The Littlest Valkyrie
Title:The Littlest Valkyrie
Rating:R
Warnings:Mild torture
Summary: Gamora interrogates Loki, Joshua arrives on Asgard, and Fenrir has had another dream about his brother. Frigga tells Thor something very important about his lost brother.
Loki was in pain. It was worse than when he first woke up in that cell. The cell seemed like a lifetime ago. It was hard to tell what hurt the most. His wrists, where the manacles bit into his skin, his ankles, where the same iron bonds held him tight. His shoulders and hips hurt in equal measure, he was suspended by chains over a vast nothingness, and the iron chains were taut, both a blessing and a curse. He didn't think he'd want to swing over this void. Mostly because he had no idea how secure the chains above him were; even bound as tight as he was, there was nothing to assure him that all the links between him and wherever the ceiling was weren't in danger of snapping.
He closed his eyes and tried to think of something else; anything other than the pain. Strangely, Loki's mind suddenly went to that estate where he and Angrboða had lived. He'd never gone back to that place again; it was too painful to remember. They hadn't even been living in the main house, but in a cottage meant for a tenant, not a prince of Asgard and his... well, he'd never officially married the girl. Perhaps he should have and then... maybe then there wouldn't have been all the horror. But if there had been no horror, then he wouldn't have gone wandering the Nine Realms and he never would have found Natasha. Trying to imagine his life without her was almost like trying to imagine life without Thor.
The good inside the bad, as his mother would say.
There was another mystery. Who had his birth mother been? What had happened to her? Was she still alive? No, that couldn't be. She was most likely long dead. He only knew sketchy details about how Father had found him. In a temple in the capital of Jotunheim, crying and alone; surrounded by several dead jotuns. What if those beings had been guards, or just innocent bystanders? War was ugly; he didn't know why Thor was so obsessed with it. His brother hadn't even fought in a war.
Loki sighed and sensed lights come on around him; he was thankful he'd had his eyes already shut, or it would have stung. He didn't respond as the lights went off and on, the time between phases rapidly accelerating. It was disorienting, but only just; by leaving his eyes shut, it was somewhat tolerable. Then the chains lurched and he fell several yards.
That jolted him and his eyes opened at the same time the lights came on and stayed on. He blinked several times, adjusting to the new environment and then he felt a hand on his face. It was that Gamora girl, she was standing on a clear platform that would escape notice unless someone was on it. Loki wasn't fooled; it most likely could be retracted. She lifted his face by his hair, her expression blank.
“How did this Terran female know about the Tesseract?” She shook him once.
“What?” He frowned. “What are you talking about?” He coughed and swallowed several times. It was difficult to speak.
“This!” She brandished a book in front of him, a blue book with green circles. “How does this woman know about the Tesseract? It does not matter that she got planetary names wrong, but the Tesseract! How does she...”
“It's only a story.” Loki blinked at the book he'd forgotten he'd been carrying with him. He'd only kept it with him because he wouldn't have put it past Natasha asking to Tony to sneak the book out of his room for her. “A work of fiction.”
“Lies!” Gamora hissed, shaking his head once and then releasing him, making the room seem to spin. “She knows!”
“No, I assure you, she does not.” Loki coughed. “If she was able to get any details correct, it was purely coincidence.”
“I do not believe you!” She snarled. “Some of it may be fiction, but the Tesseract!”
“Oh, fuck the bloody Tesseract.” The girl sounded like the epitome of a teenager trying to be tougher than she really was. This girl needed to work on her interrogation skills if she wanted to be an assassin. “That thing is more trouble than it is worth.”
“Lies!” She shook him again. “I will not ask you again, how did this woman...”
“Perhaps she heard a story about it, a mention.” He sighed. “Honestly, I find it amazing that the people of Midgard know how to dress themselves half the time.”
“This isn't a joke!” She struck him with the book and he heard the spine crack.
“Can you read that book?” He decided he would try to reason with her - he'd really rather just hang here in the dark than put up with her poor attempt of being a tough as nails girl.
“Yes.” Her voice was full of indignation. “I can read this stupid Terran language.”
“Then open the book to the copyright page. It will be in the front, most likely behind the title page.” He coughed again as he heard her fumbling through the pages.
“Is this it?” She held the book in front of him and he nodded. “What am I supposed to...”
“Look at the first two paragraphs. Read those.” Loki let his head fall as she read to herself and then threw the book down in annoyance. Natasha would have punched Gamora by now for the harm she was causing to her book. Or worse. He couldn't stop the chuckle before it escaped his lips.
“What's so damn funny?” She grabbed his hair again, and he flinched.
He didn't reply, he merely blinked at her. He tucked the emotion away, his expression even. If it was his lot in life for now to be practice for Gamora become better at interrogating prisoners, he'd have to think about how he was going to to do it. He could steer her wrong and watch her stumble, or he could help her; at the expense of his own sanity, life, what have you. “Pathetic.” He whispered.
“I am not!” She shook him again.
“You're getting angry far to easily.” He sighed. “You came in here without your emotions in check. That was your first mistake.”
Gamora let go of him and stalked away.
A moment later, it was dark again. Then he heard a soft snick of sound he couldn't place. As he shut his eyes, Loki winced. The girl had distracted him from the pain; and now that he was alone, it seemed to have returned tenfold. He worked on keeping his breath level and letting his mind drift. Had Heimdall gotten his message? He felt a smile tug at the corners of his mouth; perhaps they had found at least one of his three missing children, or had begun looking. Perhaps one of his stolen children would be back in Asgard in time to celebrate the Yule.
*
The moment that Odin informed her that Heimdall believed he'd located Loki's son on Midgard, Frigga began plans for a set of rooms in the family wing to be cleaned. She selected the ones across the hall from Natasha's, deciding that the two siblings should be somewhat close, although she'd been informed that Jörmungandr was not young like Natasha. It didn't matter to her. Details on the furnishings of the chambers could be decided once he arrived. She would merely get the basic things ready. Now that the rooms were aired, the bed made and the floors freshly polished, it was hard to wait.
Fandral had not returned from Midgard as of yet, but he had only been gone two days; certainly he couldn't be gone for too much longer. As she stood in the doorway of the newly appointed chambers, Frigga tried to think how exactly, the young man would fit into the family dynamic. As he was older than Natasha, Joshua, as Jörmungandr was called, went in front of her in the line of succession, but she doubted either of them cared about that. She wondered what sort of schooling the boy had had, what foods did he like, was he a scholar like his father, or had the harshness of life on Midgard forced him into other pursuits? With Midgard's constant wars, there was little chance he had avoided all of them, even living in a place that was as remote as this Australia seemed to be. According to what she'd gathered from Natasha's atlas and the girl's grasp of her home realm's history, it had once been a penal colony for the British Empire. Frigga certainly hoped her grandson wasn't a former criminal.
“Mother, standing in the doorway will not make time move any faster.” Thor's voice cut into her thoughts and she turned.
“I cannot stay focused, and I know I shouldn't just stand here.” She looked back into the room. “It... I cannot explain it.”
Her son came up to her and gave her a slight hug. “It is quite the opposite of when Natasha came here. We had no advanced notice, so it seemed as if things were prepared for a rush. Now, we must wait and it seems longer.”
She nodded. “I still cannot believe that your brother never mentioned the whole incident to us, nor can I believe none of us noticed his devastation when he came home all those years ago. We should have seen.”
Thor let out a breath. “The fault lies with all of us, but mostly with me. I have been a poor brother where Loki is concerned. I can only hope to atone for it by being a good uncle.”
Frigga turned and touched his cheek. “It is never easy in the ways of being siblings. I was not the sister I should have been.”
He frowned. “I did not know you had a sister, mother.”
“Oh yes.” She sighed sadly. “She was younger than I. I should have insisted on bringing her with me to Asgard when I married your father. But my father was more concerned with forging as many alliances for Vanaheim was possible.” She took a breath. “My sister was betrothed to a prince on Alfheim. The one that was assassinated when Loki was ambassador.”
“Your sister was not killed then, was she?” Thor frowned. “You have never mentioned her before.”
“No, my sister ran away from Vanaheim long ago, shortly before you were born. She never wanted to marry, all she wanted to do was explore. Due to the war with Jotunheim, no one really knew where she went, or what happened to her.” She closed her eyes and swallowed hard. “I knew when she died.” She took a breath. This was something she had been keeping for so long, it was painful. She'd never talked about her sister, for various reasons. “She has been dead for a long time.”
“I am sorry, mother. I should have liked to have known her.” She felt her son's arms embrace her, and then he paused. “Is there something more?”
“Your father never met her. My parents have never met you, or your brother.” She opened her eyes. “If they had, then they would have known what I have since the day your father returned from Jotunheim with Loki.” She could not keep the tremble from her voice, and she steeled herself up. “Never did you question why I devoted so much time to your brother. It wasn't just because he shared mutual passion for magic and because I wanted to help him find his own place in the sun.”
Her son turned her in his arms, his expression one of shock and slight fear. “Mother, what are you trying to tell me?”
Frigga took a breath. “Because when the Allfather placed Loki in my arms, I did not see an abandoned frost giant babe looking back at me, but my lost sister.”
His eyes widened, but she could see him rapidly putting things together in his mind. “Your sister is Loki's mother.”
“Yes.” She pulled away, feeling sick. “Another secret that should have been revealed earlier. There shouldn't be such things kept hidden in families.”
“Did Loki know?” Thor sounded odd. “No, he didn't... you never told him, even after you told him of the adoption?”
“No. Your father doesn't even know. I suppose I shall have to inform him now.” She laughed, ever so slightly. “Ever since I was told how your father found your brother, I have wondered if he really was abandoned, or if he was tucked away, hidden from the battle for his own protection.”
“Why would father lie about such a thing?” There was a hint of anger in her son's voice.
“It's history, Thor. And the trouble with history is that it is written by the winners, and those on the other side are often denied credibility, even when the evidence is there.” She stepped out of the threshold and shut the doors. “And so therein lies another tragedy. Too many secrets and half-truths, and not enough souls left to give all the needed evidence.” They started walking down the corridor.
“So Loki and I are cousins by blood, brothers by upbringing.” A small smile played at the corner of his mouth. “Do you believe that King Laufey knows of the connection between you and Loki's mother?”
“It is possible. I do not even know how my sister came to be on Jotunheim.” She shook her head.
“I would say most likely in the same way her son was able to travel to Midgard.” He grinned.
She chuckled. “I would not be surprised.” She took a breath. “There will be much to discuss when your brother finally returns home.”
Thor nodded. “We will hardly know where to begin, after we welcome him home.”
She let out a breath. “We will find a way to bring him back, that I do know. It will just take time.” She didn't want to finish the sentence out loud.
“We will not be too late, Mother.” Her son replied, gravely. “It may not be for many years, but one day, Loki will be back with us in Asgard.”
She nodded and they both turned as a messenger came hurrying towards them.
“What is it?” The man looked as if he had just run all the way from the Bifrost.
“Sir Fandral has returned. And he is not alone.” The messenger managed a weak grin.
*
For the first time in decades, Joshua felt awed. Asgard was, well - it was beyond grand. The trip through the Bifrost, as it was called, had been strange. It reminded him a little of those few seconds of free fall when you jumped out of a plane, before you pulled the parachute open, only instead of falling down, you were falling up. The landing had been a little... odd, but he'd managed to keep his feet. He also hadn't lost the bag he was carrying, although he'd been certain he was going to lose his grip on it.
“You can't see it all if you just stand there.” Fandral called to him, several yards ahead of him on the bridge.
Joshua hadn't even left the observatory, as it was. He turned back to... what was his name again. “Thank you.”
The man dressed in gold turned to look at him, his expression blank. “You are quite welcome.” He went back to doing - whatever it was he was doing.
Joshua took a few more steps out onto the bridge. It was nighttime, and the city in front of him, it was hard to make out many details, other than there seemed to be many tiers of buildings and as he drew level with his traveling companion, he turned back and frowned. “Is this planet flat?”
“Flat?” The man frowned. “What do you mean by that?”
“Flat as in Asgard is not a sphere, the way Earth - Midgard is.” He shook his head. “Forget it, I'll just find a book on geography.”
The man chuckled. “Your father read a great deal. I am not surprised that you do as well.” They continued on the path. “Although I will admit, I am rather astonished that you agreed to come back with me.”
Joshua snorted. “I'd been planning on leaving Australia since before you showed up. I just hadn't decided where I was going to go.”
“Your home was entirely too warm for my liking.” He coughed - the man had been doing that a lot since he met him. Perhaps he had allergies. “It was summer, was it not?”
“Late spring.” He replied and they started up a very wide and tall staircase; it reminded him of Rome. He was rather glad for the late hour; it meant there were few people about. It made it far easier to gape at the grandeur around him. It was all massive and opulent; there weren't huge framed works of art, but there were tapestries that went from floor to ceiling, sculptures and the marble floor - yes, he was noticing the floor - he felt rather small - and rather dirty. The sound of hurrying footsteps caused him to look up just as two people came into view; a heavily muscled man who looked close to his age, and a woman whose age he couldn't tell. Automatically, he took off his hat and set his bag down. “Good evening, ma'am, sir.” The woman, covered her mouth, she looked shocked and had stopped short, but the blond man came up to him, looking him over.
“Norns...” The man said and then hugged him tightly. The man had a grip like iron. When he let go, he thumped him on the arm and Joshua was surprised he didn't fall over. “So you are Joshua.”
“Yes, sir.” He saw the woman come over, she kept staring at him like he was a ghost; it was worse than when Fandral had met him. “Ma'am, are you all right?”
She gave him a very nervous smile and touched his cheek. “I am fine. It is just that you resemble your father a great deal.”
“Oh.” He shifted his hold on his hat. “I didn't realize that. I am sorry that he is not here.”
She touched his cheek again and then took a breath. “As are we all.” She turned. “Come, let's get you settled, it's late, you must be tired.”
He took up his bag and noticed that Fandral had slipped out of the room. He also didn't want to point out that it was daytime when he left Australia; clearly this woman who was his grandmother was not someone to argue with.
*
Odin stood outside Sleipnir's stall, not exactly surprised at what he saw within; just that he'd taken this long to find out. He'd known that Natasha was sneaking into the stables at least twice a week to sleep, but he'd assumed the girl had been sleeping in the same stall as her own horse, not the most dangerous and deadly animal in the entire haras. He undid the latch and let himself into the small area, noting that the great black horse turned to look at him, blinking in surprise.
“The girl needs to sleep in her own bed, not in here.” Rather than waking her, he picked Natasha up, resting her head against his shoulder. “She can visit, but not stay.”
Sleipnir snorted in a manner that reminded Odin of Loki rolling his eyes.
“Good night.” He shut the stall door and carried his granddaughter out of the barn and back into the palace. “You think you're good at hiding what you're doing Sasha, but you're not. You don't get all the straw out of your hair.”
The girl mumbled something and then shifted her head so it was under his chin.
“Oh, yes, I know, it's not every night.” Odin sighed and nodded to one of the guards who shut the door behind him. “But little girls need to sleep in their beds, not in stables.” It was surprising how light Natasha was; she wasn't much heavier than she had been when she first came to Asgard. He chuckled. “I know, you're not a little girl, you're a young lady.” He reached the corridor of the family wing and was nearly at the door of his granddaughter's room when he heard voices heading towards them. “It is rather late for company.” He was about to set Natasha down on her feet when Frigga, Thor, and a young man, who at first glance, he thought was Loki - but another look, and the boy revealed himself to look slightly younger, his complexion was ruddy and his hair curled around his face.
“Father!” Thor called and hurried up to him, his expression changing when he caught sight of Natasha. “Has she been sleepwalking?”
“No, sleeping in the stables.” He chuckled. “I seem to recall I found you there a number of times.”
“Here, I'll put her back into bed.” He took Natasha, and the girl let out another whimper. “I don't blame her, it can be quite comfortable.” He adjusted his hold and went back down to Frigga and the boy, saying something to each before disappearing into Natasha's room.
Odin took a breath and came up to the pair, keeping his expression neutral. “I was not expecting company so late.”
“Time is different on Midgard.” Frigga gave him a half smile. “I doubt Joshua and Fandral expected to arrive in the middle of the night.”
“Joshua.” He stated, letting the name sink in, before turning directly to the boy himself. “Have you always been called that?”
“For as long as I can remember, sir.” He looked uncertain. “Is something wrong?”
“No.” Odin gave the boy a smile. “It is late, you should get settled. Things are better discussed after a good night's sleep.”
The boy nodded, his expression still rather nervous. “Thank you.”
Thor came back into the hallway and rejoined them. “Natasha went right back to sleep.”
“Good.” He took a breath. “Thor, show your nephew to his room. Then get some rest. There will be much to talk over in the morning.”
“Yes, Father.” He replied, dutifully and Odin took his leave of the two men, Frigga following next to him.
“I did not know the boy had arrived.” He said softly.
“We were only told a short while ago ourselves.” She answered, looking back over her shoulder. “I did not think Fandral would have returned as quickly as he did. I honestly felt it would take longer.”
“What do you know of him, so far?” Meeting the boy at his age was rather odd; it wasn't like it had been with Natasha, she'd been and still was very young. Who knew what Joshua had been doing on Midgard all this time; he was over three hundred, but thanks to his jotun heritage, had not aged rapidly.
“He is polite and quiet, although the later is most likely due to nerves, this is all strange to him, as it is to us.” The Allmother sighed. “I did not expect him to look so much like Loki.”
“Nor did I. But there are differences; the complexion and his eyes are blue.” Odin shook his head as they came to the door of their chambers. “Tomorrow, as I believe the expression Natasha uses, we shall play twenty-questions and find out more about him.”
*
His room. This wasn't a room. It was several rooms and it was larger than any house Joshua had ever lived in. There was a room for sleeping, a room for bathing, a room that looked to be purely for study, and a main room that - well, judging from the table, chairs and couch - was used for entertaining. It was all richly decorated, in hues of blue and bronze, and he set his hat and duffel on the long table, trying to fathom what the hell he was going to do in a room this size. The only thing missing from this place was a kitchen. Near the bathroom there was a mostly empty closet that was the same size of the trailer he'd been living in this morning.
“Oh, you've really landed in it now, Joshua.” He shook his head and undid the ties on his bag. “I'll just unpack a little and then go to bed. Or something.” He had a feeling most of the things he brought weren't going to be very useful in this place. Well, alien world or not, he wasn't ready to give up his own style of underwear any time soon.
“Joshua?” A voice called from the doorway, it was Thor - his uncle. “Mother suggested I ask if you need anything before I retire.”
“I am fine, thank you.” He shrugged. “Unless you don't feel like sleeping either and want to keep me company.”
It seemed to be the invitation he was asking for and he grinned and came into the room. “I could stay a while.” He frowned. “You do not need to unpack yourself, Joshua, there are servants for that.”
“I'm used to doing thing for myself.” He sighed and set a framed photograph and a shadowbox on the table. “These rooms are so large, I may get lost trying to leave in the morning.”
Thor chuckled and came over to him. “Natasha had that problem when she first came here.”
“Does she always sneak off and sleep in the stables?” He had only caught a glimpse of the redheaded girl.
“Not often.” He sighed. “Things have not exactly been, how shall I say, well, here in Asgard since the end of the summer.”
“Your friend, Sir Fandral was not able to give me many details of what went on.” He went into the closet, found a few hangers and returned to the table, taking out his old RAAF uniform and carefully hung it up.
“Yes.” He frowned. “What is that?”
“It's my uniform from the Second World War. I didn't think I should leave it behind.” He shook out a crease in the sleeve. “I'm not even sure if it still fits.” He saw Thor's expression. “What's wrong?”
“You did not have any armor?” He frowned. “That does not seem wise.”
“I had a flack jacket.” He shook his head. “That I didn't get to keep.”
“Flack?” He sounded confused. “I do not understand Midgardian wars, or their method of fighting. What were you doing in the war?”
“I was a pilot, I flew a plane known as the Supermarine Spitfire.” He sighed and tugged on the sleeve. “A flack jacket isn't exactly armor - well, it is. It's for high explosive weaponry.” Joshua took up the hat that went with his uniform and went to put it in the closet, when he came back, he saw Thor was holding the photograph.
“So this is you and your fellow warriors.” Thor tilted his head to the side. “Do you still speak with them?”
“No.” He set his mess-kit on the table. “I'm the only person in that photograph who is still alive.”
“I am sorry.” He set the frame down and picked up the shadow box. “Odd coin.”
“That's a seventeen eighty-seven half-guinea.” He grinned. “Would you believe that coin could have fed me for a month when I was given it?”
Thor stared at him. “And now, if I may ask?”
“Given the condition, and what not... probably would still feed me for a month.” He shook his head. “But I wouldn't spend it, wouldn't sell it either.”
“It's a coin.” He frowned. “What is so special about it?”
“Because of who gave it to me.” He took a breath, remembering the day the gold coin had been pressed into his palm. “Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson gave that to me when I carried a trunk for him.”
“Who?” He frowned. “I do not know that name.”
Joshua laughed. “He was only the greatest naval commander in the history of the British Empire.”
He set the box down slowly, his expression odd. “I should read more about Midgard and their history. What did this Son of Nel do that was so great?”
It took him a moment to get who Thor was asking about. “Well, that's a long story...”
*
“Hel, Hel wake up!” Fenrir nudged his sister. “Hel!”
The girl pushed the furs off of her head and glared at him. “Fen, I spent nine hours yesterday sorting seeds, I'm tired and I want to sleep.”
“I had a dream about Jörmungandr! It was different than others I've had!” Her brother's face was bright with emotion, and clearly wasn't thinking about the late hour.
“Different how?” She yawned, but did not pull the covers back over her.
“I dreamed he was in Asgard. I saw him with the Allfather and Allmother. Thor was there too... and someone else...” He whispered. “I... they were glad to see him.”
Hel sat up. “You think he's really there?”
“Why couldn't he be? Maybe...” He shook his head. “I do not understand how he could be there, but... I think he is.”
“Why would he be there? Do you think he's in danger?” She rubbed at her eyes, trying to wake up. “Who was this someone else?”
“I couldn't see them clearly - some girl wrapped in a blanket.” He shook his head, trying to clear it. “It... Hel, what if we weren't thrown out of Asgard. What if we were, I don't know what you'd call it... kidnapped, or something?”
“What do you mean kidnapped? And why are you asking me? I was a baby.” Her indignant look was ruined with a yawn.
He tucked the fur around her and she laid back down. “Well, what if someone was angry with father? What if they found us and pretended to be from King Odin?”
“How could father not know it was a trick?” She whispered. “If father is as smart as you remember...”
“Think about it Hel. Guards showed up in our home and were dragging us away. He was already grieving over the loss of our mom. I doubt anyone could think clearly in the situation.” Fenrir let out a yawn of his own. “We need answers.”
“Any suggestions on how to get them?” She replied, a hint of excitement in her voice.
“In the morning. We'll think of something in the morning.” Fenrir stated. “Go back to sleep.”
“Wake me up if you have another dream about Jorg.” She closed her eyes and drifted into slumber.
*
Natasha was only slightly disoriented when she woke up in her own bed. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, almost certain she had dreamed Grandfather carrying her back to her room. As she stretched, her stomach rumbled, and she was suddenly glad she didn't have to spend time furtively making her way back to her room before she ate. She tossed back the covers, finding the one she'd been using in the stables at the foot of the bed and her slippers lying on top of it. She grabbed the shoes and put them on, padding into the main room of her chambers. A covered tray was already waiting for her and she let out a breath.
While it was still very hard to get through each day without Papochka, she knew that he wouldn't want her to starve herself or make herself sick. She would have to act and behave in a more mature manner now that he wasn't here. Grandfather and Grandmother were busy, Uncle Thor was busy -and she would have to look after herself more, like she did in Vanaheim. It was called growing-up. Besides, if she didn't eat, she couldn't stay strong, and if she didn't stay strong, how could she ever hope to rescue Papochka from wherever he was?
She'd find a way to save him.
Somehow.
She went over to the table and lifted the heavy silver dome off of her tray and her stomach rumbled again. Sitting down, she tucked into a meal of eggs, sausages and fruit. Today she would inform her grandmother that she was ready for Master Siry to come back and start teaching her again. She needed to practice her harp - there were so many things she needed to get back to doing.
One day at a time, as Papochka would put it.
Once she'd eaten and dressed, Natasha checked the clock on her mantle; it was almost time for her daily viewing in her grandparent's chambers. She tucked a stray curl behind her ear and went into the hallway just as the door across the hall from hers opened. She had to look at the man twice before she realized it wasn't her father. “Good morning.”
The man smiled - it was a warm smile. “Good morning, miss. I'm afraid you were asleep when I arrived last night.”
“It must have been rather late.” She stepped forward and gave him a small curtsey. “I'm Natasha Lokadottir.”
The stranger's expression broke into a grin. “It's nice to meet you, Miss Natasha.” He inclined his head. “I'm Joshua...” He frowned. “I don't think I know what my last name would be.”
“Lokason.” She replied, holding her arms behind her back, clasping one wrist in her other hand. “Welcome to Asgard.”
“Thank you.” He coughed once. “I'm not too certain what I'm supposed to be doing, this is all... new.” He looked back into his room for a moment. “Do they always bring breakfast to your room?”
“Usually, yes. If there's a family breakfast planned, then it won't be much, usually just toast and tea.” Natasha frowned, he was looking at her strangely. “What is it?”
“How do you stand like that?” He came closer to her. “Awfully straight for a little girl.”
“I'm not that little.” She did her best to keep her tone level. “And it's not that hard, once you get used to it.” Two guards came down the hallway and both of them stopped, looking taken aback. “It's all right, nothing is amiss.” They nodded and went on their way. “I am afraid I am not certain what you're supposed to be doing either.” She bit her lip. “I suppose you might as well come with me, I'm going to see my - our - grandparents for a daily viewing.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” He shook his head. “Daily viewing? What are you, a painting?”
“It's just what they call it.” She let out a giggle. “It's not as bad as it sounds. Basically, it's how did you sleep, how did you eat, what did you do yesterday, what are you planning to do today, and is anything wrong?”
Joshua sniggered. “Sounds like an attempt at doing all the parental things in fifteen minutes, rather than the entire day.”
She bit her lip. “It was different before Papochka... before he went missing. I didn't mind it so much then.”
He came over and gave her a slightly awkward hug. “I'm sorry about what happened, Natasha. I can't remember our father, so I really can't miss him. Not the way you do.”
She returned the hug. “Thank you. It won't be so bad here, you'll see.”
“All right then.” He pulled away. “Now, perhaps you can help me. How does one go about acting at one of these viewing things?” He looked over over. “Stand stiff and proper, I assume?”
She nodded. “Have you been in the military?”
“Indeed I have.” He grinned. “I know this drill then.” He adjusted his shoulders and lifted his chin slightly. “Like this?”
“Exactly.” She replied and the two of them set off down the corridor, together.
Rating:R
Warnings:Mild torture
Summary: Gamora interrogates Loki, Joshua arrives on Asgard, and Fenrir has had another dream about his brother. Frigga tells Thor something very important about his lost brother.
Loki was in pain. It was worse than when he first woke up in that cell. The cell seemed like a lifetime ago. It was hard to tell what hurt the most. His wrists, where the manacles bit into his skin, his ankles, where the same iron bonds held him tight. His shoulders and hips hurt in equal measure, he was suspended by chains over a vast nothingness, and the iron chains were taut, both a blessing and a curse. He didn't think he'd want to swing over this void. Mostly because he had no idea how secure the chains above him were; even bound as tight as he was, there was nothing to assure him that all the links between him and wherever the ceiling was weren't in danger of snapping.
He closed his eyes and tried to think of something else; anything other than the pain. Strangely, Loki's mind suddenly went to that estate where he and Angrboða had lived. He'd never gone back to that place again; it was too painful to remember. They hadn't even been living in the main house, but in a cottage meant for a tenant, not a prince of Asgard and his... well, he'd never officially married the girl. Perhaps he should have and then... maybe then there wouldn't have been all the horror. But if there had been no horror, then he wouldn't have gone wandering the Nine Realms and he never would have found Natasha. Trying to imagine his life without her was almost like trying to imagine life without Thor.
The good inside the bad, as his mother would say.
There was another mystery. Who had his birth mother been? What had happened to her? Was she still alive? No, that couldn't be. She was most likely long dead. He only knew sketchy details about how Father had found him. In a temple in the capital of Jotunheim, crying and alone; surrounded by several dead jotuns. What if those beings had been guards, or just innocent bystanders? War was ugly; he didn't know why Thor was so obsessed with it. His brother hadn't even fought in a war.
Loki sighed and sensed lights come on around him; he was thankful he'd had his eyes already shut, or it would have stung. He didn't respond as the lights went off and on, the time between phases rapidly accelerating. It was disorienting, but only just; by leaving his eyes shut, it was somewhat tolerable. Then the chains lurched and he fell several yards.
That jolted him and his eyes opened at the same time the lights came on and stayed on. He blinked several times, adjusting to the new environment and then he felt a hand on his face. It was that Gamora girl, she was standing on a clear platform that would escape notice unless someone was on it. Loki wasn't fooled; it most likely could be retracted. She lifted his face by his hair, her expression blank.
“How did this Terran female know about the Tesseract?” She shook him once.
“What?” He frowned. “What are you talking about?” He coughed and swallowed several times. It was difficult to speak.
“This!” She brandished a book in front of him, a blue book with green circles. “How does this woman know about the Tesseract? It does not matter that she got planetary names wrong, but the Tesseract! How does she...”
“It's only a story.” Loki blinked at the book he'd forgotten he'd been carrying with him. He'd only kept it with him because he wouldn't have put it past Natasha asking to Tony to sneak the book out of his room for her. “A work of fiction.”
“Lies!” Gamora hissed, shaking his head once and then releasing him, making the room seem to spin. “She knows!”
“No, I assure you, she does not.” Loki coughed. “If she was able to get any details correct, it was purely coincidence.”
“I do not believe you!” She snarled. “Some of it may be fiction, but the Tesseract!”
“Oh, fuck the bloody Tesseract.” The girl sounded like the epitome of a teenager trying to be tougher than she really was. This girl needed to work on her interrogation skills if she wanted to be an assassin. “That thing is more trouble than it is worth.”
“Lies!” She shook him again. “I will not ask you again, how did this woman...”
“Perhaps she heard a story about it, a mention.” He sighed. “Honestly, I find it amazing that the people of Midgard know how to dress themselves half the time.”
“This isn't a joke!” She struck him with the book and he heard the spine crack.
“Can you read that book?” He decided he would try to reason with her - he'd really rather just hang here in the dark than put up with her poor attempt of being a tough as nails girl.
“Yes.” Her voice was full of indignation. “I can read this stupid Terran language.”
“Then open the book to the copyright page. It will be in the front, most likely behind the title page.” He coughed again as he heard her fumbling through the pages.
“Is this it?” She held the book in front of him and he nodded. “What am I supposed to...”
“Look at the first two paragraphs. Read those.” Loki let his head fall as she read to herself and then threw the book down in annoyance. Natasha would have punched Gamora by now for the harm she was causing to her book. Or worse. He couldn't stop the chuckle before it escaped his lips.
“What's so damn funny?” She grabbed his hair again, and he flinched.
He didn't reply, he merely blinked at her. He tucked the emotion away, his expression even. If it was his lot in life for now to be practice for Gamora become better at interrogating prisoners, he'd have to think about how he was going to to do it. He could steer her wrong and watch her stumble, or he could help her; at the expense of his own sanity, life, what have you. “Pathetic.” He whispered.
“I am not!” She shook him again.
“You're getting angry far to easily.” He sighed. “You came in here without your emotions in check. That was your first mistake.”
Gamora let go of him and stalked away.
A moment later, it was dark again. Then he heard a soft snick of sound he couldn't place. As he shut his eyes, Loki winced. The girl had distracted him from the pain; and now that he was alone, it seemed to have returned tenfold. He worked on keeping his breath level and letting his mind drift. Had Heimdall gotten his message? He felt a smile tug at the corners of his mouth; perhaps they had found at least one of his three missing children, or had begun looking. Perhaps one of his stolen children would be back in Asgard in time to celebrate the Yule.
*
The moment that Odin informed her that Heimdall believed he'd located Loki's son on Midgard, Frigga began plans for a set of rooms in the family wing to be cleaned. She selected the ones across the hall from Natasha's, deciding that the two siblings should be somewhat close, although she'd been informed that Jörmungandr was not young like Natasha. It didn't matter to her. Details on the furnishings of the chambers could be decided once he arrived. She would merely get the basic things ready. Now that the rooms were aired, the bed made and the floors freshly polished, it was hard to wait.
Fandral had not returned from Midgard as of yet, but he had only been gone two days; certainly he couldn't be gone for too much longer. As she stood in the doorway of the newly appointed chambers, Frigga tried to think how exactly, the young man would fit into the family dynamic. As he was older than Natasha, Joshua, as Jörmungandr was called, went in front of her in the line of succession, but she doubted either of them cared about that. She wondered what sort of schooling the boy had had, what foods did he like, was he a scholar like his father, or had the harshness of life on Midgard forced him into other pursuits? With Midgard's constant wars, there was little chance he had avoided all of them, even living in a place that was as remote as this Australia seemed to be. According to what she'd gathered from Natasha's atlas and the girl's grasp of her home realm's history, it had once been a penal colony for the British Empire. Frigga certainly hoped her grandson wasn't a former criminal.
“Mother, standing in the doorway will not make time move any faster.” Thor's voice cut into her thoughts and she turned.
“I cannot stay focused, and I know I shouldn't just stand here.” She looked back into the room. “It... I cannot explain it.”
Her son came up to her and gave her a slight hug. “It is quite the opposite of when Natasha came here. We had no advanced notice, so it seemed as if things were prepared for a rush. Now, we must wait and it seems longer.”
She nodded. “I still cannot believe that your brother never mentioned the whole incident to us, nor can I believe none of us noticed his devastation when he came home all those years ago. We should have seen.”
Thor let out a breath. “The fault lies with all of us, but mostly with me. I have been a poor brother where Loki is concerned. I can only hope to atone for it by being a good uncle.”
Frigga turned and touched his cheek. “It is never easy in the ways of being siblings. I was not the sister I should have been.”
He frowned. “I did not know you had a sister, mother.”
“Oh yes.” She sighed sadly. “She was younger than I. I should have insisted on bringing her with me to Asgard when I married your father. But my father was more concerned with forging as many alliances for Vanaheim was possible.” She took a breath. “My sister was betrothed to a prince on Alfheim. The one that was assassinated when Loki was ambassador.”
“Your sister was not killed then, was she?” Thor frowned. “You have never mentioned her before.”
“No, my sister ran away from Vanaheim long ago, shortly before you were born. She never wanted to marry, all she wanted to do was explore. Due to the war with Jotunheim, no one really knew where she went, or what happened to her.” She closed her eyes and swallowed hard. “I knew when she died.” She took a breath. This was something she had been keeping for so long, it was painful. She'd never talked about her sister, for various reasons. “She has been dead for a long time.”
“I am sorry, mother. I should have liked to have known her.” She felt her son's arms embrace her, and then he paused. “Is there something more?”
“Your father never met her. My parents have never met you, or your brother.” She opened her eyes. “If they had, then they would have known what I have since the day your father returned from Jotunheim with Loki.” She could not keep the tremble from her voice, and she steeled herself up. “Never did you question why I devoted so much time to your brother. It wasn't just because he shared mutual passion for magic and because I wanted to help him find his own place in the sun.”
Her son turned her in his arms, his expression one of shock and slight fear. “Mother, what are you trying to tell me?”
Frigga took a breath. “Because when the Allfather placed Loki in my arms, I did not see an abandoned frost giant babe looking back at me, but my lost sister.”
His eyes widened, but she could see him rapidly putting things together in his mind. “Your sister is Loki's mother.”
“Yes.” She pulled away, feeling sick. “Another secret that should have been revealed earlier. There shouldn't be such things kept hidden in families.”
“Did Loki know?” Thor sounded odd. “No, he didn't... you never told him, even after you told him of the adoption?”
“No. Your father doesn't even know. I suppose I shall have to inform him now.” She laughed, ever so slightly. “Ever since I was told how your father found your brother, I have wondered if he really was abandoned, or if he was tucked away, hidden from the battle for his own protection.”
“Why would father lie about such a thing?” There was a hint of anger in her son's voice.
“It's history, Thor. And the trouble with history is that it is written by the winners, and those on the other side are often denied credibility, even when the evidence is there.” She stepped out of the threshold and shut the doors. “And so therein lies another tragedy. Too many secrets and half-truths, and not enough souls left to give all the needed evidence.” They started walking down the corridor.
“So Loki and I are cousins by blood, brothers by upbringing.” A small smile played at the corner of his mouth. “Do you believe that King Laufey knows of the connection between you and Loki's mother?”
“It is possible. I do not even know how my sister came to be on Jotunheim.” She shook her head.
“I would say most likely in the same way her son was able to travel to Midgard.” He grinned.
She chuckled. “I would not be surprised.” She took a breath. “There will be much to discuss when your brother finally returns home.”
Thor nodded. “We will hardly know where to begin, after we welcome him home.”
She let out a breath. “We will find a way to bring him back, that I do know. It will just take time.” She didn't want to finish the sentence out loud.
“We will not be too late, Mother.” Her son replied, gravely. “It may not be for many years, but one day, Loki will be back with us in Asgard.”
She nodded and they both turned as a messenger came hurrying towards them.
“What is it?” The man looked as if he had just run all the way from the Bifrost.
“Sir Fandral has returned. And he is not alone.” The messenger managed a weak grin.
*
For the first time in decades, Joshua felt awed. Asgard was, well - it was beyond grand. The trip through the Bifrost, as it was called, had been strange. It reminded him a little of those few seconds of free fall when you jumped out of a plane, before you pulled the parachute open, only instead of falling down, you were falling up. The landing had been a little... odd, but he'd managed to keep his feet. He also hadn't lost the bag he was carrying, although he'd been certain he was going to lose his grip on it.
“You can't see it all if you just stand there.” Fandral called to him, several yards ahead of him on the bridge.
Joshua hadn't even left the observatory, as it was. He turned back to... what was his name again. “Thank you.”
The man dressed in gold turned to look at him, his expression blank. “You are quite welcome.” He went back to doing - whatever it was he was doing.
Joshua took a few more steps out onto the bridge. It was nighttime, and the city in front of him, it was hard to make out many details, other than there seemed to be many tiers of buildings and as he drew level with his traveling companion, he turned back and frowned. “Is this planet flat?”
“Flat?” The man frowned. “What do you mean by that?”
“Flat as in Asgard is not a sphere, the way Earth - Midgard is.” He shook his head. “Forget it, I'll just find a book on geography.”
The man chuckled. “Your father read a great deal. I am not surprised that you do as well.” They continued on the path. “Although I will admit, I am rather astonished that you agreed to come back with me.”
Joshua snorted. “I'd been planning on leaving Australia since before you showed up. I just hadn't decided where I was going to go.”
“Your home was entirely too warm for my liking.” He coughed - the man had been doing that a lot since he met him. Perhaps he had allergies. “It was summer, was it not?”
“Late spring.” He replied and they started up a very wide and tall staircase; it reminded him of Rome. He was rather glad for the late hour; it meant there were few people about. It made it far easier to gape at the grandeur around him. It was all massive and opulent; there weren't huge framed works of art, but there were tapestries that went from floor to ceiling, sculptures and the marble floor - yes, he was noticing the floor - he felt rather small - and rather dirty. The sound of hurrying footsteps caused him to look up just as two people came into view; a heavily muscled man who looked close to his age, and a woman whose age he couldn't tell. Automatically, he took off his hat and set his bag down. “Good evening, ma'am, sir.” The woman, covered her mouth, she looked shocked and had stopped short, but the blond man came up to him, looking him over.
“Norns...” The man said and then hugged him tightly. The man had a grip like iron. When he let go, he thumped him on the arm and Joshua was surprised he didn't fall over. “So you are Joshua.”
“Yes, sir.” He saw the woman come over, she kept staring at him like he was a ghost; it was worse than when Fandral had met him. “Ma'am, are you all right?”
She gave him a very nervous smile and touched his cheek. “I am fine. It is just that you resemble your father a great deal.”
“Oh.” He shifted his hold on his hat. “I didn't realize that. I am sorry that he is not here.”
She touched his cheek again and then took a breath. “As are we all.” She turned. “Come, let's get you settled, it's late, you must be tired.”
He took up his bag and noticed that Fandral had slipped out of the room. He also didn't want to point out that it was daytime when he left Australia; clearly this woman who was his grandmother was not someone to argue with.
*
Odin stood outside Sleipnir's stall, not exactly surprised at what he saw within; just that he'd taken this long to find out. He'd known that Natasha was sneaking into the stables at least twice a week to sleep, but he'd assumed the girl had been sleeping in the same stall as her own horse, not the most dangerous and deadly animal in the entire haras. He undid the latch and let himself into the small area, noting that the great black horse turned to look at him, blinking in surprise.
“The girl needs to sleep in her own bed, not in here.” Rather than waking her, he picked Natasha up, resting her head against his shoulder. “She can visit, but not stay.”
Sleipnir snorted in a manner that reminded Odin of Loki rolling his eyes.
“Good night.” He shut the stall door and carried his granddaughter out of the barn and back into the palace. “You think you're good at hiding what you're doing Sasha, but you're not. You don't get all the straw out of your hair.”
The girl mumbled something and then shifted her head so it was under his chin.
“Oh, yes, I know, it's not every night.” Odin sighed and nodded to one of the guards who shut the door behind him. “But little girls need to sleep in their beds, not in stables.” It was surprising how light Natasha was; she wasn't much heavier than she had been when she first came to Asgard. He chuckled. “I know, you're not a little girl, you're a young lady.” He reached the corridor of the family wing and was nearly at the door of his granddaughter's room when he heard voices heading towards them. “It is rather late for company.” He was about to set Natasha down on her feet when Frigga, Thor, and a young man, who at first glance, he thought was Loki - but another look, and the boy revealed himself to look slightly younger, his complexion was ruddy and his hair curled around his face.
“Father!” Thor called and hurried up to him, his expression changing when he caught sight of Natasha. “Has she been sleepwalking?”
“No, sleeping in the stables.” He chuckled. “I seem to recall I found you there a number of times.”
“Here, I'll put her back into bed.” He took Natasha, and the girl let out another whimper. “I don't blame her, it can be quite comfortable.” He adjusted his hold and went back down to Frigga and the boy, saying something to each before disappearing into Natasha's room.
Odin took a breath and came up to the pair, keeping his expression neutral. “I was not expecting company so late.”
“Time is different on Midgard.” Frigga gave him a half smile. “I doubt Joshua and Fandral expected to arrive in the middle of the night.”
“Joshua.” He stated, letting the name sink in, before turning directly to the boy himself. “Have you always been called that?”
“For as long as I can remember, sir.” He looked uncertain. “Is something wrong?”
“No.” Odin gave the boy a smile. “It is late, you should get settled. Things are better discussed after a good night's sleep.”
The boy nodded, his expression still rather nervous. “Thank you.”
Thor came back into the hallway and rejoined them. “Natasha went right back to sleep.”
“Good.” He took a breath. “Thor, show your nephew to his room. Then get some rest. There will be much to talk over in the morning.”
“Yes, Father.” He replied, dutifully and Odin took his leave of the two men, Frigga following next to him.
“I did not know the boy had arrived.” He said softly.
“We were only told a short while ago ourselves.” She answered, looking back over her shoulder. “I did not think Fandral would have returned as quickly as he did. I honestly felt it would take longer.”
“What do you know of him, so far?” Meeting the boy at his age was rather odd; it wasn't like it had been with Natasha, she'd been and still was very young. Who knew what Joshua had been doing on Midgard all this time; he was over three hundred, but thanks to his jotun heritage, had not aged rapidly.
“He is polite and quiet, although the later is most likely due to nerves, this is all strange to him, as it is to us.” The Allmother sighed. “I did not expect him to look so much like Loki.”
“Nor did I. But there are differences; the complexion and his eyes are blue.” Odin shook his head as they came to the door of their chambers. “Tomorrow, as I believe the expression Natasha uses, we shall play twenty-questions and find out more about him.”
*
His room. This wasn't a room. It was several rooms and it was larger than any house Joshua had ever lived in. There was a room for sleeping, a room for bathing, a room that looked to be purely for study, and a main room that - well, judging from the table, chairs and couch - was used for entertaining. It was all richly decorated, in hues of blue and bronze, and he set his hat and duffel on the long table, trying to fathom what the hell he was going to do in a room this size. The only thing missing from this place was a kitchen. Near the bathroom there was a mostly empty closet that was the same size of the trailer he'd been living in this morning.
“Oh, you've really landed in it now, Joshua.” He shook his head and undid the ties on his bag. “I'll just unpack a little and then go to bed. Or something.” He had a feeling most of the things he brought weren't going to be very useful in this place. Well, alien world or not, he wasn't ready to give up his own style of underwear any time soon.
“Joshua?” A voice called from the doorway, it was Thor - his uncle. “Mother suggested I ask if you need anything before I retire.”
“I am fine, thank you.” He shrugged. “Unless you don't feel like sleeping either and want to keep me company.”
It seemed to be the invitation he was asking for and he grinned and came into the room. “I could stay a while.” He frowned. “You do not need to unpack yourself, Joshua, there are servants for that.”
“I'm used to doing thing for myself.” He sighed and set a framed photograph and a shadowbox on the table. “These rooms are so large, I may get lost trying to leave in the morning.”
Thor chuckled and came over to him. “Natasha had that problem when she first came here.”
“Does she always sneak off and sleep in the stables?” He had only caught a glimpse of the redheaded girl.
“Not often.” He sighed. “Things have not exactly been, how shall I say, well, here in Asgard since the end of the summer.”
“Your friend, Sir Fandral was not able to give me many details of what went on.” He went into the closet, found a few hangers and returned to the table, taking out his old RAAF uniform and carefully hung it up.
“Yes.” He frowned. “What is that?”
“It's my uniform from the Second World War. I didn't think I should leave it behind.” He shook out a crease in the sleeve. “I'm not even sure if it still fits.” He saw Thor's expression. “What's wrong?”
“You did not have any armor?” He frowned. “That does not seem wise.”
“I had a flack jacket.” He shook his head. “That I didn't get to keep.”
“Flack?” He sounded confused. “I do not understand Midgardian wars, or their method of fighting. What were you doing in the war?”
“I was a pilot, I flew a plane known as the Supermarine Spitfire.” He sighed and tugged on the sleeve. “A flack jacket isn't exactly armor - well, it is. It's for high explosive weaponry.” Joshua took up the hat that went with his uniform and went to put it in the closet, when he came back, he saw Thor was holding the photograph.
“So this is you and your fellow warriors.” Thor tilted his head to the side. “Do you still speak with them?”
“No.” He set his mess-kit on the table. “I'm the only person in that photograph who is still alive.”
“I am sorry.” He set the frame down and picked up the shadow box. “Odd coin.”
“That's a seventeen eighty-seven half-guinea.” He grinned. “Would you believe that coin could have fed me for a month when I was given it?”
Thor stared at him. “And now, if I may ask?”
“Given the condition, and what not... probably would still feed me for a month.” He shook his head. “But I wouldn't spend it, wouldn't sell it either.”
“It's a coin.” He frowned. “What is so special about it?”
“Because of who gave it to me.” He took a breath, remembering the day the gold coin had been pressed into his palm. “Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson gave that to me when I carried a trunk for him.”
“Who?” He frowned. “I do not know that name.”
Joshua laughed. “He was only the greatest naval commander in the history of the British Empire.”
He set the box down slowly, his expression odd. “I should read more about Midgard and their history. What did this Son of Nel do that was so great?”
It took him a moment to get who Thor was asking about. “Well, that's a long story...”
*
“Hel, Hel wake up!” Fenrir nudged his sister. “Hel!”
The girl pushed the furs off of her head and glared at him. “Fen, I spent nine hours yesterday sorting seeds, I'm tired and I want to sleep.”
“I had a dream about Jörmungandr! It was different than others I've had!” Her brother's face was bright with emotion, and clearly wasn't thinking about the late hour.
“Different how?” She yawned, but did not pull the covers back over her.
“I dreamed he was in Asgard. I saw him with the Allfather and Allmother. Thor was there too... and someone else...” He whispered. “I... they were glad to see him.”
Hel sat up. “You think he's really there?”
“Why couldn't he be? Maybe...” He shook his head. “I do not understand how he could be there, but... I think he is.”
“Why would he be there? Do you think he's in danger?” She rubbed at her eyes, trying to wake up. “Who was this someone else?”
“I couldn't see them clearly - some girl wrapped in a blanket.” He shook his head, trying to clear it. “It... Hel, what if we weren't thrown out of Asgard. What if we were, I don't know what you'd call it... kidnapped, or something?”
“What do you mean kidnapped? And why are you asking me? I was a baby.” Her indignant look was ruined with a yawn.
He tucked the fur around her and she laid back down. “Well, what if someone was angry with father? What if they found us and pretended to be from King Odin?”
“How could father not know it was a trick?” She whispered. “If father is as smart as you remember...”
“Think about it Hel. Guards showed up in our home and were dragging us away. He was already grieving over the loss of our mom. I doubt anyone could think clearly in the situation.” Fenrir let out a yawn of his own. “We need answers.”
“Any suggestions on how to get them?” She replied, a hint of excitement in her voice.
“In the morning. We'll think of something in the morning.” Fenrir stated. “Go back to sleep.”
“Wake me up if you have another dream about Jorg.” She closed her eyes and drifted into slumber.
*
Natasha was only slightly disoriented when she woke up in her own bed. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, almost certain she had dreamed Grandfather carrying her back to her room. As she stretched, her stomach rumbled, and she was suddenly glad she didn't have to spend time furtively making her way back to her room before she ate. She tossed back the covers, finding the one she'd been using in the stables at the foot of the bed and her slippers lying on top of it. She grabbed the shoes and put them on, padding into the main room of her chambers. A covered tray was already waiting for her and she let out a breath.
While it was still very hard to get through each day without Papochka, she knew that he wouldn't want her to starve herself or make herself sick. She would have to act and behave in a more mature manner now that he wasn't here. Grandfather and Grandmother were busy, Uncle Thor was busy -and she would have to look after herself more, like she did in Vanaheim. It was called growing-up. Besides, if she didn't eat, she couldn't stay strong, and if she didn't stay strong, how could she ever hope to rescue Papochka from wherever he was?
She'd find a way to save him.
Somehow.
She went over to the table and lifted the heavy silver dome off of her tray and her stomach rumbled again. Sitting down, she tucked into a meal of eggs, sausages and fruit. Today she would inform her grandmother that she was ready for Master Siry to come back and start teaching her again. She needed to practice her harp - there were so many things she needed to get back to doing.
One day at a time, as Papochka would put it.
Once she'd eaten and dressed, Natasha checked the clock on her mantle; it was almost time for her daily viewing in her grandparent's chambers. She tucked a stray curl behind her ear and went into the hallway just as the door across the hall from hers opened. She had to look at the man twice before she realized it wasn't her father. “Good morning.”
The man smiled - it was a warm smile. “Good morning, miss. I'm afraid you were asleep when I arrived last night.”
“It must have been rather late.” She stepped forward and gave him a small curtsey. “I'm Natasha Lokadottir.”
The stranger's expression broke into a grin. “It's nice to meet you, Miss Natasha.” He inclined his head. “I'm Joshua...” He frowned. “I don't think I know what my last name would be.”
“Lokason.” She replied, holding her arms behind her back, clasping one wrist in her other hand. “Welcome to Asgard.”
“Thank you.” He coughed once. “I'm not too certain what I'm supposed to be doing, this is all... new.” He looked back into his room for a moment. “Do they always bring breakfast to your room?”
“Usually, yes. If there's a family breakfast planned, then it won't be much, usually just toast and tea.” Natasha frowned, he was looking at her strangely. “What is it?”
“How do you stand like that?” He came closer to her. “Awfully straight for a little girl.”
“I'm not that little.” She did her best to keep her tone level. “And it's not that hard, once you get used to it.” Two guards came down the hallway and both of them stopped, looking taken aback. “It's all right, nothing is amiss.” They nodded and went on their way. “I am afraid I am not certain what you're supposed to be doing either.” She bit her lip. “I suppose you might as well come with me, I'm going to see my - our - grandparents for a daily viewing.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” He shook his head. “Daily viewing? What are you, a painting?”
“It's just what they call it.” She let out a giggle. “It's not as bad as it sounds. Basically, it's how did you sleep, how did you eat, what did you do yesterday, what are you planning to do today, and is anything wrong?”
Joshua sniggered. “Sounds like an attempt at doing all the parental things in fifteen minutes, rather than the entire day.”
She bit her lip. “It was different before Papochka... before he went missing. I didn't mind it so much then.”
He came over and gave her a slightly awkward hug. “I'm sorry about what happened, Natasha. I can't remember our father, so I really can't miss him. Not the way you do.”
She returned the hug. “Thank you. It won't be so bad here, you'll see.”
“All right then.” He pulled away. “Now, perhaps you can help me. How does one go about acting at one of these viewing things?” He looked over over. “Stand stiff and proper, I assume?”
She nodded. “Have you been in the military?”
“Indeed I have.” He grinned. “I know this drill then.” He adjusted his shoulders and lifted his chin slightly. “Like this?”
“Exactly.” She replied and the two of them set off down the corridor, together.