One for the Money, Two for the Show, Three...
Title: One for the Money, Two for the Show, Three...
Warnings: None
Characters: Loki, Helblindi, Byleistr
Rating: G
Type: Au
Summery: Loki meets two young Jotuns, and together they form a support group for children who disappiont their fathers.
prompt
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The first thing Loki learnt about the Jotuns, was that they were not all blood-thirsty brutes like Thor.
Helblindi was the antithesis of everything Loki had ever learnt about the Frost Giants as a people. He was tall, yes, but he had a head of dark hair, wore a long tunic of leather and smelt less of blood and more of fresh snow melt. He was also very well versed in the histories and classics.
Helblindi was Crown Prince of Jotunheim only by default, and damn well knew it. Laufey was, on the whole, not relatively good father. He had unattainably high standards for his children, and was quick to show disappointment in any failing. Even the smallest faults he noticed and commented on.
Laufey’s first son was born a runt, and was given to the temple to serve when he grew older. The child was lost during the war against Asgard, and it was of no great consequence to the king, even as the common people mourned the loss of their prince.
Helblindi, as the second son, was expected to succeed his father - and at first showed great promise as a warrior-king. That was until he discovered the palace library when he was ten. No scholar had ever become king of Jotunheim before and the only reason Helblindi remained his father’s heir was because Byleistr, the youngest of Laufey’s sons, wasn’t…quite all there. A defect of birth, not apparent until the third prince was older and integrated into the workings of the Realm.
The second thing Loki learned about the Jotuns, was that they were in position of a wicked humor.
Byleistr, without meaning to most of the time, could make both his brother and Loki laugh uncontrollably. He had a way of looking at the world in the most ridiculous and delightful way.
He also called the three of them the ‘Company of Disappointing Sons’ - and though they certainly were not a company, Byleistr was barely twelve, so Loki and Helblindi let him. After a time, the name stuck.
When Loki had first met the brothers, he’d not been sure of Byleistr. The young giant was excessively affectionate, loud, and could never concentrate for more than ten minutes at a stretch - but it didn’t take him long to win over the aloof prince of Asgard.
The third thing Loki learned about the Jotuns, was that they were friends for life.
Whenever Thor or Odin - or anyone else, quite frankly - were acting particularly obtuse. When they glorified strength of body; when they said ‘if it were not for your tricks you would be useless in battle’ when it was he whom had all but saved the day with forethought and planning and subtle tricks; when the people would whisper about how Loki bore children from his own belly - then Loki would slip into Jotunheim and explore the frozen tundra and ice-locked rivers with the two princes. Would rant at the idiocy of the Aesir, and listen to tales of Laufey and his constantly finding his sons lacking. Then the three of them joke and laugh and put the disappointment of their families behind them and enjoy the company they were in.
The forth thing Loki learned about the Jotuns, was that he was one of them.
When the Allfather fell into the Odinsleep and Loki looked down at his skin, still seeing the blue that was hidden under the false shell of pink, the young king-regent felt the scream rising in his mouth. He transported to his chambers and let go his rage. He smashed every mirror and threw ink and parchment across the floor. Tore his bed-curtains and cover with his throwing knives and very nearly set the room on fire.
Then, when his temper settled, he donned his cape and helmet, took up his father’s spear, and sat upon the throne of Asgard.
He decreed to the Lady Sif and the Warriors Three that Midgard and Thor be forbidden.
Finally, he traveled to Jotunheim and went to see his friends.
His brothers.
Loki’s voice trembled when he told them. His hands, too. Helblindi understood almost immediately, Byleistr had to be told twice. Both were truly overjoyed. Helblindi told Loki that he was welcome to the crown of Jotunheim. Loki took him at his word.
They needed to get rid of Laufey.
With some well placed words, the King of Jotunheim was easily convinced to travel to Midgard and attack the banished and powerless Thor.
During the battle, while trying to protect his new friends, Thor regained Mijolnir. He won.
Thor, now once again a prince, returned to Asgard where his father was in the Odinsleep and his younger brother was king. To his surprise, Loki handed him the crown almost as soon as he arrived back.
“I don’t need this - I have another waiting for me.”
“I know not what you mean, brother.”
“I’m not your brother. I never was. But that’s quite alright, I have another two.”
“I don’t understand…”
“Father - that is, the Allfather - will explain when he wakes. I have appointments to attend.”
Heimdal looked right through Loki when the prince asked for the Bifrost to be opened to Jotunheim.
“You will make a fine King, Prince Loki. Especially as you are in possession of such a powerful artifact.”
Loki called forth the Casket of Ancient Winters,
“I think it would be best to make a positive first impression.”
“Indeed.”
Heimdal opened the bridge, and moments before Loki stepped through said,
“Long live King Loki and peace be upon your reign.”
Heimdal’s blessing held.
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