#unofferable Part II

[imagine-loki]

Unofferable, Part II

TITLE: Unofferable, Part II

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 7, Fallout AUTHOR: unofferable-fic ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine courting Loki in secret for a number of years. While you’re both more than happy with the arrangement and are genuinely in love, you can never make your relationship public because of your status as a mortal servant.

RATING: M

NOTES/WARNINGS: Angst, impending doom. Playlist: “This Ladder is Ours” — The Joy Formidable, “When You Were Young - Piano Version” — A Silent Film, “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” — Angie Stone

The relief Ellie felt knowing that their plan had come to fruition didn’t last long. The hall erupted into manic pandemonium, with the crowds being controlled and guarded by armed groups of Einherjar. While screaming and confused yells rang out through the place, Rainger was quick to grab Ellie’s hand; whether it was to ensure her safety or to keep himself calm, she did not know.

“Hey,” she said, getting his attention when she noticed his panicked expression. “We’re okay, Rainger. We’re okay.”

“Didn’t you hear Odin?” he asked, eyes wide. “There’s Frost Giants in the palace! How in the name of the Norns did they get in here?”

Before she could even attempt to answer him, Odin’s voice sounded loudly. “Warriors! To the vaults.”

By his words, everyone sprung into action. Odin was down the steps in seconds and running from the hall. Thor was quick to trail behind, closely followed by the Warriors Three and Lady Sif. As Loki and Frigga appeared quite suddenly by their side, Ellie looked up at him, genuine worry now etched on her face.

“You two,” he said in a hurry. “Stay close to us. You are not to go out of my sight. Come!”

Sensing the urgency, she didn’t argue as Frigga grabbed her hand and the four of them quickly took after the other sprinters. Running through the palace halls was not something she thought would be on the agenda that day, but here they were. Despite the fact she knew how and why the Frost Giants ended up on Asgard, Ellie couldn’t help but feel anxious about how exactly things were going to play out from here. Loki was playing the part of the worried younger prince well, but then again, he was a professional lie-smith. Thankfully, he had taught her well, because no one seemed to suspect anything looking at either of them. But then again, why would they? Most people didn’t even know they were intimately involved…

The commotion in the throne room had moved out to the halls, with guards stationed at every door and some running to check different areas of the palace. Though Odin knew that Frost Giants were in the vaults, he had to make sure they hadn’t snuck in anywhere else, so crosschecking every area seemed appropriate. Though Ellie’s lungs began to burn from taking quick breaths, they reached the vaults below the palace swiftly enough. Odin and his sons were the first to enter, with Frigga, the warriors, and the hand servants hanging back at the steps beside the entrance. As the doors opened, she could feel the temperature change immediately. When she had gasped at the sight of the room, her breath became a visible mist in front of her face, a sure sign that the Jötunns had indeed been here. The entire room was covered in ice, frost clinging to the stone walls with smoke rising from the extinguished fires at the entrance. Scattered blocks of ice and the remains of the Jötunns are strewn about the place, along with the two dead Einherjar. She couldn’t help but cringe at the sight of their twisted bodies. Everyone lowered their weapons upon realising that the threat had already been dealt with — the presence of a massive figure at the end of the hall ensured that. It was an imposing figure — standing to its full height and towering over every single one of them. Beneath it’s metal exterior glowed hot flames, ones which held the power to turn a person to ash with a single blast of fire. Ellie had heard of its ability from tales told by the Odinson brothers themselves, and it only furthered her genuine fear of the sentinel.

“The Destroyer,” Sif gasped under her breath.

Volstagg looked at it in awe. “I thought it was but a legend.”

As the flames within its chest finally dwindled down again, it stepped back into its post, the wall reforming to hide it once more.

“I have never been inside the Vault before,” Fandral began, looking about the place uncomfortably. “It is said the Tesseract was once held here.”

The Tesseract? She had heard of that before from conversations with Thor and Loki. It was a blue, glowing, crystalline cube that apparently housed a great power. It was however lost many years ago on Earth and hadn’t been seen since. It was however briefly unearthed during World War II, before again disappearing God knows where. But like Fandral, she had never gone near the vault before, so she was happy to get a look at all the relics that were housed there.

Volstagg gasped aloud, clearly amazed by what was going on. “The Tesseract? I thought that was but a legend too!”

Sif was quick to shush them both as Odin surveyed the damage, approaching what Ellie assumed to be the Casket of Ancient Winters on its podium. Thor and Loki stood either side of him, looking about in dismay.

“The Jötunns must pay for what they have done!” the former declared, Mjölnir in his eager hand.

“They have paid,” Odin replied dismissively. “With their lives. The Destroyer did its job, and the Casket is safe, and all is well.”

“‘All is well?’” Thor looked at Loki indignantly, then back to his father. “They broke into the Weapons Vault! If the Frost Giants had stolen even one of these relics—”

“They didn’t.”

“Well, I want to know why!”

Ellie cringed at Thor’s tone, biting her lip so that she would refrain from blurting out anything incriminating. Despite her involvement in the turn of events, she couldn’t help but wonder how Odin let such a petulant tone go unpunished. If Loki ever dared to speak to the Allfather like that, he would surely be reprimanded accordingly…

With his eyes still firmly fixed on the Casket, Odin explained himself. “I have a truce with Laufey, King of the Jötunns.”

“He just broke your truce! They know you are vulnerable!”

Turning to finally face his enraged son, Odin glanced at his comrades and his wife. “Leave us.”

With a small amount of hesitance, Ellie glanced at the silent Loki before she turned and followed the others out of the vaults.

“Well,” Fandral began, back to his usual sarcastic self. “Thor will certainly be getting an earful.”

“Oh, hush,” Sif insisted. “I have heard enough from you.”

“Warriors Three,” Frigga began, getting their attention. “I ask that you join Asgard’s forces in ensuring that there are no other Frost Giants sneaking about the palace. Once the all clear is given, you can go about your business.” After receiving three replies of ‘Yes, Allmother’, she turned to Lady Sif. “I would ask that you remain here with Rainger, Ellie, and I. It would be wise to keep a warrior by our side until we are told all is well again.”

“Of course, My Queen,” Sif agreed with a slight bow of the head.

Frigga then looked at the two hand servants who were still visibly uncomfortable. “There is nothing to worry about, dears. Whatever breach through which they came, it shall be found and blocked. You are both safe with us. Come, we shall wait within my chambers.”

Ellie and Rainger were not waiting within the royal chambers for long before the Einherjar returned mid-afternoon to tell the Queen that there were no Frost Giants to be found on Asgard. It seemed that the attacked was carried out by but a few who were subsequently killed by the Destroyer. That being said, Frigga did a good job of easing their worries by making tea and chatting to them about anything and everything. It wasn’t long after when Loki arrived, looking grim but relieved that they were all alright.

Once he hugged his mother, he turned to Rainger. “You should return to your family. Thor is in no mood for company, friendly or otherwise. After today, you should get some rest.”

“Of course, Prince Loki,” the younger man replied. “Thank you. Give Thor my regards.”

“I shall. It might also be best if Lady Sif accompanies you there, since Odin is still unsure as to where they came from.”

“Where is your father?” Frigga asked him, looking somewhat worried.

“With the troops, keeping them company while they scout Asgard for possible breaches.”

“And your brother?”

Loki grimaced slightly and said. “He is…stomping about the palace. He is not happy that his big day was interrupted.”

“No surprises there,” Rainger muttered grimly.

“He will be alright. It is best to leave him for a day and return to your normal duties tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Prince Loki.” With a bow, Rainger took his leave, Lady Sif walking by his side so that he would make it home without incident.

As soon as they left and it was just the three of them in the room, Loki swept Ellie into his arms and pulled her into a crushing hug. She knew that his concern was mostly for show — to convey their false image of innocence — but the feeling of his strong arms circling her waist gave her some much needed relief. She buried her face in his chest without hesitation, unconcerned with Frigga’s presence even though she was never one to judge. She could feel his emotions anyway; all the relief, the exhaustion, the delight knowing that their plan had actually worked. She allowed herself to be selfish for a moment, forgetting about Thor’s apparent distain for having his moment interrupted. For once, she genuinely cared little for anyone other than her prince.

“Are you alright?” he asked her, leaning back so that he could gently cup her face in his hands.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” she insisted. “Are you? What happened on the vault?”

“Let us just say that Thor was more willing to…teach the Frost Giants a lesson, while Father was more interested in sealing the breach in our defences. He received a scolding, and is not amused. I am sure it has added to his current tantrum-throwing.”

“I cannot say that I am surprised by his reaction,” Frigga began. “But hopefully he just needs the day to calm himself. Once we find out how the Frost Giants entered Asgard, we can organise his coronation.”

“Do not tell Thor that. He will be livid when he hears that his big day has been not only interrupted, but pushed back as well.”

“Thor needs to concern himself with safety as this realm,” Frigga replied, her tone conveying that of a disappointed mother. “And less with his big day. His day will come once we solve this issue and he must understand that. That is what a king must do.”

“You do not need to tell me twice, Mother. I am sure that Thor will see reason.”

“That he will. Now, you two best go back to your quarters while all the commotion dies down.”

“But what about you?” Ellie asked in concern. “We can’t leave you here on your own.”

“I agree, love.” Loki sent his mother a warm smile. “Come, we will have some tea to pass the time and then Ellie and I will take our leave.”

Probably delighted to spend some quality time with her son and his beloved, Frigga agreed to the suggestion with ease. Though Ellie was still nervous about all that occurred, she found it a lot easier to relax around the Queen, and Loki’s equally calm company always helped too. They didn’t stay for long and soon returned to his quarters for some privacy. 

As soon as he locked the door behind him, he looked at her with nervous excitement and said. “I need to speak with you.”

Taking a seat at his dining table, Elliw eyed him curiously. “Is somethin’ wrong?”

“Not at all,” he replied and quickly took a seat next to her, elbows resting on his thighs as he clasped his hands together. “Considering all that occurred today, everything went exactly as planned.”

“Well, that’s certainly a relief. Then what’s up?”

“Thor. More specifically, Thor’s reaction to this whole debacle. He has reacted in a far more aggressive manner than I had previously predicted. I knew he would be angry, and I knew he would want to teach the Jötunns a lesson, but he seemed intent on going to Jotunheim and starting a war.”

Ellie’s brow furrowed at that, leaning forward in her seat. “A war?”

“Yes. That is what he suggested to Father in the vaults. Upon being asked what action he would take after you were all dismissed, Thor said he would march into Jotunheim and ‘teach them a lesson’, so that they would never again dream of trespassing upon Asgard. He says that it was an act of war.”

“Oh, God,” she muttered under her breath. “I knew he’d be annoyed, but how can he justify wantin’ to start a war with the Frost Giants? Especially when you’s have an uneasy truce as it is.”

“It was somewhat surprising, yes, but not exactly out of character. If he had been crowned before the attack took place, I fear we would be marching down the Bifröst as we speak.”

“I imagine you wouldn’t be wrong.” She sighed heavily, her head in her hands, before she met her lover’s gaze again. “I’m assumin’ Odin was havin’ none of it?”

“Of course. That was to be expected, but he is not wrong. The truce is delicate and one cannot risk tossing that aside as it stands, even if the Frost Giants are despicable beasts.”

“This is already paintin’ a great picture of King Thor…”

“Do not fret, darling,” he whispered, his lips slowly forming a smirk. “Thor’s outburst may in fact work in our favour.”

She wasn’t sure why, but the overly-familiar feeling of unease was creeping up yet again. “Care to elaborate?”

“Thor’s reaction to these events was that of a warrior, as my father told him in the vaults. I think it may have been a reason for Odin to question whether Thor is ready to take on the responsibilities that come with being a king. Though I doubt this event alone would deter Odin, I think it was a small wake up call. We could, however, manipulate this to fit our agenda by giving Thor a very gentle push.”

“Loki…” She shook her head, already not liking where this was going. “I don’t like the sound of this.”

“It’s alright,” he reassured her, gently taking a hold of her hands. “Ellie, look at me. Remember what we said? That we would be here for each other no matter what happens? Just listen to what I have to say for a moment.” When she didn’t utter a word, he pressed onwards. “Thor is angry and you know how reckless he can be when he’s like this. If he had his way, if Odin had not forbade it, he would march straight into Jotunheim with an army on his heels. As you and I know, this is not how a king should act. If anything, Father should have noticed this in the vaults and said something right away. And yet, he didn’t. What I think, is that Father may delay Thor’s coronation for far longer if he were to act on these feelings. If he hears that his eldest son intends to defy his orders by starting a war with another realm, he will most certainly consider him an unworthy candidate for rule. Surely he would delay the coronation yet again to give Thor the teachings he needs in order to act as king.

“What I am suggesting is that I plant a seed in Thor’s head; I shall encourage his reckless behaviour so that he does indeed decide to go to Jotunheim himself. But, before he can even get to the realm, I will inform Father of the development and stop him before his plan can be carried out. Surely after that the crowning will be delayed indefinitely and my marriage along with it.”

“I don’t know how I feel ’bout that,” Ellie said, shaking her head. “That’s really pushin’ it.”

“Not particularly,” Loki disagreed, but not unkindly. “You agreed with me about Thor being an unfit king. If anything, his reaction to the infiltration is further proof of that, no?”

“Well, yes, but are we not pushin’ our luck?” Her stomach was flipping nervously, her thumb rubbing circles on the back of his hand in an attempt to calm herself. She thought they could be done with all of this, and yet here they were, plotting yet again. “Look, the original plan worked and that’s great! Why do we need’ta do this?”

“Because we have only delayed my marriage temporarily,” he explained. “This will surely stop it for a far longer period of time.”

“This is madness, Loki.”

“Of course it is,” he laughed. “This whole plan is madness, but it has worked so far. You could probably call our relationship madness as well. I will not let anything happen to you, alright? I will not even let anything happen to Thor — Father will reprimand him before he can even step foot near Laufey.”

Ellie had to be honest, his promises were swaying her in his favour. Was there really any severe harm if Loki was to end a war before it even had a chance to begin? All Odin would see is a man not yet fit to be king. No one would get hurt, and she and Loki would be free to court as they pleased without worrying about his impending marriage. Ensuring that Thor is not crowned meant that Loki would never wed Lady Sigyn…

“Do you trust me?” he asked her after a moment, pulling his chair forward in an attempt to be closer to her.

“Do you even need to ask?” she replied with a sad smile. “Of course I do.”

“Then trust me when I say this will be the last scheme. After this, there will be no need to try anything else. My marriage will by prevented and we can continue as we once were. Believe me when I say that this will be the end of it.”

“Right,” she sighed and let her head rest on his shoulder. “Well then I guess we need to go give Thor a shove.”

The feeling of his arms encasing her in a warm hug was somewhat reassuring despite the new uncertainty that consumed her mind. “It will be alright. Worry not, little one. This will be the end of it.”

“It better be,” she said, her voice muffled by the material of his clothes. “This is excessive schemin’, even for you.”

He chuckled at that, his warm breath ghosting over her neck. “I thought you loved my scheming? It is part of my title.”

“I do but this is more than I’m used to.”

“Well, it’s good that this is the last of it then.” With a kiss on her cheek, he let his chin rest on her head. “We should go find Thor before he has a chance to simmer down.”

“Any idea where he is?”

“I am sure the guards will be able to point us in his direction, what with his stomping around.”

Sure enough, Loki was right. A number of Einherjar were happy to tell them that they last Thor thundering towards the banquet hall, and the resounding crash and roar that echoed from outside its doors was proof enough that he was indeed inside. 

“Did he just flip the table?” Ellie asked as the two of them slipped through the entrance and walked along the top of the steps overlooking the late afternoon sky.

“I did tell you he was furious,” Loki whispered as Thor took a seat on the steps, looking completely dejected and frustrated. Before him was an upended table — presumably by his hands — with plates, food, and wine spilling out over the massive floor.

Loki approached Thor slowly, each of his footsteps planting softly on the steps as he took a seat next to him, while Ellie sat herself on the Trickster’s left.

“It’s unwise to be in my company right now,” Thor grumbled, glancing at them briefly. Then, with more passion, he continued. “This was to be my day of triumph!”

“It will come,” Loki reassured him with a hushed voice. “In time.”

“He’s right, Thor,” Ellie agreed. “It might not be today, but it’ll be soon.”

At that moment, Lady Sif and the Warriors Three came bursting into the hall.

Volstagg looked positively aghast at the sight of the destruction. “What’s this?”

While Thor payed no attention to his friends, Loki briefly frowned at their arrival before turning to speak to his brother, his silver tongue doing what it was best at. “If it’s any consolation, I think you’re right. About the Frost Giants, about Laufey, about everything. If they found a way to penetrate Asgard’s defences once, who is to say they won’t try again? Next time, with an army.”

“Exactly!” Thor declared, looking relieved to have someone validate his feelings.

“There is nothing you can do without defying Father.”

At that, Thor turned to face his brother, the gears visibly turning in his head.

Loki’s eyes went wide just as Thor got to his feet. “No. No, no, no, no, no, no, no! I know that look!”

“It is the only way to ensure the safety of our borders!” Thor said with determination, pointing a finger at his sibling.

“Thor, it’s madness!” Loki insisted, trying to deter him.

“What?” Ellie asked, looking between them. “You’re not suggestin’—”

“Madness?” Volstagg asked from where he stood, quickly gathering a massive plate of food. “What sort of madness?”

There was a beat of silence before Thor spoke with resounding confidence. “We’re going to Jotunheim.”

At that, Ellie noticed Loki gulp. He was intrigued by what had occurred, but she could easily spot the excited glint in his eye. Another one of his plans was well underway and he quickly turned to look back at her. She kept her expression as one which conveyed shock, of course. She was back to playing the part, but if it was to ensure her and Loki would  remain together, then she couldn’t exactly complain.

But she had faith in Loki. 

After all, he had promised her.

[ao3feed-lokiangst]

Unofferable, Part II - Divergence

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2Ke5i73

by AnMorrighan

Five years after the events on Alfheim, Loki and Ellie have lived a quiet and happy life together. Unfortunately, with the next King of Asgard being chosen imminently and with the truths that are brought to light as a result, their relationship will be put through the hardest test they have ever faced. With the life they have built together suddenly under threat, they may lose everything they have vehemently fought to protect.

Words: 4224, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Series: Part 2 of Unofferable Series

Fandoms: Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Avengers (Marvel Movies), Marvel, Thor (Movies), Norse Religion & Lore

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Categories: F/M

Characters: Loki (Marvel), Original Female Character(s), Thor (Marvel), Frigga (Marvel), Odin (Marvel), Jane Foster (Marvel), Darcy Lewis, Erik Selvig, Heimdall (Marvel), Volstagg (Marvel), Fandral (Marvel), Sif (Marvel), Hogun (Marvel), Eir (Marvel), Original Male Character(s)

Relationships: Loki (Marvel)/Original Female Character(s)

Additional Tags: Thor (2011) - Freeform, Explicit Language, Explicit Sexual Content, Jotunn Loki (Marvel), Loki (Marvel) Feels, Past Child Abuse, Angst, POV Third Person, Asgard, Miðgarðr | Midgard, Fluff, Smut, Hurt/Comfort, Protective Frigga (Marvel), Romance, Odin (Marvel)'s Bad Parenting, Friendship

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2Ke5i73

[ao3feed-mythology]

Unofferable, Part II - Divergence

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2Ke5i73

by AnMorrighan

Five years after the events on Alfheim, Loki and Ellie have lived a quiet and happy life together. Unfortunately, with the next King of Asgard being chosen imminently and with the truths that are brought to light as a result, their relationship will be put through the hardest test they have ever faced. With the life they have built together suddenly under threat, they may lose everything they have vehemently fought to protect.

Words: 4224, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Series: Part 2 of Unofferable Series

Fandoms: Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Avengers (Marvel Movies), Marvel, Thor (Movies), Norse Religion & Lore

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Categories: F/M

Characters: Loki (Marvel), Original Female Character(s), Thor (Marvel), Frigga (Marvel), Odin (Marvel), Jane Foster (Marvel), Darcy Lewis, Erik Selvig, Heimdall (Marvel), Volstagg (Marvel), Fandral (Marvel), Sif (Marvel), Hogun (Marvel), Eir (Marvel), Original Male Character(s)

Relationships: Loki (Marvel)/Original Female Character(s)

Additional Tags: Thor (2011) - Freeform, Explicit Language, Explicit Sexual Content, Jotunn Loki (Marvel), Loki (Marvel) Feels, Past Child Abuse, Angst, POV Third Person, Asgard, Miðgarðr | Midgard, Fluff, Smut, Hurt/Comfort, Protective Frigga (Marvel), Romance, Odin (Marvel)'s Bad Parenting, Friendship

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2Ke5i73

[imagine-loki]

Unofferable, Part II

TITLE: Unofferable, Part II

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 6, Execution AUTHOR: unofferable-fic ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine courting Loki in secret for a number of years. While you’re both more than happy with the arrangement and are genuinely in love, you can never make your relationship public because of your status as a mortal servant.

RATING: M

NOTES/WARNINGS: Angst, Frost Giants. Playlist: “oh baby” — LCD Soundsystem, “Sons of Odin” — Patrick Doyle, “Midnight” — Coldplay, “Vestige of Hope” — Brad Derrick

It had been an…interesting time for Ellie and Loki after said God of Thunder discovered their secret. They had been genuinely dreading how he would treat them in public, convinced that he wouldn’t be able to contain himself from blurting out the truth, but it had been a relief to see that nothing changed. The couple had been on their way to the library to collect some books when Thor bumped into them with Lady Sif and Rainger by his side. Ellie very nearly turned and ran in the other direction.

“Brother!” Thor greeted his sibling, as he always did, and clapped him on the shoulder. “It is good to see you. And you, little one!”

“And you, Thor,” Loki replied, before acknowledging the others, who returned his greeting. 

“What are you two doing for the afternoon?” Thor asked, lightly ruffling Ellie’s hair. If she didn’t like him so much, she’d give him a slap.

“I need to fetch some books from the library.”

“Ah, of course! It is your favourite place in the palace, no?”

“Only because it is the place which you avoid as much as possible.”

“They are at it again,” Rainger whispered to Ellie, wearing an amused smirk as the brothers began their good-natured banter. Even Sif was amused by the exchange.

“It’s how they show love, alright?” Ellie replied, eying the pair, but mostly happy about Thor keeping his mouth shut. “I much prefer this over them eatin’ the head off each other.”

Ranger nodded slowly. “I have to agree with you.”

“We were on our way to the markets,” Thor continued. “Why not join us instead of going to the boring, dusty library you love so much?”

Loki hesitated before he spoke. “The books I need are quite important—”

“Lokiiiii, come on! My coronation is but a few days away, and we will not have as much time to do these things afterwards. Come, you can bring little Ellie as well.”

Loki’s gaze briefly fell to her before he rolled his eyes and conceded. The eldest Odinson was delighted with the couples’ addition to the group, and began to lead the five of them down the halls and out of the palace. Instead of grabbing their horses, Lady Sif suggested that the walk might do them good, so the group were more than happy with stroll to the markets and browse on foot. While the princes and Lady Sif walked together ahead of the group, ideally chatting, Ellie and Rainger walked behind them, taking their time and discussing anything and everything.

“I can agree with you that I am fairly certain Prince Thor will drink himself into a coma,” Rainger mused. “Once his coronation is out of the way, I feel as though he will let go a little too much during the feast afterwards.”

“Good luck scraping him off the floor the followin’ mornin’,” she teased, pausing at a food stall that grabbed her attention. “Do you want a cake? These look delicious.”

Ranger grimaced at the thought of dealing with Thor the morning after. “I would rather not think about that. I would however love a cake.”

She bought five off the vendor before handing one of them to her friend, and then beginning to eat her own. She caught up with the gods so that she could offer them each a cake before turning her attention back to Rainger.

“I meant to speak with you,” he began, already finishing his cake after wolfing it down. “About something.”

She could only stare as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Jesus, don’t you chew?”

“Don’t you ever stop complaining?”

“No! It’s why we get on with each other so well.”

He smirked at that before he shook his head. “Look, we are getting off topic and I wished to ask for your advice.”

“I don’t know what good I’d be,” she admitted. “It’s not exactly like I’ve enough life experience to be offerin’ advice.”

“You have plenty,” he reassured her and looked over at the princes to make sure they weren’t playing much attention. “It is about a, uh, a woman.”

About to bite into her baked good, Ellie paused with her mouth open, eyes flitting to her friend. “A woman?”

Rainger nodded, cheeks slightly flushed. “Uh, yes.”

Without hesitation, she linked her arm around his. “Honestly, Rainger, there’s no need to be embarrassed. I’m assumin’ by your blushin’ that you really like this woman?”

“I do… She is quite something.”

“Are you gonna tell me who it is, or do I need to pry the information outta you?”

“She is one of the kitchen staff,” he admitted, keeping his voice low and his eyes on the ground beneath his feet. “You are familiar with Hedvika, correct?”

Ellie couldn’t stop the smile that spread to her face. “I do, and you have been pinin’ over her for ages. I’m glad you’re finally doin’ somethin’ about it. You deserve it after Leif politely turned you down.”

“I know that was a few years ago,” Rainger sighed. “But my confidence was somewhat shook by the rejection. He was well within his right to do so if he was not attracted to me, but you know that I’m not overly kind to myself after being rebuffed.”

“I know, Rainger, I know.” She gave his arm a gentle squeeze. “And I’m glad that we got passed it and became friends. Now I can give you all the relationship advice you need, despite my own inexperience.”

He chuckled at that. “You are too kind. So, what do you think I should do about Hedvika?”

“Well, I’m kinda of the opinion that she might like you too. You’s are both as oblivious as each other and always missin’ the way you two blush like lovesick teenagers when near the other. If I were you, I would start with talkin’ to her a bit more. Make an effort to be near her, and don’t be afraid to talk to her when you can. Then by the time our next servants holiday comes around, you can ask if she’d like to accompany you to the markets.”

He nodded as she spoke, attention firmly fixed on her as she offered what advice she could. “That is quite a good idea, actually.”

“I know, I’m full’a great ideas.”

“I will give you credit where it is due. If you ever need advice about men, just let me know.”

Ah, if only you knew what the hell I was up to right now.

“I will, but I very much doubt that will happen. I’ve yet to even meet one that can hold my attention.”

“I know you are quite fussy about men, Ellie, but really there is nothing wrong with that. You might as well wait for one who loves you dearly, and who you love back. Odin help him if he even manages to hold your attention, because then he would have to get Prince Loki’s approval as well.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” she demanded, gaze flicking to her employer.

“I am fairly certain that he will happily threaten any men whom he deems unworthy with his knives before letting them anywhere near you. Am I wrong?”

Well, not entirely…

Their conversation drifted as the day went on, and a little while later, Ellie found herself walking next to Prince Thor, the other three members of the group otherwise distracted with interesting stalls or speaking to sellers.

“Thanks for not sayin’ anythin’,” Ellie whispered to the large god, making sure there was no one around listening. “For not bein’…obvious.”

The grin that he gave her in response was genuine and he placed a large hand on her meagre shoulder. “There is no need for thanks. All I ask is that you and my brother find happiness, and it is lucky that you seem to have found it in each other. I have known you since you were but a babe, and you told me a little of what you went through on Midgard, but I am certain that you deserve some joy after all that.

“I know Loki well, and I know how trying he can sometimes be. But I also know that you understand him just as well as I; you did grow up with him by your side, after all. I have noticed a change in him since you began your secret courtship. He seems more at ease, if you can call it that. He is still himself, of that I am certain, but I think he has benefitted from the experience. The same can be said about you, little Midgardian. While you have not been the same frightened child that arrived in our home for some time, you seemed to settle even more in the last few years. I hope that that is partially because of my brother.”

She was momentarily stunned by Thor admission. They hadn’t had a chance to speak since he discovered them in an intimate embrace, so this conversation was yet to be had, until now. She felt better for it, knowing that despite the negative connotations that one might associate with an Asgardian prince in a relationship with a mortal, Thor was all for it.

“I can safely say that he’s certainly helped,” she admitted, smiling at the memory. “I think he understood how I felt. Some of the Aesier weren’t exactly welcomin’ in the first place, but I think once Loki chilled out a little, he realised that we weren’t so different. Obviously you and the Allmother helped too, but he really seemed to empathise with me.”

“I know what you mean,” Thor replied. “I know that Loki and I are quite different, but I do wish that sometimes the people of Asgard could see him the same way I do.”

“I know, Thor. Honestly, I wish he could see himself through our eyes.”

Suddenly, Thor slipped a large arm around her shoulders and gave her an uncharacteristically gentle side-hug. “I trust that you will help him get there, Ellie. And do not worry, we will find a way to keep you together.”

The gesture was unexpected, for Thor was usually one for crushing embraces and jarring movements, but this one seemed so genuine that Ellie leaned into his touch, wrapping an arm around his frame so that she could squeeze him back. She was once more acutely aware of the fact that she would have to prevent him from becoming king in a matter of days, a reality that continued to hang over her head like an ominous, croaking raven. She said nothing, choosing instead to let the comfortable silence calm them, watching from a distance as Loki spoke with a stall holder with regards his wears. Sometimes she worried that he spent so much time wishing Odin could see him as worthy, that he forgot she, Frigga, and Thor already knew he was.  Perhaps someday Loki would see himself as he really was.

* * *

That interaction had calmed the couple’s nerves somewhat. They no longer worried that Thor would randomly blurt out their darkest secret. But as our story goes, all good things must eventually come to an end.

Eventually, the time had come; Thor’s coronation had arrived.

The lead up to the coronation was unlike anything Ellie had ever experienced on Asgard. She had been a part of big celebrations before, but nothing of this magnitude. Considering she was handmaiden to a prince, she had even more running around to do. She was obliged to stick by Loki for the majority of the day, from the second he woke until the moment he went to sleep. As if this fact wasn’t already taxing enough, it wasn’t taking their plan into account. That was just added stress, something that was consuming them both in the run up to the event.

She awoke before dawn, never before dreading the thought of leaving her bed this much. But she didn’t have a choice. If she wanted to be with Loki, she had to do this. She eventually drew enough strength to haul her legs from beneath the covers, settling her bare feet into the fluffy rug beneath. Her arms trembled and she took a moment to steady her breathing. For some reason, she couldn’t shake the sick sense of dread that consumed her gut. As she gnawed on her lower lip, she recalled thinking before that she would wake up happy this morning knowing that she would prevent Loki being torn away from her. And yet, here she sat, realising all the factors that were playing against them. No matter how many times Loki assured her that he had ‘sorted it’, she remained anxious.

Treason, banishment, death… If we’re caught, how far will Odin go?

Ellie did the only thing she could; she pushed herself to her feet and got to work.

When she went next-door to Loki’s chambers after picking up his breakfast from the kitchens, he was already awake.

“I could feel you,” he explained, sitting on his bed and leaning against the headboard. “Your worries about today and all that goes with it.”

“Sorry,” she replied, setting the tray down on the nearly table. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“Your apology isn’t necessary, love.” As she moved to grab his clothes from the wardrobe, he spoke up again. “You can leave them for a moment. I would like if you came to sit with me.”

Looking over at him on the bed, she couldn’t help feel her heartbeat quicken. She wasn’t sure if she would ever not be mesmerised by his beauty. She didn’t argue and strode to the bed, not resisting as he pulled her on to straddle his lap. That being said, their was nothing sexual in his intentions, for he carefully cupped her cheeks and brought her down to rest his forehead against hers.

“I want you to know,” he began softly, thumbs idly stoking her skin. “That no matter what happens today, you are safe with me. I will not let anything touch you, or harm you, or tear us apart. The Allfather himself would have to go through me before laying a finger on you. Do you trust me?”

“Of course I do,” she insisted, staring back into his green eyes, noting the sincerity they conveyed. “We’re in this together.”

His lips stretched into a small smile as he answered. “Together.”

The preparations flew by. It seemed that every servant within the palace had a task to attend to, and no one hesitated in flying about to complete it. Once Loki had breakfasted and dressed in his ceremonial clothes, he and Ellie made their way to one of the many anterooms that lead to the main hall in which Thor would be crowned. Though they could not physically comfort each other in the open, they made sure to continually test their connection, giving a gentle tug whenever the other’s unease could be felt. A few comforting words uttered telepathically was another calming method they engaged in. Thankfully, it helped Ellie to relax.

The first noise they heard upon entering the room was Thor shouting “Another!” before being followed by the smashing of glass.

“He’s in good form,” Ellie whispered to Loki just as they rounded one of the large banners that lined the hallway.

“But he’s nervous,” Loki added with sincerity.

Before them stood Thor, also decked out in ceremonial garb for the occasion, Mjölnir in hand. Rainger stood obediently beside him, awaiting orders, as they walked up towards the couple. Loki and Thor stood together by the brazier at the foot of the steps that led up to the throne room. The distant murmur of the crowd within could be heard through the doors. Ellie stood on Loki’s right next to the banner from which they had come, while Rainger stood on Thor’s left in silence.

“Nervous, brother?” Loki asked, smiling beneath his helmet.

Thor laughed good-heartedly. “Have you ever known me to be nervous?”

“Eh, well there was the time in Nornheim…”

“That was not nerves, brother; it was the rage of battle!”

“Ah, I see,” Loki replied sarcastically.

Thor continued on, ignoring the comment. “How else could I have fought my way through a hundred warriors and pulled us out alive?”

The Trickster blinked, raising a brow at his sibling’s tale. “Uh, as I recall, I was the one who veiled us in smoke to ease our escape.”

Before he had even finished his sentence, Thor started to laugh as an attendant appeared offering a goblet of wine to the soon-to-be-king. “Yes… Some do battle, others just do tricks.”

The attendant stifled a laugh, immediately grabbing Ellie’s attention. She looked at him in dumbfounded surprise. Was he unaware how serious of a gesture that was? To openly laugh at a prince? Rainger certainly did, because his eyes nearly fell out of his head as he looked to his employer for a response. Ellie would have chastised the attendant herself if it was her place, but Loki quickly took notice of the man’s transgression. None too pleased with the disrespectful gesture, the Trickster swiftly twisted his hand in the goblet’s direction, a small green light gleaming in his palm. She grinned as the wine within the goblet quickly turned to eels, slithering and writhing out on to the tray in the attendant’s hand. He released a frightening scream and quickly dropped the tray with a clatter, the magic eels twisting every which way on the floor.

Loki released a breathy laugh, smirking in delight while Thor half-heartedly chastised him. “Loki… Now that was just a waste of good wine.”

“Oh, it’s just a bit of fun,” Loki said, feigning innocence. “Right, my friend?”

With a wave of his hand, the illusion of slithering eels disappeared, revealing the spilled wine on the floor. The two brothers chuckled as the attendant — who didn’t seem to get the joke — picked up the scattered items and took his leave. Rainger quickly stepped up after giving the fleeing man a dirty look. With a bow to Thor, he handed him his helmet, which the god held on to for a moment, hesitating in actually donning it immediately.

“Oh,” Loki began teasingly. “Nice feathers.”

With a snigger, Thor nodded to his brother’s own helmet. “You don’t really want to start this again, do you, Cow?”

“I was being sincere!”

“You are incapable of sincerity!”

“Am I?”

“Yes!”

Ellie watched as Loki turned to look at his brother, not an ounce of irony held in the words he uttered. “I’ve looked forward to this day as long as you have. You’re my brother and my friend. Sometimes I’m envious, but never doubt that I love you.”

Noting that his words were in fact genuine, Thor smiled and placed a gentle hand on the back of his little brother’s neck. “Thank you.”

Without missing a beat, Loki added. “Now give us a kiss.”

With a laugh and a slap on his chest, Thor replied. “Stop it!” As he turned back to face the steps, the uncertain nervousness reappeared on his face. “Really, how do I look?”

“Like a king,” was the simple reply. The distant blast of the ceremonial horn signalled the beginning of the ceremony. “It’s time.”

“You go ahead.” After an unsure look, Thor insisted. “I will be along, go on. And you too, Rainger.”

“Come, Ellie.” Loki gave her a nod, and she turned to follow him.

“Actually, Loki—” The trio turned as Thor called his brother back. “Could we have a moment alone?”

“Of course,” he replied and gave Ellie a look before going back to his sibling’s side.

“Best of luck, Thor,” she whispered kindly to the God of Thunder, who smiled and thanked her before she disappeared up the steps with Rainger in tow, giving them some privacy.

“I wished to speak with you,” Thor began, addressing Loki earnestly. “About your situation with regards the marriage…”

Now it was Loki’s turn to feel uneasy. He was just glad that Ellie was out of earshot for this. “I am not sure if there is much to be said.”

“That is where you are wrong.” He leaned in close and kept his voice uncharacteristically low. “I wanted to assure you that once I am made king, I will do everything in my power to prevent your marriage to Lady Sigyn.”

Loki blanched. This was something he had…not expected. An unforeseen spanner in the works. “Brother… you cannot. You cannot undo an order from the Allfather.”

“That I cannot, but I can speak with him about how I do not consider Lady Sigyn to be a viable option for marriage. If I were to sow enough doubt in his mind about ‘wasting’ his son on a useless maiden, then surely he would call it off. Then at least we would give you and the little one more time together. Perhaps by then, I could even convince him to leave you unwed, seeing what other ways he could gain favour with Vanaheim.”

It was naive. Very much so.

Loki wanted to reassure himself that no such thing could ever be accomplished. And yet, he couldn’t risk believing that Thor’s plan could ever come to fruition. Not only that, but the uneasy feeling in his gut only grew when he heard of his brother’s sincere intentions — he wished to use his position of power to make Loki happy.

And here Loki stood, planning to destroy his hopes of becoming king in order to keep the woman he loved.

He opened his mouth to argue, but he was quickly shushed by a god who insisted that ‘all would be well’. As Loki was gently shoved towards the steps, he couldn’t help would wonder if they really would be.

Once they reached the main door, the prince and two hand servants waited for Frigga, with whom Loki was to formally enter. She arrived moments later, presumably having some words with Thor before he too entered. Ellie was momentarily stunned by the beautiful yellow dress she wore, and was delighted to receive a reassuring smile from the Queen as her son took her hand gently in his, and stepped out through the doors.

The throne room was quite the sight. It was jam-packed with bubbling Aesir, as well as representatives from all across the Nine Realms. Massive, colourful banners from the various places within Yggdrasil adorned the walls, and Ellie couldn’t help but gaze in wonder at each to them. She stayed close to Loki and Frigga as they walked through the Einherjar who stood either side of their path towards the throne. She spotted the Warriors Three and Lady Sif at the front of the hall, happy to stand before all the guests in their place of honour. It wasn’t hard to overhear Fandral trying to get Hogun the Grim to crack a smile — “Look, forget the smile, just show some teeth! Remember, we are the Warriors Three!” — while Sif rolled her eyes impatiently.

“Fandral, he is not going to do it. But, if you would like a challenge, I know of an even greater one for you.”

“Name it, Lady Sif.”

She grinned and replied in a sing-song voice. “Keeping your mouth shut.”

“Ah, Allmother, Prince Loki!” Volstagg greeted them happily. “Good to see you.”

Frigga gave him a polite nod and greeted the others as well.

“And you,” Loki replied, taking his place at the front of the hall. He quickly leaned to whisper to Ellie. “You and Rainger must take your place off to the left of the throne.” He pointed to a spot near the foot of the steps. “The ceremony should be beginning soon. If I need you, I will call.”

Within her mind, his familiar voice reminded her. “All will be well, my love.”

“Of course, Your Highness, Your Majesty,” she answered him as she and Rainger moved off to the side with a slight bow of the head. 

“This is quite impressive,” Rainger noted casually, his gaze wandering about the place. “It feels quite nice to be close to the action.”

“That it does,” Ellie agreed. “Who knew they would have us two eejits standin’ on the steps next to Odin’s throne while Thor becomes king.”

He chuckled, well familiar with her Midgardian terms. “Better us than another. We have worked hard to get here. We are the ones who have to serve the princes, two of the most finicky men in all Yggdrasil.”

“Y’know, Rainger; you’re right. We put up with enough of their shite to be up here. So well done us.”

With another blast of the horn ringing out through the room, the crowd went silent. Ellie watched as the Einherjar honour guard moved into formation. They parted at the throne, revealing the Allfather himself sitting in full ceremonial armour, Gungnir in hand. Frigga, Loki, Lady Sif, and the Warriors Three all bowed before him. Ellie had to hand it to him — he exuded nothing but power and majesty in his seat. That being said, as his gaze was cast over the Warriors as they took their positions on the steps either side of the throne, he did not look impressed with Thor’s absence. He focused on Loki and received a shrug in response, his mood worsening as Frigga stood on the step above the younger son.

“That’s the signal,” Ellie whispered to Rainger, brow raised. “And he’s not here.”

“I can see that,” he replied. “And Odin is not pleased.”

As the crowd began to murmur, she heard Volstagg on the other side of the steps ask Loki softly. “Where is he?”

“He said he would be along,” he answered honestly.

A shake of the head from Sif resulted in Volstagg looking to her for answers, to which she answered. “He wants to make an entrance.”

Fandral scoffed. “Well, if he doesn’t show up soon, he shouldn’t bother. Odin looks like he’s ready to feed him to his ravens.”

“I wouldn’t worry,” Loki muttered with a shrug. “Father will forgive him. He always does.”

At that moment, Mjölnir came thundering up into the hall, Thor striding behind it before calling it back into his hand. He raised it above his head triumphantly as the massive crowd erupted into cheers, and he milked it for all it was worth. Ellie couldn’t help but bite her lip as the prince slowly strode between the guards, tossing and twirling the hammer in his grasp in an attempt to rally the crowd. The Aesir gave him what he wanted, clapping louder and cheering him on as he oozed cockiness and delight, basking in the glow of their adoration. All it did was further remind her that perhaps Thor wasn’t the best candidate for this. She chanced a glance at Odin, and noted the sour expression on his face. Maybe he was having the same revelation?

Once Thor eventually reached the foot of the steps, he got down on one knee, rested Mjölnir on the ground, and removed his helmet. While Frigga gave him a scolding look, he merely winked in response and she couldn’t help but smile. Ellie smirked too and shook her head. Odin slowly got to his feet and, with a strike of Gungnir against the floor, the resounding boom brought the crowd to silence.

With sure and confident authority only familiar to those who have ruled for centuries, Odin began his speech. The pride which he held for his son was not difficult to see. “Thor Odinson, my heir, my first-born—“ His voice faltered before becoming steady once more. “So long entrusted with this mighty hammer, Mjölnir. Forged in the heart of a dying star. Its power has no equal — as a weapon, to destroy, or as a tool, to build. It is a fit companion for a King.

“I have defended Asgard and the lives of the innocent across the Nine Realms since the time of the Great Beginning. And though the day has come for a new King to wield his own weapon — that duty remains the same.”

Ellie tried her best to focus on Odin’s words, despite the increasing rate of her heart. She knew what was happening within the Vault. What was going to happen. In this hall filled to its capacity with people, only she and Loki knew the disruption that was due to take place. When exactly she did not know. All she could do was stand and wait, and hope that it worked.

As her concerns faded, Odin’s speech continued on. “Today I entrust you with the greatest honour in all the Nine Realms. The sacred throne of Asgard. I have sacrificed much to achieve peace. So, too, must a new generation sacrifice to maintain that peace. Responsibility, duty, honour. These are not merely virtues to which we must aspire. They are essential to every soldier and to every King.”

“Thor Odinson, do you swear to guard the Nine Realms?”

“I swear,” was the sure response from Thor.

“And do you swear to preserve the peace?”

“I swear.”

“Do you swear to cast aside all selfish ambition and pledge yourself only to the good of all the Realms?”

“I swear!” Firmly, with Mjölnir raised above his head.

Ellie glanced at Loki, knowing Thor would be crowned in a matter of moments. She gulped as he turned his attention towards Thor, face betraying no ounce of doubt or uncertainty as they waited for the inevitable. Despite his assurance that they would be alright, she took in a deep breath to steady her nerves, relieved that Rainger was too distracted by the ceremony to notice. Despite the fact she never wanted to betray Thor, despite the fact she wanted him to be happy, she was now impatiently willing their plan to just happen. And yet, as Odin continued to speak, she couldn’t help but wonder if it had been foiled. In a selfish gesture, she focused her gaze back on Loki — her Loki — smiling at his brother and looking as beautiful as ever. It was a rare thing to see him smile and yet she was the one worthy enough to witness it. She couldn’t even think about what it would be like to live without that smile in her life.

“Then on this day, I, Odin Allfather, proclaim you—”

In another uncharacteristically selfish gesture, she willed the intruders on, hoping they would do what needed to be done.

Odin hesitated and her head snapped in his direction. As his one good eye wandered away from his son, she held her breath.

“Frost Giants.”

Her eyes widened at his announcement. Around her, everyone snapped into action. While the Allfather struck the ground with Gungnir once more, and the warriors reached for their weapons, she met Loki’s concerned gaze as the hall erupted into confused chaos.

Now, there was no going back.

[imagine-loki]

Unofferable, Part II

TITLE: Unofferable, Part II

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 8, Jotunheim AUTHOR: unofferable-fic ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine courting Loki in secret for a number of years. While you’re both more than happy with the arrangement and are genuinely in love, you can never make your relationship public because of your status as a mortal servant.

RATING: M

NOTES/WARNINGS: Angst, language, mild violence, Thor being a grumpy idiot. Playlist: “Unforgettable” — Nat King Cole, “In One Piece” — Tennyson, “The Way You Look Tonight” — Frank Sinatra

There were multiple signs that reinforced the idea that Thor’s plan to go to Jotunheim was awful. One, was that his ever-loyal friends considered it suicidal. Though Ellie knew why events had to go this way, she couldn’t help but agree with them.

As Fandral questioned Thor’s declaration right away, Sif, who obviously cared for the Thunderer dearly, was perturbed. “Thor, of all the laws of Asgard, this is one you must not break.”

“This isn’t like a journey to Earth,” Fandral added. “Where you summon a little lightning and thunder and the mortals worship you as a god. This is Jotunheim.”

Volstagg’s attention lay on his plate of food as he spoke. “And if the Frost Giants don’t kill you, your father will!”

“My father fought his way into Jotunheim,” Thor declared with pride. “Defeated their armies, and took their Casket! We’d just be looking for answers.”

Ellie hesitated before speaking herself. “Thor, I knew I’m not on your level, and it’s kinda risky for a servant to speak out against a prince, but you’re also my friend and I can’t encourage somethin’ like this. You were the one who told me the Frost Giants were monsters! Listen to your comrades; they’re tryin’ to keep you safe.”

Sif insisted. “Even the young Midgardian agrees that your idea is reckless. It is also forbidden!”

As Thor chuckled and approached his friends, Ellie and Loki exchanged a nervous look. She noticed his clasped hands and wished she could reach out to touch him, but knew better than to risk all that they had built for one moment of reassuring affection.

“My friends, have you forgotten all that we’ve done together?” Thor asked them with his usual charismatic enthusiasm. First he turned to Fandral. “Who brought you into the sweet embrace of the most exotic maidens in all of Yggdrasil?”

“Well, you helped a little…”

With a hearty laugh, he turned to Hogun. “Who led you into the most glorious of battles?”

“You did,” Hogun answered with the smallest of smiles.

“And to delicacies so succulent,” Thor continued, placing a hand on Volstagg’s back. “You thought you had died and gone to Valhalla?”

“You did.”

Thor laughed in delight before finally turning to Lady Sif. “And who proved wrong all who scoffed at the idea that a young maiden could be one of the fiercest warriors this realm has ever known?”

“I did,” she replied without an ounce of uncertainty.

“True, but I supported you. My friends, trust me now. We must do this. You’re not going to let my brother and I take all the glory, are you?”

Loki was immediately startled, his eyes briefly flitting to Ellie before he whispered. “What?”

His surprise made Thor’s face fall. “You are coming with me, aren’t you?”

Ellie’s jaw dropped, looking between the pair of them as Loki turned to flash a brilliant smile at his brother. “Yes, of course!” He got to his feet and stood proudly by his side. “I won’t let my brother march into Jotunheim alone.”

Loki! she hissed in her head. What are you doin’?

Play along, love, his voice replied. Act like the nervous lover once Thor’s friends leave, alright?

She didn’t get much of a chance to say anything aloud about the matter bar a distressed exhale of Loki’s name, because Volstagg spoke up in favour of Thor, much to their friends’ chagrin. “And I!”

Even though he had been completely against the idea at first, Fandral was the second one to fold. “And I.”

Next was Hogun. “And I. The Warriors Three fight together.”

“I fear we’ll live to regret this,” Sif simply added before placing her fist on her chest and turning to take her leave.

As the Warriors Three followed her out, Volstagg gathered some of his food and added. “If we’re lucky!”

The trio were finally left alone. Thor laughed in delight before he made to leave as well, Loki close on his heels. They were both, however, impeded by Ellie, who was not having any of this.

“What’re you playin’ at?” she demanded, her gaze firmly fixed on Loki.

“What, love?” he asked innocently.

“Don’t ‘what, love’ me. You’re mad to go to Jotunheim and you know it!”

“You know Thor is right. If we do not confront the Frost Giants they will do it again!”

“Bullshit they’ll do it again! Let Odin handle this; it’s literally his fuckin’ job!”

“Oh,” Thor exhaled, mildly amused. “I have not seen you two engaged in a lovers spat before. This is an interesting sight to behold!”

“That’s enough out of you,” she growled, a finger raised at the God. “You’re the reason my lover is goin’ to Jotunheim in the first place.”

“It is not my fault that the Frost Giants attacked Asgard!” 

“But it’s your idea to go and confront them!”

“Ellie,” Loki’s voice murmured as he placed his hands on her shoulders. “You must calm down.”

“How can I stay calm while watchin’ you two idiots do somethin’ incredibly stupid and excessively dangerous?”

Thor shrugged. “That is a fair point, brother…”

“They would not dare to lay a hand on us,” Loki explained. “And that is beside the point — we will not go into Jotunheim with axes and swords swinging left and right.”

There was a beat of silence before Ellie spoke again. “Right well, if I can’t stop you’s from goin’, then I guess I’m goin’ with you’s.”

It hadn’t been part of the plan. She knew that.

Loki would hate it. She knew that too.

And yet that was how she felt. She didn’t care if convincing Thor to go to Jotunheim was imperative. She didn’t care if they would never even get to step foot outside of Asgard, if Loki’s promises were anything to go by. And even still, she wasn’t going to let him go off and be an idiot alone. Just in case there was ever a small chance of them going to Jotunheim, Ellie wasn’t leaving his side, even if he hated it.

“What?” the brothers exclaimed together, Thor is surprise and Loki in horror.

With a shrug, she turned to leave. “I’ll go get my weapons.”

“Ellie!” Loki shouted, stomping after her. “You are not coming with us! You are staying right here where it is safe.”

“I am in my hole stayin’ here! I have to make sure neither of you end up dead.”

“You are staying here whether you like it or not!” he insisted, grabbing her arm to halt her progress. “I won’t have you step foot on that realm!”

She met his green eyes and sighed. They were filled with confusion and anger. This wasn’t part of the plan seemed to be the message they conveyed, but she just shook her head. “Sorry, Loki, but you can’t stop me.”

“Ellie, please—”

“Have you forgotten her training, brother?” Thor intervened. “And that she will be in the company of Asgard’s fiercest warriors? She will be fine.”

The younger Odinson was clearly upset, and she hated that she was making him feel this way. “If anything were to happen to her, I do not know what I would do.”

“Nothin’ is goin’ to happen to me, alright? If we stick together, we’ll be fine.”

“I wish to speak with you about this.” He shot a glance at Thor. “Alone.”

“Of course you do…”

As she strode out the door, Thor’s voice called after them. “Just so you know, I am on your side, Ellie!”

No sooner than when they were in the halls did Loki drag her into a deserted alcove. He used his body to firmly trap her against the wall. “We did not agree upon you coming to Jotunheim.”

“We didn’t agree on you goin’ either,” she replied, keeping her tone far more calm than it had been inside. “If you go, I go.”

He rolled his eyes in dismay. “We will not even reach the realm before Father—”

“Then what’s the big deal?”

“If anything were to happen to you,” he began quite earnestly. “Because of me, I would never forgive myself.”

“You said it yourself, nothin’ is goin’ to happen to either of us. Remember how we agreed to stick together through this? That’s exactly what I intend to do. I’m sorry, but you can’t change my mind ’bout this.”

With a sigh he studied her face and reached to gently cup her cheek. “Have you always been this stubborn?”

“Have you always been this attractive?”

“Honeyed words will do little to sway me,” he said with a laugh.

With a brief glance around to make sure they were still alone, she pulled him into a soft embrace. “I learned from the best.”

* * *

Outside the palace, Thor, Loki, and Ellie met with Lady Sif and the Warriors Three, though the latter seemed completely baffled by the mortal’s presence. Everyone had changed from their formal attire to more practical wear in case of any fighting that they may face in their impending journey.

Fandral had no problem voicing his concerns. “What exactly is the mortal doing here?”

“You’re as foolish as you look, Fandral,” Ellie began, securing her quiver to her back. “If you think I’m lettin’ those two go to another dangerous realm without me.”

“But you cannot possibly accompany us?” he insisted. “You will slow us down and get yourself killed—”

“She has been trained by us for years, you imbecile,” Sif cut in as the group reached a bench where the rest of their gear lay waiting. “She can hold her own, lest you have forgotten the events on Alfheim.”

Ellie sent her an appreciative smile before adding. “Alfheim is another reason why I’m comin’. You all helped me when I needed you’s, so I should return the favour.”

“The little Midgardian will be fine,” Volstagg agreed with a grin. “Plus, she will be in the company of Asgard’s fiercest warriors! She will have nothing to fear.”

“Exactly,” Thor added as he picked up his weapons. “I will take all the help that is offered to me. Now, we must first find a way to get past Heimdall.”

“That will be no easy task.” Volstagg eyed his friends before declaring quite confidently. “It is said the Gatekeeper can see a single dew drop fall from a blade of grass a thousand worlds away.”

Fandral found great amusement in that and added sarcastically. “Yes, and he can hear a cricket passing gas in Niffelheim.”

“Jest not! He heareth all!”

“Please. Getting past him should be simple enough now, since he seems to be letting Frost Giants sneak by under his nose.”

“Oh, forgive him,” Volstagg proclaimed to the very sky above him. “He meaneth no offence!”

While Ellie chuckled at their exchange and once they were a safe distance away, she felt Loki lean over her shoulder and whisper in his ear. “Go on with them and distract them for a moment, love. I need to warn the guards of my brother’s intentions.”

“On it,” she assured him, before striding after the group while securing her vambraces. “Volstagg, where has this sudden fear of Heimdall come from?”

“You speak of it as though he is not formidable,” he answered factually. “You have lived here for the majority of your short life — you know he heareth all and he probably knows were are on our way right now.”

“You worry too much! We’ll be fine.”

“You seemed to have changed your tune from earlier,” Sif noted. “I thought you would be as adverse to this as I am.”

“If you want my honest opinion, I think what Thor is doin’ is insanely stupid, but I suppose friends stick by friends even when they’re bein’ incredibly dumb.”

“That’s the spirit!” Fandral agreed, giving Thor a slap on the back for emphasis.

As they reached the attendants holding their mounts, Ellie added. “That and I can’t let my boss die out there and leave me unemployed.”

“Such a loyal servant you are,” Loki snickered as he rejoined the group and hopped on to his horse, knowing that she was only jesting.

With skill acquired over the last couple of years, Ellie hoisted herself to her own horse, a mare named Mór-Ríoghain that was gifted to her by Loki on her twenty first birthday. Once everyone was ready, they set off galloping through the streets of Asgard and soon found themselves racing down the Bifröst. As they drew towards the Observatory, they spotted Heimdall standing there, clad in his armour with his massive sword, Hofund, in front of him. He stood as stern and still as ever, blocking their way. At Thor’s signal, they slowed their horses and stopped some distance away. As everyone dismounted, Ellie naturally drew close to Loki and decided that speaking to him through their soul bond would be safer than whispered words.

They’re gonna ask you to speak to Heimdall, right? she thought, directing it to Loki so only he could hear. So you can lie for us?

“Of course,” his voice replied, while his eyes remained firmly fixed on the Gatekeeper. “But I will make sure to fail in my task. That should give Odin more time to reach us as well.”

“Keep your weapons sheathed and your mouths closed,” he said aloud, addressing the group. He smiled at Thor as he stepped forward. “This is going to take subtlety and sincerity, not brute strength. You leave this to me.” As the group approached Heimdall, Loki stood in front of his brother and smiled pleasantly in greeting. “Good Heimdall—”

“You are not dressed warmly enough,” Heimdall said evenly.

“I’m sorry?”

“Do you think that you can deceive me? I, who watch all? I, who can sense the flapping of a butterfly’s wings a thousand worlds away?” He fixed his gaze on Fandral. “Or can hear a cricket passing gas in Niffelheim?”

A completely gobsmacked Fandral stammered in response. “That was, eh, just a bit of a jest, really…”

With a laugh, Loki went into damage control. “You must be mistaken. We were—”

“Enough,” Thor boomed, silencing everyone as a result. He stepped in front of his brother, his gaze firmly fixed on the obstacle in their way. “Heimdall, may we pass?”

“Never has an enemy slipped my watch until this day,” the Gatekeeper answered. “I wish to know how that happened.”

“Then tell no one where we have gone until we have returned. Understand?”

Without another word, Thor strode passed Heimdall, the group following quickly excluding Loki and Ellie, who stood together and waited for the others to go ahead.

“What happened?” Volstagg teased Loki as he walked by him. “Silver tongue turn to lead?”

Loki sent him a very pointed glare while everyone shared a laugh, but Ellie was quick to defend her friend. “Get me off this bridge before it cracks under your girth.”

“Pay them no mind,” Loki muttered to her, but she knew he would struggle to take his own advice. With a nod to Heimdall, the pair walked around him and joined the others within the Observatory. As the group stood together, Heimdall ascended the large control apparatus at the centre of the room and readied the Observatory for travel. As was customary for the couple, Ellie smiled slightly when Loki offered her his arm to hold on to. As the dome around them came to life with its cracking white lightening, she gladly accepted his gesture and wrapped her hand around the crook of his arm.

As she waited, she glanced over her shoulder and expected to see Odin barrelling up the bridge to stop them. Alas, the bridge was deserted bar their own horses left behind. She gulped and quickly sent Loki a thought.

Loki, shouldn’t Odin be here by now?

“Yes, he should,” he replied, the worry evident in his voice.

But you told the guard, right?

“Of course, but he should be here by now.”

“Be warned,” Heimdall announced loudly. “I will honour my sworn oath to protect this Realm as its Gatekeeper. If your return threatens the safety of Asgard, the Bifröst will remain closed to you, and you will be left to die in the cold wastes of Jotunheim.”

Loki, I’m startin’ to get worried…

“It is alright, I won’t let anything happen to you.”

But we’re not meant to get this far!

“Couldn’t you just leave the bridge open for us?” Volstagg suggested as the Bifröst’s energy began to build, the rainbow vortex appearing before them as the Observatory’s turret moved into place.

Heimdall’s explanation was blunt. “To leave the bridge open would unleash the full power of the Bifröst and destroy Jotunheim with you upon it.”

Ellie looked over her shoulder again. There was still no sign. She couldn’t help it — she was panicking. This wasn’t part of the plan.

Loki, he’s not comin’. What do we do?

“It’s okay, love. We will have to make do.”

We can’t just make do! We can’t go to Jotunheim!

“What choice to we have now? If we leave to get him, we will rouse suspicion. We must remain here and hope he comes soon! He has to…”

“I have no plans to die today,” Thor said with an excited grin.

“None do.”

As Ellie heard the sleek noise of Heimdall inserting Hofund into the control panel, Loki pulled her closer and whispered. “Hold on, little one. I won’t let you go.”

It was the only warning she had before she felt her body being sucked into the vortex. The journey was swift, as it always was, and it took Ellie a lot of effort to keep her eyes open and focused ahead. The massive ice mass of Jotunheim was approaching quickly, and in an instant they touched down, the Bifröst hitting the cold ground and kicking up flurries of snow upon impact. The comfort of having her feet firmly fixed on a flat surface only calmed Ellie for a moment before she looked up and took in the world around her. Loki steadied her slightly wobbly form while she gazed around at the icy wasteland. The first thing she felt was the cold. They stood on the edge of a sheer cliff that was surrounded by nothing more than a black abyss. From the ground jutted jagged shards of rock and ice, while massive sheets of ice and the ruins of a Jötunn city lay in the distance. The only noise around them was the eery howl of the wind; it was as if nothing stirred within the frozen wasteland.

“We shouldn’t be here,” Hogun stated gravely.

Ellie couldn’t help but agree and sent Loki an anxious look. He looked no better, but said nothing.

“Too late now,” Thor replied.

“Actually, it’s not,” Fandral said. “We could turn right around, hop back to Asgard, share a mug by the fire. Could be nice?”

Thor was having none of it. “Let’s move.”

Ellie looked at Loki is desperation. We have to do somethin’ to delay him so that Odin can get here!

Loki nodded slightly and spoke up. “Perhaps we should wait.”

The God of Thunder turned back and demanded impatiently. “For what?”

“To survey the enemy. To gauge their strengths and weaknesses from a distance.”

“That’s a far better idea than goin’ in with hammers and axes swingin’,” Ellie agreed. “This way, we can plan an attack.”

“I’m liking that,” Volstagg added. “Gauging, surveying. Particularly the distance part.”

Thor’s disagreement was immediate, and it left his friends with no choice but to follow him into the abyss. “We know all we must. It’s time to act.”

Sif expressed her concern under her breath. “He’s just got to swing his hammer…”

The group slowly trudged through Jotunheim, the realm mostly quiet but for the crumbling of rock that every now and then broke the silence with a distance crash. None of them said a word — everyone seemed to know that it was in fact a terrible idea to come here. Ellie couldn’t stop her heart from thumping in her chest knowing that they were never meant to get this far in the first place. Each of them seemed freezing, trying to shield themselves against the biting breeze. She resorted to pulling the hood of her cloak over her head and sticking close to Loki. She gazed up at his anxious profile, noting that he seemed unfazed by the chill in the air.

“Are you not cold?” she asked, he breath becoming visible as she spoke.

He shook his head. “I manage just fine.”

She exhaled. “Just another reason why bein’ a mortal is kinda shit.”

“It feels good, doesn’t it?” Thor asked his friends, clearly invigorated. “To be together again, adventuring on another world?”

Fandral scoffed as he tugged his furs tighter around his shoulders. “Adventuring? Is that what we’re doing?”

“What would you call it?”

“Freezing!”

“Starving,” Volstagg added.

“Whining,” Sif sighed.

“How about a song to lift our spirits?” Thor suggested, rising a groan from everyone.

“No,” Hogun disagreed. “Not that!”

“Please don’t make us sing again!” Sif implored, nearly losing her patience.

“If I have to listen to Volstagg’s singing voice one more time,” Fandral bit out. “I’ll fall on my own sword!”

Sif suddenly shrugged. “Well, now I’m onboard.”

“Quick, Volstagg!” Ellie called. “Do it before he has time to go back on his promise.”

Eventually, the group reached a plaza on the edge of a large city, its icy ruins towering above them, worn and damaged from battles waged long ago. Before the plaza lay a temple.

“Where are they?” Sif inquired.

“Hiding,” Thor replied. “As cowards always do.”

“Stay close to me,” Loki told Ellie, both of them noting the figures that stalked around them in the shadows. “No matter what happens, stay by my side, alright?”

“Alright,” she answered, not looking to disagree with him over her safety. She held out her pinky finger to him. “I promise.”

With a nervous expression, the Trickster returned the gesture and linked their fingers together. It wasn’t hard to sense the presence of the Frost Giants in the plaza’s walls surrounding them. Everyone gripped their weapons tightly and Ellie slowly channeled seiðr into her hands in case she needed to quickly conjure her daggers. As they reached its centre, a raspy voice echoed through the air.

“You have come a long way to die, Asgardians.”

Ahead of the group, the would be king spoke first. “I am Thor Odinson!”

“We know who you are,” the voice replied.

“How did your people get into Asgard?”

Above them on a balcony sat a hulking creature, veiled in shadow but for a streak of light that allowed his red eyes to glow. This, Ellie assumed to be Laufey, the King of the Frost Giants. It was surely obvious with the power and nobility he radiated. His deep blue skin was covered in markings and ridges, only adding to his overall intimidating presence.

Laufey’s answer was cryptic. “The house of Odin is full of traitors.”

His statement nearly made Ellie turn and call the Bifröst herself. It took all over her self control not to look at Loki in desperation, but she could feel Lady Sif and the Warriors Three looking puzzled.

Thor obviously did not appreciate the Frost Giant’s words. “Do not dishonour my father’s name with your lies!”

At that, Laufey leapt to his feet, revealing how truly imposing his massive figure was. “Your father is a murderer and a thief. And why have you come here? To make peace? You long for battle. You crave it. I see you for what you are, Thor Odinson. Nothing but a boy, trying to prove himself a man.”

Around them, the figures who had been slowly circling them came out from their hiding spots, revealing a vast number of Frost Giants that were ready to tear them apart if needed. Ellie glanced around, inching closer to Loki. Without any hesitance, he grabbed her hand.

I think we pushed our luck with this one, Loki.

“Well,” Thor began, unfazed by the dire situation. “This boy has grown tired of your mockery.”

On queue, the Frost Giants armed themselves, weapons and armour made of strong ice forming on their arms and legs with cracks and shrieks. Now in the light, Ellie saw that they were truly terrifying and stood over eight feet tall. The Asgardians were outmatched and outnumbered.

Loki immediately strode to Thor’s side, bringing Ellie along as he pleaded with him to stand down. “Thor, stop and think. Look around you. We are outnumbered.”

“Know your place, brother,” Thor spat in response.

“He’s right, Thor,” Ellie hissed. “If you make a move we’re all dead.”

“You know not what your actions would unleash,” Laufey drawled, almost with an air of disappointment and sadness. “I do. Go now, while I still allow it.”

Another Jötunn slowly approached the princes, firmly planting himself between them and his king. Though Thor was visibly thrumming with rage, Loki was quick to try to bring the mess to a close. “We will accept your most gracious offer.”

The silence that followed and the look of distain that Thor sent his sibling did nothing to ease Ellie’s worries. She simply followed Loki as he slowly turned and urged Thor to follow. “Come on, brother!”

Around them, their comrades looked at Thor imploringly and breathed a sigh of relief when he finally turned to leave. Perhaps had the Frost Giant not uttered the next few words under his breath, a lot of what followed would have been different. 

“Run back home, little princess.” 

Perhaps, had Thor not heard the insult, Ellie and Loki would not have to worry about the events that followed and how it would affect them forever. Perhaps they would have gotten away with their faulty scheme.

Beside her, Loki froze, his face white. “Damn.”

Thor swung Mjölnir in one quick move, struck the Jötunn, sent him flying across the plaza, and crashing into the temple wall. With a grin, he chuckled. “Next?”

Before anyone could stop him, he struck another Frost Giant in their path. Loki looked horrified, holding out an arm in front of his foolish brother in an attempt to prevent things from getting worse.

Perhaps, had Thor possessed more self-control, they could have escaped unharmed.

As all hell broke loose, Ellie took a deep breath and squeezed Loki’s hand. In her other, she conjured a dagger. As his green eyes met hers, she wondered what could have been.

Perhaps things would have turned out differently had they never come here in the first place.

[imagine-loki]

Unofferable, Part II

TITLE: Unofferable, Part II

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 5, For Show AUTHOR: unofferable-fic ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine courting Loki in secret for a number of years. While you’re both more than happy with the arrangement and are genuinely in love, you can never make your relationship public because of your status as a mortal servant.

RATING: M

NOTES/WARNINGS: Angst, language, suggestive content. Playlist: “Girls Like You” — The Naked And Famous, “Méditation from Thaïs” — Jules Massenet, “Is This Love” — Whitesnake

As was customary before and after big occasions on Asgard, feasts and balls were frequent. It meant that it was quite a busy time for servants and kitchen staff alike, but it was even more stressful for young Ellie. At least she and Loki received some warning beforehand from Frigga, but this particular occasion was set to be a particularly trying one for them both. Mostly because Odin had invited representatives from Vanaheim and Loki’s betrothed, Sigyn, was also on the guest list.

While they were both particularly miffed by this, they couldn’t do much about it. As a prince, Loki had to do his duty and make an appearance, and, as his handmaiden, Ellie would also have to appear. This meant that she would have to be in the same room as him while he met his betrothed for the first time.

Certainly not an ideal situation for either of them.

Ellie was well used to having to remain professional and pretending that nothing was going on between them when in the public eye, but this was on another level. Could she hold it together while watching him schmooze with another? While she knew that Loki loved her — she had never been so sure of something in her life — there was a tiny, completely irrational, part of her that was terrified of the prospect of him actually liking this woman. Was that possible? That little part of her thought so, even though it was ridiculous idea. In five years he had never even looked at another in such a manner! She didn’t want to voice her concerns to him either considering how completely ludicrous they were.

But what if Sigyn arrives and she’s a beauty? her irrational side piped up. What if he sees her and realises he’s wastin’ his time with you? After all, you’re still mortal and she’s—

“Ellie?”

Loki’s voice snapped her out of her daze and she looked up from her breakfast to see him watching her apprehensively. “Huh?”

“I have been talking to you for the past five minutes,” he explained, patting his thin lips with a napkin. “And I think it has gone in one ear and out the other.”

“Sorry,” she sighed. “I’m just kinda tired and I zoned out. What were you sayin’?”

“I was asking how you feel about tonight, but all I received in response was ‘mmm hmm’, so I assumed your mind was elsewhere and did not want to pry.”

“Well, I was actually thinkin’ ’bout the feast later, but I was also not listenin’ to you, so I apologise.”

“Oh?” he asked, giving her his full attention. “Would you like to talk about it?”

She contemplated being honest for the briefest of moments before she settled on something else she was pondering over. “Are you gonna be okay? What with havin’ to speak to Lady Sigyn and all?”

A large hand slowly ran through his raven locks, brushing them from his eyes. “Well, I am certainly not looking forward to the occasion. I would much rather never have to deal with her. At least I can find comfort in the fact I will not be marrying her. If I must put up with her company for once evening, then so be it. I will remain polite and formal however, as I have no interest in wooing her. I would much rather woo you.”

She chuckled at that. “I think you’ve already managed to woo me, Loki. Considerin’ we’ve been courtin’ for five years, no?”

“I intend to never stop wooing you, Ellie,” he replied. “I enjoy keeping you on your toes.”

“Maybe someday we can go to a feast together too,” she mused hopefully, even if it was merely a dream now. “That’d be nice.”

“Yes, it would. Someday.”

“It’s an unrealistic dream, I know—”

Loki placed his freehand gently on top of hers. “There is nothing wrong with having dreams, little one, especially if they involve yours truly.”

She released a sigh, but couldn’t help smiling at his adorable smirk. “You’re lucky you’re insanely charmin’, y’know that?”

“I had to win you over with something. But enough about me, how are you faring ahead of tonight?”

“Eeeeehhh,” she drawled, for once finding it difficult to pick her words. “Let’s just say that I’m not exactly wishin’ the day away so that it begins sooner rather than later.”

With a small frown, Loki shifted his seat around the table so that he could sit right by Ellie’s side, firmly clutching her hand in his. “So we feel much the same about it then. I really wish you were not being put through this.”

“I wish you weren’t bein’ put up to this either. It’s not exactly fair on either of us.”

“Nothing about the situation is fair,” he murmured, idly stroking his thumb against the back of her hand. “My mother had promised to intervene if Lady Sigyn grows too fond of my company, but I doubt she will attempt anything other than polite discourse.”

“I certainly hope so. I know you wouldn’t do anythin’ else with her, but I’m a little anxious ’bout it, I guess.”

“Anxious about what exactly?” When she hesitated for a moment, he added. “Come now, little one. You know you can tell me anything. I can sense that there is something amiss — that there is something you are not telling me. I am always here to help.”

“It’s stupid.”

“Nothing that causes you genuine stress or discomfort is stupid. If I can help, I will do my best.”

“Alright,” she sighed, straightening up in her seat, her eyes fixed on her free hand. “I’m worried ’bout when you meet your intended and what you’ll think of her. And before you try to interrupt me—” She put up a hand, effectively shutting him up. “—I know what you’re gonna say, but just hear me out for a sec and let me say what I have’ta say. I know it’s somethin’ Odin wants to arrange purely for political gain with Vanaheim, but what if you meet her and realise that she can offer you things that I can’t? As it stands, all I can give you is a secret relationship — one that your father abhors — and that’s it. I’m a mortal handmaiden amongst royalty, amongst gods. With her, you could y’know, actually have a public relationship, you wouldn’t have’ta hide it, or disappoint your father. It could make your life a lot easier, especially if you meet her and you end up likin’ her.”

As she finished her sentence, her voice dropped, the image she was painting making her stomach drop. The thought of Loki finding happiness with another was…heartbreaking. She genuinely wasn’t sure if she could watch it unfold before her tonight.

“Ellie.” His voice pulled her back to reality. “Ellie, look at me.”

My name has never sounded better comin’ from anyone else’s lips, she thought to herself, slowly raising her gaze to meet his. She was overwhelmed with his green orbs, looking at her intently before he leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. The gesture, along with the thought of him being with Sigyn, and the overwhelming stress she had been under of late sent her overboard. Before she knew what was happening, tears were flowing freely down her cheeks and her bottom lip was quivering beyond her control. She buried her face in her hands as sobs erupted from her throat. All she wanted to do was curl into a ball and disappear. She didn’t want to go to this fucking feast. She didn’t want to watch her love socialise with a woman his father expected him to marry. She didn’t want any of this!

Before she could react, she felt strong hands lifting her up before gently seating her in what she assumed was Loki’s lap.

“It is alright, darling,” he whispered gently, wrapping his arms around her and slowly rocking back and forth. “Shh, it is alright. I’ve got you. Everything is alright. You are safe here with me. I am going to protect you.”

“Please don’t leave me,” she sobbed, voice shaking with distress as she buried her face into the side of his neck. “Please don’t. You mean so much to me, Loki, and I can’t bare to think ’bout you and her—”

“Hey now,” he began, voice soft and comforting in a way that was only ever heard by her. “I am not going anywhere, I promise. I am going to stay right here, okay, Ellie? You are not going to lose me.” With gentle hands cupping her face so that he could press his forehead against hers. “I’m not going anywhere without you. There is no need to cry, love. We have already solved it, remember? This marriage will not be coming to fruition, I promise. No matter what happens tonight at this feast, I can assure you that I will never look at another the way I look at you, or feel love for another the way I feel it for you. I will never want another and I will never seek out another. So please do not plague yourself with these thoughts. I will do my best to ensure that you never feel this way again. This feast will change nothing about how much I love you. Just breathe.”

“I love you too,” she managed to get out through small whimpers, finding reassurance in his comforting words and closeness. “I’m sorry I doubted us.”

“We cannot be strong all the time,” he hushed her. “It is a trying time and you have dealt with a lot. But please know that nothing will happen tonight to push us apart. There is only one woman with whom I will be leaving.”

A small chuckle escaped her as she sniffled. “She’s a lucky girl.”

“I would argue that I am the lucky one.”

“Agree to disagree?” she suggested playfully as he dried her tears with the sleeve of his under tunic.

“Not a chance,” he replied and softly kissed her lips.

Her worries banished for the time being, Ellie tried to find what comfort she could in her lover’s embrace before they had to face their fears later than evening. She did a good job of hiding her anxiety as she and her fellow hand servants attended to the food and drinks. Not even Fen, Sevda, or Rainger seemed to notice her discomfort, thanks to the believable facade she put up. The feast itself wasn’t the standard “sit down and have polite dinner conversation” type. Instead, it involved people walking freely while being offered drink and food from servers and from a number of tables around the dance floor. It was designed to allow everyone to mingle, which thankfully meant that Loki could insist Ellie stick close to him — he needed to be waited upon obviously, and he preferred that it was from someone who knew exactly what he liked to eat and drink. While the atmosphere in the hall was nothing short of positive with all the Asgardians more than happy to congratulate Thor in his upcoming roll, Ellie was still on edge. That being said, Frigga frequently returned to her and her son to see how they were faring. It was a comforting gesture, however small.

Despite the positive start, the point in the evening they had been dreading eventually befell them, for the next time Frigga came to them, she was in Odin’s company and that of the Vanir.

“Loki, my son,” Odin began as Ellie watched on. “I would like you to meet Lady Sigyn, your intended.”

Ellie’s eyes trailed along Odin’s outstretched arm and her gaze eventually fell on Sigyn. She sucked in a sharp breath at the realisation that this woman was stunning.

By the fuckin’ Nine, she just had to be beautiful, didn’t she?

She supposed this was a standard thing with gods, but it only caused her anxiety to begin nagging at her again. Of course she would have flowing blonde hair and alabaster skin to die for. Her form fitting blue dress was an exceptional choice and highlighted every asset she had. Everything about her screamed of worth and royalty. She looked like a genuine princess, one which would look well suited on Loki’s arm.

“Lady Sigyn,” Loki greeted her formally, bowing his head slightly. “A pleasure.”

“And you, Prince Loki,” she replied, just as politely. Beside her, the Vanir were then introduced, but Ellie couldn’t focus her attention anywhere else. Before her brain could begin to reiterate how damned stunning this goddess was, she felt a little internal tug in her chest, one which could only come from one other.

It was times like this when Ellie truly loved the soul bond with Loki. While it had its clear benefits, being able to secretly communicate while surrounded by others was one of the best aspects. In a way, a link existed between them, once that could be gently tugged to gain the attention of the other. It was like an invisible rope that became stronger and clearer the closer together they were. With the link was an electricity, much like the flutter she felt inside when in close quarters with him. The tug she felt at that moment was meant to be one of reassurance from him. Along with it, came his voice in her head.

“While she possesses that which most men and women would be bewitched by, you are far more beautiful to me than she could ever hope to be. You stand there thinking you are nothing, and yet you are the only one from which my gaze never strays.”

At that moment, she thanked God for her insignificance, because no one noticed or subsequently questioned her blushing cheeks. His words did their intended job and eased a lot of her worries, even with this gorgeous person standing before her. Odin and Frigga slowly drifted away in the company of the Vanaheim officials, chattering as they had to, leaving the trio alone to bask in the awkwardness of their encounter. Ellie stood by her prince, not moving from his side unless he told her otherwise. There was a silence for a few moments for Sigyn spoke again.

“Are you enjoying the festivities, Your Highness?” she asked Loki politely.

“It is alright,” he admitted with a calculated glance around the room. “These events are not something that I actively enjoy or pursue. They are more so tolerated.”

“I am none too fond of them either,” she replied with a slight frown. “They can be overwhelming sometimes. I prefer small gatherings, but I suppose this is what comes with royal duties.”

“Unfortunately,” Loki agreed. “Many royal duties are more of a hindrance than anything else.”

The meaning behind his words did not get passed Ellie. She certainly didn’t disagree.

“I will take your word for it, Prince Loki.” Suddenly, Sigyn’s eyes wandered over to Ellie. “This is your handmaiden, yes? The Midgardian?”

“Ah, yes,” he replied. “This is Ellie.”

“My Lady,” Ellie greeted her, dipping her head slightly. “Nice to meet you.”

“And you, dear. Would you mind fetching me a drink?”

“Oh.” Momentarily surprised by the request, Ellie cleared her throat before she nodded. “Yes, of course. If my employer permits me to?”

“It is alright, little one,” Loki reassured her. “You may fetch Lady Sigyn a drink.”

A very small part of her was hurt by the request. Ellie knew she was being unfair — there was no way Loki could tell her to not bother fetching the drink for fear of rousing suspicions. It was her job, and it certainly wasn’t out of order for Sigyn to ask the handmaiden of her betrothed for a drink. And yet, as she nodded once more and walked away from the pair, she couldn’t help but think that she was fetching Loki’s intended a drink. Loki’s intended. That stung.

Fetch me a drink while I speak with my husband-to-be…

It drove her mad, but what was she to do?

As was expected of her, she fetched the drink, and returned to them with a goblet of wine in hand.

“Your wine,” she announced and carefully handed it to Sigyn. “As requested, My Lady.”

“Ah, thank you, Ellie! Prince Loki was just telling me that you have been employed with the Royal Family since you were but a babe? I had not realised you were so young.”

“Uh, yes. I was brought here when I was five years old, and began to train with Frigga and her handmaidens some time after. I’ve been Loki’s personal handmaiden for nearly six years.”

“And how old are you, dear?”

“Twenty four, My Lady,” Ellie answered, slightly put off by her question, but masking it well.

That roused a chuckle from the guest, who went on to say. “My! You are still but a babe! Although I suppose it is different considering you are mortal and have a different lifespan to the Aesir.”

“I suppose so,” Ellie muttered, feeling the horrible dread filling her throat and chest once more.

“Lady Sigyn,” Loki began quickly, setting his own empty goblet down on a nearby table. “You must forgive me, but I will have to take my leave and retire for the evening.” Though Sigyn’s face fell slightly at his confession, he gave her no chance to question him and continued on. “I have not felt in the best all evening and fear that I would just be rather dull company for you. It has been pleasant to meet you, but we must continue this conversation another time. I will leave you in the capable hands of my mother, father, and brother. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

With merely a polite bow, Loki turned and began to walk right out of the hall, not even bothering to ask his parents for permission to leave. Without even hesitating, though she knew he would get shit for it tomorrow, Ellie followed him from the hall and out into the deserted corridors. As soon as the doors closed behind them and once there was not a single guard in sight, Loki dragged her into a nearby alcove, pressing her against the stone wall with his body, and crashed his lips against hers.

Well, this isn’t exactly how I expected my evenin’ to go.

She yelped slightly when he bit her lower lip, but he merely took the opportunity to forcefully slide his tongue into her mouth. Her eyes immediately slipped closed, enjoying the shiver of pleasure that ran up her spine. His large hands cupped her face, and the growl that rumbled in his chest had her heart thumping erratically.

“I will not have you be her servant,” Loki growled between rough kisses. “She has no right to ask that of you, or to comment on your heritage.”

“Loki,” she gasped, clutching at his hair as he pulled on her bottom lip with his teeth again. “It’s okay—”

“I won’t allow it,” he insisted. “You are not hers. You are mine, and only mine.”

“I know, I know,” she reassured him in a breathless whisper, knowing that it was her turn to comfort. “I’m yours, Loki.”

The shiver that ripped through his body was easily felt beneath her wandering hands, and he unceremoniously shoved his knee between her legs. “Gods, I have to have you.”

“Now?” she asked, the rough fabric of his pants rubbing against her and making her whimper.

“Now!”

“C’mon. We’re goin’ to my chambers.”

Though they would much rather be doing the opposite, the lovers quickly straightened out their clothes before hurrying back towards her room. They paid little attention to the few Einherjar about, and likewise they paid them no mind. Upon arrival at their respective bedrooms, a carefully placed duplicate of Loki walked into his chambers while the real disguised Loki followed Ellie into hers. Once the door was shut, all hell broke lose.

As Loki reappeared in a haze of bright green light, he pulled Ellie into his arms again, kissing her with a heated passion that usually came about when he had been truly upset by something done at her expense. She didn’t argue, but merely met his passion with her own, moaning into his mouth as she deepened the kiss. The couple stumbled backwards, refusing to separate despite the risk of falling over, when suddenly Ellie felt her legs hit the back of her bed. When he pushed her on top of it, she giggled and scooted further up the bed as he climbed on top of her wearing a massive grin. She met him halfway when he leaned down to capture her lips once more.

“You are the only one I want beneath me, the only one I will bed,” he hissed, quickly shoving her skirts above her waist. “And I am going to fuck you so hard that the whole palace is going to hear you scream my name as you come.”

“Jesus, Loki…”

“I will not wed her and I will not bed her either. You are mine.”

In an aroused daze, Ellie lay flat on her back as he reared up on his knees and quickly undid the buckles of his pants, staring at her with blown pupils, the green in his eyes barely visible anymore. “Jesus, you’re fuckin’ stunning like this.”

“You should see yourself right now, love.”

Without further thought, he quickly slid between her legs, lay atop her, and kissed her deeply. The weight of his body on hers made her moan wantonly, relishing in the sensation and the feeling of safety it gave her. She bucked up against him, urging him on. She needed him now and simply couldn’t wait any longer.

Neither of them even had a chance to react before the door slammed open and shut again.

“Ellie, I need to speak with you about my brother’s secret— what in the name of Odin’s beard!?”

Her eyes snapped open, seeing a completely shocked Thor standing in her room, mouth agape and eyes darting between her and Loki above her. “Oh, shite!”

Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck!

Thor’s voiced filled the room. “Ellie! Who is—?”

Loki whipped his head around to see his brother standing there. He was then quick to shield Ellie’s body with his. “Thor! Get out, you fucking imbecile!”

“Loki?” the God of Thunder yelled, looking totally horrified. “What are you doing?!”

It was all happening too fast. In an instant, Ellie realised that her and Loki’s secret relationship was ruined.

She began to panic. Her hands clutched at Loki’s arms as they protectively caged her on the bed. Her breathing quickened as Thor’s eyes finally settled on Loki with what could only be described as murderous rage.

“Get off her!” he demanded, quickly approaching the bed in a threatening stride.

Loki was quicker, already protectively pulling Ellie to the other side of the bed as she obediently clung to him with one arm and held out the other to Thor in a plea for him to just wait. “Thor, stop! Don’t—!”

“Loki, I said get off her!”

“Stay away from her!” Loki barked as they got to their feet on the other side of the bed, holding her behind him as he faced off against Thor. “Do not take another step!”

“Brother, if you forced yourself on her,” Thor began, raising his fist as he clenched his teeth. “I will see to it that you regret it!”

The assumption horrified her, and she was too stunned to reply, so it was Loki who snapped. “What? Is it so hard to believe that she would want to lay with me, you dense brute? Get away from her!”

With a growl, the elder Odinson raised his hand, threatening to summon his trusty Mjölnir without even looking.“Move out of the way, Loki! I will not tell you again!”

“Thor, shut up!” Ellie practically screeched, slipping around to stand close next to Loki, who was still struggling to hold on to his loose pants with one hand. She wrapped an arm around his waist, other hand still raised at his fuming sibling. “Would you stop shoutin’ and listen to us for two fuckin’ minutes!”

Thor’s eyes finally moved down to meet hers, and she hoped to God that he recognised the desperation in them. “You better explain what I have stumbled upon before I throw him from the window!”

“You won’t be throwin’ him anywhere, Thor!”

“If he has forced himself on you then yes I will—”

Before she could say another word, Loki cut across her. “She is my lover, you halfwit!”

The room fell into silence.

Ellie felt her stomach drop. There was no other choice, but this was nothing short of a disaster. She couldn’t help but fear the worst.

“What?” Thor demanded, calmer but still visibly enraged and confused. “She is your what?”

“My secret lover,” Loki explained, teeth clenched but speaking slightly calmer than he had been two seconds ago. He hung his head before continuing. “The one which I told you about that night a few years ago. It was Ellie.”

The God of Thunder was clearly stumped.

Ellie could hardly blame him.

Thor’s rage suddenly dissipated and was replaced by complete shock. His eyes darted between them as his hand was slowly lowered back to his side. In a far lower voice than before, he asked Ellie. “Is what he says true?”

“Yeah, it is,” she answered. “I love him, so you won’t be throwin’ him out of any windows.”

“You already know how I feel about her,” Loki muttered, holding her close. “So I shan’t repeat myself.”

Thor seemed…baffled. Absolutely baffled with the new information he had just discovered. He was completely quiet as he tried to comprehend it all.

“How long has this been happening?” he eventually asked, this time addressing them both.

“It began shortly before I told you we had argued,” Loki explained evenly, gaze firmly fixed on his brother now as he awaited a reaction. “And we have been courting ever since.”

“But I… I do not understand how… h-how you have done this without us knowing?”

“Mother already knows. She realised it through her own motherly intuition, as it were. But she is the only one. Until you.”

“You can’t tell anyone,” Ellie insisted. “If Odin finds out ’bout us we’ll be in deep shit.”

“But what of his marriage?” Thor asked. “That is why I came to speak with you, Ellie! I wanted to ask for your help to stop it.”

“Well, I’m as bewildered as you are, Thor. We don’t exactly have any ideas ourselves.”

“So,” Thor spoke slowly, placing a massive hand on his temple. “You are telling me that all this time, you two have been…courting?”

“Yes,” the younger sibling agreed. “And you won’t be speaking a word of this to anyone.”

“I won’t,” he insisted, seemingly quite genuine. “But brother, you spoke of your secret lover in quite a lovely manner. So you are telling me that you are in love with little Ellie?”

“I am, brother, as crazy as it may sound. And she loves me.”

The room fell into silence once again until a smile slowly formed on Thor’s lips. He suddenly approached the couple and wrapped his massive arms around them both, hugging them tight. A sigh of relief escaped Ellie and she took a second to glance up at Loki and flash him a small reassuring smile of her own.

“This is wonderful news!” Thor declared, leaning back so that he could get a good look at them, his whole demeanour changing with said ‘wonderful news’. “I never would have suspected… I cannot believe I did not realise! Is this why you asked that she be your handmaiden?” Loki could only roll his eyes in response, and this was all Thor needed as an answer. “Loki, you scoundrel!”

“Thor—!”

“I merely jest! I am happy for you both. First, I was happy because my brother had found love, and now I know that my dear Ellie has also found it, with you! This is a delightful turn of events.”

“We appreciate the sentiment,” Ellie said. “Really, we do, but you can’t speak a word of this to anyone. I’m serious.”

“I know, I know, and I give you my word that I shall keep your secret.” With a laugh, Thor grinned at her. “Does this mean I can call you sister?”

Loki immediately groaned while Ellie blushed. “For the love of—”

Before he could argue, Thor placed his meaty hand on the back of his brother’s neck and squeezed lightly. “I hope you know that I greatly approve of this and I am glad you have found happiness in each other. I mean that, Loki.”

Now it was Loki’s turn to be stumped. For a few seconds, his usually impassive facade broke, showing the surprise that he felt at the admission. Ellie was quick to hold his hand in hers, giving him any comfort that she had to offer. She knew he was surprised to have his relationship being accepted by his brother. She was sure that he had expected the earlier accusations to be thrown in his face, despite how severe they were. But this? This acceptance, this joy, this utter delight at his happiness was not considered. 

And it warmed Ellie’s heart.

With Loki surprisingly at a loss for words, she was the one who spoke. “Thanks, Thor. That means a lot to us, really.”

“Not at all! This revelation is a thing to celebrate.”

“Maybe we’ll leave the celebrations until tomorrow. We were gonna head to bed before you…arrived.”

Thor let out another laugh, looking at them both as if they were children caught doing something bold. “Ah, yes! I forgot that I interrupted you two earlier. I will let you get back to your fun.”

She couldn’t help but cringe at his words, and Loki literally hung his head in his hands. “If I hear another word from you, I swear, I will wring your neck with my bare hands!”

“You do not need to tell me twice. We can discuss solutions to your arranged marriage tomorrow, brother. I wish you both a good night.” With a very inappropriate wink, Thor took his leave and left the couple alone.

All Ellie could do was sigh and sit herself down on the edge of her bed. As she shut her eyes and tried to calm down, she felt the bed dip beside her and her lover’s hand gently squeezing hers. 

“Should we have told him?” she whispered. “’Bout the plan and the Frost Giants?”

Loki looked back at her with a frown and slowly shook his head. “Not if we wish to stay together. No one can know, Ellie.”

Though lying outright to Thor was not part of the plan, she couldn’t deny that Loki was right. “No one can know.”

With another person aware of their relationship, it just put them at further risk of being discovered by Odin, but they would have to make do with their situation.

Despite the change, the plan still stood.

As the couple sat together in a completely different atmosphere, they couldn’t help but feel unsure with the future. The lies kept growing, no matter how much they tried to prevent it. But the plan had to happen.

There was simply no other way.

[imagine-loki]

Unofferable, Part II

TITLE: Unofferable, Part II

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 9, Exiled AUTHOR: unofferable-fic ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine courting Loki in secret for a number of years. While you’re both more than happy with the arrangement and are genuinely in love, you can never make your relationship public because of your status as a mortal servant.

RATING: M

NOTES/WARNINGS: Angst, language, violence, Odin’s bad parenting. Playlist: “Weapons Drawn” — Brad Derrick, “Mood” — Porches, “Arrival of the Birds” — The Cinematic Orchestra, “The End of All Things” — Panic! At The Disco

Of all the events that could have taken place on Jotunheim, a massive fight just had to happen. Ellie couldn’t help but feel like their luck had run out. Firstly, Odin should have stopped them before they even set foot on this barren wasteland. Secondly, Thor should maybe have acted less like his usual rash self, and stopped and thought for but a minute. Perhaps then, she wouldn’t be placing her dagger in its sheath and drawing her bow from her back.

“Keep your distance,” Loki ordered, much like he would order her around in training. “And stay by my side at all times. We cover each other and the others.”

“Of course,” she answered, knowing he was completely in the right. “You’ve my back and I have yours.”

While the Frost Giants immediately swarmed around Thor, he didn’t seem to be struggling at all, happily smashing his hammer into any that got too close, all with an arrogant smirk on his face. Loki was on high alert, throwing knives at any enemies who tried to rush the pair, while she made sure to aim and fire at any Jötunns that came into view, aiming specifically for their necks and and weak spots in their armour. The Warriors Three and Lady Sif quickly readied themselves for battle.

Over the clashing of weapons and roars of the Frost Giants, she could hear Fandral and Volstagg discussing their fight plan.

“Well?” the former asked. “What move, do you think?”

“I say we use ‘The Norn’s Revenge’,” was Volstagg’s reply as he swung his axe at an oncoming Jötunn.

“At this close range? I think ‘The Alfheim Lunge’ is a better move.”

“Maybe if they were three feet tall! No! How about ‘The Randy Valkyrie’?”

Only when Hogun urged them both to shut up did the argument end. He and Sif wasted no time in arming themselves and defending each other with experience gathered over centuries of fighting side by side. Together, the group formed a circle around Thor, who seemed to be having the time of his life.

“At least make it a challenge for me!” he declared, before more Jötunns jumped from the temple walls to descended upon the group, the ground shaking beneath their feet on impact.

With her back to Loki, Ellie heard him yell for her to duck. She immediately dropped to one knee, firing another arrow with a thwish into a distant Jötunn. One of Loki’s throwing knives struck the warrior next to her target immediately after the arrow successfully landed.

“If Odin doesn’t get to Thor first,” she growled, breathing heavily as she notched another arrow and drew back the string. “I’ll wring his neck myself.”

“Get in line,” was Loki’s reply, gritting his teeth as he threw two more knives into nearby enemies, felling them both at once. “And follow me!”

She listened without any hesitance considering they were slowly getting swarmed, keeping an eye out as she backed up to join him behind a massive hunk of rock, not before offering some support to Sif as she struggled with a particularly aggressive attacker. Thankfully, Hogun had her back too.

Safely hidden from sight, Loki waved his hand and duplicates of themselves reappeared within the throng, firing knives and arrows at anyone they could.

“A distraction?” she asked him, trying to get her breath back as the cold air burned her lungs.

“Bait,” he answered, just as one Jötunn charged their duplicates, subsequently running through their transparent form and tumbling off the cliff.

She gave him a nod as he had the illusions disappear. “Nice. If only they could fall for that twice.”

“There are too many of them,” he bit out, quickly checking her over for any injuries before they returned to the commotion. “Are you alright?”

“Perfectly fine bar bein’ mad stressed. Are you okay?” When he nodded in reply, she continued on. “Come on, we should help the others before Thor gets them killed.”

Bow and knives in hand, the couple returned to battle, keeping themselves back to back as they fired at any Jötunns that go too close to the group. Ellie’s arm burned as she launched arrow after arrow, resorting to conjuring new ones when she used up all of the supply she had brought. A cry from Volstagg drew her attention immediately, and she looked up to see him toe to toe with a Frost Giant. Without hesitating, she fired an arrow that struck her target, giving the Asgardian enough time to headbutt it into unconsciousness. 

“Don’t let them touch you!” he called out to the group, his arm covered in a massive sizzling black mark, presumably caused by the touch of their ice cold skin.

Suddenly, a barrage of ice bullets came hurling at Sif and Ellie. As quickly as she could, Ellie divided behind the more experienced warrior, knowing that her shield could cover them both. Sif lunged back into battle as the mortal rolled to the side, squatting on the ground as she noticed a massive Jötunn thundering towards her.

“Shit,” she muttered. No time to notch another arrow. One hand grabbed her dagger while the other placed her bow on her back. 

“Ellie!” she heard Loki scream from behind her. “Through its legs!”

The closer the giant got, the more the ground beneath her bounced and shook.

Though she was frightened, she knew what Loki would do. She trusted him as she quickly got to her feet and ran directly towards her attacker. As he raised his weapon to fell her in one swing, she leaned back and dived to the ground, sliding straight between his legs. He missed his target and ran right into the Trickster, who stabbed him with a vicious cry.

As Ellie turned to help, she saw the giant fall to its knees and grab Loki’s other arm. Though the slippy ice beneath impeded her speed, she hurried back as fast as she could. The touch of the Jötunn quickly destroyed the armour on his arm, freezing and shattering it to reveal the bare skin beneath. The closer she got, the clearer the picture became.

The skin didn’t burn as Volstagg’s had done.

Instead, in turned blue; the same blue as the very hand that now held it.

She looked up to see Loki’s eyes grow wide as his entire arm painlessly changed colour.

What the—

She faltered, speechless. Even the Jötunn was thrown off. Quickly snapping out of it, she plunged her dagger into the back of its neck, effectively killing it. As Loki returned from his own daze, he kicked the body away from him and held up his arm to get a better look. Again, the blue slowly faded away and it returned to its normal shade. Looking up, he suddenly realised Ellie was standing in front of him. She met his gaze. The first emotion she recognised in his eyes was fear.

“Are you okay?” she asked quickly, watching intently as his arm returned to normal.

“I… I don’t know,” he answered, his eyes never leaving her. 

“We have’ta get outta here,” she insisted, gently holding his hand in hers before he could pull away. “First things first. Then we’ll deal with this together, alright?”

After a moment to gather himself he nodded, and no sooner after did they turn their attention back to the larger issue at hand. As if on queue, a strangled scream drew their attention and they looked across the battle to see Fandral impaled on a large shard of ice.

“We can’t beat them!” Ellie insisted as Loki slew a giant behind the injured warrior with a knife. “Sif! We have’ta get him outta here!”

With a nod in agreement, Sif called out to the God of Thunder, who seemed more than happy to stay where he was battering anyone who came close.

As Hogun and Volstagg pulled Fandral off the shards, Loki appealed to his brother. “We must go!”

“Then go!” came the response, as Thor sent Mjölnir flying through as many Jötunns as possible.

“Don’t be an idiot, Thor!” Ellie implored. “We’ll all die here!”

Suddenly, the ground beneath them rumbled, a deep growl drawing Loki’s attention away from his brother. He shoved Ellie behind him and she looked over his shoulder. What she originally thought to be an ornate sculpture of some foreign beast began to move, ice falling from its horned face to reveal angry red eyes. As one of its clawed feet broke free of its confines, Volstagg threw Fandral over his shoulder and yelled out to the others. “Run!”

“On my back!” Loki said to Ellie, briefly squatting down so that she could climb on his back and wrap her arms around his shoulders. It was the only way she would keep up with the group. He stood swiftly, grabbing on to her legs and holding them around his waist as he took off running after the others. He called Thor’s name one more time over his shoulders, but said god was very nearly consumed in a piling mass of angry Frost Giants. The previously still beast suddenly erupted from the ice with a terrifying roar and wasted no time in pursuing them through the rocky wasteland. She thanked God that she weighed practically nothing to Loki, so that she didn’t impede him as they fled for their lives. Though they moved quickly it had no trouble catching up, barrelling through pillars of rock and ice as if they were made of hay. Around them, the world was falling apart, massive slabs of rock and stone falling from mountain sides, and yet even that couldn’t stop the enraged beast behind them.

A foreboding crack of lightening and a flash of light immediately grabbed Ellie’s attention. She turned her head to see lightening striking down for the sky into the plaza — presumably to Thor’s hammer — before the electricity flew out in all directions and felled many of the Jötunns. She would have felt relieved had the subsequent shockwave not trembled the ground beneath their feet. Suddenly, the ice began to crack.

“What has Thor done?” Volstagg called above the racket.

“Likely killed us all!” Loki answered, picking up the pace as the path behind them began to crumble and fall into the abyss.

Behind them, the pursuing beast suddenly stumbled as a fissure opened beneath its feet, and fell with a distant roar. Fandral laughed at the sight, despite the presence of thousands of Frost Giants still running desperately from the destruction. The group neared the very edge of the cliff, and Ellie clung to Loki as they leapt over the forming cracks in the ice.

Upon reaching the end of the line, Volstagg called out. “Heimdall! Open the bridge!”

Nothing. The only response was silence. 

She looked around, praying that the Bifröst would suddenly open and take them home.

From the edge of the cliff, a massive claw swiftly rose and grabbed onto the ground at Sif’s feet. The beast they had thought to be slain slowly pulled itself up, its red eyes focused on the entire group. A snarl rumbled through its clenched fangs and Ellie felt Loki’s grip on her legs tighten. It roared, the force of which sent her hair flying everywhere. They were cornered.

“What do we do?” she asked Loki, unable to take her eyes off the monster before her.

“Stay with me,” he replied, his voice wavering as the beast stood on its back legs, but before it had a chance to attack, something huge and red flew through its open mouth and out the back of its head. The group stood stunned as it collapsed to the ground and Thor landed before it. While it sluggishly fell off the cliff’s edge, the prince turned to face his friends with an arrogant grin. Ellie could only stare back at him in disbelief as his smile slowly faded.

The group spun around to see themselves surrounded by thousands of Frost Giants. At the forefront stood Laufey, grinning menacingly as though they were mice caught in a trap.

“Stay behind me,” Loki’s voice said in her head. “No matter what happens, you and I stay together. I will get us out of this, okay?”

The Jötunns descended upon them before they were halted in their tracks by a deafening roar from above. The sky parted and the rainbow bridge shot from a hole behind the clouds. Within the blinding light, a figure flew down and landed beside them with a boom. Ellie blinked and held a hand in front of her face, the immense light burning her eyes. A horse whinnied and the unmistakable silhouette of Sleipnir appeared as the light slowly faded. Atop him sat the Allfather, clad in his battle armour.

He had finally come to their aid, only far later than originally planned.

She didn’t know whether to be relieved or worried even more now.

“Father!” Thor cheered, raising Mjölnir above his head. “We’ll finished them together!”

“Silence!” Odin hissed.

Though she couldn’t see Thor’s face from where she clung to Loki, she knew he looked dejected and confused. If he thought Odin came here to wage war, he was in for a rude awakening.

Laufey’s towering frame rose atop chunks of ice to look Odin in the eye. With a small smirk, he greeted him. “Allfather. You look weary…”

He was right. It was only now that Ellie noticed how he swayed atop his mount. Perhaps this was what caused his delay in arrival?

“Laufey,” he replied. “End this now.”

“Your boy sought this out.”

As the group awkwardly looked at said ‘boy’, Odin agreed. “You’re right. And these are the actions of a boy, treat them as such. You and I can end this here and now, before there is further bloodshed.”

“We are beyond diplomacy now, Allfather. He’ll get what he came for — war and death.”

“So be it.”

Without warning, Laufey swung an ice blade at Odin, but the latter was far quicker, even in his weak state. He raised Gungnir above his head, reopening the Bifröst and sending Laufey flying. Before anyone else had a chance to react, Ellie felt the familiar pull of the rainbow bridge as she, Loki, and the others were sent back to Asgard.

They had barely set foot on the familiar floor of the Observatory before Thor voiced his displeasure. “Why did you bring us back?”

“Do you realise what you have done?” Odin snapped. “What you have started?”

“I was protecting my home.”

“You cannot even protect your friends! How can you hope to protect a kingdom?” Odin tore Heimdall’s sword from the podium before tossing it at the Gatekeeper. “Get him to the healing room! Now!”

Sif, Volstagg, and Hogun quickly helped to escort Fandral out of the room, probably more than eager to be out of Odin’s line of fire. Loki slowly lowered Ellie to the ground, but kept an arm across her waist, shielding her from the Allfather.

“Remain here with me,” he murmured lowly so that only she may hear, his expression genuinely upset. “And do not say a word.”

“And not only did you put your friends in harm’s way,” Odin continued, enraged. “But you thought it acceptable to bring a mortal with you!”

Thor was insistent. “There won’t be a kingdom to protect if you’re afraid to act! The Jötunns must learn to fear me, just as they once feared you.”

“That is pride and vanity talking, not leadership. You have forgotten everything I taught you about a warrior’s patience.”

“While you wait and be patient, the Nine Realms laugh at us! The old ways are done. You’d stand giving speeches while Asgard falls!”

Odin had seemingly had enough as he erupted. “You’re a vain, greedy, cruel boy!”

Thor had no issue with shouting back at his father. “And you are an old man and a fool!”

With the God of Thunder’s words, the room grew eerily silent. Odin’s anger faded, replaced with the look of a disappointed and tired man. His eyes slowly lowered to the ground and Ellie feared what he would say next.

“Yes,” he began in but a whisper. “I was a fool to think you were ready.”

There was something in his voice — something that gave her a bad feeling in her gut. This didn’t feel like a typical telling off for Thor. Somehow, this seemed far worse. 

We have to do something! she insisted, knowing Loki could hear her. This is our fault.

“I know,” he agreed. “And I will try to help.”

Loki, in a moment of panic, approached Odin and implored. “Father—”

The deafening growl which Odin made quickly silenced the younger sibling, stopping him dead in his tracks. In a reaction to the harsh shout, Loki reached his arm back, shielding Ellie from the Allfather’s anger even though she wasn’t the target of it. In turn, Ellie gripped his hand in hers, eager to also protect him from the frustrated king.

It was a reaction. A simple reaction what would be expected between lovers.

One which would convey far more to Odin than he was ready to see.

Though he was preoccupied with his argumentative son, the Allfather’s eyes drifted to their close proximity and Loki’s protective stance. Ellie noticed the slight and brief crease in his brow as he studied them. It was gesture that seemed to say a lot to him, and perhaps explained why the pair were so close. Perhaps he had never seen Loki react in such a way with a woman before. Or maybe he always had his suspicions and this merely confirmed them.

If she thought she was worried before, this new tight feeling in her chest couldn’t compare. With a thumping heart she moved to step away from Loki, but he firmly held her where she was, apparently uncaring under his father’s gaze or simple holding her there as a precaution.

As Odin spoke, Ellie broke his gaze, dropping her eyes to the floor. “It would seem that your trip to Jotunheim was not the only thing happening under my nose.”

Her eyes grew wide, and Loki’s grip on her arm grew tighter as he went into damage control yet again that day. “You must understand, I was merely—”

“I understand perfectly well. Both of my sons sought to betray my trust; one through waging war on a nation with which we have peace, and the other by refusing to wed so that he may continue to bed the palace servants. More specifically, his mortal handmaiden.”

The three people in question looked stunned, tears brimming in the corners of the brothers’ eyes as everything came to light. Ellie couldn’t help but meet Thor’s gaze, and yet she knew asking for his help was fruitless. Every one of them was in the firing line here — none of them would get out of this unscathed.

“Father,” Loki begged, trying to keep his voice even despite the slight quiver that could be heard. “Allow me to explain. I have not bedded anyone—”

“You would dare to lie to me?” Odin erupted again, his rage making a return. “You would dare to lie to your King? Your father? Your honeyed words mean little when I can see it with but one good eye!”

“Allfather,” Ellie cut in, earning her a look of dismay from her lover. “Please, you must understand—”

“You will not speak out of turn,” he all but growled. “You have no place or right in this conversation to tell me what to think! If you assume your affiliation with my son gives you a right to converse with me at this time then you are far more ignorant than I thought.”

“Do not speak to her like that!” Loki insisted, looking up at his father imploringly. 

“I am your King and I will speak to my subjects however I please, you foolish boy! Have you forgotten that she went with you to wage war on Jotunheim? Perhaps she used her own persuasive words to convince you to bring her along!”

“She did no such thing—”

The air shifted in the room quite instantly, now with a sudden urgency that Odin’s words had brought. Ellie knew these accusations not only painted her in an ill light, but it went as far as implying that she contributed to Thor’s hotheaded idea. Going along out of obligation was one thing, but being one of the conspirators was another offence altogether…

And yet it was somewhat true — she helped Loki to plant the seeds in Thor’s mind.

“I should have her removed from her post for her transgressions,” Odin continued on, the disgust evident in his tone. “And for abusing her close position to the family.”

“I haven’t abused my position!” she argued, choosing her words carefully consider she was not entirely innocent in this situation. “Your accusations are empty, Allfather.”

She was panicking inside — she couldn’t help it. If she were to be thrown from the house of Odin, what could she do? What would she do without her friends? Without her job? Without Loki? The thought had the three of them scrambling for the right words.

“You are in no position to tell me whether my accusations are just or not!” the Allfather raged on. “You are but a Midgardian and you best remember your place in this realm!”

“Father, stop!” Loki yelled, forcing himself between them. “She has not abused her position and she had nothing to do with Jotunheim!”

Ellie was on the verge of desperate tears when Thor spoke up. “She did nothing! She had no part in this. I was the one who insisted on going to Jotunheim to protect our realm from the Frost Giants. It was I, and I alone, so do not punish the little one for my actions, though I still consider them necessary and deserved. She and Loki had nothing to do with this and it was my decision as king.”

His declaration left them momentarily stunned. Even Odin was silent as he considered his words. Ellie looked at the eldest brother in surprise and gratitude, her insides twisting when remembering that she was part of the reason that they had gotten to this point. She agreed upon the scheme with Loki, and now here they stood in the resulting destruction. Their plan had fallen apart so quickly, and now it seemed that the life they had carefully and lovingly assembled was at its end.

Slowly, Odin looked to his eldest son. It seemed as though his heart grew heavy with the revelations that were discovered and the words that were shared. With a slight shake in his voice, he spoke. “Thor Odinson, you have betrayed the express command of your King. Through your arrogance and stupidity, you have opened these peaceful realms and innocent lives to the horror and desolation of war!” 

His anger returned once again, before he grasped Gungnir and thrust it into the podium, streaks of lightening erupting from its top. 

Behind Thor, the portal of the Bifröst opened once again while Odin angrily approached his visibly distraught son and continued on. “You are unworthy of these realms!” He ripped the discs off Thor’s chest as Loki and Ellie looked on in shock. “You are unworthy of your title!” Next, he ripped away Thor’s cloak. “You are unworthy of the loved ones you have betrayed.”

Loki? What do we do? We have’ta do something! 

“We cannot do anything, Ellie.”

But we caused this! This is our fault!

“That means little when we can do nought to stop it!”

“I now take from you, your power,” Odin stated as he returned to the podium and held his hand out to his son. Instantly, Mjölnir was ripped from his grasp and flew into the King’s awaiting hand. “In the name of my father and his father before.” 

At his words, the armour on Thor’s arms disintegrated. For a brief moment, he looked to Ellie and Loki with desperation in his eyes before he again turned to his father. Only then did her tears finally fall as the King yelled. “I, Odin Allfather, cast you out!”

Odin thrust the hammer towards his son and, with a crack and flash of lightening, Thor was thrown backwards — his chest armour flying off as it was destroyed — and disappeared through the open vortex. Loki, visibly overcome with emotion, looked to his father in shock before quickly hurrying to the portal through which Thor had vanished. Ellie hurried after him, stunned into silence as Odin whispered something to Mjölnir before it too was hurled into the Bifröst.

No one said anything, probably because no one dared to test Odin further. With a heavy sigh, he tore his spear from its slot in the podium and the portal was closed. Before he turned to descend the steps, his gaze slowly met that of the shocked couple. Despite his earlier anger, he spoke with apparent sadness and disappointment. “We will discuss this later. I must go and mourn the loss of my son with my wife before I deal with you both.”

The pair watched as the Allfather left with a slight shake in his step, never once casting them a second glance. Left alone as Odin spoke briefly with Heimdall outside the observatory, Ellie gently touched Loki’s arm.

“What have we done?” she whispered, her vision blurring with tears.

As he looked away from the closed vortex, he too began to silently cry. “I… I don’t know.”

[imagine-loki]

Unofferable, Part II

TITLE: Unofferable, Part II

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 4, The Plan AUTHOR: unofferable-fic ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine courting Loki in secret for a number of years. While you’re both more than happy with the arrangement and are genuinely in love, you can never make your relationship public because of your status as a mortal servant.

RATING: M

NOTES/WARNINGS: Fluff, language, Loki being offended by Earth things. Playlist: “I Found Peace” — Ruth Barrett, “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night!)” — Frankie Valli  & the Four Seasons, “Nocturne No. 2” — Frédéric Chopin, “Brother” — The Brilliance

The morning of their second day on Midgard, Ellie awoke first. Beside her, Loki remained fast asleep, and she took a moment to cuddle closer to him and study his peaceful face. It was a rare occasion, waking before him, so she always made sure to get her money’s worth. A sleeping Loki was a sight to behold.

Well, she thought to herself. Loki is certainly a sight to behold in general, but he’s particularly pleasin’ while sleepin’.

It was the only time Ellie had ever seen him completely free of worries or doubts, seemingly completely content and at peace with himself. It was probably a bit selfish, but she loved the fact that she was the only one to see him in such a manner. The ease with which he lay there mesmerised her. His face held no rigidness, his eyes remained calm and unmoving, and his thin lips were softly pursed. The slow rise and fall of his chest kept her calm and very nearly lulled her back to sleep. But it didn’t take long for him to finally wake, shifting slightly in his early morning haze. 

She didn’t fight him as he pulled her body closer to his, but merely chuckled instead. “I don’t think I’ll ever get over how much of a cuddler you can be.”

“Do not act as though you hate it,” he replied, voice rough at this hour. “And good morning to you too.”

“G’mornin’, Loki.”

He hummed deeply, unceremoniously lifting her so that she lay flat a top him. “It certainly is a good morning.”

With her hands laying flat and interlaced on his chest, she settled her chin down against them so that she could watch him comfortably. “How did you sleep? I sensed nothin’ other than ease from you, which was nice.”

“I slept well, love, thank you. And I could sense no nightmares from you, much to my relief.”

“I think havin’ you close by without fear of bein’ caught helps. As well this lovely city in which we can enjoy ourselves.”

“I agree. Dublin has very nearly won me over.”

“Damn! That’s a tough task to manage. Did you have anythin’ specific on the agenda today?”

“Bar laying in bed with you all day? No.”

She rolled her eyes at the shit-eating grin her wore. “Not a chance. We spent all night in bed and today is our last full day here! We should do somethin’.”

“Your wish is my command. Did you have anything in mind?”

“I’d love to see some of the museums,” she pondered. “I’m pretty sure that the National Gallery and the Natural History Museum are only a short walk away.”

“Then visit them we shall.”

A smile slowly formed on her lips at his obedience and she lightly traced one finger along his collarbone. “I’m lovin’ this.”

“Loving what?” he asked, mimicking her movements and lightly running a hand down her spine.

“You bein’ so pliant and willin’ to do whatever I wish.”

“I am always willing to abide by your wishes.” He tilted his head slightly and met her gaze. “I would give you the world if I could.”

“You know you don’t have’ta do that,” she reassured him. “As long as I can have you, then I’m good.”

“And I you, Ellie.”

“I’m glad we could see eye to eye on this. Now if you’ll excuse me, I goin’ t’go take a shower.”

“An excellent idea!” Loki swiftly sat up in the bed and, before Ellie could blink, picked her up bridal style. “A shower is just what we need.”

“I meant on my own, but I suppose there’s no harm in allowin’ you to join me.”

“Of course not. I promise you shan’t be complaining when I wash your hair so gently that you nearly fall back asleep!”

All she did was smile as he carried them into the bathroom and stepped into the shower. With the promise of a relaxing and intimate time with him, she could hardly argue as he turned on the shower and warm water began to fall upon her head.

* * *

“Where to?”

Outside the Shelbourne, Ellie and Loki stood hand in hand, washed, dressed, and ready to take on the day.

“I was thinkin’ we could visit the Natural History Museum first?” she suggested, nodding in its direction. “They have loads of stuffed animals on display and I thought it’d be cool to see what they look like up close. Plus, the National Gallery is right beside it so then we can look at some of the exhibitions… How’s that sound?”

“A splendid idea. Why don’t we—”

Before Loki could get another word in, a crowd cheering interrupted the conversation. Ellie looked up in confusion to see a vehicle drive by the front of the hotel. The only issue was, it was unlike any vehicle she had seen on her trips to Midgard. It looked more like a yellow and blue boat on wheels and was carrying a fair amount of people inside, who she assumed were the ones doing the yelling. For some reason, each person wore a cheap looking horned helmet.

“What in the name of the Nine Realms,” Loki began slowly, looking at the boat/car thing in utter contempt. “Is that?”

“‘Viking Splash Tour’,” Ellie said, reading the text on the side of the vehicle aloud. Then she noticed a name printed near the front. “Hey! It has your name on it!”

“It what?!” he practically screeched, drawing some attention from passersby as he narrowed his eyes at the vehicle. “How dare that monstrosity use my name!”

Biting down on her lip to hold back laughter, she shook her head. “Calm down, love. I think it’s just some sorta tourist attraction—”

“How dare it even associate me with that offensive eyesore! And why are they wearing such impractical helmets?” he demanded. “They are tarnishing not only a Prince of Asgard, but our culture!”

“Here, you can’t be one to slag them about helmet impracticality!”

“I can and I will,” he grumbled, glaring at the offensive ‘monstrosity’ until it turned the corner and disappeared from sight. “My helmet is glorious and you are not to say another word.”

“In that case, let’s just go to the museum and you can forget all ’bout that…thing.”

Though the walk around the corner didn’t take long, the Trickster was still reeling after witnessing some of Ireland’s more kitsch attractions. That being said, he quietened down when they arrived at the Natural History Museum, a long, white brick building at the end of a small winding path opposite Merrion Square. Although she had expected it to be busy, it was particularly quiet that morning, and as the couple walked through the front doors, Ellie couldn’t help but stare at the massive room before her. It was full to the brim with cabinets and displays that contained many varieties of stuffed animals. After reading through a small pamphlet, they discovered that the ground floor was called the Irish Room, and contained fauna native to her home country. She was amazed to see the massive, seven-foot tall skeletons of Irish Elk, which had been extinct for some time. They slowly walked through the exhibit, seeing the mammals, the birds, the sea life, as well as the insect life, before venturing to the second floor to see the Mammals of the World exhibit. The bats intrigued her, the giraffes amazed her, and the tigers reminded her of reading the Jungle Book as a child. Loki seemed particularly fond of the wolves and snow leopards in parallel cabinets. Though he would never make a massive deal out of it, he seemed impressed with the vast number of creatures on display and perhaps he was just happy to do as Ellie asked. While he was also unfamiliar with the wildlife of Midgard, for her, it was the first time she would see any such animals in real life, though she was from this realm.

Afterwards, it was on to the National Gallery of Ireland. As was usually customary, the exhibitions were free for all visitors on the day the couple visited. It was busier than their previous excursion, but thankfully not crowded. The display, Masterpieces from the Collection, was where they spent most of their time. As part of a special presentation, highlights of the Gallery’s collection were mounted in the lower galleries and featured a selection of European and Irish paintings and sculpture from the early Renaissance to the twentieth century. They slowly moved through the rest of the gallery afterwards, neither daring to utter a word in the mostly silent rooms. That being said, sometimes Ellie would whisper a comment every now and then for his ears only and tried to get as close as possible to see the smaller details on different paintings. They spent over an hour there, making sure to get in every piece that they could. At first, she was worried that he would grow bored, but Loki seemed more than happy to learn of what Midgard’s artists had to offer. While she loved the Rest on the Flight into Egypt by Rembrandt van Rijn, he was transfixed by the Taking of Christ by Caravaggio. They both stared unabashedly at the work of Jack B. Yeats and Claude Monet as well. Once they left the gallery, they grabbed a bite to eat and a drink in a nearby café. Here, they picked each others brains for ages, asking what the other thought of different pieces and artists. They prattled on and on until their plates were cleared and their cups empty. 

As they walked down Nassau Street and passed Trinity College with the intention of stopping in to view the Book of Kells, another passerby unexpectedly bumped into Ellie’s shoulder, causing her to drop the pamphlets she collected from the museums. She would have stumbled had she not been holding on to Loki’s arm. She grunted slightly at the contact and her lover pulled her close as the man turned his attention to her.

“I’m so sorry, ma’am,” he apologised with a distinct American accent. “I should have been paying more attention.”

“You are right,” Loki agreed with a small growl. “You should have been paying closer attention, you clumsy—”

“It was just an accident,” Ellie cut him off, gently rubbing his arm but giving him a ‘please don’t start’ look. “It’s fine, sir, really.”

“It’s certainly not fine,” the stranger disagreed, removing his sunglasses to convey his sincerity. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“Not at all,” she reassured him and went to bend down to collect her lost pamphlets.

“Allow me,” the man insisted, squatting down to collect them before she could argue. “It’s my fault you dropped them anyway.”

As he picked up the scattered items, Ellie gave him a quick once over, along with the other man who stood next to him. He was wearing a rather fancy looking black suit with a white shirt and black tie. As he was on the ground, his suit jacket opened slightly, revealing a badge of some kind. Just before he got to his feet again, she noted the abstract eagle emblem on the badge, along with the acronym S.H.I.E.L.D.. She assumed from his friend’s similar attire that they worked together.

Who’s this guy? Police force, or somethin’?

“Are you alright, love?” Loki asked her gently, pulling her from her thoughts.

“I’m grand,” she insisted and gave his arm a squeeze. “Don’t worry.”

“Here you are, ma’am,” the man announced and handed the pamphlets to her. “Again, sincerest apologies.”

“It’s no bother at all, really!”

The man wished them a nice day before he and his companion took their leave, heading off in the original direction from which Ellie and Loki came.

“They were not any normal tourists,” Loki muttered, gently ushering her along once more.

“Did you see his badge? It looked fairly fancy.”

“That it did. I hate to do this because I know that you wished to see more of the city, but I think it is best that we return to the hotel for a little while. We can dine later anywhere you would like, but I would rather return for now, because they did not seem like standard Midgardian guards.”

“Of course,” she agreed and remained close to his side as they turned down a side street and headed back towards the Shelbourne. “I trust your judgement as always.”

They did as Loki suggested and Ellie allowed herself to be led back to their room. As he shut the door behind them, he turned and met her gaze, looking quite serious all of a sudden. “I wished to speak with you.”

She sat down on the bed expectantly. “Oh?”

“With regards the situation on Asgard,” he explained, taking a seat on the chair opposite her. “I think I may have come up with something.”

Immediately her interest grew and she leaned forward in her seat. “Tell me everythin’.”

“Well, we know that my arranged marriage is to come into a action after Thor’s coronation. And we know we cannot go as far as injuring or critically maiming anyone to stop it. But, perhaps it would be possible to delay Thor’s coronation and, as a result, stopping my marriage to Lady Sigyn.”

“Surely delayin’ it will just delay your marriage too, no?”

“Not if that which delays it has to be Odin’s priority. Essentially, we give him a problem that he needs to solve before he can even consider crowning my brother. Eventually, Vanaheim becomes tired of waiting and calls off the arrangement.”

She nodded in agreement, knowing that he was certainly right in his tactics. There was probably no way to permanently prevent Thor from becoming king — not that they even wanted that to happen — but if they could delay it for as long as possible, then they could at least solve their own problems. “And I’m assumin’ you’ve come up with such a problem?”

He grinned slowly, his thin lips stretching out for the first time since the beginning of the conversation. “You know me so well, little one. That I have. Technically speaking, something you said yesterday sparked my attention. Remember when you spoke of my ability to cloak us from Heimdall’s gaze? Well, if I were to do that for someone else — someone who has no place sneaking about Asgard — and then reveal their location at the right moment during Thor’s coronation, Father will have no choice but to put a stop to it.”

“Holy shit, you’re right. He’d have’ta… But is that not insanely risky? Especially if its someone who is a threat.”

“It is, but I would ensure that they could be stopped before hurting anyone. We just need them to be seen and Father alerted as a result. But as of right now, I do not know who I will lead into Asgard or for what reason.”

“Well, we don’t have very much time to decide on that.”

“I know, but I think that once we return to Asgard I can come up with the perfect candidate.”

“And you know I’m here to help if you need me.”

“Of course. And you will be kept completely in the loop with regards my thoughts and ideas, I can assure you.”

“I would hope so,” she chuckled with a smile. “After all, we’re a team, right?”

He met her smile with his own and moved to sit next to her on the bed. “That we are. It is also the best team I could hope for.”

They sealed their plan with a chaste but loving kiss and agreed to spend their last evening on Midgard merely enjoying themselves and not worrying about the impending days ahead. After all, their coming days would provide them no such opportunity to rest or relax. They had to savour it while they still could.

* * *

It was a few days later while in Asgard’s training yard with Loki when Ellie was given the final details of his plan.

“Frost Giants?” she whisper-shouted after he had tackled her to the ground in close combat so that their whispering wouldn’t be noticeable. “Are you mad?”

“Possibly,” he replied, trying to keep her down as she fought him off. “Come now, you know how to dislodge me!”

She growled and did as he asked, twisting her thighs around him so that she could pin him to the ground. “There. Happy now?”

“Most definitely,” he drawled, sweeping his eyes over her body. “I do love when I can look up at you like this, darling.”

“Loki, focus,” she insisted, her breathing levelling out as they trained. “Is that not fuckin’ risky? These are the Jötunns were talkin’ about!”

“I know, but all will be well, I promise.”

Since their return to Asgard, all had been eerily quiet. Loki had to settle back into his princely duties and attended a number of conferences with Thor, the Allfather, and the Allmother. Sometimes, she and Rainger were in attendance, mostly to wait on the princes while they listened and learned of the new duties expected of them. If Ellie’s presence was not required, she attended to other tasks that Loki asked of her, usually involving picking up items from the local market, and returning or taking books from the library. If he needed nothing of her, she was usually sent to assist Frigga’s handmaidens in whatever they required. Though they didn’t get very much time to themselves anymore with everything going on, they still got to train together, sometimes with the company of Lady Sif. After all that happened on Alfheim, Odin didn’t argue with her training, considering it saved her life before. So now, as long as it didn’t affect Loki’s own duties, he allowed them to do as they wished.

“From what you’ve told me of Jötunns, they’re Odin’s sworn enemies. Wouldn’t they try to kill you on the spot if you went near them?”

“Not when I give them a tempting offer,” he explained further, getting to his feet once she had gotten off him. He eyed the edge of his dagger before continuing. “Not when I give them a chance to take back what was once theirs.”

For a beat, she was unsure of his riddles, but once she remembered the only item in Asgard that previously belonged on Jotunheim, she raised a brow at him. “The Casket of Ancient Winters.”

“The one and only.”

“But that lies within Odin’s vault.”

“That it does. And I will allow the Frost Giants access.”

After years of being schooled on Asgard by both scholars, Frigga, and Loki himself, Ellie was quite familiar with the treasures that were locked inside the Asgardian weapons vaults. The Casket of Ancient Winters was an artefact from the realm of Jotunheim and was originally used by Laufey, King of the Frost Giants, to enslave Midgard over a thousand years before. Odin stopped him and took the powerful casket for safe keeping in the vaults, along with a number of other deadly relics. It was no secret that the Jötunns would do anything to get the artefact back.

As the couple got back into their offensive stances, Ellie pressed him for questions. “And how exactly are you gonna stop them from takin’ the casket?”

“Odin will sense anyone who gets inside the vault, so he will let the Destroyer handle them; they are no match for it.”

“While I think this plan is a little insane, I can’t fault you for the facts you’re givin’ me.”

“Watch you feet,” he commanded, taking a swing at her as she elegantly dodged him. “This plan is perfect. And it will definitely delay Thor’s coronation and my marriage as a result. Odin will not rest until he finds those responsible, but he will never suspect me or you.”

Despite his words, Ellie couldn’t help but feel apprehensive. This was very serious — if either of them was found out, they could be convicted of treason. As she circled him and took a swipe with her left hand, she muttered nervously. “This is a risky game we’re playin’, Loki.”

Without warning he grabbed her wrist, bringing her in close and subduing her with a firm hold. He leaned in close, whispering as he spoke. “If it means ending this unfair marriage, giving Thor more time to learn to be a calm and concise king, and ensuring that you will be mine for the rest of our lives, then it will be worth the risk.”

His words left her momentarily stunned, but after taking a few seconds to compose herself, she looked at him with a newfound determination. “As long as no one is hurt and your marriage is the only thing ruined by this scheme, I’m onboard.”

Her answer brought a smile to his face. “Then we have ourselves a plan.”

“Loki!”

The booming voice of Thor brought the couple’s conversation to a close and Ellie looked up to see the soon-to-be king striding towards them in delight. “Hi, Prince Thor.”

“Hello, little Midgardian,” he replied cheerily. “How goes your training? I hope my brother is not being too harsh on you?”

“Only as harsh as I deserve. He’s a good teacher.”

“You flatter me,” Loki said, studying the dagger in his hand. “But you are not wrong.”

Thor laughed heartily before he spoke again. “I hope you do not mind, Ellie, but I wished to speak with my brother alone for a moment.”

“Of course.” She was quick to sheath her daggers, purposely avoiding making them disappear with seiðr due to Thor’s presence. “I’ll leave you’s to it. Do you need anythin’ of me before I go, Prince Loki?”

“Not at present, little one. Not until this evening as I wish to dine privately in my quarters.”

“I’ll organise it.” She gave them a small bow before she took her leave, unable to shake the uneasy feeling in her gut despite the confidence behind Loki’s words. While she hoped they would succeed, there was a part of her that couldn’t help but be terrified with what had to be done.

* * *

Loki watched Ellie leave, rather wishing that he was going with her than having this conversation. Not that he disliked talking to his brother, but he knew that she was anxious about his plan. He couldn’t fault her for it either, but he only wished to comfort her and reassure her that they would succeed. Thor directed them over to the edge of the training yard where they took a seat on one of the benches.

“Firstly,” Thor began steadily. “I owe you an apology.”

Loki’s tone was, of course, sarcastic. “Oh? What for?”

“For not defending you when Fandral said…what he said at my feast. You did not deserve that treatment.”

“You are correct; I did not, but I expect nothing less from Fandral, considering he is a vain lout.”

While the God of Thunder cracked a smile at his comment, he pressed onwards with his explanation. “Well, I want you to know that I am sorry for not saying anything at the time. I have only just come to realise that the new things required of you must be hard to carry out.”

“You mean my marriage to Lady Sigyn?” he asked, slightly miffed with the turn in the conversation.

“Yes! I had forgotten about what is expected of you in my excitement to become king. I know your displeasure is not merely because you do not wish to be tied down, but is because you do not want to be separated from your secret lover.”

Ah yes, so Thor did indeed recall some details Loki previously shared. “I had assumed you had forgotten such things.”

“It is hard to forget such a thing as you falling in love with some poor woman,” he chuckled. “I am both impressed and amazed that she has put up with you all this time.”

Choosing to ignore the semi-insulting comments, Loki agreed with his sentiment. “She is all that and more, brother, I can assure you.”

“Then I am sorry Father has put such a task before you.”

“Such is the curse of being a prince I suppose,” he replied with an angry frown, wishing he would never be made to do such a thing. “I am beginning to think that I would rather give up my title than never be with her again.”

While Loki kept his eyes on his hands cupped tightly together, he felt Thor’s surprised gaze on him. “Your sentiment continues to amaze me. Have you perhaps considered speaking with Father about it? He may reconsider if he sees how enamoured you are with this maiden.”

A grim laugh escaped the Trickster at the suggestion. “You and I both know that that would be a dead end. Princes do not marry for love — it is all about political conquest and financial gain. He would sooner banish her from Asgard if he knew of our secret courtship.”

“Perhaps if we both spoke with him!” Thor suggested in a hopeful tone. “Mother would certainly support it.”

Already knowing Frigga’s opinion, he nodded. “I am sure she would, but Father’s word is the one that matters most.”

“Well he will surely change it if he is approached by all three of us! He cannot deny his son some happiness, surely?”

Thor’s words left a bitter taste in Loki’s mouth. When had Odin ever allowed him some happiness? So far, he disapproved of most things that brought him joy. “You optimism is misplaced, brother. It is hopeless at this rate.”

The eldest Odinson scoffed before he clapped Loki on the back. “Well we will hardly get anywhere with that attitude! I will think about it and come up with a plan myself.”

“Do not approach Father about this!” Loki hissed, pointing a finger at Thor. “You are not to speak a word about my lover without my knowledge!”

“I shan’t!” Thor insisted, getting to his feet. “But if you insist on being so negative, then I will come up with a plan that will surely work.”

While Thor’s sentiment warmed Loki’s heart somewhat, he couldn’t help but shake his head at his brother’s ignorance. Surely he knew it was hopeless? Perhaps if he knew the people involved, he would realise just how grave such a thing was. He watched the Thunderer leave before he was once again informed that a solution would be found. He sat in the yard on his own for a few moments more, thinking his own solution over again in his head. He couldn’t help but wonder if Thor would happily assist Loki in his scheme if he was aware of all the factors; of the truth. Would he sacrifice his own crowning to ensure Loki and Ellie’s happiness?

Somehow, he doubted it.

[imagine-loki]

Unofferable, Part II

TITLE: Unofferable, Part II

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 1, Partners in Crime AUTHOR: unofferable-fic ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine courting Loki in secret for a number of years. While you’re both more than happy with the arrangement and are genuinely in love, you can never make your relationship public because of your status as a mortal servant.

RATING: M

NOTES/WARNINGS: Angst. Playlist: “Clean Up Woman” — Betty Wright, “Direction” — Mark Kerekes, “Yes!” — Dario Marianelli

For Ellie, life had settled into a delightfully relaxed routine in the last few years. Now at the age of twenty four, she had been Loki’s lover for five secretive but rewarding years. Frigga had withheld their secret and only ever spoke of it to either of them in private, so as far as Asgard was concerned, Ellie and her employer were nothing more than friends. This lifted a heavy weight off both her shoulders and their relationship, and her life on Asgard settled into the happiness she had been waiting for.

Waking up at dawn as per usual, she stretched and forced herself to her feet. She opened up her chamber curtains and gazed through the small window at the gardens below, people beginning to come to life as they got to their duties. With a smile, she got to work. Washing and dressing quickly in her usual working attire, she had a small breakfast consisting of a scone and a piece of fruit. Right on time, she left her chambers and walked to Loki’s door nearby. The Einherjar nodded to her as she knocked on its hard surface.

“Come in,” came Loki’s voice from within, and the sound of his early-morning grogginess had her smirking.

The sight of him sprawled out on his stomach in bed made her laugh. “Good mornin’, Prince Loki.”

“Is it really?” he grumbled, voice muffled in his pillows.

“What’s the matter?” she asked as she pulled open his curtains. “Is it about the meetin’ with your father?” Loki made a sort of grunting noise resembling a ‘yes’ and she went on. “Do you want me to run you a bath?”

Another positive grunt.

As Ellie disappeared into the bathroom, she heard him finally pull himself out of bed. As she was filling the bath with hot water, he appeared in the doorway stark naked and anxiously picking at the palm of his hand. She knew this side of Loki all too well. It only really seemed to appear when he was under Odin’s scrutiny. His mood swings were nothing new to her — they happened on occasion whenever he was blatantly overlooked or not acknowledged by the one whose affection he so desperately wanted. She couldn’t blame him for feeling that way even though he usually hid it quite well. Only she and Frigga ever saw him at his worst, but Ellie did what she could to cheer him up and insist that he was one in a million. It wasn’t entirely surprising that the God of Mischief was more anxious than usual with the announcement of Odin’s next in line so imminent.

“Hey,” she called softly as she got to her feet and approached him. “You okay?”

He shrugged. “I am not exactly looking forward to this gathering.”

“It’ll be okay, I promise. Odin would be mad to overlook you.”

“It is not as though he has been doing that for centuries,” he said bitterly. “It would seem that I can do nothing right, even when Thor is the one who blunders around insisting that the only way to solve his problems is to smash them with his damn hammer.”

While she knew Loki’s bitterness came from intense feelings of envy that had been harboured for most of his life, Ellie couldn’t exactly blame him for it. Living in an elder sibling’s shadow no matter what you tried to do to escape from it seemed difficult, and she could see the toll it took on him firsthand. There were many a night when he would come barrelling into her chambers demanding that she clean his own room, only to pull her into a tight embrace when the door shut behind them and prying eyes where blinded. She was there with whatever he needed. Some nights, he sat in silence and held her close until he fell asleep. Others, he vented to her for hours on end until he tired himself out and she offered whatever advice she had. Sometimes, he simply pulled her to any nearby surface and ravished her until her neck bore marks from his teeth and his back was imprinted with red half-moons from her nails. 

She saw what these meetings and the impending announcement was doing to him and she genuinely feared how he would react if he was simply tossed to the side by his father yet again. Frigga was, as always, a blessing for keeping her son from feeling well and truly ignored. No matter how many times Odin disregarded what Loki had to offer, his mother saw it and embraced it. She offered him council when the Allfather denied it, she made sure to acknowledge her sons with equal praise, and she, like Ellie, reassured the youngest Odinson that he was just as worthy of a throne.

“I’m sure even Odin knows that bein’ quick to anger is not what makes a king,” she said,   with confidence. “Much like what he told you as a child.”

Loki simply shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. “And yet Thor is still favoured above me. I am convinced I must have done some horrible thing to my father in a past life; I cannot think of any reason why I have earned such displeasure from him. I am a Trickster of course, but that hardly makes me worse than Thor…”

“My love,” she murmured, reaching up to gently cup his face in one hand and stilling his anxious fidgeting with the other. “If the Allfather can’t see all that you have to offer, then I fear he may have lost the sight in his one good eye. If there’s one thing that I promise you, it’s that I refuse to let you question your self-worth for more than a moment. I simply won’t allow it.”

His green eyes softened at her words and, with tender care that was usually reserved for her eyes only, he pressed a kiss into the palm of her hand. “You speak of my worth and yet all I realise as you stand before me is how truly lucky I am to have you in my life.”

“And I you. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Even if Father chooses him?” His voice was hesitant and his eyes were shy, almost nervous about her answer. “Even if I am forever sidelined behind Thor?”

“The Allfather himself could forbid me to be near you and I’d sooner tell him to shove his throne up his arse than be parted from you.”

A chuckled escaped him before he spoke. “My, my. What a colourful image, darling.”

“I mean it,” she insisted and placed on hand over his heart. “It doesn’t matter what he says, or what he does, or which son he chooses; you and I will never be torn apart. How could we do that when a part of us lives within the other? Even if he picks Thor, you’ll always be my Loki.”

His own hand covered hers and held it there, the beating of his strong heart thumping through his chest. “How is it that you always know how to calm me?”

“’Cause I love you and it’s part of the job description.” Without any hesitation, she pulled him into a tight hug and relished the feeling of his arms winding around her waist. 

“I love you too.”

His scent enveloped her and put her at ease. She could feel the anxiety slowly seep from his body and disappear. Now perhaps he would feel better seeing his father. She could consider her day a success if she helped him, even if it was just a little bit.

“Would you like me to wash you?” she asked as she went back to the bath and turned off the tap.

“You do not have to do that,” he said with a small frown, watching her like a hawk.

“I’m aware, but I’d like to if you want me to.”

Without another word, he smiled and lowered himself into the warm water — he had never been one for a steaming-hot bath. Cleaning Loki never felt like a chore to her. In fact, she took great pleasure in it. It was something he was hesitant to do at first, but once she explained that she wished to return the gesture when he so gently took care of her after the events on Alfheim, he couldn’t really say no. Now, it was something he loved doing. Anything that reduced his stress-levels was important. He lay in content silence in the water as she cleaned his body  and hair with the utmost care.

It was as he stood from the bath when he spoke again. “I will be requesting your presence for the duration of the day.”

“You want me t’shadow you for the day?” she asked as she handed him his towel.

“Yes, whatever other tasks I had for you can wait until tomorrow. I wish to have you by my side throughout the day in case my father decides to announce his decision.”

“Of course,” she agreed as he patted himself down. “If you need me by your side then that’s where I’ll stay. I’ll go get your clothes ready.”

As she was walking out the door, Loki gently reached out to grab her hand before she could cross the threshold to his bedroom. Turning to look at him in surprise, she wasn’t expecting him to kiss her.

“Thank you,” he said as their lips parted, briefly nuzzling his nose against hers.

“There’s nothin’ to thank me for, Loki.”

With a smile he released her wrist and Ellie got back to helping him ready himself for the day ahead.

* * *

Odin didn’t exactly seem to eager about Loki having Ellie present for their meeting. Not that she particularly cared one way or the other. She had never been Odin’s biggest fan, and he was never hers, so there was an unspoken mutual distrust between them. She wouldn’t go as far to say that they hated each other, but they certainly didn’t like each other. She was quite biased — she couldn’t help but show her favouritism towards Loki when she cared for him so deeply, and she despised seeing Odin disregarded him from time to time. Despite the fact he seemed mildly vexed by her presence, he couldn’t dismiss her because he had to no genuine reason to do so. Loki was perfectly within his right to have her present for it, so he would do as he pleased.

Loki had her stand nearby with a jug of water and some cakes resting on a table top beside her and called upon her to fill his goblet whenever he felt like it. She knew it was mostly just to give him some emotional support — the soul bond meant their connection was stronger when they were nearby, and thus allowed them to help calm each other. So she had no issue with staying close to bring him some ease. As she stated previously, it was part of her job description. As Odin spoke, she could feel the anxiety seeping from her lover, who sat and listened to every word with rapt attention. Thor also gave his father his full attention, knowing that this conversation was a serious one. Both brothers were just as eager to be king, but for different reasons. Neither of them were perfect candidates either, with each having their own flaws and imperfections. Ellie was foolishly hoping that Frigga would perhaps give away some trace as to who was chosen as Odin’s heir, but the Allmother remained completely passive even as she spoke. She couldn’t fault her for that — Frigga had always been a wonderful mother and treated her sons equally, as a good parent should. And, bless her, she had not told anyone of Ellie and Loki’s relationship despite its impracticality and controversy. All she wanted was for them to be happy, so obviously there was no chance she would give any impression as to who Odin had chosen — that is, if he had already. A small anxious part of her really wished he had yet to make a decision, only because she feared what it would do to Loki if he was, once again, overlooked. She would certainly bare witness to his genuine reaction behind closed doors.

Lost in her thoughts, her attention was once again brought back on Odin as his words and tone shifted. “… but this is not the reason I have asked to speak with you today, my sons.”

Ellie’s gaze flitted to the family as they sat at the table. Thor and Loki visibly shifted in their seats. The Allfather and Allmother remained impassive. 

Here we go…

“I have come to a decision as to which of you will become king,” Odin began slowly. “And now that I know, I do not see the need to keep either of you in suspense any longer.” He paused and looked between them. “But, before I share my choice with you, I want you to know that I love you both, and that my decision has been made taking into consideration as to which of you would be best suited in the role. It is for the good of the Nine Realms, but not just Asgard. You would both make excellent kings, but I can only choose one of you.”

Ellie held her breath from her spot and waited.

“It is after much deliberation, that I have chosen Thor to be king.”

Her mouth went dry almost instantly. It took every ounce of strength in her to not hang her head in disappointment. Loki didn’t react — he simply stared between his mother and father as Thor grinned in surprised delight next to him. When Loki turned and smiled at his sibling, Ellie frowned in confusion.

“Congratulations, brother,” the Trickster said, placing his hand on Thor’s shoulder. “You will make a great king.”

“Thank you, Loki,” Thor replied, his voice expressing his delight at hearing the news. “With you at my side, none will dare to test the strength of Asgard!”

The lies slid off Loki’s tongue with ease, as was his way. He had the room fooled, but not Ellie, not with their connection being far greater than anyone realised. She sensed his distress — she could feel its severity with him being so close by. While he sat passive in his seat with his thin lips pulled into a soft smile, she felt his loss and rejection as though it was her own. She desperately wanted to comfort him, to hold him, to tell him that he was loved despite not being chosen. 

“Thor,” Odin began, grabbing their attention once more. “You shall be crowned king in the coming weeks before the people of Asgard. To prepare for your new role, you will attend councils with myself, your mother, and my closest administrators.”

“We are both very proud of you,” Frigga added with a smile. “Of both of you.”

While Ellie knew her words to be true, she noticed that her smile did not reach her eyes. Somehow, this did nothing to put her at ease. Then it hit her; there was more to this encounter. Something else was amiss…

Odin spoke up again, turning his attention to his youngest child. “And as Thor takes on new responsibilities, you will do the same, Loki.”

The latter’s smile faltered slightly at this. “Father?”

“While you may become part of your new king’s council, you must also embrace the path I have chosen for you too. As a prince of Asgard, you will help to repair the still somewhat broken relationship this realm shares with Vanaheim.”

“And how would you have me achieve such a thing?”

“Through marriage.”

The atmosphere in the room instantly changed.

In shock, Ellie foolishly looked at Frigga, but the Allmother only met her gaze for a brief moment. 

Loki sat in dismay, looking between his parents. “M-marriage?”

“Yes, to Lady Sigyn. She has resided in Vanaheim for many years now and has been granted dual citizenship and council with the Vanir for her service. A marriage between you two would help to bring our two realms—”

Ellie couldn’t listen to it; she could not and would not. She didn’t care about Asgard’s relationship with Vanaheim, she didn’t care who this Sigyn was, she didn’t fucking care that Odin was probably well within his right to order this of his son for the good of the realms.

She did not care.

Loki was…everything to her. He was not Odin’s to give away.

She was struggling to not react as the Allfather’s voice and Loki’s protests faded away. Despite trying to keep her composure, he hands shook by her sides, not that it really mattered — none of them took any notice of her as she waged her own war internally. If he was to be wed, what would become of her? What would become of their relationship? The numerous thoughts swimming around her head were making her stomach ache and her legs weak.

“But, Father, with all due respect, I do not wish to wed this woman,” Loki explained, trying to keep his voice level. “I do not even know her.”

“She is a fine goddess,” Odin replied in some poor attempt at reassurance. “Thor is to take on the mantle of king and you must also do your part. After Thor is crowned, she will be brought to Asgard, and after a few weeks you will be wed. Loki, we both know that sometimes we must do things we are not necessarily overly fond of, but this is bigger than you or I. It is to be done for political reasons, but I’m sure you will come to care for Lady Sigyn in time.”

By Odin’s side, Frigga looked displeased with a tightlipped frown on her face. She focused her attention on her youngest son, who was clearly struggling with this new information.

“Why must I marry?” he demanded, losing some of his composure. “What of Thor? He is the one who will need a queen!”

“Leave me out of this,” Thor mumbled, grimacing at the very idea of marriage.

“Thor’s time will come, but he needs to prove himself as king before he is allowed to have a queen.”

“Well I will not marry this woman,” the Trickster spat, shaking his head. “You cannot make me do this. Mother, I—”

“It has already been arranged, so you do not have a choice.”

“Odin,” Frigga cut in gently, trying to ease the growing tension in the room. “If he is particularly abhorred to the idea, then why not reconsider?”

Odin’s voice was short, evidently losing what patience he had left. “There is nothing to reconsider. It does not matter if he detests the woman! It is about time you realised that this world does not revolve around you. This is what it means to be a prince; not everything goes your way, and you will have to do things that you do not want to. There will be no more arguments, no more discussions, that is final.”

The screech of Loki’s chair on the floor as he pushed it back to stand up caused Ellie to wince. Frigga tried to call him back, but he was on his feet and striding out the door in seconds, beckoning Ellie to follow with a snarl. With a swift look at the Queen, Ellie obediently followed her prince out of the room.

She walked with him swiftly as he all but stomped back to his quarters. The silence between them was palpable, but she didn’t dare break it until they were hidden from inquisitive eyes. When they reached the safety of his chambers, he aggressively slammed the door shut behind them, locked it with magic, and began relentlessly pacing up and down in front of the fireplace.

Ellie watched him apprehensively, not knowing what she could say to comfort him or herself for that matter.

“First, he has the audacity to put that fucking oaf on the throne,” he growled, voice laced in malice. “And then he forces me to wed some bitch for the good of Vanaheim? He is barely fit to be king and I am — once again! — shoved to the side! And now, he wants to take you away from me? I will not allow it! He does not get to control me! If he insists on putting Thor on the throne, then he shan’t part us!”

“Loki?” she asked, voice wavering as the hopelessness of the situation finally hit her.  All the years they spent together would be cut short… “What’ll we do?”

He halted his pacing and turned to face her. His eyes were red, expression both worried and angry. Almost instantly, he strode to her and pulled her into a crushing embrace. Her body shook in his arms and she buried her face in his neck, seeking any comfort he could offer. She would also do her best to comfort him considering she was not the only one affected by this new turn of events. Not only would she lose him, but he would lose her.

“I will not let him take you from me,” he insisted, determined despite his shivering form. “Do you hear me? I will not.”

She nodded, inhaling his familiar scent before saying. “I know you won’t, and I won’t be parted from you either, I swear.”

“I do not care what he says. I will not stand for this, nor will I let Thor rule Asgard!”

“Is there anythin’ we can do?” she asked, leaning back so that she could meet his gaze.

He cupped her face gently in his hands and studied her for a moment, green eyes burning into hers as he contemplated their fate. “I will come up with something to stop it, I promise you. My father’s demands mean little to me.”

“But this is serious, Loki. Surely we can’t go against the Allfather’s wishes?” She paused, eyes burning with unshed tears. “Perhaps… Perhaps we could just remain a secret?”

“A secret?” Loki repeated, looking disgusted at the mere thought. “What? And I-I-I marry this wench and sleep with her by my side? And sneak off to meet you in the dead of night, like some common harlot?”

“But it might be our only option—”

“I do not care!” he hissed, tears now freely flowing down his sharp cheeks. “I will not do that to you, I will not wed someone I do not love or want, and I will not brush you off as though you are nothing, Ellie. I will not be brushed off as though I were nothing.”

She hung her head, running her hands up and down his arms. “That’s not what I meant. You’re not nothing.”

“I know, I know, love. But all will be well. I am not going to be with someone I do not care about. I would not expect that of you either.”

“Alright,” she agreed with an uncertain nod. “Then we’ll figure this out together?”

“Yes, together. I will do everything in my power to stop it.”

“Maybe talkin’ to your mother could help? After all, she does approve of our courtship.”

“You are right. I will have a word with her soon. In the meantime, I would ask that you spend the night with me.”

“You don’t need to ask,” she chuckled slightly, pulling his hand to her mouth and gently kissing his wrist. “The Allfather himself couldn’t pull me from this room. I already told you; we’re a team.”

“A team,” he repeated with a sad smile and let his forehead rest against hers. “That we are.”

“What of Thor?” she asked hesitantly. “I know that you’re not okay with his decision.”

He bit his lip at the thought. “I love my brother, you know I do, but he is not fit to be king. He’s reckless and quick to anger. That is not what it means to be a ruler.”

Although she hated to admit it, she agreed that Thor wasn’t a good choice to be king either. The potential was there, but she was uncertain as to whether he would ever grow out of his childish ways. She could see in his shimmering eyes how much this tore Loki apart. This wouldn’t be the end of it. His mood would only get more sour, especially with the added stress of their uncertain future. She genuinely feared what may happen.

“I can’t really fault your logic. Hopefully he realises that soon.”

“If I know my brother, I do not think he will. Alas, I promise I will do everything in my power to stop this.”

“I know you will. All will be well, it has to be.”

To reassure her of his promise, Loki leaned in and captured her lips in a hungry kiss. She didn’t hesitate to deepen it, sliding her arms around his neck and holding on to him with all the strength she possessed. The taste of salt on her tongue and the intensity of his previous words were all she needed to vanquish her fears and doubts.

The lovers were selfish. The good of the realm did not matter.

All Ellie cared about was the rejected prince that she loved so dearly.

[imagine-loki]

Unofferable, Part II

TITLE: Unofferable, Part II

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 3, Schemes AUTHOR: unofferable-fic ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine courting Loki in secret for a number of years. While you’re both more than happy with the arrangement and are genuinely in love, you can never make your relationship public because of your status as a mortal servant.

RATING: M

NOTES/WARNINGS: Fluff, suggestive language/content. Playlist: “Rooftop Kiss” — James Horner, “Hear the Noise That Moves So Soft and Slow” — James Vincent McMorrow, “Somewhere Only We Know” — Keane

Ellie groaned, slipping out of her sleepy haze. The arms around her waist tightened as something — or someone — nipped the side of her neck.

“Lokiiiii,” she murmured, voice rough as she opened one eye to reveal her bedroom, still quite dark. She assumed it must have been dawn.

“Yes, love?” the voice behind her answered. She could practically hear him smirking. “Did I wake you?”

“You already know the answer to that, you little shit.”

It was a few days after the feast and, thankfully, Loki’s mood had slowly improved since the incident. She assumed that he was mostly back to normal, considering she woke up to discover him in her bed when she distinctly recalled falling asleep alone the night before. It was a game they had conjured up over the past few years, which involved one sneaking into the others bed every now and then to wake them up with lingering kisses and intimate touching. It wasn’t uncommon for Ellie to wake up to discover Loki’s head between her legs, but she simply made sure to do the same to him, usually until she had him begging, which was a challenge in itself.

“You never complain when I wake you in such a manner,” he continued, before settling his lips against her neck and running his tongue along the sensitive skin he had bitten. “Though sometimes you do seem quite impertinent.”

“Maybe ’cause I was tryin’ t’sleep? Ever think of that? What time is it anyway?”

“Not yet dawn.”

“Oh for the love of — ow!” She flipped over to quickly face him, blankets rustling at her harsh movements. She was met with his grinning face, both hands held up in front of him. “Did you just bite me?”

“… Yes.”

“I swear, if you gave me a hickey again—”

“I most certainly did.”

She let out a disgruntled noise and glared. “Out.”

“Now, Ellie,” he began, his tone as mischievous as ever. “Do not be so harsh with me. I simply wish for others to know you are mine, and to bring you pleasure. I know your neck is your weak spot, much like your stomach and your—”

“I said out,” she insisted. “Get outta my bed. I can’t go to work with a bloody hickey on my neck!”

“Would you rather I mark you elsewhere? Because I can think of a few places…”

She tried to look as annoyed as possible, but the predatory glint in Loki’s eyes had her heart rate picking up. “Don’t—”

Before she could tell him otherwise, the Trickster leapt up and grabbed her. She squeaked as he rolled her on to her back and could only meet his gaze as he pinned her hands above her head. Looking up at his large frame looming over her, a delighted smirk plastered across his lips, she struggled against his grip, kicking her legs up in an effort to get him off. 

Giggles began to erupt from her as he shifted his body to pin her down with his weight. “Loki!”

“Do not act as though you do not love this, you little minx,” he chuckled, leaning down to plant open-mouthed kisses all along her neck and chest. “I have you right where I want you.”

“You are ridiculously—” She cut herself off with a hiss as he nipped at the dip above her collarbone. “—needy, did you know that?”

“That I am, but not in the same manner you are implying.”

The feeling of Loki grinding his hips between her spread legs caused a whimper to escape her. The sensation sent shockwaves through her body. “Fuckin’ hell, Loki… Why do you chose to do this when I should be sleepin’?”

He growled into her ear and bucked against her. “Because I cannot help myself.”

“You’re insatiable.”

“It is part of being a god, darling. And you usually keep up quite well.”

“Not when I’m half asleep I don’t.” Her heart began thumping in her chest, her lover’s knowledgable movements and tricks already turning her body into a needy mess. The heat between her legs was maddening and each slow drag of his own arousal against hers only made it worse.

“I had meant to ask something of you,” he suddenly pondered aloud, voice still deep and thick from his actions. He lightly ran the tip of his tongue down the side of her sensitive neck. “To pick your brain, you could say.”

“I don’t know if I’m capable of formin’ a coherent sentence right now, let alone answer your queries. Not if you keep doin’ that with your tongue.”

“I am sure you will have no issue multi-tasking, considering you usually do it so well.”

“Out with it, please! Before you drive me mad!”

He chuckled, a deep rumble erupting in his chest as he pressed it against hers. “I wish to get away for awhile.”

“Away? From Asgard?”

“Yes, much like how we used to travel to Midgard, but preferably for longer than an evening.”

She tilted her head slightly as she asked. “Why do you want’a go away?”

“I need time away from here with all the commotion before Thor’s coronation. That, and I feel as though we may not get the opportunity to travel for a while afterwards. It will be a hectic time, with new responsibilities for my brother and I. I fear that my free time will be temporarily non-existent.”

Such a thought saddened Ellie tremendously. While she would continue to be Loki’s handmaiden, the thought of them not being able to spend as much time together as lovers was a harsh reminder of their current predicament. “I understand. Do you wish for me to go with you?”

“Of course. I also wish to leave so that I may spend time in your company.”

“Well, just name the place and I’m in. How do you plan on sneaking away for longer than a night, though? Surely someone would notice our absence?”

“That they would, little one, which is why I will be asking for permission to travel to Midgard this time.”

Her brow piqued in surprise, but she listened intently. “And you think they’ll give us permission to go?”

“Of course they will,” he replied, slightly insulted by her uncertainty. “What part of ‘silver tongue’ do you find confusing to comprehend?”

“Fair enough,” she said with a shrug. “I’ll leave that to you, then.”

“That you will.” With that, the god abruptly climbed out of her bed and got to his feet.

Ellie stared at him in surprise, chest still heaving. “What’re you doin’?”

He shrugged casually as he ran his hands through his dishevelled hair. “You told me to leave, so leave you I shall.”

“But you can’t just—”

“I expect to see you in my chambers and ready to work in an hour’s time. Best get some rest while you still can, Ellie.” With that, he winked and fled out the door before she could even get a word in.

Sitting in her bed, the young woman stared at the door through which her lover had escaped. A string of profanities left her before she fell backwards into her pillows and released a rather frustrated groan. She would have to get him back for that later.

* * *

As it turned out, it wasn’t much of a hassle for Loki to get permission to go to Midgard, even with Ellie in his company. He asked his mother and father over breakfast, Thor also present, and Ellie and Rainger standing nearby in case they were called upon. Having Frigga secretly aware of their relationship also worked in their favour, because whenever there was an opportunity for the pair to spend time together, the Allmother was happy to encourage it and make sure that the arrangements stuck. This was one of those occasions.

“Why do you wish to travel to Midgard, my son?” Odin asked, not unkindly mind you, as he ate his breakfast.

“I expect that my duties will increase once Thor is crowned king and once I am expected to wed Lady Sigyn,” he explained, the lies rolling effortlessly off his silver tongue. “And I wish to take a short break beforehand. I can promise to help with whatever I can for the coronation, but a few days to be in my own company before I take on these new responsibilities would be greatly appreciated, Father.”

“It sounds like a reasonable request,” Frigga agreed, smiling at her son. 

Thor laughed heartily as he set down his goblet. “It sounds like a request to go gallivanting in another realm before responsibility ruins whatever revelry you currently enjoy.”

“Thor,” the Allmother warned, her tone less than impressed. “Do not start.”

Loki merely smirked at his brother’s comment. “I can assure you that that is not my intention, though I cannot speak for Thor in that regard.”

“So be it then,” Odin announced, probably unwilling to disagree with his wife and son over something so menial. As Ellie held back the urge to smile, she pondered the possibility of the Allfather being in a particularly good mood that day. “But no more that two days, and always remain inconspicuous — do not involve yourself in the mortals’ lives.”

“Of course,” Loki replied, keeping his reaction calm but visibly satisfied. “You have my word. I would also request the company of my handmaiden, as I still expect to be served upon even within another realm.”

Keeping her eyes politely on the floor, she could feel Odin’s one good eyes burning briefly into her. She hoped that Loki’s mildly demeaning comment would throw the King off the real reason why he desired her company. “So be it, but brief her with regards her etiquette on Midgard beforehand.”

“I shall of course. Thank you, Father.”

Though she was quite relieved by the lack of scrutiny Odin expressed at his son’s request, Ellie was still always a little bit knocked for six when Loki was treated as an equal son and not the forgotten one. While the sight of him being disregard always hurt her, it never upset her. It was a welcome change whenever he actually was listened to and allowed a small request for his own enjoyment. She could only put these occasions down to Odin’s good mood and the influence of Frigga’s honeyed words.

Little preparation was needed; Midgard was in no way unfamiliar to the couple and Ellie was glad to be going back. They hadn’t been in some time and it was only when they were on the Bifröst was she told where exactly they would be going.

“Can’t you just tell me?” she asked as they road down the bridge atop Skeidbrimir. She sat behind him, holding on to his waist.

“Because I am trying to surprise you, obviously,” he answered smoothly. “Why must you ruin the surprise?”

“’Cause I want’a know, maybe?”

“You have very little patience, little one.”

She rolled her eyes as they cantered along. “That’s a bleedin’ lie and you know it.”

“Oh?”

“Don’t ‘oh’ me.”

“You are not the one who had to deal with an unruly Midgardian child for years.”

“I have’ta put up with you and that requires loads of patience. You’re like an adult sized toddler.”

“Oh, you are quite the little minx.” He chuckled slightly and turned to look at her over his shoulder. “If we were not currently approaching the Gate Keeper, I would make you eat your words.”

“Not unless I make you eat yours first, My Prince.”

Their playful banter was cut short as they reached the auditorium and dismounted the horse, pulling their travelling bags on their backs. Heimdall stood guard as per usual, Hofund in hand. He was polite and reserved as always, greeting them both with a small nod and asking where in Midgard they wished to travel. While she was giving Loki her best side-eye, he smiled slightly as he asked for the Gatekeeper to send them to Dublin, Ireland. Her mouth fell open slightly at his words, but she held back the other flurry of emotions she felt before Heimdall could see otherwise. 

“You wish to visit the hometown of young Ellie?” he asked, deep voice surprisingly impressed with this idea.

“Indeed,” Loki replied. “I suppose why not hit two birds with one stone and we both may get something out of it? She has not been since she came to Asgard.”

“A thoughtful suggestion, Your Highness.”

“That it is,” Ellie agreed and smiled at her beloved. “Thank you, My Prince.”

“Think nothing of it, little one. Come, Heimdall, we politely ask you to send us on our way.”

“As you wish.”

Ellie was not exactly overly fond of the Bifröst; it was noisy and chaotic, and she had only used it a handful of times — during two of which she had been incapacitated so that hardly counted… Still, she did her best to remain calm, using the breathing exercises Eir had given her for whenever she felt anxiety taking over. After the events on Alfheim, and taking her childhood also into account, she was advised by her closest friends to perhaps speak with Eir regarding her mental health. It had obviously affected her deeply — how could it not? — and Loki was more than aware of what was going on when she became irritable at times, or jumped when he touched her arm. She didn’t want to be afraid of him because she had no reason to be, and she found herself continuously insisting that she was alright. He was less than impressed with her denial, but remained ever understanding while gently insisting that she speak to him about it. Training became a far more difficult task, as wielding a knife brought back graphic memories of what she did in that building. Sometimes she became withdrawn and angry, spending sleepless nights alone or in his company scolding herself for being stupid enough to follow Dagny out of the palace. 

Your stupidity put so many lives at risk! Do you have any idea how dangerous it was? The princes risked their lives for you, you useless little mortal!

These thoughts would always draw Loki from sleep due to the soul bond. It also meant that he felt when her nightmares approached, but a whispered incantation and a gentle hand on her forehead meant that they were always kept at bay. Only when she suffered a public anxiety attack at a formal feast did she finally listen to those around her and sought out Eir’s assistance. After all, arguing with Loki was one thing, but arguing with Frigga, Fen, and Sevda was another… The experienced healer was able to help ease her fractured mind. The panic attacks subsided and the anger and fear dwindled. A small amount of situational anxiety remained, but she had learned to manage over time with regular counselling and exercises to calm herself. Before then, she wouldn’t have stepped anywhere near the thundering Bifröst. Now, she calmed herself, took Loki’s arm as he offered it, and remained relaxed as the white lightening consumed them.

In no time at all they landed safely in a deserted back alley. Ellie let out a sigh as she regained her footing and took a look around. In the sky overhead, the sun was beaming and it was pleasantly warm despite the cool breeze. The noise of crowds and cars could be heard not too far off, and the nostalgic familiarity of the sound made her smile.

“Heimdall always leaves us in the nicest alleyways,” she laughed slightly, turning to grin up at Loki.

“That he does,” the prince agreed before green light shimmered over them and they were dressed in more Midgardian attire. “But we should look our best in case we are spotted.”

She eyed his all black suit before looking down at her own dress. “Damn. Are you feelin’ fancy today?”

“We must look as such considering our destination.”

“And where’s that?” she asked, eagerly accepting the hand he extended.

As he began to lead her towards what she presumed was a main street, he explained. “Well, you have been there before and although you may have drank too much wine, I thought you might like to visit it again for an extended period of time.”

Her eyes grew wide at his description. “You’re jokin’…”

“I can assure you that while I can be hilarious, I am not joking, love.” As they stepped out of the alley and on to a main street, he looked up and pointed with his free hand. “Ah, here we are.”

Though it had been years since she had laid eyes on the Shelbourne Hotel, Ellie would recognise its redbrick facade anywhere. She stared in delight at the building for a moment, her lips pulling into a beaming smile before she could contain herself no longer. Turning her attention once more with Loki, she was met with his kind, green eyes, and launched herself into his arms. She couldn’t help but thank him profusely, the words tumbling uncontrollably from her lips before she leaned back and he silenced her with a soft kiss.

When he pulled back, he murmured. “It is worth it to see the smile on your face. I love to see you so happy.”

“Only you can make me smile like this,” she assured him and laid her head on his chest. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Ellie. Now come, let us get ourselves settled.”

As Loki led her across the road, Ellie took in her surroundings. It seemed to be late morning in Dublin City, with some people rushing about to go work or college. Others sat in nearby cafés, grabbing lunch and chatting with friends. She recognised the outskirts of Stephen’s Green to her left and recalled how Loki had brought her there upon first visiting Ireland through his secret passageways. She had done her research since and was a little more familiar with Dublin’s layout. Though it had been six years since she last stood before the hotel’s main entrance, she felt no uncertainty or anxiety as she went through its spiral doors and entered the lobby. 

The clerk at the front desk greeted them with a friendly smile as they approaching. “Good morning, sir, madam. Are you looking to check in?”

“That we are,” Loki replied, sending her a polite smile. “Under Loki Odinson.”

“How the hell did you book a room with such little notice?” Ellie whispered as the clerk began to type his details into the computer.

“I am the God of Mischief, don’t you remember?”

“Well, it’s hard to forget…”

Their conversation was briefly interrupted as the clerk began to read out their booking information, including their room number and where to go to find it. As she handed what Ellie assumed was two keycards to Loki, she chose not to question the latter about how he acquired a room at a presumably busy hotel with such late notice. It wouldn’t surprise her if his silver tongue had a lot to do with it. Ultimately, she simply thanked the clerk herself and followed Loki to the carpeted staircase at the other end of the lobby. They hadn’t climbed many flights before they arrived on their floor and quickly found the entrance to their room. As Loki allowed her to enter first, Ellie took a step inside and immediately faltered at the impressive space. The room was massive and elegantly decorated with plush golden chairs and mahogany tables and drawers. The bed was almost as large as Loki’s back on Asgard, but draped in red and gold sheets and cushions, perfectly matching the impressive curtains that rested either side of the nearby window overlooking Stephen’s Green.

She audibly gasped as she set her carrying bag down on a nearby chair and ran her hand along the duvet.

“Impressed?” his amused voice asked as he slid his arms around her waist to hug her from behind.

“Very,” she admitted. “I know I grew up in the palace, but this room is amazin’ to see.”

“I will admit that it is quite high-end, especially for Midgard. We have our own washroom as well.”

She hummed in acknowledgement, resting her head back against his chest. “I think I’m goin’ t’like it here.”

“You and me both, love.”

Considering the day had only just begun, Ellie expressed her desire to do some more exploration of Dublin, considering the last time they were here they spent the entirety of their time within the hotel. Loki seemed more than happy to oblige and let her lead the way as they stepped out on to the street once more. They had lunch at a nearby café, ventured through the nearby shopping district, and went for a stroll through the park. There were simple things to keep oneself occupied of course, but she took great pride in being able to walk with Loki in a public place and hold his hand. No one knew who they were or where they were from, and no one cared otherwise. They didn’t have to fear any judgemental looks or ‘being caught’ as they sat together on a park bench and gazed at the creatures she recognised as swans languidly gliding up and down the little streams before them. It was a simple thing yes, but it was something they rarely got to do. He seemed content to sit in the afternoon sun with his cool hand clutching hers and his other arm around her waist. It was the first time since the unsettling announcement of his arranged marriage did Ellie feel entirely secure in his company. Even now, with the imminent coronation hanging above their heads, she couldn’t worry about it. All she could focus on was how the sunlight only made his green eyes glow brighter and the smile that he sent her every time their gazes met. Even with the ever pleasant sight of the swans and the calm water, her eyes always found their way back to him.

In the late afternoon, they returned to the hotel for dinner, having a table waiting for them in the Saddle Room Restaurant, a rather extravagant room with golden booths for its guests’ privacy. After a delicious meal, the pair sat close together, sharing a bottle of wine and speaking in hushed whispers.

“Have you thought anymore about your mother’s suggestion?” she asked him, finally biting the bullet about what they were going to do.

Loki took a moment to steady himself before answering. “Thinking about it is difficult.”

“I know, Loki. I hate thinkin’ about it too, but we have to try figure somethin’ out.”

“I know we do, but I am beginning to wonder whether Mother’s words really are the best course of action. I worry about Father’s reaction to us and what he may do in retaliation.”

She noticed the subtle but familiar twitching in the fingers of his left hand that lay on the table. As he began digging his nails into his skin, she slowly reached across to ease the fidgeting digits. “So do I.”

“I fear my mother’s thoughts are clouded in ideology — she does want us to remain together of course, but she may think my father would also allow it despite his opinion of mortals, let alone princes and servants.”

“I guess I’m his worst nightmare,” she mused with a slight frown. “’Cause not only am I a Midgardian workin’ within the palace, but I’m also sleepin’ with his youngest son.”

While she set her eyes on her glass of wine, she felt Loki softly press his lips against her head. “Do not concern yourself with what he thinks of you, little one. No matter what he thinks or says, I love you dearly. That will never change, no matter what route we chose to take at this crossroads. As I have said to you already, nothing will keep me from you.”

“That’s reassurin’ to hear. I don’t doubt you obviously, but I just find myself gettin’ increasingly more anxious the closer the date gets and we’ve yet to make a choice. Frigga did ask us to think over what she suggested.”

“And we still have our reservations.” He released a sigh and let his cheek rest against the top of her head. The comforting gesture helped to relax her somewhat. “My fears, if you must know, involve us coming to my father and being completely honest; we tell him of our love and courtship, and that is why I cannot engage in this arranged marriage. He, in realising that I have been involved in something that he has continuously reiterated abhorring, is furious. I… I fear his dismissal of you as my handmaiden and as a worker within the palace. Part of me thinks that he would even cast you out of Asgard for being involved with me.”

The unease between them as Loki described his ultimate fear was palpable. Everything he said resonated deeply within her as she constantly feared the thought of Odin discovering their relationship and forbidding it from continuing. How do you go against the command of the Allfather? While she could trust the Queen with her life, Ellie had yet to feel she could completely trust the King.

Instinctively cuddling closer to him, she murmured. “You and I have the same fears, then. It’s certainly risky.”

“I am not sure if I am willing to take that risk,” he elaborated. “And yet, if we say nothing, I lose you in another way.”

“And we’re runnin’ out of time anyway. In a few weeks, Thor will be king and that means you will have’ta begin courtin’ this Sigyn person…”

“Not if the coronation is somehow delayed. That may be our best option right now. Perhaps if we are stuck with no other option after trying everything else, then maybe we will consider taking my mother’s advice.”

“I suppose you’re right. Maybe we’ll figure somethin’ out, right? We still have a little bit of time anyway.”

“That is correct. Perhaps this is a conversation best continued when we return home. Right now, I would much rather spend my time with you here in peace.”

“At least here I can hold your hand in public,” she mused with a slight laugh. “Ireland is spoiling me. I’m just relieved that Heimdall can’t see us or what we’re up to thanks to your seiðr. Otherwise we’d never get time to ourselves.” 

She sat there expecting some sort of a response from him, but was met with silence. After a couple of seconds, she tilted her head slightly to get a look at him, seeing he was deep in thought. “Loki?”

“Hmm?” he replied, snapping his attention back to her. 

“You alright?”

“Am I alright? Well yes… Yes, I am just thinking.”

“About?”

“Nothing of note,” he mumbled after another pause. She felt his arm tighten around her slightly. “But… yes, I am also enjoying spending time here with you with no judgemental eyes. It is refreshing.”

“It really is. If only we could stay here instead of goin’ back to Asgard.”

“That would certainly solve our problems, now wouldn’t it?”

She nodded. “That it would. And then we wouldn’t have’ta constantly hide from everyone. We could do whatever we wanted, y’know?”

“Whatever we wanted?” he mused with a slight smirk. “Do not give me such freedom when it comes to doing whatever I want.”

“It’s not just doin’ whatever you want.” Making sure to lightly run her lips along his jawline, she whispered as she reached his ear. “It’s about doin’ what you want t’me.”

The sharp intake of breath from him had her smirking uncontrollably. Seeing an opportunity, she placed her free hand on his knee and squeezed. That was all it took. 

Before she could blink, Loki promptly slid out of the booth, downed the rest of his wine, and held out his hand to her. “Come, we are returning to the room.”

With an amused tilt of the head, she questioned. “Oh, are we?”

“If you wish to play this game, then you must have expected such a response from me.”

“I’m just surprised you broke so soon,” she chuckled, stomach already doing flips at the thought of the evening ahead. “But perhaps you’re a little needy tonight.”

As she took his outstretched hand in hers, he swiftly pulled her close. “Keep teasing me like that, darling, and you will surely regret it.”

She hummed and drank the last of her wine. “I feel as though you’ve stated a challenge.”

As she began to pull him out of the restaurant, he snickered and followed her without argument. “Oh, so that is how you want to play it? Challenge accepted, darling.”

The journey back to their room was quick, especially when the pair of them couldn’t keep their hands off the other. Loki was insistent about pulling her body as close as possible to him, even if it meant that they were tripping over each other. She couldn’t help but giggle as he incessantly kissed her neck while she tried to open their door with the keycard.

“Keep doin’ that,” she laughed, trying to get the keycard in the door. “And we won’t be able to get in the room.”

Loki growled in response. “Then I shall just have to take you in this corridor.”

She shivered as his teeth grazed over the skin. “You act like that’s a bad thing, love.”

“You would not mind an audience?”

“That’s an experiment for another day,” she moaned as she finally unlocked the door. Grabbing Loki by his shirt collar, she pulled him into the room, and shut the door behind him. “Right now, I’m good with it bein’ just me and you, and no one else.”

“I agree. There is no need for an audience right now.” He leaned in close, his lips brushing against hers as he spoke. “Everyone in this hotel is going to know my name by the time morning comes, along with you.”

Having had enough of his teasing, Ellie finally pulled him into a passionate kiss. For the rest of the evening, the couple embraced their newfound freedom, ensuring that they tested the limits of their privacy. It was not common that they could enjoy such an occasion, so who could blame them for embracing it? As Loki had promised, the hotel became acquainted with their names, perhaps too intimately, not that the couple had any regrets.

[unofferable-fic]

Hello? *Taps Mic* Anybody out there?

For anyone still interested, Chapter 16 of Unofferable, Part II will be dropping THIS WEEK. Yes, actually dropping, can you believe it? Because I can’t! It is about 80% finished and will then be run by my trusty beta before its grand and trashy arrival.

It has been faaaar too long, but I am back in action baby! 

For anyone interested in what the apt title of the chapter is, I’ll leave the reveal to Loki...

Shit has well and truly hit the fan but OH WELL

[unofferable-fic]

The Plan of Action

Howdy! Considering I am in the midst of writing Unofferable, Part II, I’m trying to figure out what writing schedule would be the best for me to try out. I’m thinking maybe two chapters a week because hopefully deadlines will force me to write... This may drop down to one update a week if I suck and if my job sucks, but it shouldn’t get any longer between posts than that! So, as it stands, here’s how this week will play out: Y’all have a oneshot coming Wednesday, so prepare yourselves for that! Then y’all have chapter 1 of Unofferable, Part II coming at the weekend, probably Saturday. So yeah! That’s what I’m thinking at the moment. Anyone who wants to be tagged just let me know. Hope all of you had a good weekend and an equally good week ahead!

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A query for all y’all reading Unofferable - all thoughts welcome!

How’s it goin’, peeps? I wish to pick your brains about something regarding my fic. Before you worry, there’s nothing wrong - I’m not stopping writing abruptly or anything like that! I’m too finicky to leave a story unfinished haha

BUT, I have a question:

Basically, I have an entire story planned for Ellie and Loki that goes from Thor 1 all the way to Infinity War (possibly Avengers 4, depending on how I feel about that, but nothing after that) and I am curious as to whether people would still be up for reading on through all that, or is it too much? Obviously if interest wains after Part II I’ll stop it there, but I do have half of Part III written, as well as sections of Part V, Part VI, and Part VII... As it stands, there will be ten parts in total... That’s a lot, oh man. That’s so many words! Ragnarok is going to get a severe make over, that’s for sure.

It would probably take me a loooong time to finish it, but I’m curious about any readers’ thoughts about it? Any feedback at all would be welcome. As it stands right now, it’s just a thought anyway, but obviously I’ll only be writing if I’m enjoying making it and you’s are enjoying reading it :) Let me know! Hope everyone has a bangin’ weekend!

[unofferable-fic]

New Chapter?

I just booked a holiday to London and I’m feeling pretty swell about life so Chapter 2 of Unofferable, Part II is gonna be coming at you’s Friday 8pm GMT because LIFE IS GOOD.

By the way, I hope y’all enjoyed the first chapter and are looking forward to the rest. You can catch up HERE if ya fancy. Have a lovely day!

[unofferable-fic]

Chapter 3 of Unofferable, Part II coming at y’all tonight at 8pm GMT. I promise it’s just loads of fluff after all the angst y’all had to put up with!