《In another life》


 A strange new world

    Loki enters another dimension, landing in what looks like a pasture back in old Asgard. It is not his first jump, so he braces himself, in case some time or space guardian tries to attack him. But all seems peaceful. What he learned by now, is that the stone seems keen on bringing him to locations that had some connection to his old life, be it the region, or the people that inhabit it. So, obscuring his figure, he starts to scout around, and sure enough, he soon finds someone he knows: Thor! Just as well, he could use a laugh, and playing tricks on his dumb brother always amuses him. He creeps up on him, but just as he is nearly close enough to hit him, he hears Thor chuckle. And then his brother turns, leaps towards him, and holds him in a tight embrace, shouting: ¡°Gotcha Loki! Your illusions need to be better than that, don''t you know?¡±


    He completely surprises him, so much so, that Loki doesn''t even attack, just looks back at him with big eyes, embarrassed. But then Thor lets him go and musters him curiously. Loki thinks it might be his outfit that doesn''t fit this universe, but his brother marvels: ¡°Oh, so you''re using this form! I must say, I take it back! Keeping your appearance and turning invisible at the same time, is quiet the impressive feat! It must exhaust you!¡± Loki is surprised at this sudden interest in his talents and even more when Thor adds. ¡°Your craft never ceases to amaze me! You truly are the master of illusions!¡± Hearing this does bring some pride into Loki''s heart, and straightening himself up, he returns: ¡°As you should expect of me!¡± Thor just smiles and nods to this.


    It somehow irritates Loki, so he wants to confirm: ¡°You agree to my boasting? Not that it would be appropriate for me to be modest.¡± ¡°Oh no, that would never do you justice!¡±, Thor confirms, and goes on to elaborate: ¡°I say time and again, that you deserve plays written to honor your wit and courage! Ballads should be sung to tell of your feats and victories! Statues should line the streets to display your glory and remind every mortal how inferior they are to you!¡± Loki doesn''t believe what he hears. But he likes it. Especially when Thor comes close to him once more, eyeing him with what he perceives as admiration, as he adds: ¡°Though none of it could ever truly describe your might, your talent... or your beauty!¡± Loki smiles at him, he cannot help himself. He wonders if this Thor has been so easily manipulated by his other self, to be this obedient and admiring, or if it is a natural trait his brother grew up with in this world.


    Just then Thor gives him a kiss, catching him off guard. Loki draws back confused, as Thor is still smiling at him, and he is unsure if it is to be a trick, or was a kiss of sincere approval. It still strikes him as odd, so he asks: ¡°But Thor? Is that an appropriate way for you to greet me?¡± Yet smiling a radiant smile, his brother grabs him, agreeing: ¡°Of course not! You deserve so much more!¡±, and sweeping him of his feet to hold him in his strong arms, the blond prince of Asgard slightly bends him back, pressing against his body, and gives him another kiss. But this kiss is clearly different. Thor is kissing him with such lust and passion, even opening his mouth to try and slide his tongue into his, while his hands stroke over his body, one grabbing his bottom to squeeze it and press his hips against his own. Loki panics, he pushes Thor away, falling onto his back, screaming: ¡°Are you mad? What in Yggdrasil''s name are you doing?¡±


    Thor just stares back dumbfounded, as his J?tunn brother hurries to get up and disruffle his clothes, to ask back confused: ¡°But my love? Did I not satisfy you?¡± ¡°My love? Are you under some spell? I am your brother!¡±, Loki squeals still in shock. But now it is the other''s turn to look shocked, gasping: ¡°But Loki!? Why would you say that? I thought you despised that title, you never wished it to be used again!¡± The Frost Giant has to stop to think. It''s true, calling himself, or being called Thor''s brother, especially by him, in a familiar and loving way, did irritate him ever since the gruesome revelation of his life having been a lie. But it is still a truth somehow. And so he scoffs: ¡°But we grew up together! We were raised as such!¡± Thor nods but argues: ¡°Yes. But... does this mean you have forgiven Odin for robbing you of your people?¡±, making Loki stare even more, ¡°But even still... we are not of the same blood, our love is not a sin, why are you suddenly reacting this way? Are you the one, who is under a spell?¡±


    ¡°Ah... I....¡±, Loki stammers and turns around confused. What kind of life did him and Thor lead to end up like this? He hears Thor approaching him again slowly, begging: ¡°Please, Loki... my queen!¡± ¡°Queen?¡±, he asks angered, still unable to face his brother, who is now standing behind him. Loki is already planning how to teach Thor a lesson, and where to strike, should he dare lay a hand on him again. But then the blond warrior proposes: ¡°But Loki... you know I am a slave to you! No matter what title, name, or shape you wish to hold, you know I would honor and respect them!¡± Loki listens up, half turning to him, as he insists: ¡°So please dear... if this is a game, I do not wish to play it! Please tell me, how I angered you, and I will move the stars to right the wrong I''ve done to you!¡± He is now so close, Loki can feel his breath against his ear, and the warmth radiating from his hands by his side, though he isn''t touching him, but instead hushes in a desperate voice: ¡°Please... please tell me what is wrong, Loki!¡±


    Loki''s mind is racing. This is just too good of an opportunity to give up without exploring. So though he is still a little unsettled, he slowly turns around to look into Thor''s pleading eyes, and using his most seductive voice and smile, answers him: ¡°Hm. You are right, I should know better than to be playing such cruel tricks on you! I simply wished to test your loyalty to me and my desires, even when it is me, who challenges them. You have passed, and quiet gracefully so!¡± He can see Thor''s eyes light up with relief and pride, but before he might take this as an invitation to kiss him again, he holds up his hand to request: ¡°Anyways, I must say, I am somewhat exhausted, and also famished. I wish to feast on some exquisite food, and lie down to rest thereafter, and I wish not to be disturbed!¡± Thor''s happy expression changes to a serious one, as he responds: ¡°Oh, but of course, my queen, I shall call for it at once!¡± And he extends his hand, as if calling for his trusted hammer. And lo and behold, Mj?lnir appears, as it always has, ever since Odin had granted him the weapon for his twelfth birthday.


    ???


    Loki observes attentive, thinking how it could be that Hela had not destroyed it yet. But maybe their older sister does not exist in this reality, or perhaps Odin is still alive, and ruling Asgard. If so, he would have to watch out. If even Thor is able to detect him while he is invisible, surely Odin would be able to sense he is not the Loki who is native to this universe. And of course, he needs to be wary of his alter ego. He wonders what he will look like. Meanwhile Thor uses Mj?lnir to summon a single flash of light, only to attach the hammer to his belt thereafter. Then he extends an elbow, offering to Loki: ¡°Would you allow me to lead you to your chambers, my queen?¡± Loki flinches, but decides it is best to act as familiar as he could bring himself to, to keep up appearances. Also, it would not hurt to stay close to Thor for the time being, in case he needs to cause a diversion or use him as a hostage to flee, once he is discovered as a fake.


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    So he takes his arm, attaching himself in a more or less ladylike manner, and gives him a benevolent smile, but adds: ¡°Very well. But as you have brought it up yourself: Do me the favor to not address me as your queen! Call me your king instead!¡± He sees Thor raising a brow, and tries not to let on how nervous he is, unsure if he is already pushing his luck. It seems too fantastic. But so is the thought of them as a couple. And thus he just smirks a little, when his brother replies: ¡°Of course. My king.¡± It''s music to Loki''s ears, and so, as they start walking, he demands: ¡°Say it again, just to make sure, you''ll remember it!¡± ¡°My king!¡±, Thor obliges amused, ¡°Do you wish me to keep repeating it, to flatter yourself?¡± Loki looks at him surprised and can''t hide his smile, so before he even agrees, Thor is sure to address him: ¡°His majesty, Loki, king of Asgard, mighty warrior, devious trickster, powerful mage, handsomest ruler of the nine realms! Would that title suffice you?¡±


    He is beaming at him and Loki can''t help but actually feel flattered, so he tries to hide his smile by demanding: ¡°Well, for short it might, but go on! What other attributes do you see in me?¡± Just then, two of Asgard''s guard warriors appear on their path, approaching them quickly. Loki stops and unwillingly holds Thor tighter, who just enjoys it, but the trickster worries if they might already have been send to arrest him. However he is very astonished, when the two guards stop a few feet from them to bow, and greet them: ¡°My queen, my king, you called for us? What can we assist you with?¡± They rest with their attention on Thor, making Loki angry, though he does appreciate that they addressed him first.


    Continuing their walk, and softly dragging Loki with him, Thor answers, putting emphasis on the male attributes: ¡°His majesty, king Loki, wishes a feast to clench his hunger! Make sure only but the finest food is brought up to his chambers!¡±, he turns to Loki, ¡°Is there anything special you crave for, my love?¡± This form of familiarity still unnerves him, so Loki gives Thor a scolding look and insists: ¡°I thought I made it clear, how I wish to be addressed?¡± Thor still smiles, but excuses himself: ¡°Of course, forgive me, my king! So, your majesty, Loki, king of Asgard, mighty warrior...¡± Loki tries to stop him, a little embarrassed at this flattery in front of the guards: ¡°Alright, enough...¡±, but Thor continues with a cheeky grin: ¡°.... devious trickster, powerful mage, handsomest ruler of the nine realms! Is there anything special you crave for?¡±


    Loki blushes, but still looks a little proud at Thor, who simply eyes him with raised brows and an open smile, awaiting his answer. As do the two attentive guards that joined their walk, since Thor has not stopped moving. Loki straightens himself up, and getting a new idea for mischief, he answers: ¡°As a matter of fact, yes! Several!¡± And turning to the guards he starts making his demands: grapes and berries he knows will be hard to come by this time of year, milk from the rarest and most aggressive breed of goats in Asgard, the finest fish only native to one location far away, a diverse range of exquisite pastry that needs to be prepared at length, but must be served within minutes of their completion to taste best, ridiculously fine cut smoked ham, as well as enough dark chocolate and golden honey to cover his entire body in it, and a wide variety of the most expensive spices.


    By the time he finished with his list of requests, they already arrived at the paved road leading to the palace, and he has ordered enough food to feed at least half a dozen warriors. He looks down on the two guards who he is burdening with this impossible task, but instead of protesting, they only look at each other once, before bowing again respectfully, and confirming: ¡°Yes, of course my king, we shall tend to it right away!¡±, before dashing off to fulfill his command. Dumbfounded, Loki shouts after them: ¡°And do not forget to also bring the finest wine! Don''t you dare disappoint me!¡± But one guard only turns to nod and bow once more, before continuing running. Amazed at this obedience he looks back at Thor, expecting him to scold him for his unfair task or the frivolous amount of food he ordered, but his brother is smiling at him, almost as if he is happy to see his enormous appetite.


    ???


    Loki turns back confused, trying to save face, and instead scan the surroundings for potential threats. He would rather use another illusion as a decoy and safely observe in an obscured state, but as he still can''t fathom how or why Thor was able to detect him the first time, he''d rather not try it out now. When they enter the palace, Loki almost loses a step, when he notices two guards standing together with a Frost Giant. But instead of attacking each other, the three simply turn to face them, and all bow to him and his brother. Loki is baffled and wonders what must have happened to let one of their sworn enemies walk the palace ground in peace, as it doesn''t seem as though the guards are escorting a prisoner. He is again pleasantly surprised, when the entrance guard beats her pole on the floor to announce: ¡°Their royal majesties, king Loki, and king Thor are present!¡±, and the rest of the room turns to bow to them. He enjoys the attention, even if Thor''s hand petting over his arm feels strange.


    His brother brings him up to the royal chambers, but turns right towards their parents rooms, instead of left towards theirs, somewhat confusing him. He gets tense, thinking how difficult it will be to fool either of them, should they be present. But Thor leads him to the queen''s chambers, and opening the doors ushers: ¡°Here you are my love! I hope you shall find everything to your satisfaction!¡± Unsure, Loki ignores the reoccurring familiarity, but enters and stands astonished in the room. It looks very different from how he remembers it last. He recognizes some of the furniture as that of his mother, but also a lot of his own, and even some of the allfather''s. He wonders if this means that both their parents are in fact dead, and it somehow saddens him, despite his rejection towards his upbringing. Thor must have noticed, because he asks: ¡°Are you feeling well, my king?¡±


    Loki smiles at this address, but fights it down, trying to think up something to complain about. And sure enough, viewing the main table filled to the brim with the various delectables he ordered, all but one present, he huffs: ¡°Why were the pastries not delivered with the rest of the feast? Did I not make myself clear, when I demanded to quench my hunger at once?¡± He gives Thor a scolding look, and is puzzled anew, when his brother smiles lenient at him to clarify: ¡°But my king, have you forgotten that you would call upon the servants to bring them to you on your demand, so you can enjoy them as fresh as you like? You had the carpenters install a direct connection to the royal kitchen specifically for this!¡± Loki blushes under the confident gaze of his brother, and feels exposed, but even more, when Thor adds, almost patronizing: ¡°Or do you wish to test my attention another time, and only play ignorant for my sake? Shall I demonstrate the concept to you?¡± Struggling again to save face, Loki turns away to sit down at the feast, to help himself to the first serving, and arrogantly demands. ¡°Well, if you already see through it, then why must you wait for me to tell you? Ring for some sweets, at once!¡±


    Acting occupied with his first dish, Loki keeps an observant eye on Thor, and as soon as the blond warrior makes a move to pull on a ribbon, half hidden behind one of the gobelins, he halts him: ¡°No wait! On second thought, let me enjoy the more hearty plates first. I shall call for the pastries myself.¡± He notices Thor has a triumphant grin plastered in his face, but needs to ignore it, acting ignorant towards him, chowing down on the expensive and exquisite food. But then his brother comes to stand by his side, and asks attentive: ¡°Is that all for now, my king? Do you require my service any longer?¡± Not turning, Loki keeps busy eating, waving his hand at him as if shooing a fly, and mumbling: ¡°No, you are dismissed. I shall lie down after I have eaten, as I announced! I do not need you anymore!¡±


    He expects Thor to leave him alone then, and is again startled, when his brother gently brushes over his head, bending down to whisper in his ear: ¡°As you wish. Then I hope you have a refreshing rest!¡±, and he gives him a peck on his cheek. Then he finally leaves, not annoying him with more unwanted attention. But Loki needs to halt in his intake of food. Thor has disbanded from him the way the allfather used to part from their mother, and against his will, it moves Loki. He has to take a few deep breaths. Then he decides to ring for the servants, stuffing himself with the delicious baked goods, as soon as they are brought up to him.


    ???

 Awkward revelations

    It truly is a feast for Loki, and he indulges enough to make his belly swell, as the last dimensions he visited had held some hardship for him. Some throwing him into the midst of war, others landing him in prison, and quiet a few where he escaped death only by a near miss. Finishing the last plate he can muster, he ponders over the fact, that thus far, this world has been the first where he has been welcomed so openly. And also the first, where his other self should still be alive, and not far away either. He wonders what occupies him so long, giving him the time to enjoy this pleasant state of pride and power. He really is tired enough to lie down, but Loki knows better than to make himself comfortable in his alter egos private chambers, so set on improving his illusion, he decides to snoop around and gather information.


    He has noticed the servants did not question his appearance, but addressed him with his chosen title. He has to say, they behave the way he would have instructed them, had he been the true ruler of Asgard: obedient, observant, respectful... Loki knows that he was in fact king of Asgard in more than one universe, and for longer than the two days the allfather had exiled Thor onto Midgard, before collapsing into the Odin-sleep. But the way this realm is organized, he believes his influence must have lasted longer, more like a decade, or even beyond that. After all, the kitchen was able to meet his extravagant taste without an issue it seems, so his other self must have had these cravings before, and more than once. He has to find out more about this Loki.


    Thus prior to leaving his chambers, he decides to go through his wardrobe, so he will at least seem somewhat more like this world''s God of Mischief, should he be detected as easily again. He walks into the bedroom, glancing longingly at the comfortable bed, before stepping up to the great closet that used to hold the queen''s various, majestic gowns. Or still does, as he remarks confused, when he opens the first double doors, and only views some fine woven dresses, most sparkling with expensive jewels, or lined with gold or silver thread between the silk or Brokawe, glowing in the fanciest colors. Although he notes that the majority are held in blue and green, his favorite shades, and only few in white or other pale colors his mother used to prefer. To be exact, he doesn''t even recognize any of the garments as those of Frigga. After looking a little closer, he does find a silver white dress that actually did belong to the late queen, one of her most exquisite gowns she hardly wore, but which Loki had always admired. It makes him wonder.


    He quickly moves to the next compartment, only to find even more feminine clothing, although these seem more sturdy, some even plated with leather or metal, like a huntress outfit, and even some battle armor a Lady Sif would have killed to have the honor of wearing. Loki''s confusion rises, he simply cannot picture Frigga ever enjoying the physical violence of battle the way he occasionally would. Was this world so different? He opens the next pair of doors, and is met with some more casual fabrics, less glamour and more comfort, also holding some night gowns or comfy, simple wear, the way he had seen the peasant humans dress in on Midgard. Not that these would ever truly compare, but the simplistic design does strike him as odd. Perhaps his late mother had worn such things only for herself in private, when she did not need to present. It''s what Loki would do. Or would wear under a more elaborate illusion, if he was to mimic a peasant, a servant, or some other lower class person. He can picture the mischief he''d be able to deliver, and has to stop himself from dreaming up new tricks to play. After all, he still has to be on the lookout.


    So he moves to the last of the closet doors, thinking how his other self might be too sentimental to dispose of his mother''s wardrobe as a tribute, but would surely need to wear things of his own. But the last door is locked. First this confuses Loki. Then he smiles. At last a challenge. Someone else would now curse and search for a key, perhaps hidden in one of the garments, perhaps somewhere in the room. But Loki knows he can open any lock he pleases, if he just has enough patience. So, he tries to concentrate, feel the wood and metal under his fingers, sense the mechanism that is holding the door closed. And then he realizes something odd. The lock is not held by a bolt or a ring, but by magic. And it doesn''t seem to be that of his mother, but more like is own. A little more refined perhaps.


    It is strange to him, but the God of Mischief concentrates, and is then surprised when the lock gives way on his first attempt to pick it, as if it had waited for him to do so all along. More like a safety latch you would install against children, than an actual lock a skilled adult might pick. Puzzled, Loki opens the doors, not knowing what to anticipate. But it certainly wasn''t what he finds: Elaborate underwear, enticing in design and color, clearly meant to be seductive and thrilling. After glancing at some of these dessous, some more playful, others worthy of a dominatrix, he quickly closes the doors again, locking them tight, and tries to disperse the image of his mother, dressed in any one of these seductive garments, as the allfather enters her chambers.


    The trickster hastily wanders back into the sitting room, taking some more of the wine he had held back after the feast to calm his trembling nerves. It doesn''t make sense. Would his mother be this keen on collecting such various dresses and gowns, overly elegant, almost boring casual, fit for battle, or even cheeky, as the last door suggests? He knows he might let his imagination wonder in such spheres, and had he been king, he might have acquired such an expensive and wide ranging wardrobe. Except for the last one. Unless he had a partner, he thinks. And then a suspicion creeps into his mind. Thor had been surprised by his look. ''Oh, you choose this form now?'', he had remarked. And had called him his queen. They are the queen''s chambers he occupies.


    Loki quickly runs back to the first compartment of the wardrobe, to the dress he had admired of Frigga. She used to hate wearing it, because she always needed to also wear very high heels, as not to tread on the wide falling skirt part. But he is a good foot taller than the queen was. He scans the other dresses. They are all his size. Loki starts to shiver. Then he gets angry. Why should he step back behind his brother, let him be the ruler and king? And play the part of his female companion, a queen, even presenting the way his mother had done, though sometimes reluctantly, with extravagant, glamorous clothing? Then another somewhat nauseating thought invades his skull. The elaborate dessous, hidden away in the last compartment, secured by his magic. It had already been scary thinking his brother would wish to kiss him more. But judging from those gowns, they were even more intimate with each other than that.


    Loki has to sit down on the bed, to not sway. And then, feeling the soft, welcoming sheets, his imagination takes off into the direction he had already pictured his mother in. But somehow this is even worse: Him and Thor, lying with each other, his brother kissing his exposed body, hardly covered by one of the enticing fabrics, underlining feminine features, that he was willfully presenting to him, to fuel his desire... ¡°No!¡±, he gasps loud, getting of the bed as if being stung by something. ¡°No.¡±, he repeats a little quieter, and then adds with gritted teeth: ¡°No. I will not be your whore! Not here, not ever!¡± And thinking of the feast he enjoyed, still staring at the elegant clothes that, had the premise been a different one, he might have even considered trying on for fun, he hisses: ¡°No more. Not all the riches of the nine realms would be worth for me to bow to you. I will not kneel before you... especially not like that!¡± He shakes his head with closed eyes, like a dog getting rid of a bug bothering its hide. Then he moves to close the doors, shutting them with a bang, growing louder each time, and even kicks at the already locked ones, for good measure. Then he shrouds himself determined, and moves to exit the queen''s chambers, not wishing to explore them further.


    ???


    Loki makes his way to the royal library instead, to read up on this world''s history, hoping to find answers. On his way there he crosses paths with various servants, guards and other palace staff, and is relieved to find none of them noticing his presence. He walks on, proud of his craft, believing it must have be a coincidence after all, that led Thor to figure out his illusion. He had after all just entered this world. A strange world, he continues to think, once he slips into the library after one of the castle maids, expecting her to come clean up in the stuffy, dusty catacombs. How surprised is he, to find the grand room buzzing with people of all walks of life, either scouting the endless walls and shelves for books, or standing close in little groups, excitedly discussing things in hushed voices, as not to disturb another.


    He has to lean on a wall in awe, and even more when a grand warrior moves towards him, to replace a book right there. Loki notes that the simple fighter must have obeyed a filing system, as the book fits right between the others, containing the same subject, written by the same author. Loki is dumbfounded. Sure, the library had always had a system to find knowledge, but he had found it so very complicated, that searching for information by himself could take hours, which he was forced to do more than often, as he tried to gather background facts to find hidden paths between the worlds, or methods to hide from or counter the magic the allfather had woven throughout Asgard and the other realms. And now, this once secluded place he would bury himself in work with, is a popular meeting place for even the lower classes! It confuses him.


    But then he notices a painting, at the end of the main corridor. Although it is quiet huge, Loki still comes closer, passing the packed tables occupied by various students doing research. His mouth is open in awe, and although the sight is strange to him, he cannot help but feel a little proud and happy: mounted on the wall, surrounded by various crests, certificates, and scrolls, framed with golden wood, is a portrait of himself, more than twice his height, and held in vibrant colors. It shows him sitting at a desk, a quill delicately held in his hand, writing on a scroll, numerous books stacked next to him on the table, or on the ground to his feet. Every piece of furniture, and every item in the painting, reeks of expensive quality and tasteful elegance. And his own figure completes this, as all his prominent features are highlighted in the most favorable way, his pale skin shining like marble, his green eyes creating the illusion of a sparkle, the indication of a knowing smile on his lips, his black hair hanging down in delicate curls.


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    However, that is where his approval starts to fade. Because the Loki in the picture is clearly presenting as female. Not that he is shown to wear make up, or if he is, it is as inconspicuous and discrete as it can be. But there is clearly some bosom, shown with some cleavage in a most elegant green dress, complimenting the eyes and underlining his slender physique. A banner above the portrait reads: ''Our patron, the God of Knowledge!'' Loki is baffled, but satisfied, when he reads the second banner underneath it, showing a quote: ''To tell a good lie, one must first know the truth!''


    He had said this to his mother, and to his scholars, on various occasions. To see it written on the wall of the library, honoring him, does fill him with pride, even if he disapproves of his depiction. Although he must admit, that the likeness does seem more than flattering, and at least his face and his hands are drawn to such perfection, he would think to look into a mirror. Loki furrows his brows. Whyever his other self had decided to play along to this charade, he certainly had gained more autonomy and power, than Loki did during his short reign in his own past. And there seems to be a great amount of respect, perhaps even gratitude, brought towards this version of himself. It feels so odd. Just then, a woman close by marvels at the painting, sighing: ¡°She looks so beautiful!¡± He turns to her appalled, closely searching her face for signs of mockery, but instead finds sincere admiration and even longing desire.


    Just then her companion steps next to her, informing her: ¡°He! His majesty has requested to be addressed as his lordship, king Loki!¡± The woman quickly covers her mouth, and turning to him thanks him: ¡°Oh, I had not heard! Thank you for correcting me! Of course, his majesty. But still, he remains beautiful, no matter what form.¡± ¡°You''re welcome.¡±, the young man replies, ¡°It''s rather new, so you are forgiven. But you know how sensitive his majesty has been lately.¡± ¡°Well, it is to be expected, is it not?¡±, the woman returns, making Loki wonder. Just then, one of the guards walks up to the podium located under the portrait, and banging his pole on the ground, loudly announces: ¡°Hear ye, hear ye! As of now until further notice, his lordship, king Loki of Asgard, wishes to be spoken to in his male titles and pronouns! We ask everyone to be mindful of this new status and to inform all who might not know, so that we may respect his highness''s wishes. That is all!¡±


    Loki stares at the guard in amazement. But then he straightens himself up. ''They are advised best to follow this order, or feel my wrath!'', he thinks, satisfied at the people''s obedience, but also grinning in delight, thinking how it will be impossible to inform everyone of this new concept, and how he would be able to shout at the first poor soul that did not get the memo before addressing him. Just then, he hears a group starting to clap behind him. He turns and has to steady himself once more at the sight. Three Frost Giants are stepping out of one of the side corridors, and facing the portrait, following the guard with their eyes, they bring their hands together in approval. One of them turns to the others, smiling: ¡°His lordship, the king...¡±, and the two return the gesture. Loki wonders if they are chuckling at the Asgardian''s obedience, or feel pride for his title. But then he notices the small Asgardian scholar, standing before them like a guide, and explaining: ¡°Yes, quiet certainly! We have learned from previous experience, that informing the public to follow his wishes right away, helps his highness feel comfortable and respected.¡±, he gestures importantly, ¡°It is vital to make sure his desires are fulfilled to ensure his well being and keep the atmosphere in the palace peaceful.¡±


    The Frost Giants nod and follow him to the long show case before the podium, where he explains: ¡°Well, to keep on with our tour: This is the central display where the historic records are kept!¡± Loki follows them quietly, listening attentive, as the guide reports: ¡°As you notice, there are two main books, one that reads the old records, as they have been approved of his late highness, king Odin.¡± He hears the Frost Giants growling disapprovingly, and would have joined in, but the guide continues: ¡°The newer one was commissioned by his highness king Thor, and it is continuously updated to give more detailed and neutral reports of the historic events and the context they occurred in. I must again give your king Lauffey our regards, for helping us complete this task by sharing your own historic records with us!¡± Loki raises his brows surprised. King Lauffey lives? How is this possible? What occurred in this dimension to keep his other self from murdering his genitor in favor of the allfather''s approval?


    Not that it had worked in his own past, but he remembers how obsessed he was to prove his worth to his supposed father, and what length he was willing to go to. It all seems fantastic to him now, but is his other self so far ahead of him, regarding his feelings in the matter? Loki would like to just find out by reading the records, but the show case is not only closed around the scrolls for display, it is also locked and guarded by more castle guards. Of course Loki could just appear in his visible form and demand that they hand them over to him, but he does not wish to draw attention to his actions this way. At least not yet. But he gets another idea. As these J?tunn seem to be some kind of tourists, or scholars that are led by a guide, he might as well follow them, hoping to hear more about this Asgard''s history, and his other self''s character. So he keeps close to them, spending the next hours in their shadow.


    ???


    To his frustration, the palace''s history and the circumstances of his brother''s and his own crowning and union are not revisited in detail, but he still gathers a lot of interesting information: apparently Asgard and Jothunheim are in close diplomatic exchanges, despite the bifrost having been destroyed by Odin on the day of his exile. Loki finds out that the allfather has left, once Thor took the throne, and that him and the queen are in fact alive, but left with a few trusted warriors and servants, to live in another realm, presumably Frigga''s birthplace Anaheim.


    It also surprises him to find out, that Midgard seems to play no role in the current political situation of Asgard. He smirks, imagining how the Avengers, if they even exist in this timeline, would be completely unprepared for an invasion of the mighty gods, should he be able to convince his dumb brother to go along with it. But that is all the background information he gets of the political situation. Perhaps the guests are not that keen on having the details explained to them, or it is confidential foreign policy that isn''t part of the tour.


    Loki sticks around anyways, as the guide leads the Frost Giants to the royal gardens. He wonders if this fortress of solitude has become as popular as his other retreat. And sure enough, already while descending the steps leading outside, he can see the many civilians walking around the parks, admiring the bountiful colors of the flowers in full bloom, or standing at boards depicting the various herbs planted in between, describing their attributes and healing qualities. Loki is amazed at this well organized depiction of beauty and resources. The gardens had always been lovely and clean, as they were a favorite past time of their mother''s, but seeing them in this glory almost brings tears to Loki''s eyes. He parts from the group, as the guides description of the floral difference to that of Jothunheim does neither surprise nor enlighten him, and so he just walks around the garden a bit, taking in the scenery. He is fascinated by how well the order of the park aligns with the chaos of nature, to form something so calming and beautiful as this garden.


    He stops by one of the trees, a willow that he used to sit under to read as a boy. Suddenly he hears Fandral, of the Warriors Three, addressing him: ¡°A magnificent piece of wood, don''t you think?¡± The trickster turns to him in a panic, questioning how he discovered him, but then realizes the young man is talking to a lady next to him, admiring the rather inconspicuous tree. When the lady only gives Fandral a quick look, not answering to his obvious attempt to flirt, he adds: ¡°Did you know Loki used to sit here to read poetry? The willow is rather important to him!¡± The God of Mischief is flabbergasted. Fandral noticed this? Are even Thor''s friends in this reality more observant towards him? And he is held more in awe, when the foxy haired warrior claims: ¡°You know, it was here that he got the idea for his fable: ''The peacock in the willow!''¡±


    Loki holds his breath. He had written that story as a young man, when he still took more time to consume and create literature, than study and perfect illusions. He never showed it to anyone, not even his mother! Why would Fandral of all people know about this? And why speak of the tale as if it is a wide spread fact? But then the young woman points to a sign and mocks him: ¡°Oh, and you simply happen to remember it now? Or did you read that of the board, so you could try and impress me?¡± Loki relaxes a bit, thinking that that indeed would explain the warrior''s expertise. But maybe him and Fandral were much closer in this past than in his own, because he assures the lady: ¡°Oh no, I remember, because he read it to me, while we were sitting under the branches as young lads!¡± ¡°Really?¡±, the woman now asks intrigued, and Loki listens with anticipation, as Fandral claims: ¡°Oh yes, him and I were rather close back then! We used to spend hours sitting under the willow!¡± The woman eyes him with more interest now, and wants to know: ¡°And what else did you and the prince experience in that time?¡± The red headed man boasts: ¡°Well, we were mostly just making out, hidden behind the green. I taught him everything he knows about kissing with passion! I''m a great teacher!¡±


    Loki is horror-struck, and has to cover his mouth. The young woman thankfully comes to his rescue, as she challenges Fandral: ¡°Now that, I do not believe! I''ve read the fable, and he would not have written it this way, had he had a loyal companion in you! On the contrary, I should believe the role of the boastful fox was inspired by you!¡± Yet Fandral only advances towards her, putting a hand under her chin, and admitting: ¡°Well, perhaps I did exaggerate a little. After all, like his majesty always says: You must polish the truth to tell a good story!¡± The lady smiles a little, and the warrior adds: ¡°Because it is true... I am a good kisser! Would you like me to prove it?¡± She still smiles, but withdraws her head, turning to walk away. Fandral makes one last attempt: ¡°Come on, give me a chance! At least let me invite you to a play! ''The peacock in the willow'', tonight in the royal theater! What say ye?¡±


    ''It is a play too?'', Loki wonders overwhelmed, ''And it plays in the royal theater?'' ¡°I thought it was written for the children?¡±, he half hears the woman saying over her shoulder, and the warrior''s response while following her: ¡°No, it is also entertaining to adults...¡± Loki stands still, trying to sort what he just heard. Then he walks towards the sign, the young woman pointed to. After a longer description about the tree''s origin, order, and medicinal use, there is a small info box, reading: ¡°''This willow used to be king Loki''s favorite spot to read poetry as a young man. He also spend time for his studies, or writing works of art under the branches. ''The peacock in the willow'' was inspired by this location.'' Loki smirks, as he thinks of Fandral''s failed attempt to impress the young woman with these public facts.


    Then he moves closer, as something about the words strikes him as odd. The male pronouns, and the word king are highlighted by being elevated. He touches the board, to find the words can be removed. Taking one into his hand, he turns it over, to read a female pronoun instead. Loki ponders over this. Did his other self change between the genders he presented as so frequently, that writing a new sign every time would be too tiresome? If he could be seen as king, then why present as female at all? And why was the phrase ''as a young man'' not also variable then, but fixed. Would it not sound queer to read: ''when queen Loki was a young man, she...'' ? As if he could completely transform his gender from its origin, and would keep the phrase to emphasize this.


    ???

 More familiarities

    Loki leaves the garden deep in thought. This place just seems so surreal. Even the universe that had been plunged into pitch black by the Dark Elves, or the one where his former master Thanos was raging his Infinity War, had not felt as strange as this twisted paradise does. Apart from being seen as a woman and potential mate to his own brother, Loki would consider this kingdom an ideal place to call his home. He gets wistful for a minute. But making his way back to the royal chambers, he fights down the emotions, to focus instead on his surroundings again. He has yet to encounter his alter ego, and starts to worry. Would the news of him presenting differently not have reached him yet? ''Or her?'', he thinks, half amused and half still angered at this insolence.


    Then his fears return, when he sees Thor exiting the queen''s chambers, exclaiming rather loud: ¡°I don''t know where she is!¡± Since he might as well try his luck staying invisible, Loki keeps still, but when Thor turns to him, he seems to sense something, as he furrows his brows. But before he can even decide, whether to keep up the illusion, two children appear behind the blond warrior king. One is a young girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, in a rather robust leather dress with a red belt and some golden ornaments. The other is a little boy with black hair and green eyes, wearing a more elegant, but still comfortable dark green robe. And both their garments are marked with the royal crest.


    He barely has time to observe this, because as soon as the children turn to his direction, the young girl''s eyes light up, and she shouts: ¡°But there she is! Mother, mother, we were looking all over for you!¡±, while running up to him. Loki freezes in shock, and stares from the girl closing in on him, to Thor, who is now smiling and encouraging the little boy: ¡°Well come along Albor, go and greet your mother!¡± ¡°But I don''t see her! Is she hiding again?¡±, the boy asks timid, reaching for Thor''s hand. Loki already braces himself for an onslaught by the girl, but she halts a few feet from him, pointing in his direction and confirming: ¡°She is right there Albor! I can almost see her!¡±, then asking him, ¡°Mother, where were you? You had promised to join us for a picnic!¡±


    He can hear her disappointment through her excitement, and she puts her hands on her hips, adopting as much of an intimidating pose a child half his size can muster, to look up with a frown. Thor and the boy have come closer meanwhile, the boy holding on to his hand, cowering a little in his shadow. But he views Loki with an anxious and questioning face. And unlike the girl, who so confidently poses in front of him, the boy seems to actually look into his eyes. ¡°Are you sure, it is her, father? Not some monster?¡±, he addresses Thor, who simply chuckles. Loki knows he must take hold of the situation quickly, and so when the girl demands: ¡°Well, show yourself, mother! You''re scaring Albor!¡±, he does what he knows best: cause drama!


    With the most intimidating revelation of himself, making his features recognizable at once, while creating the illusion of darkness around him, he bellows in an appalled voice: ¡°Is that any way to greet a king, young lady?¡± The effect is not lost on the child, although she tries her best to hide it, and even Thor flinches a little, but the boy''s reaction is priceless! Screeching in a high pitch, he hurries to hide behind the great warrior, wrapping himself in his cape, and starts to cry. Loki has to keep a straight face, still glaring at the young girl. She has such a likeness to Thor, it is clear that she must in fact be his daughter. But was the boy also of his blood? His features, as far as Loki observes, could be compared to himself much more than to his brother. Could that be? Would they both have taken a woman to lie with, just to create offspring to raise together? Why would his other self even agree, if those born of his blood could never be considered worthy of the throne?


    Trying to figure out how these children are connected to him, Loki still focuses on the girl made speechless by his performance, while Thor turns around himself more than once, to detach the crying boy from his cape, before kneeling down to calm him. Distracted by this, the little princess has turned to her brother, so Loki reclaims her attention, demanding: ¡°Well? Are you not going to apologize to me?¡± But even as she opens her mouth, her little brother pipes up scared: ¡°I''m sorry! I''m sorry, please don''t eat me! Please don''t eat me, I''m so sorry!¡± ¡°But Albor, your mother will not eat you! She loves you, you are safe!¡±, Thor tries to assure the crying youngling.


    Loki is still staring at the girl, who now rolls her eyes at this. He notices that she looks as annoyed as he feels, and has to fight down a smirk of approval for her, so he turns to bark at Thor instead: ¡°I thought I had made it clear how I wished to be addressed! Do I need to repeat it to you?¡± His brother is now hugging the little boy, to pick him up, but gives Loki a look of confusion, wondering: ¡°You even want the children to adopt your title?¡± Loki straightens himself up with pride and demands: ¡°Of course! A king deserves respect and obedience, from his subjects as much as from his children!¡±


    Now he can see Thor''s face harden. It had looked that way before, when he had pushed him away during their first interaction. Then he speaks: ¡°It is what Odin used to say. I thought you hated his line of thinking?¡± Loki feels his throat swell, as though a lump is forming in it, though he cannot say exactly what causes it. He tries to stay cool, stating: ¡°I do not approve of his ways, but I will demand what is rightfully mine!¡± He can see Thor struggling internally, and he gets nervous. But then his brother lets out a small sigh, and smiling at the girl he urges: ¡°Very well. Lanay, you heard your mother''s request...¡±


    ¡°Father''s, if you will!¡±, Loki interrupts, confusing them both. They do not protest, but it is clear that they find this demand just as strange as he finds the title of mother, and he wonders why his alter ego would be keen to adopt it, when the children must clearly have at least a wet-nurse who birthed and weaned them, that would deserve the title much more. Still, the young princess obliges, turning again to bow to him and say: ¡°I apologize for my insolence, father! I did not mean to be disrespectful towards you.¡± However, she does give him a sincere look of disappointment, as she closes: ¡°We had only been looking forward to spending the afternoon with you so much! We missed you!¡±


    ???


    The J?tunn prince has a hard time keeping his face sublime. Those words... He had last heard them as a young boy, and coming from his mother. Speaking for the allfather and Thor, as a white lie, desperately trying to make him feel a part of the family he never truly was a part of. Bitterness is rising in his chest, remembering much too clear his sense of misplacement in their midst, and how he only much later discovered the truth to why he was feeling this way. Odin never truly adopted him. And as for Thor... Loki cannot even claim, that his brother didn''t care for him at all. But he didn''t need him. He had his friends. His companions. His admirers. While Loki had noone.


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    Apart from the queen, who tried to share her love between them equally. Thus not nearly giving him enough by comparison. And Odin made sure, they would compete and compare every little thing between them, trying to best each other. With Thor always coming out on top. Oh how he despised him! Him and everything he stood for. Even though it was mostly Odin''s doing. And just now, a little blond child, of Thor''s blood, eager, stubborn, proud, like her father, was telling him in all earnest: ''We missed you!''


    He tries to focus more on his underlying hatred of Thor, to remain stern, and he replies: ¡°Unsurprisingly so. Yet that does not excuse your behavior! I expect better from you in the future!¡± The princess and her father still eye him in confusion, when the little prince again speaks up, demanding: ¡°But why must we call her father? Are you not our father, father? Then who is my mother?¡±, looking lost at Thor. Loki''s lips curl up just a bit, thinking he might be able to persuade his brother to adopt this silly prefix instead, but the blond king just holds up the prince, to tell him: ¡°It is merely a change in title, Albor! Like... like calling him ''Captain Loki'', do you remember?¡±


    The trickster furrows his brows a bit, but the little boy''s eyes light up, and he chirps: ¡°Oh, so now he is the great pirate again? And I''m second in command?¡± The princess is rolling her eyes once more, but walks towards her brother, set down again by Thor, to explain: ¡°No silly, that was just a game we played! This is not the pirate bay after all. Mo... Father just wants us to address him this way, because he feels more like it.¡± Loki''s mouth parts upset, but he holds his tongue, carefully observing while everyone else''s attention rests with the boy.


    ¡°But he was a great Captain! The most fearsome and ruthless plunderer of the big sea!¡±, the little prince starts to rave, and points to Thor, ¡°He made you walk the plank five times, father!¡± The warrior king smiles back at his son: ¡°Yes, that he did!¡± ¡°And I got to keelhaul you!¡±, Albor goes on, as his sister joins in: ¡°Yes, that was fun! And I got to avenge my father, when I challenged the Captain to a duel!¡± ¡°And I thought he really died!¡±, the boy remarks a little shaken, so Thor assures him: ¡°Well, as I always tell you, your father Loki is the master of illusions! He still manages to fool me to this day, so you are forgiven your gullibility!¡±


    The God of Mischief meanwhile starts to feel misplaced once more. He observes a family, sharing a happy memory that he was not a part of, even though he is. Or more, his alter ego. It still confuses him. Why did his other self enjoy his life so much? Even playing silly little games with his brother''s offspring, pampering them, catering to their egos. And then he realizes, that it might be too conspicuous, if he kept up his cold, prideful facade with them at all times. He would need to be more considerate, if he didn''t want Thor to become suspicious of him. And so relaxing his face a little, he brings himself back into play, by saying: ¡°You are correct, I am unsurpassed in my ability to recreate myself. And maybe I sometimes take it too far.¡±, now all three eye him attentive, ¡°So I have a proposition: if you still wish to spend time with me, why don''t you join me for a play this evening? I wish to attend the royal theater tonight.¡±


    Thor seems a bit unsure, but Lanay asks right away: ¡°Oh, what are they showing?¡± ¡°The Peacock in the Willow.¡±, Loki informs her with a tiny smile, which widens into a more genuine one, when the children both exclaim: ¡°But that''s our favorite!¡± Acting more sure than he is, Loki nods: ¡°And don''t I know it! So, shall we get ready?¡±, viewing his brother. Thor now seems relieved and thus agrees: ¡°By all means! And say, would it suit you, if we took the rest of the picnic with us? Or would you rather order something new?¡±


    This is another pleasant surprise to Loki. Not just that his brother even bothers to think about the logistics of dinner at all, and that he comes up with a practical solution. But the fact that they will be able to eat while attending a play, is a novelty he welcomes. When Thor and him had been growing up, their parents also took them to the theater a few times. And though Loki usually enjoyed it, at least more than Thor, he did always find it very strict and sterile, having to sit in the darkness for hours, not allowed to speak, eat, drink, or move too much. Even leaving to go to the lavatory was frowned upon, and although he understood that you would not be able to follow the play, if you had a hearty feast at the same time, letting people quietly discuss the story, while enjoying light snacks and refreshments, would only add to the entertainment in his eyes.


    And now it seems that his prayers had been answered, and most likely by himself again. So he agrees with a benevolent smile: ¡°I see not what speaks against it. What I miss, I can still order as we sit!¡±, making the children join hands and cheer: ¡°Oh hurray! Picnic and a play! Picnic and a play!¡±, as if chanting a rhyme they had been taught. It almost makes Loki jealous, seeing how lively the little ones are in the presence of their supposed parents, while him and Thor needed to be on their best behavior whenever the allfather was just in the same room as them.


    Then his brother brings him back to the current objective, asking: ¡°Have you already decided what you wish to wear?¡±, somewhat surprising him, and thinking how he had failed to find any male attire for himself, he starts to get nervous. He doesn''t want to present as Thor''s queen, especially not in public, and after announcing his demand to be called a king as well. But having to keep up an illusion of a garment for hours in a dim lit theater, when he was hoping to focus on the play, would also be too tiresome. He cannot back out again now, or it might be suspicious.


    But then he gets an idea, and putting on another trusting smile proposes: ¡°To be honest I have not. How about you assist me in finding an outfit worthy of a king to wear to this occasion?¡± He can only win with this request. Either his other self did in fact own some masculine garments, and his brother could call for the servants to fetch it, or even lead him to it the way he did with his bell for the kitchen. Or he would fail miserably, by only picking out various female costumes, and then Loki could blame him for ruining his wish to go out.


    Or blame the children, because the princess leans in to beg: ¡°Oh please, can we help too? Please Mo... Father! You know how much I love looking through your wardrobe!¡± Loki first furrows his brows a little, but then smiles at her, offering: ¡°Hm. Oh, why not. I shall give you the chance to redeem yourself, as a trusted advisor to your king!¡± He would think to come across as condescending to her, but the little girl just smiles, and taking her brother by the hand she chirps: ¡°Come along Albor!¡±, to return to the queen''s chambers.


    Loki is again surprised that the children simply run off without having their parents dismiss them first, but following them with his eyes, his gaze gets stuck on Thor, who beams back at him with pride. Embarrassed, the J?tunn prince turns to follow the little ones, but when he wants to pass his brother, he gently takes him in his arms, to whisper in his ear: ¡°And here I was, worried that you were too grumpy to spoil them! Oh Loki, never stop playing your tricks on me!¡±, and gives him another sweet peck on the cheek. Luckily, that is all the touching the Frost Giant has to endure, and so he keeps up his friendly manner, escorting his brother into his chambers, to pick out some new clothes.


    ???

 Much ado about nothing

    It turns out that the upper closets, located above the regular wardrobe, which Frigga used only for storage, are holding a wide range of male attire, rivaling the one below in elegance and taste. Becoming rather exited, Loki does the children the favor of putting on some of the outfits they pick, until finally deciding on a mix between their suggestions and his own liking. He even favors dressing up in a more nautical theme, putting on a tricorn with a feather, and allows the little boy to address him with Captain Loki, as a treat. He has to smile at himself in the mirror, proud at his manly reflection, and grins over the memory of the clownish Captain America he had to step up against, looking more like a dolled up harlequin than someone military.


    After calling for the servants to switch the whereabouts of the male with the female clothes, he eagerly joins Thor on his quest to pick a matching outfit to compliment his own. It is a good excuse to snoop around in the king''s room, which also looks very different from how he remembers. But when he does the same with Lanay and Albor, he again feels a lump forming in his throat, seeing their old playrooms and studies reformed to fit the new princess and prince. He again notices the many changes, showing him that his brother and his alter ego must favor a more individualistic approach to parenting, giving the children ample opportunities to explore themselves, and try out a wide range of past times and crafts, to find what best suits them. He thus hurries to agree on their own attempt of picking out suitable attire, making them both smile with pride, and Thor gaze at him anew with lovely eyes.


    When they finally go out, not few of the servants and guards give them admiring looks, and when even some of the other attendants of the royal theater hush their compliments as they bow to their kings, Loki walks with even more elation, enjoying the positive attention. He still has to cause some mischief, when they move to take their seats at the royal loge, passing other aristocrats, and Fandral of the Warriors Three, sitting there with a disappointed frown, next to an empty seat. He walks up to him, satisfied to see the foxy warrior bow his head at once to address him: ¡°Oh, my lord, what an honor. I had not expected you to be here tonight!¡± ¡°Oh, you had not? But would I want to miss this performance, seeing how much the story means to the two of us?¡±, Loki replies with a smirk. Fandral furrows his brows, and Thor stops to eye him with a questioning expression, so the trickster continues: ¡°As a matter of fact, why do you not come and sit with me? I can arrange for the loge''s drapes to be closed, shrouding us in obscurity, the way the willow used to do!¡±


    Now Fandral''s face turns redder than his hair, and he stutters: ¡°Oh, but, but my lord, I had no idea it was you! I was only joking, wishing to impress a lady!¡± On cue, Loki turns himself into a copy of the woman Fandral had been flirting with, and mimicking her voice pouts: ¡°Oh, so it was a lie? You are not really a good kisser?¡± ¡°What is all this about?!¡±, Thor now demands with jealous eyes, while his friend tries to amend his perception: ¡°Oh, but my king, as I said, I had no idea it was Loki! I only saw a lovely lady I wished to woe, and thus I tried to tell her an interesting tale! It did not work, she... he left me standing at the willow, nothing happened!¡± Loki still wants to play with the warrior, squirming under Thor''s glare, and thus changing back into his current state, he puts a finger to his mouth, as if trying to recall something, musing: ¡°Well, not today anyways, but... what was that about us spending hours making out under the tree''s branches? Did you not teach me everything I know about passionate osculation?¡±


    He then walk on to join the children, already waiting at the loge, to let Thor deal with his friend alone. He does half register his brother growling at the redhead, but then focuses his attention back on stage, where an usher walks out to announce: ¡°People of Asgard, it is with great pride, that once again, the royal theater has the honor of performing before the royal family! Their majesties, king Loki, king Thor, princess Lanay, and prince Albor are present! Please pay your respect to them!¡± The J?tunn prince is a bit shocked, when a bright light is shined at the royal loge, but then straightens himself up, smiling confidently, as Thor joins his side, while the whole theater rises to bow to them, and give a round of applause to welcome them. And they do not stop. It thrills Loki to bask in this air of homage paid towards him and his family, and he savors the pleasant feeling it invokes in him.


    But then, as he catches a glance of Thor, giving him a queer look, he waves at the crowd to stop, and they actually pipe down nearly instantly, but do not turn away. Almost as if they wait for a final blessing by their king. And so he exclaims loudly: ¡°Well, as much as I appreciate the attention, let us enjoy tonight''s performance, what say ye?¡± The crowd bursts into a mixture of relieved laughter, and amused chuckles, and the spotlight returns to the stage, leaving Loki to hide his happy smile in the returning shadows, as he sits down in the comfortable armchair that would fit a family. Until he realizes that that was the intention, as Thor moves to sit next to him, leaving a gap, where the children take their seats. It''s a new shock to him, and for a second he considers raising his voice to demand that they take a chair of their own. But then the curtain rises, and he is left to marvel again at this form of upbringing, that is so different from his own.


    ???


    Sitting next to their father, or better supposed father, Odin, was a special treat the boys had to compete for, and it wasn''t something regular, that they would be able to demand. He recalls that Frigga was not as keen on this etiquette as the allfather, and when Loki was still very little, she had allowed him to sit on her lap. Either while she read him a story, or sometimes just as she did her needlework, listening to his childish concerns, or tall tales he''d invent to boast before her. When his father was present however, he would sneer at this unmanly display of affection, and so the only time him or Thor were allowed some physical contact to their parents, was while they''d congratulate them to an achievement. Or when their father was drunken and joyful, having them sit on his lap to tell them of his adventures.


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    But the new king of Asgard doesn''t hold with his father''s ways. Perhaps out of his love to Loki? ''I thought you hated Odin''s line of thinking!'', he had said, ''This was what Odin would say.'', and ''Have you forgiven Odin for robbing you of your people?'' He called him Odin. Loki suddenly realizes, that his brother has not mentioned the allfather as such, or as their or even just his father once. As if he wanted to put some distance between himself and the old king. More and more questions start to form in Loki''s head, but he chases them away, and returns his attention towards the play.


    A play written about his fable. Perhaps he even wrote it himself. And the drama does entice him, raptures him, so much so, he hardly consumes any of the snacks spread out next to him, unlike Thor. And the children, who also move to sit on the little foot rest, as it is closer to the stage. But even they stay at the edge of their seats, feeling for the poor peacock, hiding his beauty behind the willow''s branches, so that the proud lion always outshines him. The actors give it their everything, and the musical setting underlines the performance so well, it moves Loki to tears, when the actor playing the peacock cries: ¡°Do you not see? I have noone! I am alone!¡± Just then he feels his hand being grabbed, and as he turns to look at Thor, he is surprised to see a shimmer in his eyes as well, as he bends over to whisper to him: ¡°You have me now! And I will never again put anything above you, Loki!¡± The Frost Giant has to turn his face back towards the play, to hide how much all this overwhelms him, and unable to protest, he lets Thor give him a round of tender kisses on his hand, until the curtain falls and he can withdraw it to clap.


    The second act holds some more rather moving scenes, and at one point the little boy even returns to his fathers'' seat, to give ''Captain Loki'' a compassionate hug, throwing the trickster off guard. So he gives his considerate, tiny look-alike a pat on the head, grateful to have him leave soon after, as he rejoins his sister at the front, to gobble up the remaining sweets. Loki is a little confused when this act ends with how he had written his fable to close all those years ago, leaving the peacock trapped in its unlucky fate, feeling isolated and forgotten. An ending worthy of a tragedy, and he can see that some of the other theater goers are moved to tears at this, especially the attending children. And then he wonders. Had the woman Fandral wanted to invite not said she thought is was a play for children? How could this be a suitable bedtime story for a youngling, when even the adults had trouble coping? Though it does comfort him to see that others are able to relate to his struggles and emotions, even if only through the eyes of a fictitious bird.


    But a play would usually have at least three acts, and as his story is now over, Loki wonders what everyone is waiting for, so he remains seated too. And then the third act begins. The J?tunn prince is astonished, how well this added piece of art fits his original story, even though it puts it on its head completely. Instead of suffering his unjust conditions for the rest of his life, the noble bird makes a final attempt at rebelling against the all powerful sun, joining an alliance with the proud lion of all people. But gathering more and more followers, as he proves to find solutions to their problems, that neither they, nor their king have come up with. And finally, even the sun has to admit that the peacock''s cleverness, partially stemming from observing each and all from the shadows all his life, is unmatched by his own, and so he gets to shine for himself, taking the place he deserves, the lion by his side as a trusted friend.


    ???


    Loki understands how he is to take this ending, and it frustrates him anew. Why could he not be a king without Thor? Why not give him what was rightfully his, if the others could even see his genius? He ignores the growing possibility, that his other self might in fact have chosen this life for himself, because he wanted it. Instead, he orders some more delectables for himself, to be brought up to his room, as he still feels a bit unfulfilled, and wants to indulge himself for comfort. Thor''s stupid, content grin, as he hears him ask for yet another feast, also unnerves him, wondering why he seems so pleased.


    As much as he appreciates and enjoys this reality, it still seems too fantastic to him, that he, Loki, prince of Asgard, heir of Jothunheim, God of Mischief, Illusions, and Lies, would ever settle for his own brother as a partner, and willing to share the throne with him. There had to be some other explanation, something hidden, more sinister. Either of his own doing, playing the long game, biding his time, acting as the obedient mutt, licking at his brother''s heel... or this world''s Loki has been intimidated so much by the allfather and his magic, that he castrated himself, hopefully only figuratively, to be content with the role of the king''s mistress.


    Pretending to suffer from a sudden headache, Loki thus excuses himself, leaving the theater in the middle of the encore, and Thor to tend to the children, that stare after him with worried faces. Back in his chambers, he moves to fill himself up with more goodies, and also packs some away in a bundle, ready to take with him, should he need to leave in a hurry. Which seems less and less likely, as he already spend an entire day in this reality, taking someone else''s place, without anyone noticing, and without getting challenged by his alter ego.


    He slowly starts to really worry what might have happened to them, and if whatever threat caused them to disappear was still around and out to get him too. Nervous, but also extremely tired, Loki gets ready for bed, freshening up to relax more, and then choosing one of the lighter, more casual night robes to wear. He also puts a stack of fresh clothes in the bundle, along with the hidden tesseract, just in case. Then he crawls into the comfy sheets of his late mother''s bed, and drifts off into a nervous sleep.


    ???

 Inconceivable

    He can''t have caught more than two hours at most, when a noise wakes up the J?tunn prince. He''s startled at first, trying to remember where he is, when he notices a part of the wall near him, slowly opening up like a secret door. Scared, he already considers taking his things to run, but when he sees it is Thor, he relaxes again, and doesn''t bother hiding his appearance. Instead, he yawns, demanding: ¡°What do you want from your king at this hour, Thor?¡±, wiping his eyes. ¡°Nothing but to please his every desire, my lord!¡±, his brother gives back with a chuckle, moving to sit down on the bed with him. The trickster is still drowsy, and thus doesn''t think anything of it at first. And still doesn''t, when Thor pats over the blanket covering him, remarking: ¡°You must be exhausted! I would like to help you relax!¡± ¡°I was relaxed until you have awoken me!¡±, Loki snaps now, staring annoyed at his brother, wrapped only in a thin toga. But when he lets his hand rest on his slightly bloated belly, the J?tunn sits upright, wide awake at once. Thor meanwhile replies in a soft hush: ¡°Oh, forgive me, my king! How ever can I make it up to you?¡±, looking at him with glaring desire.


    Loki''s mind is racing. The images of himself and Thor, lying with each other in this bed, his brother kissing his uncovered skin, resurface in his head, and frightened, he starts to shake. He mustn''t just shove Thor away, lest he wants another discussion about why he is acting as if under a spell, but he certainly doesn''t want to engage in whatever it is the blond warrior wishes to do with him. However, he believes he has a solution, when his brother repeats: ¡°You must be exhausted, my dear! Come, lay off this form, let me pleasure you!¡±


    The trickster regains his calm, and crossing his arms, smiles arrogantly: ¡°Oh, I don''t think so! I will remain this way! If you do not want me as your king, then you don''t deserve to have me at all!¡± But he is shocked again, when Thor simply raises a brow, to start tugging at the covers, replying: ¡°Hm. Well, suit yourself, my king, I was only being considerate! But rest assure, I want you just as much in this body as another!¡± And before Loki can react, he grabs his hand with his own left, again kissing his fingers tenderly, while pulling away the blanket with his right. The Frost Giant flinches, and opens his mouth to protest, but instead gives off an uncontrolled yelp, as Thor turns his hand to lick the inside of it. He stares at it surprised, while his brother gives him a cheeky grin, before sliding over his hand and wrist with his tongue again, making the J?tunn jolt.


    To Loki''s horror, his brother''s touch actually tickles something inside him, making his blood pump, and sending shivers down his spine. It amazes him, as he never expected to have such reactions towards being touched, and in those places as well. Then again, noone ever did touch him in such a tender manner, and not with any romantic desire either. But it still confuses him, that his hand and wrist should be this sensitive. He would have expected other parts of his body to be much more willing to dispense pleasure and arousal. Though he would not have counted his ankle to be one, but as Thor''s free hand reaches down to brush over it with his fingertips, Loki nearly kicks at him from flinching hard. And that''s not the only limb that has a sudden upward movement.


    ¡°Oh, by the tree!¡±, Loki breathes overwhelmed and humiliated, while Thor just smirks, again lavishly licking over his palm and pulse, while moving up his leg to tickle the inside of his knee, making Loki moan unexpected. He quickly covers his mouth, pulling back both hands, and tries to close his legs, but ends up locking in his brother''s hand in the process. The blond warrior just looks down on it with satisfaction, letting his eyes wander upwards, over the little tent rising in Loki''s crotch, and then stares into his face with lust, remarking: ¡°Oh my, do I excite you so easily today, my king? You must really have missed me then!¡± And he moves towards his face, getting ready to kiss him with passion once more.


    But Loki puts up a finger, and still breathing heavy demands: ¡°Wait!¡± Thor''s head stops just in front of it, and he raises a brow, but Loki quickly commands: ¡°You will not enter my body!¡± His brother looks a bit confused, so he repeats: ¡°You do not have my permission! You shall not enter me, and that is final!¡± The trickster prays that his highly motivated lover will honor his prohibition, seeing how his toga is twitching in its lower regions, and gulps nervously, when Thor draws a large breath, as if to voice his protest. But instead, his brother retrieves his hand from his clenched legs, and once again pats over his stuffed tummy, musing: ¡°Understandable! After all, I can imagine that you feel quiet full already!¡±


    Loki stares at him dumbfounded, expecting him to retreat now, but the blond warrior just takes his raised hand again, and hums: ¡°In that case, I shall give you permission to enter mine!¡±, and without waiting a beat, turns his hand to stick the raised finger in his mouth, and starts to suck. Loki is so shocked, that he simply reacts on instinct, pulling back his hand, and smacking his brother across the face with its back, like a disobedient subordinate. Then however, he holds his breath, unsure of the reprehension this might cause, as Thor gives him a dirty look, asking in a deep voice: ¡°Oh, does my king wish to discipline me? Or would you rather, I fought with you? Is that it?¡± Loki stares back desperate, and already shaking with fear, he makes one last attempt at trying to become less appealing to his lovesick brother, by changing into his J?tunn form.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ???


    Loki can feel himself relax a little, as the cold magic of the Frost Giants surrounds him, ready to shield him from another unwanted attack, regardless what it might look like. But he is surprised anew, when the expression his brother adopts, is not one of disappointment or disgust, but rather of enraptured delight and anticipation. He cannot understand this, and it frightens him, as Thor grins: ¡°Oh Loki! Oh my love, my king!¡±, and then licking his lips adds: ¡°So you wish us to battle? Then we shall see, if it is the Frost Giant who invades Asgard, or my lance that concurs Jothunheim!¡± And with that, he leaps forward to kiss his brother with passion, ignoring his freezing skin, or even taking delight from it, as he rubs over it with twitching fingers, tickling him in more unexpected places, making Loki yelp in shame.


    He hardly lets him breathe, rubbing against his body, or sucking on his neck, while the trickster twists and turns, huffing in distress, while Thor moans into his ear: ¡°Oh Loki, Loki my king! I must have you! I desire you, I need you, ah!¡± The God of Mischief meanwhile tries to protest, but fails miserably, as the warrior king keeps pushing all new buttons on him, having him squirm under his touch, or groan in shameful pleasure, making his eyes water, just to have him blink snow onto his pillow. He can''t even form sufficient ice shields, as his concentration is disrupted by his jolts, thus only forming minor crystals, until the bed is lined with snow and ice, while Thor''s hot body is keeping Loki from cooling down.


    Until the blond warrior releases his brother for a second, ripping off his toga, and removing Loki''s nightrobe in a swift move, parting his legs with one of his knees, and grabbing his wrists to pin to the mattress, glaring at him with lust. But when he lets himself fall back down, wishing to rub against the blue body underneath his, and moving to cover his mouth once more with his own, Loki manages to scream: ¡°NO! PLEASE!¡±, while turning his head to the side, and shutting his eyes tight. The stronger fighter backs away at once, gasping in fright: ¡°But my love! What is it?¡± ¡°Please... by the nine realms, don''t do it! Don''t do this, Thor, I beg you!¡±, Loki whimpers, exhausted and at the end of his rope. But to his relief, his brother jumps off him, to kneel next to the bed instead, stuttering: ¡°But my king, my love... how have I scared you so?¡±, only to gently tap at his face, trying to get him to turn to him. Loki only follows because he wants to escape his touch, covering his front with his freed arms, crossing his legs, and shivering. He still blinks snow, and Thor hushes in deep concern: ¡°My love, please forgive me! I... I don''t understand how I could be so blind!¡±


    Loki risks a look, still shaking tense, unsure what could follow next, but once the other conveniently apologizes: ¡°I thought... Forgive me, my king! It was entirely my fault, for not reading you the right way! Please accept my sincere apology, it was not done with ill intent!¡±, he starts to yell at him: ¡°Get out! Leave my sight, you lewd barbarian! Don''t dare lay a hand on me again, ever!¡± Thor stares at him in horror, and his eyes start to water, but he does not protest, moves to quickly cover himself, and mutters agreeingly: ¡°Of course my king, as you wish.¡± ¡°GET OUT!¡±, Loki screams, a bit more sure again, even as Thor turns to make haste to retreat, ¡°LEAVE! LEAVE ME ALONE!¡±


    However, when his brother looks back one last time with teary eyes, begging: ¡°I''m so sorry, my love! Forgive me!¡±, as he closes the secret door, Loki falls back into his pillows, and starts to cry, releasing all the fear and tension, not just from this close encounter, but all that he had kept pent up over the last hours. And days. He feels so lost, so lonely, so helpless. Even though it is his choosing to use the tesseract as a means to travel the worlds, he cannot control where he goes, and sadly it is not even up to him, when the stone is willing to give him access to its powers. Thus landing him in the most unpleasant situations. Though none had been this frightening to him. And not even because he feared, that however his brother wished to make love to him might be painful. Loki could tolerate pain after all, as long as it was physical. But the uncertainty of what could come next, the humiliation of having no control over his body, its reaction, or the way the blond warrior wished to explore it, that scared and shamed the trickster to no end. And a small part even feels sad.


    After all, once his brother truly understood his feelings, he had released him instantly, and shown open remorse. The way Thor had acted told him, that his Loki and himself must be not just intimate, but happy and trusting with each other as well. He cannot understand it. Would that have made the difference in his life too? Join his brother? As a friend, a trusted advisor, a partner. A lover. And be happy? Was that all it took? Bow to him, in the most embarrassing, exposing way... to be rewarded with a life of freedom, power, and pleasure? All in full consent? He cannot wrap his head around it. And remaining uncovered and in his J?tunn form to feel the comforting cold, he cries himself back to sleep, exhausted and heartbroken.


    ???

 Monsters in the making

    When Loki awakens the next morning, he smells a delicious smell. A mixture of sweets, spices and something more earthy, but still pleasant. As he blinks to open his eyes, he notices that the curtains are still drawn, leaving him to rest in the shadows. And then he notes that his body has been covered up with the soft blanket of the top, cozy and light, while giving the perfect amount of warmth to his body, which must have changed back into its Asgardian form by itself during his sleep. It should be a touching gesture, but the God of Mischief sits up in shock anew. He did not notice how someone came into his room to do these things. Had not woken up, to protect himself from another intruder. He curses at himself, thinking: ''Was I this beaten, that my senses could not function to save me? Am I becoming weak?'' He crosses his arms to rub them, hugging himself for a minute, trying to remember if anything else had stirred last night. Apart from the terrifying ordeal he suffered by his brother''s overflowing affection. He shivers again, remembering the lust he had seen in his eyes. And felt pulsing and pressing against his lower body. He quickly shakes his head, trying to shoo the memory from it.


    He gets up, and hurries to grab one of the sturdier, armored outfits, to go freshen up in his private bathroom, and get dressed. Only thereafter does he move into the sitting room, to stand still in surprise. The whole room is stuffed with flowers, standing in tall vases, forming elaborate bouquets. It smells like a garden, and Loki almost feels like he is about to sit down for a picnic. And then he sees the breakfast that has been served for him. The table is again stuffed to the brim with most exquisite servings. And many are his favorite dishes, some held to be cold by bowls of ice, others held warm over a small flame, prepared and displayed to perfection. There is also a little golden tablecloth, marking the place where he would sit, holding another small crystal vase, housing a single red rose. Yet not any rose, but the extravagant ''Queen of Asgard'', a breed that had been created to honor his late mother, a flower with a most enticing smell, and vibrant color, but very delicate indeed. Leaning on the vase is a small envelope, of the royal stationary, addressing him in delicate cursive: To his royal highness, king Loki. Even though Loki has a hunch what it might be about, and it sets him off a little, he risks a look, opening it. And sure enough, he recognizes his brother''s handwriting. But as he reads the words, they move him all the same:


    ''My dearest, my love, my king!


    I must once more apologize to thee! I shall not bore you with the motives of my actions, they do not matter. What counts is that I have hurt you, and for that I am eternally sorry! It shames me, that I harassed you to the point of shock, and whatever repercussions you would ask of me, I will gladly suffer them, as nothing could ever excuse my wrongdoing, or make it undone. I know you, my love, I understand your moods, and thus I hope, that at some point you can forgive my insolence! But should you stand with your words of last night, I will respect them, and not lay a finger on you again, for as long as I live! You know, you simply must know, that I would chop off my arms, before raising a hand against you! I wish of nothing but to make you happy, Loki! I love you, more than my own life, my darling, and you will forever be my priority! Please, if you can accept my humble apology, and wish to see me again, you can call on me, day and night. But I shall not burden you with my presence, until called for.


    Forever yours, your devoted husband, Thor''


    Loki has to sit down overwhelmed. This is too much. His brother is giving him carte blanche, surrendering to him, just because he had denied himself to him. Would Odin have reacted this way, if Frigga had thrown him out of her chambers? But it would not have happened anyways. The queen was devoted to her husband, even though she disagreed with him on a lot of things. Odin ruled not just Asgard, but his own family as well. Loki wonders. Could it be, that despite everything, it was in fact himself, who ruled in this world? If everyone bowed to Thor, but he bowed to him, was it not Loki who was in power, having the final word? ''You know, I am a slave to you!'', Thor had told him on his first encounter. It looks like he was telling the truth. If this letter is not to be taken as a gross exaggeration to please a reluctant mistress, his brother really is devoted to him, willing to ''move the stars to right the wrong'' he had done. The God of Mischief has to fight down his emotions and focus instead on facts. And those could not be more pleasing to his ego. Thor would not bother him with any more unwanted attention, and he could rule this kingdom as he saw fit, unchallenged!


    Throwing the letter behind himself with a grin, he sits down to enjoy his breakfast, stuffing himself as before, although his round tummy does put him off a bit. But he still hasn''t figured out, how safe he actually is from his alter egos wrath. Or the tragedy that might have befallen them, to render them unable to defend their place. So Loki adds some more sturdy food to his hidden bundle, and then rings for the servants, to start his research. But as the library and the garden would be too crowded, he demands that the books he wishes to study be brought to him. To his delight noone thinks anything of it, as the royal domestics hurry to fulfill his wish, even asking considerate whether he wishes to have some scrolls and writing quills brought up as well, which he confirms, pleased at their attention to his needs. He then orders for his table to be cleared and everything set up for his convenience, while he enjoys a short walk, once more using his illusions to spy a bit, though not gaining new insights.


    ???


    Once he returns, ready to read up on Asgard''s current politics, he is however disturbed by the princess, bursting into his chambers, yelling at him: ¡°Mother, mother, please help, Albor is hurt...¡± ¡°I thought I had made myself clear, how I wish to be addressed!¡±, Loki screams back, before realizing, ¡°Wait, your brother is hurt?¡± ¡°Yes! Yes, please... father, please, there is something wrong with his magic, you have to help him, please!¡±, the girl quickly pleads, tugging on his hand already, trying to lead him away. Then he notices, that she has some scrapes and burns on her arms, which must hurt her, but she only pulls more eagerly on his hands, begging with teary eyes: ¡°Please father, he is scared, and hurting, please come quickly!¡± ¡°Did you have a fight?¡±, he thus asks, slowly making a move to follow her confused. If she is of Thor''s blood, and the boy is of his, their sibling bond would be hardly strong enough to account for her concern. Being the true heir of the throne, she would not need to be mindful of her bastard brother, he thinks.


    Or rather, that was the way Odin had raised them, even though the truth of him being of inferior birth was not openly shown. But Thor hardly got scolded for putting Loki beneath himself, and whenever they fought, he would be congratulated on his victories, while Loki would be blamed for his foul play, whenever he got the upper hand. Yet seeing how different these children are raised, perhaps the princess does feel remorse for harming her baby brother, and even cares for him. Or maybe she simply does not wish to be disciplined for beating him, Loki tells himself, but the child assures him: ¡°No, we were playing, and tried to create an illusion, but then suddenly something went wrong, and now Albor is in pain! Please hurry!¡± He stays watchful, as he follows into his former room, fighting back surfacing memories of his own childhood, spend practicing in solitude in his chambers.


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    ¡°Wait, you tried to create illusions? Both of you?¡±, he wonders suddenly. But then his attention is caught by the mess presented before him. The private chambers of the little prince are covered in snow and ice, some of the furniture overturned, a bowl of fish transformed into a bizarre sculpture, trapping the poor beasts in delicate crystals, almost reaching up to the ceiling. ¡°Oh my! What in Yggdrasil''s name happened here?¡±, Loki asks concerned, although he has a suspicion. ¡°Albor, come out, mo... Captain Loki is here! He''ll help you!¡±, the little girl yells, searching the room with her eyes. ¡°No! I can''t! I''m a monster!¡±, they hear a little voice, coming from behind a pile of ice, covering what must have been a chair and some drapes. Loki puts his hand over his eyes. He can imagine what happened, and he doesn''t want to deal with it. ¡°Albor, come out, please!¡±, the girl still begs, moving towards the structure, but her brother yelps: ¡°No! No, I''m cursed, I''ll just hurt you again!¡± ¡°But you didn''t mean it, I know!¡±, Lanay coes, ¡°Please come out, so father can help you!¡± ¡°No! I''m a monster, I''ll hurt him!¡±, Albor still cries. Loki would rather leave, but hearing the boy this distressed still touches him, and so he demands: ¡°Albor, come out! Come here, that is an order by your king!¡±


    The princess gives him a confused look, but finally something stirs, and the little prince slowly exits his hiding place. Lanay tries to encourage him, by extending a hand, but he replies ashamed: ¡°No, don''t touch me! I''m evil! I''ll hurt you!¡± When Loki finally sees him, he has to pull himself together to remain calm. The little boy is completely blue, displaying all the features of the Frost Giants race, their markings, their claws, their red eyes. But he looks so tiny, cowering in shame, not meeting Loki''s gaze, and apologizes: ¡°I''m sorry, I''m so ugly... I just wanted to be more like you!¡± The God of Mischief stares at him in surprise, when the prince repeats: ¡°And now I''m cursed and evil instead. I''m so sorry.¡±, and cries some more. Forming little snowflakes on his cheeks, that gently fall to the floor.


    Loki is overwhelmed once more. So the prince really is of his blood. And now his true form is showing, perhaps triggered by his attempt to use a spell to be more like his idol, Captain Loki. He shouldn''t concern himself with this. But the boy''s agony touches the Frost Giant all the same, and so he calls him: ¡°Come here Albor. Your sister said you were hurt, at least let me have a look.¡± ¡°But I''ll hurt you! I''ll smudge you! I''m a monster!¡±, the prince insists, shying away when the princess tries to reach for his shoulder to comfort him. Loki attempts to calm him down: ¡°I will be fine, just come here...¡± ¡°But I''m ugly...¡±, the boy argues once more, but then Loki has had it, and changing into his own J?tunn form he scoffs: ¡°You are not! Now stop dragging your heritage into the mud! You are my son, and you should be proud of who you are!¡± Now both children stare at him surprised, although the princess looks like she is realizing something. The trickster just moves closer to the prince, extending a hand: ¡°Now come here! Where are you hurt?¡±


    The tiny J?tunn walks up to him, still timid, but then bends his head a little, pointing to the space above his right ear. Loki notices a little bump there, hardly something to cry over, and he wonders why the weakling would complain about this, when his sister holds her tongue concerning her much greater injuries. But then Lanay explains: ¡°We tried to create a ship, and play pirates. But then Albor stepped on a plank that wasn''t real, and fell, so he hit his head on the chair. And then suddenly everything burst into ice when he cried!¡± The God of Mischief rolls his eyes. So some little fright caused his true self to form protective barriers, awakening his J?tunn form. And when this scared the boy even more, it wouldn''t stop, scarring his sister when she came to help. What an unspectacular way to find out the truth about one''s heritage. At least Loki first noticed his own in the heat of battle, to have it confirmed by touching a most sacred and powerful artifact. Then again, his feeling of betrayal after all the years of misconception, was so immense it nearly suffocated him. Whereas little Albor mostly seems just frightened at his uncontrolled, new body, and simply ashamed for hurting his sister. Not devastated at discovering the lie his fathers have told him about his true self.


    Or maybe they haven''t, because as Loki''s touch comforts the child, getting him to calm down, he asks shy: ¡°Captain Loki? Does this mean, I''m really a Frost Giant, like you? Will I be able to make it snow?¡± The trickster is a bit confused at this. Why would he be able to summon snow? Was that a trick his other self had mastered? Since now both children look at him with anticipation, Loki confidently lies: ¡°You are a halfling, so your powers will unfold differently. But I have no doubt that you will be able to master bountiful skills, if you practice from now on.¡± ¡°Will he be able to change back and forth like you, too?¡±, Lanay asks wide eyed, and with some concern in her voice. And her brother leans in, begging: ¡°Oh yes, please, can I change back? Can you help me? Please, I don''t want to hurt people!¡± The God of Lies scolds himself, for getting involved like this, but then thinks, it couldn''t hurt to study the youngling''s magic this way, so he offers: ¡°Well, we might as well try. But do not expect too much, the result is up to you, and since this is the first time you changed, it might take you some time to go back.¡± ''If you can do it at all!'', he adds in his mind.


    After all, it was due to the allfather''s strong magic, that Loki''s true heritage was hidden from the world. And perhaps, it still affected him to this day, as it takes him more magic and energy to become a Frost Giant, than to change back, even though he was born of pure blood. Yet he is able to control his appearance more and more, so seeing how the boy had looked Asgardian before, it might be possible for him to learn it too, and thus Loki takes his hands, trying to regulate the flow of magic that surrounds him, the way his mother had done with himself, when she had taught him her craft. It strikes Loki as strange, thinking how he now takes on the role of his mother, trying to teach a little boy, looking up to him, how to summon and direct the mystical elements.


    He takes a deep breath to disperse of the thought, and focus instead on his task. And lo and behold, as if the forces of the universe wanted to bring order to their midst, when Loki renews his old appearance, Albor follows suit: the pale Asgardian skin reclaiming his hands, moving towards the torso, and there spreading into his entire body, clearing his face, and his eyes, which rest on his own with a thankful sparkle, making Loki uncomfortable from the feelings it evokes once more. And when the children both throw themselves at him to hug him, thanking him relieved, he has to fight his urge to run from it all, as much as the urge to hug back with compassion, to give them both a condescending pat on the head instead, while gently pushing them away.


    ???


    Loki wonders how to gracefully take his leave after this interaction, but jolts up like the prince and princess, when the door is opened with a bang, and the Lady Sif quickly rushes inside, shouting in distress: ¡°Loki! Loki are you here? My lady...¡± The trickster turns to her in anger, drawing in his breath to scold her, but as soon as she sees him, she runs up to pull at his hands, the way the princess had done, demanding: ¡°There you are! My lady, you must come at once!¡± But he retracts his hands, fuming: ¡°How dare you! Did I not make it clear, what title you are to use with me? And what makes you approach me in such a familiar manner?! I am your king!¡± However, the shield maiden just gives him an appalled look, and yells back: ¡°Loki, this is not the time for one of your moods! Slepnir is rampaging through the stables, he already injured some of the guards! If you will not calm him down, he is going to kill someone!¡±


    Baffled by her boldness, Loki steps back a foot, but tries to deflect: ¡°And why is that my concern?!¡± But she stares at him wide eyed, and returns: ¡°He is your steed!? You insist on caring for him, and now you act ignorant? What is wrong with you, Loki?¡± Still taken aback by her familiarity towards him, but also intimidated by her confidence, the God of Lies dares not reprimand her again. So instead, he rubs over his temples, as if suffering from a migraine, claiming: ¡°Please... I am not feeling well, you must forgive me...¡±, hoping to buy time, but the warrior just grabs his hand once more, now pulling vigorously to guide him away, while she yells back at the royal offspring: ¡°Stay here! You cannot help and it is very dangerous!¡± ¡°Good luck, father!¡±, Lanay calls after them, as the shield maiden pulls Loki away.


    ???