her. Too broken and battered to fight her, she could tell by the look in his eyes he wanted too. However not for his own life but for the other two in this cell. It was very commendable that even like this he wanted to fight her for other people’s lives. So few morals showed that trait and she felt Percival fight her for Vax life. 

Before making a final decision she looked to the veil, she wanted to see the outcome of denying Percy’s plea. She didn’t like it. His string would end very shortly after Vax’s if she did. Which left her with only one option. Lengthen the half elf’s life, She looked away from the veil to the soul she’d originally come to get and with a rare smile to Vax she said,”live”

Then she was gone and Vax looked back to Percy. With all the energy he had he cradled Percy’s face in his hands and weakly smiled,”..when we marry…if we have children…no long ass names Freddie”

“OF Course! I promise no long names” Percy said as he kissed the half elf through tears,”I love you I love you I love you more than anything!”

“I love you too”Vax said as he pulled Percy back into the kiss.

“Ew gross” Cassandra said trying to be annoying as she was fighting back sobs. Poor 13 year old.

[the-whumpening]

Context Masterpost

Because y'all aren't in my head or my discord server, you're gonna need some context for my OCs. The upcoming story is an offshoot of my current DnD campaign, which has been ongoing for almost three years, so . . . lots of background to catch up on! Each character's name links to an imgur post with reference pics.

The story is primarily from the barbarian Ash's POV, after he's been captured by one of the party's main antagonists: Ozmund Greenthorn, a powerful wizard who was once in a relationship with Ash's current partner. (If you're familiar with the canon DnD lore/setting, some elements may sound wrong; my group plays a little fast-and-loose with rules.)

Character Descriptions:

Ash: Human(ish) barbarian, approximately 27 years old. He and his siblings were conceived in a tryst between his were-tiger father (in tiger form at the time) and a whole-ass female tiger. After Ash’s tiger mother died, he lived alone in the wild for a few years until he was found and befriended by Kane, a half-elf ranger who became a surrogate older brother/uncle and Ash’s best friend. Ash used to have tiger ears, a tail, and stripes, but he made a magical deal to give them up in exchange for a strong were-tiger form when he rages. He also made a deal to increase his intelligence by accepting what he didn’t know was a mindflayer tadpole—it should have turned him into a mindflayer, but he literally wasn’t smart enough for it to take hold so it just kind of chills up in his brain. His intelligence did improve some and he learned a little magic, but he's still insecure about it.

Evius: Tiefling (devil lineage, essentially) sorcerer, around 29 years old. He grew up in the brothel/temple to his devil patron which his parents ran. Being a “blessing” from their patron, Evius was somewhat spoiled by his mom and had a lot of freedom. As a teenager, he apprenticed under Ozmund Greenthorn to control and harness his wild sorcerer magic; this later developed into a toxic romantic relationship as he got older. Prior to the story, Ozmund had attempted to use Evius as a pawn to buy his way out of his own pact with Aunt Marjorie, the Fay Queen, resulting in their messy breakup and Ozmund’s quest for revenge. After a lot of pining and complications, Ash and Evius eventually became a couple and are still together as of the current canon.

Krumgus: Dwarf cleric of Asmodeus (aka Literal Satan, or Big Daddy Cool, as we like to call him). A stoic, deadpan guy with a love for food and calling people by the wrong name. He’s been a member of the adventuring party since the beginning, and he is arguably stronger than even Ash. One time, Evius turned him pink and made him smell like cheese as a prank. The party was on a mission to rescue Krumgus’ parents and the dwarven homeland when Ash was taken captive by Ozmund.

Nekane: Half-elf ranger, around 50-60 years old, nonbinary. Ash’s best friend, mentor, and family; when Ash needed a last name for legal documentation, he opted to take Kane’s. Their human mother was an apothecary from whom they learned a lot about potions and herbal remedies, but they never knew their father (who we later learned was Ozmund). Has an uncle from their mom’s side (Elias) who taught Ash some magic and helps the party from time to time. Kane is sensible and kind, never known to raise their voice or lose their cool, unless their friends’ lives are threatened. Ready and willing to kill a man for Ash.

Mouse: Elf artificer, 85 years old (about 16-17 in human development). Ash’s mentee/protege who joined the group after Kane took time off to reconnect with their uncle. She’s a typical teenager: stubborn, mischievous, likes to use flesh and bones to make things. She has a curse that turned her arm skeletal and is slowly progressing. A bit naive and ditzy, but a fiercely loyal friend. (Played by the same player as Kane)

Ozmund Greenthorn: Elf wizard, unknown age, major asshole. Fathered many children with the intention to use their life force or talents for his own purposes. He is well-known and respected as a magic user and community member wherever he goes. He is indebted to Aunt Marjorie, who gave him power in exchange for his soul. Ozmund thinks of himself as the smartest person in the room and deserving of anything he wants. He loathes Ash for interfering with him and Evius—he sees Evius as merely “gone astray” and that Ash is distracting him from his true purpose as Ozmund’s favorite chess piece. Although their relationship involved grooming and manipulation, Ozmund never physically harmed Evius or gave him any reason to suspect his ulterior motives. Evius was totally blindsided and heartbroken by the betrayal.

Owen: Human(?) fighter(?), unknown age. He just looks like Owen Wilson. Imagine all his dialogue in that voice lol. Krumgus called him "Bubbles" back when the part first met him, which annoys the hell out of him. He keeps coming back to life somehow, no matter how many times the party thinks he's dead. Truthfully, he's just as much of a pawn for Ozmund as Ash. Mouse was kind of fond of him before he betrayed the party and revealed himself as Ozmund's lackey.

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

The Story So Far:

Krumgus, Ash, Mouse, and Evius travel to the Dwarven Homeland far in the north after finding out Krumgus’ parents have been missing for some time. On the way, the party runs into Owen, Ozmund’s seemingly unkillable sidekick/lackey who had been sent to hunt them down. They fight him and, thinking he’s finally killed, Ash takes some of Owen’s armor. Upon arriving on the northern continent, they learn the situation is more dire than they thought, with a huge portion of the population enslaved and mind-controlled by a powerful magical despot. The group joins with a survivor camp and prepares for a battle, but before it can actually begin . . . Ozmund opens a portal to call back Owen’s lost armor, pulling Ash with it. With no information other than the sound of Owen’s voice on the other side of the portal and a huge task ahead, the party has no choice but to hope that Ash will be okay until they can get to him.

[imagine-loki]

Hiding in Plain Sight

TITLE: Hiding in Plain Sight CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter Four AUTHOR: wolfpawn ORIGINAL IMAGINE:

Imagine coming from a line of nobility or royalty and being in an arranged marriage with Loki in an attempt to strengthen your kingdom / alliance with Asgard. You’re not entirely on board with the idea but figured that the best you could do was to get to know your fiancé.

You form an agreement with Frigga for you to pose as Loki’s personal servant for a few months so you can get to know who Loki really is – beyond the veil of his responsibility to the Asgardian throne, behind all the masks he wears when facing the public, to really know who Loki is behind closed doors as you slowly fall for each other.

How long will you keep up the ruse with the God of Lies?

RATING: General Audience

When they returned to Loki’s rooms, Raven stood stoically still, her hands behind her back, fidgeting slightly and her head high. In many ways, she knew she was not great at playing a maid, she had been raised for a thousand years to be proud of her house and could not talk as one from a submissive position such as a maid. She may have been deemed lower in standing than her brothers but she was still a princess and the daughter of the king. She watched as he stood facing her silently for a few moments. 

“What is it you require of me, Your Highness? Was something not to your liking?”

Loki had to give it to the elf, she had more courage than most would have. “Actually, everything was quite satisfactory. That bath was the best I have had in the longest time.”

“Then what is required of me at this time? Forgive my bluntness however I was under the impression that this time of day is in fact, mine as per my work agreement whilst you do your own studying, so what is it that calls for my being here fourteen minutes prior to my return to work?”

If he was honest, Loki felt he should reprimand the Light Elf for her manner of speaking to him but her clipped tone and demeanour intrigued him more than he would care to admit. “I apologise, I had not realised….I wish to explain what happened earlier.”

“There is nothing to explain. You plan to have a mistress which I truly hope you tell your soon-to-be wife about as surely she will want to know as to not make a fool of herself in court, not to mention, she would then be free to seek her own happiness with a more fitting man and you loathe us Ljósáfar and think us ugly and dim.”

“I don’t think that.” 

“So that woman spewed lies in your name?” Loki did not answer. “So you said it but do not think it?” Loki nodded ever so slightly. “Then why say such things?”

“I was angry,” Loki explained. “I was venting at being pawned off to some creature I have never even met and who, from my limited information on, I am not likely to like.”

“Considering you get to remain on your realm while she is forced away from everything she ever knew and loved to play wife to a creature that has decided before ever meeting her that he cannot even bother to get to know her before making such assumptions, I feel you are somewhat not seeing how lucky you are in your position. What makes it all the more angering is your painting my entire realm’s people with this preconceived and entirely unfounded notion. Why say something you do not mean to your lover?”

“She’s not my...she was just someone that...I am sure Princess Raven is doing as she pleases while hoping her day to come here never comes considering...wait, you speak as though you know her?” Loki eyed Raven carefully. “Are you one of her maids?”

“No, I am not.” Raven looked him directly in the eye as she spoke, showing her honesty at that statement. “I have never served her, nor have I served as a maid in the Ljósáfar palace before you ask. I am not one of her ladies or anything similar to that either. I swear by a solemn oath on my life.”

With her conviction and her statement, Loki believed her. “But you know her, somewhat?” “I do, somewhat.” Raven did not think it wise to lie on that matter, it was entirely true and she knew he would smell her lie. 

“What is she like?”

“She does not suffer fools or people who think her one. She would be sickened at your comments on her, about how you speak of her and her people to some bed partner…” She shook her head. “What makes it worse is your following after me for fear I would reveal you to your mother. You know what you said was wrong.” She inhaled deeply. “I cannot do this. She removed the green sash she bore on the waist of her dress that permitted her to walk through the magic shields that protected different private halls only for those who served the Aesir royal family. “I quit.” She handed it to Loki and walked out of the room. 

She knew she would have to return to Asgard and marry him. She knew that it would be horrible and awkward but she could not face him any longer. She was too hurt for her people and for herself. She would endure the marriage as she knew she had to but she was relieved that if nothing else was achieved from her day in Asgard, she knew what to expect. That was something she was grateful for. She was not going to be blindsided. In the back of her mind, she hoped that Loki would rethink his opinions on the Ljósáfar and be a better being by then. She didn’t know if he would, she could only wait and see. 

She went to the room that she was supposed to stay in and prepared her belongings to return to Alfheim. It did not take long, she had sadly not even had the chance to unpack most of them and waited to be allowed permission to return home. 

When she heard a knock on her bedroom door, she was entirely certain that it would the guard with the consent to leave. On opening the door, she was startled to see Loki on the other side. She went to close the door in his face but his boot stopped her from doing so. “I am busy. I have nothing more to say to you.” 

“I need to apologise.” “I need to get ready to leave.”

“Please don’t. Not on my account.”

“Pray tell, your Highness, why would anyone remain to work for an individual who loathes their entire race?”

“I never meant that.”

“Whether you did or you did not, you said it, now excuse me.” Again, Raven went to close the door and again Loki prevented her from doing so. Annoyed, she looked at him expectantly. “I do not wish to dally too greatly, I will not be returning for any belongings that I leave behind any time soon.”

“I’m sorry. I am sorry for what I said, for how offensive it was and for how unfounded it was.” Loki blurted the words out as swiftly as he could.

“You’re a prince, why do you care if you insult a maid?” Raven asked curiously. 

“Because it was wrong.”

She opened the door more, eyeing him suspiciously and shaking her head slightly. “No, it’s more than that. You are Prince Loki of Asgard, you do not always care for right and wrong. I have heard much of your antics. Why?” 

Loki was both insulted and impressed that she did not fall for such words so easily. “Considering I am to marry a Light Elf in the near future, it does not bode well that I have one of her realm’s people rushing from the realm at the earliest opportunity.”

“So, this is because you do not want others talking about you? For your intended to hear what has been the experience of another here before her?” Loki did not nod but it was clear in his face he wanted to. “What if I were to ensure that she was informed of your thoughts on her and her people?”

“I can only hope that by the time that comes to pass, that you will see that I am not that sort of being.” He toyed with his fingers. “I was also hoping you could tell me more of Princess Raven, if you know much about her?”

Raven found herself pursing her lips. “Why, you clearly don’t care?” 

“Well, hopefully, we can see if there are manners in which she and I are suited before her coming here,” Loki explained. “I am aware my words were unkind but I truly do not feel that way and I am all too aware that I do not know of her dislikes and likes before I even meet her. I wish to rectify that.”

Raven did not know what to say. She knew to be careful listening to his words, he was, of course, the Liesmith, the Silver Tongue. He told you what you wanted to hear. “When is she due to arrive?”

“I have no idea. No one said anything and I did not ask.”

“Not the best start if you are not even interested in knowing when she will arrive.”

“I assume I will be told close to the date.” “Had you any intention on learning about her in advance?”

“Not particularly. I considered her nothing more than a duty. Alfheim needed our help and since they were somewhat flippant with their allegiances in the past, my father wished to secure it more for the future. Apparently, that was decided to include me. How I was chosen over Thor, I cannot tell. She is, after all, a princess, daughter of the reigning king, she would have made sense for him.”

“Perhaps it is considered that she is not of high enough standing for him. There is a considerable difference between the wife of the second-in-command and the Allmother, I would have thought.” 

Loki eyed her warily. “Is that an underhanded comment at me?”

“I did not even mention you, Your Highness.” Raven gave a smile that was more scathing than a glare. “I think it best if I continue to use my limited free this afternoon to prepare for the evening shift. Excuse me.” She used the fact that Loki had let his guard down in their talking to one another to seize the opportunity to take back the green sash in his hand and close the door again. 

For his part, Loki stood startled at being bested by his maid for a moment. Knowing that he would not get her to open her door again by knocking, he used his seidr to go back to his rooms, thinking of what to ask his maid on her return to them. 

* It took Raven more effort than she would have wished to return to Loki’s rooms. Part of her thought to rush off realm but she had been informed by a guard that there would be no further realm to realm movement for the rest of the evening. She decided to give Loki until the morning to show he was not merely some egotistical twit. 

Going to his rooms, she paused when she heard arguing from within. 

“And?” “What do you mean ‘and’? You are the heir to the throne.”

“This is not news, Loki. Father made it clear that I will have to marry soon also but for now, Princess Raven of Alfheim is to be brought here to marry you. You get to have all the attention you crave for a time. Then you and she can have little animal named children and I will get my turn to be strapped down by some boring droll creature.” 

Raven felt her body temperature increase at the mocking of her name. She was about to enter the room when there was a loud thud against the wall causing her to jump. 

“I may not be overly pleased with being forced to marry some elf but if you ever mock her or any of the children I am to be the father of again, I will end you, brother, or not.” Loki hissed. “And with regards to names, there would be no animal ones. They would, by virtue of being of Asgard, have normal Aesir names. Whatever of Princess Raven, her brothers and family all have normal Elvish names, whatever turn of fancy the King took to name his daughter after a bird, it is not commonplace to do so.”

Raven felt herself become conflicted. Loki defending her and the children she knew she would be obliged to have as his wife made her feel he was somewhat honourable. The fact he scoffed in his own way at her made her want to pack her belongings again. 

“If that is everything, I would ask you to go away and not bother me again, this evening or any other time, Brother.” The door opened and Loki pushed his brother out of it, causing Thor to crash into a startled Raven. “Oh, dear.” Loki’s bored voice told Raven and indeed Thor that he did not care about accidentally causing the pair to collide. “I suppose you better not injure my maid too much, I need her to fetch my dinner.” 

Thor looked down at the maid in front of him for a moment, apologising to her before pausing for a second, looking at her studiously. There was no denying the recognition in Thor’s face. “Your maid?” He asked curiously. 

Raven knew that the older Aesir prince knew who she was, it was plain to see. At that moment, she was fully convinced that he would reveal everything to his younger brother. 

[wolfpawn]

Hiding in Plain Sight, Chapter 4

Story Summary - Imagine coming from a line of nobility or royalty and being in an arranged marriage with Loki in an attempt to strengthen your kingdom / alliance with Asgard. You’re not entirely on board with the idea but figured that the best you could do was to get to know your fiancé. You form an agreement with Frigga for you to pose as Loki’s personal servant for a few months so you can get to know who Loki really is – beyond the veil of his responsibility to the Asgardian throne, behind all the masks he wears when facing the public, to really know who Loki is behind closed doors as you slowly fall for each other. How long will you keep up the ruse with the God of Lies?

Chapter Summary - Loki tries to set things straight with Raven but then Thor is thrown into the mix.

Previous Chapter

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When they returned to Loki’s rooms, Raven stood stoically still, her hands behind her back, fidgeting slightly and her head high. In many ways, she knew she was not great at playing a maid, she had been raised for a thousand years to be proud of her house and could not talk as one from a submissive position such as a maid. She may have been deemed lower in standing than her brothers but she was still a princess and the daughter of the king. She watched as he stood facing her silently for a few moments. 

“What is it you require of me, Your Highness? Was something not to your liking?”

Loki had to give it to the elf, she had more courage than most would have. “Actually, everything was quite satisfactory. That bath was the best I have had in the longest time.”

“Then what is required of me at this time? Forgive my bluntness however I was under the impression that this time of day is in fact, mine as per my work agreement whilst you do your own studying, so what is it that calls for my being here fourteen minutes prior to my return to work?”

If he was honest, Loki felt he should reprimand the Light Elf for her manner of speaking to him but her clipped tone and demeanour intrigued him more than he would care to admit. “I apologise, I had not realised….I wish to explain what happened earlier.”

“There is nothing to explain. You plan to have a mistress which I truly hope you tell your soon-to-be wife about as surely she will want to know as to not make a fool of herself in court, not to mention, she would then be free to seek her own happiness with a more fitting man and you loathe us Ljósáfar and think us ugly and dim.”

“I don’t think that.” 

“So that woman spewed lies in your name?” Loki did not answer. “So you said it but do not think it?” Loki nodded ever so slightly. “Then why say such things?”

“I was angry,” Loki explained. “I was venting at being pawned off to some creature I have never even met and who, from my limited information on, I am not likely to like.”

“Considering you get to remain on your realm while she is forced away from everything she ever knew and loved to play wife to a creature that has decided before ever meeting her that he cannot even bother to get to know her before making such assumptions, I feel you are somewhat not seeing how lucky you are in your position. What makes it all the more angering is your painting my entire realm’s people with this preconceived and entirely unfounded notion. Why say something you do not mean to your lover?”

“She’s not my...she was just someone that...I am sure Princess Raven is doing as she pleases while hoping her day to come here never comes considering...wait, you speak as though you know her?” Loki eyed Raven carefully. “Are you one of her maids?”

“No, I am not.” Raven looked him directly in the eye as she spoke, showing her honesty at that statement. “I have never served her, nor have I served as a maid in the Ljósáfar palace before you ask. I am not one of her ladies or anything similar to that either. I swear by a solemn oath on my life.”

With her conviction and her statement, Loki believed her. “But you know her, somewhat?” “I do, somewhat.” Raven did not think it wise to lie on that matter, it was entirely true and she knew he would smell her lie. 

“What is she like?”

“She does not suffer fools or people who think her one. She would be sickened at your comments on her, about how you speak of her and her people to some bed partner…” She shook her head. “What makes it worse is your following after me for fear I would reveal you to your mother. You know what you said was wrong.” She inhaled deeply. “I cannot do this. She removed the green sash she bore on the waist of her dress that permitted her to walk through the magic shields that protected different private halls only for those who served the Aesir royal family. “I quit.” She handed it to Loki and walked out of the room. 

She knew she would have to return to Asgard and marry him. She knew that it would be horrible and awkward but she could not face him any longer. She was too hurt for her people and for herself. She would endure the marriage as she knew she had to but she was relieved that if nothing else was achieved from her day in Asgard, she knew what to expect. That was something she was grateful for. She was not going to be blindsided. In the back of her mind, she hoped that Loki would rethink his opinions on the Ljósáfar and be a better being by then. She didn’t know if he would, she could only wait and see. 

She went to the room that she was supposed to stay in and prepared her belongings to return to Alfheim. It did not take long, she had sadly not even had the chance to unpack most of them and waited to be allowed permission to return home. 

When she heard a knock on her bedroom door, she was entirely certain that it would the guard with the consent to leave. On opening the door, she was startled to see Loki on the other side. She went to close the door in his face but his boot stopped her from doing so. “I am busy. I have nothing more to say to you.” 

“I need to apologise.” “I need to get ready to leave.”

“Please don’t. Not on my account.”

“Pray tell, your Highness, why would anyone remain to work for an individual who loathes their entire race?”

“I never meant that.”

“Whether you did or you did not, you said it, now excuse me.” Again, Raven went to close the door and again Loki prevented her from doing so. Annoyed, she looked at him expectantly. “I do not wish to dally too greatly, I will not be returning for any belongings that I leave behind any time soon.”

“I’m sorry. I am sorry for what I said, for how offensive it was and for how unfounded it was.” Loki blurted the words out as swiftly as he could.

“You’re a prince, why do you care if you insult a maid?” Raven asked curiously. 

“Because it was wrong.”

She opened the door more, eyeing him suspiciously and shaking her head slightly. “No, it’s more than that. You are Prince Loki of Asgard, you do not always care for right and wrong. I have heard much of your antics. Why?” 

Loki was both insulted and impressed that she did not fall for such words so easily. “Considering I am to marry a Light Elf in the near future, it does not bode well that I have one of her realm’s people rushing from the realm at the earliest opportunity.”

“So, this is because you do not want others talking about you? For your intended to hear what has been the experience of another here before her?” Loki did not nod but it was clear in his face he wanted to. “What if I were to ensure that she was informed of your thoughts on her and her people?”

“I can only hope that by the time that comes to pass, that you will see that I am not that sort of being.” He toyed with his fingers. “I was also hoping you could tell me more of Princess Raven, if you know much about her?”

Raven found herself pursing her lips. “Why, you clearly don’t care?” 

“Well, hopefully, we can see if there are manners in which she and I are suited before her coming here,” Loki explained. “I am aware my words were unkind but I truly do not feel that way and I am all too aware that I do not know of her dislikes and likes before I even meet her. I wish to rectify that.”

Raven did not know what to say. She knew to be careful listening to his words, he was, of course, the Liesmith, the Silver Tongue. He told you what you wanted to hear. “When is she due to arrive?”

“I have no idea. No one said anything and I did not ask.”

“Not the best start if you are not even interested in knowing when she will arrive.”

“I assume I will be told close to the date.” “Had you any intention on learning about her in advance?”

“Not particularly. I considered her nothing more than a duty. Alfheim needed our help and since they were somewhat flippant with their allegiances in the past, my father wished to secure it more for the future. Apparently, that was decided to include me. How I was chosen over Thor, I cannot tell. She is, after all, a princess, daughter of the reigning king, she would have made sense for him.”

“Perhaps it is considered that she is not of high enough standing for him. There is a considerable difference between the wife of the second-in-command and the Allmother, I would have thought.” 

Loki eyed her warily. “Is that an underhanded comment at me?”

“I did not even mention you, Your Highness.” Raven gave a smile that was more scathing than a glare. “I think it best if I continue to use my limited free this afternoon to prepare for the evening shift. Excuse me.” She used the fact that Loki had let his guard down in their talking to one another to seize the opportunity to take back the green sash in his hand and close the door again. 

For his part, Loki stood startled at being bested by his maid for a moment. Knowing that he would not get her to open her door again by knocking, he used his seidr to go back to his rooms, thinking of what to ask his maid on her return to them. 

* It took Raven more effort than she would have wished to return to Loki’s rooms. Part of her thought to rush off realm but she had been informed by a guard that there would be no further realm to realm movement for the rest of the evening. She decided to give Loki until the morning to show he was not merely some egotistical twit. 

Going to his rooms, she paused when she heard arguing from within. 

“And?” “What do you mean ‘and’? You are the heir to the throne.”

“This is not news, Loki. Father made it clear that I will have to marry soon also but for now, Princess Raven of Alfheim is to be brought here to marry you. You get to have all the attention you crave for a time. Then you and she can have little animal named children and I will get my turn to be strapped down by some boring droll creature.” 

Raven felt her body temperature increase at the mocking of her name. She was about to enter the room when there was a loud thud against the wall causing her to jump. 

“I may not be overly pleased with being forced to marry some elf but if you ever mock her or any of the children I am to be the father of again, I will end you, brother, or not.” Loki hissed. “And with regards to names, there would be no animal ones. They would, by virtue of being of Asgard, have normal Aesir names. Whatever of Princess Raven, her brothers and family all have normal Elvish names, whatever turn of fancy the King took to name his daughter after a bird, it is not commonplace to do so.”

Raven felt herself become conflicted. Loki defending her and the children she knew she would be obliged to have as his wife made her feel he was somewhat honourable. The fact he scoffed in his own way at her made her want to pack her belongings again. 

“If that is everything, I would ask you to go away and not bother me again, this evening or any other time, Brother.” The door opened and Loki pushed his brother out of it, causing Thor to crash into a startled Raven. “Oh, dear.” Loki’s bored voice told Raven and indeed Thor that he did not care about accidentally causing the pair to collide. “I suppose you better not injure my maid too much, I need her to fetch my dinner.” 

Thor looked down at the maid in front of him for a moment, apologising to her before pausing for a second, looking at her studiously. There was no denying the recognition in Thor’s face. “Your maid?” He asked curiously. 

Raven knew that the older Aesir prince knew who she was, it was plain to see. At that moment, she was fully convinced that he would reveal everything to his younger brother.