Chapter 22, part 2! Lots of 2's. Annnyway. This is just a continuation of the last chapter. It's a little longer. Sorry about the different lengths. It's hard finding a good place to stop and making sure it still makes sense. Anyway there are things in this which do not fit into Norse mythology (just some age stuff etc etc). Hope you're enjoying the story. Let me know of your thinkings.
Lots of Loki love from me!
- Z xx
Laufey held the dagger above his son’s skull and spoke the words of his people
“Tumuno decsyra!” he shouted. Loki laughed under his breath; he knew what they meant.
“Shameful vermin. What kind words. They will not deter me Laufey. I am what I am. I am an Asgardian and even though I will not walk these lands before long, my spirit shall forever haunt you, torture you and make your life a living hell!” he shouted, his voice clear and plain. Laila could not wait any longer. With tears blinding her vision, she ran out of the shadows into the centre of the courtyard, screaming
“No! Wait!” Just at that moment Laufey brought the dagger down. The sudden voice behind him faltered his aim. Loki, hearing the voice, snapped his head up. Suddenly Loki cried in pain as the dagger came into contact with his skin. A gash formed upon his cheek, staining it with deep black blood; a dark contrast to his sea-blue skin. He fell to the floor, no longer having the strength to hold himself up. Laufey whipped around, his hand slacking as he realised who the voice had come from. The dagger fell from his grasp and clattered to the floor as Loki raised his head again. Laila stopped and stared at the group in front of her. A dangerous smile played on Laufey’s lips as he addressed the situation
“Well, well, look who decided to turn up after all.” He jeered. Laila glanced at Laufey before settling her gaze on the kneeling frost giant. In her head she visualised the man that had left Asgard; with his golden robes and pale skin shining in the moonlight, but what kneeled before her told a different story. Instead she saw the remains of a broken creature, with its skin; the deep blue coat of a frost giant and its poisonous red eyes. Its ribs jutted out through its skin and its muscles lacked the definition they once had. Cuts and bruises were strewn over its torso like confetti. It wasn’t Loki. It couldn’t be Loki. Laila looked up at Laufey after studying the stooping frost giant,
“Where is Loki?” she asked. Laufey laughed out loud, a great bellowing sound that filled the empty courtyard. Eventually he answered
“What, you don’t recognise him? He’s right there princess, in front of your eyes.” He said between giggles. Laila turned back to the scrawny frost giant and approached him with caution
“Loki?” she asked with uncertainty. Loki nodded slightly, his voice chastened
“Laila please. Don’t look at me. I can’t bear you seeing me like this. I am a monster. Go. Leave this place while you still can and never look back.” He whispered with shame. Laila stood tall in front of them, defiant, unmoving. Her voice wobbled slightly
“But, what have they done to you?” she asked with despair. Loki lowered his head again, reluctant to reply. Laila ran up to Loki’s side, unable to keep away from the man she had been so longing to see. Reaching him, she embraced him in a hug. He returned it with little effort. She broke away from him, her eyes full of concern
“Loki what is it? What are you not telling me? Please tell me. I can’t stand by and watch you suffer in silence when there could be something I could do to help!” she said desperately. Loki looked up from the ground. The once so strong prince was now no more than a weak and helpless man. He spoke with regret, his voice final
“Laila –” he began. Laufey stepped in, enjoying the weakness of his son. He finished Loki’s sentence
“There is nothing you can do because there is nothing to be undone.” He said mysteriously, his eyes dancing wickedly. Laila frowned in confusion. Laufey could see that she was mentally trying to fit the pieces of the puzzle together in her head. He laughed mockingly. Laila glanced from Laufey to Loki. She stood back up, now focussing her full attention on the frost giant.
“What have you done to him?” she asked aggressively; her anger increasing. Laufey raised his eyebrows, pretending to be shocked
“Now now I don’t think there is any reason for that kind of tone is there? Anger in a woman is not attractive you know. And I haven’t done anything princess. I’ve simply brought Loki home.” He said. Laila frowned in confusion
“Home? How is this place his home?! He belongs in Asgard! He is not from here.” She said confidently. Laufey shook his head
“And that is where you’re wrong princess. You see, I only realised myself that Loki was one of us a couple of nights ago. Do you want to know something else? Do you want to know who your lover really is?” He said, his voice full of temptation. Laila glanced at Loki before turning back and nodded slowly. Laufey continued with a playful smile on his lips “He’s one of us princess; a frost giant playing the part of a prince. He is the child that was stolen all those years ago. He is my son.” Laufey said finally. Laila covered her mouth in shock and looked again at Loki. Loki glanced up at Laila before bowing his head in shame. A couple of seconds went by before Laila spoke again
“You’re lying.” She said simply. Laufey laughed at her with pity in his voice
“And why on Jotunheim would I lie about something like that?” he asked. Laila took a few steps towards the frost giant king, her desire to slay him overpowering her body.
“Because you think i won’t love him anymore, and that I’ll leave him to perish here while i go back to Asgard. I’ve seen you at work Laufey. I’ve heard the stories. I’m not going to fall for your tricks.” She snarled. Laufey chuckled.
“Okay well since you don’t believe me, let me ask you this princess, because I sure you’ve been told of the great battle. How many years ago was it that we were forced to hand over our power and made to live in the darkness, and that my son was stolen from me hmm? How long?” Laila took a while why she worked it out. Eventually she answered.
“26 years ago.” She said abruptly. Laufey continued.
“Very good. Okay” Laufey said directing his attention to Loki “Now Loki, would you care to tell Laila here, just how old you are.” He ordered. Loki looked up at Laila before bowing his head again
“26 years of age.” He admitted quietly. Laufey smiled
“I rest my case.” He said. Laila growled, slowly producing her ball and chain from her belt. Loki shook his head.
“Laila. Please. Don’t do this! I beg of you!” he shouted. Laila ignored him and continued to eye up her competition. Loki knew that he had to persuade her before she did something she’d regret “Laila he’s...he’s telling the truth.” He spoke regrettably. Laila glanced back in his direction; her determined face faltering for one moment, revealing the fearful woman behind
“But Loki...you...all those stories...and Asgard. Did you know?” she eventually asked before walking over to him and kneeling down. Loki shook his head
“I...I wasn’t sure. I knew i was different but I didn’t know how.” he admitted. Laila slumped her shoulders in despair
“Why didn’t you say anything? You didn’t have to keep this to yourself.” She said dejectedly whilst stroking his dark hair out of his face. Loki responded immediately
“I didn’t want to worry you. After the death of your father and the battle, I wasn’t sure if you’d want to know. And...and I wasn’t sure whether your feelings for me would be the same.” He admitted, embarrassed. “I understand if you don’t want to be with me Laila. I am a monster. You should go. You don’t deserve someone whose whole life has been a lie. You deserve someone so much better than me.” He spoke quietly. Laila rolled her eyes and hugged him tightly whilst reassuring him
“Well I think we both know that that isn’t going to happen. Loki, I’ll never stop loving you. You are the greatest thing that's happened to me. I just wish you’d have told me! I don’t care what troubles you are going through. Whether it’s finding out about your past or kicking Thor’s ass for beating you in training, you don’t have to do it alone.” She said. They broke the hug and Loki laughed at Laila’s example. Laufey made a snarky remark
“Ah young love. Isn’t it sweet? With your never ending affection for each other.” Laufey’s voice quickly changed tone “Makes me want to be sick!” he spat. Laila’s eyes grew dark under her smooth black fringe. Loki noted this tried to restrain her
“Laila, don’t. I don’t care if you never listen to me again after this. Just listen to me now. He’s trying to get to you.” He said. Laila snarled “Well it’s working.” She hissed. Loki nodded “Laila listen. He wants you to get mad. Don’t let yourself be fooled. Please, just get out of here.” He begged. Laila’s green eyes searched his face
“And leave you? No. No way. I’m sorry Loki but I’m not leaving when I’ve only just found you. Besides it’s been a while since I’ve had a decent battle and this bastard has to pay for what he did to you.” She argued defiantly. Quickly she turned back and faced Laufey before Loki could stop her. Laufey stared at the princess in bemusement. He addressed his son
“Maybe next time you might reconsider when you decide to fall in love with a warrior. They are clearly not as deterred when it comes to battle.” He spoke. Loki darted his eyes between the two, his breaths forming into short rasps as his desperation grew. The fate of his fiancé which he had tried so desperately to avoid about to happen before his eyes. He tried to convince Laufey instead
“Laufey! Please! I don’t care what I have to offer you! Have me! Torture me! I don’t care! Just please listen to me! Don’t hurt her!” he screamed. Laufey rolled his eyes. Loki was beginning to get on his nerves; always ruining his fun. He looked briefly to the frost giant guards that held the prince firm
“Put a gag on him or something. Anything to shut him up.” He said, irritated. The guards obeyed and wrestled Loki to the ground to put a cold, icy gag around his mouth. Loki screamed in despair. Laila felt a tear collect in her eye at seeing her lover in such a struggle. Laufey smiled with wicked hatred whilst producing his own weapon from his hand. Not the sword that Loki had witnessed earlier on, but something much sharper and much more deadly. Laufey strode up to his son whilst keeping a watchful eye on Laila. He began to describe his weapon
“This, Laila, is not like any other frost giant weapon that you have seen before. This one has its own special quality.” Laila shot him a look of curiosity before gazing at the ice weapon. He smiled and continued “This blade is laced with a poison called Silverthorn; the most powerful poison in the universe.” Laufey exclaimed, becoming somewhat excited. Laila’s face turned from determination to horror as she realised what she was faced with. Laufey smiled sinfully and put his blade towards Loki’s neck. Loki tried to move away from the blade, his panicky breaths heard behind the icy gag and his eyes widening in fear, but the frost giants held him firm. Laila shouted out before she could stop herself
“No!” She bellowed. Laufey turned his body to face her and for a split second it seemed that he was going to leave Loki alone. However, Laila found she was mistaken when a deadly smile formed on his lips. Then without hesitation he swung back towards Loki, aiming not for his neck but for his abdomen. The blade was quick and did the deed without any mess. Laila watched in horror as black markings began branding themselves into his blue skin. It wasn’t long until the poison began to take hold; the markings burning a bright orange as if Loki’s skin was on fire. Behind the gag Loki howled in pain, his eyes watering, his face contorted in agony. This was the worst pain that he had ever felt. It felt like his insides were on fire, burning him from the inside, out. Any area that was not covered in markings was quickly discovered by the toxin. Laila rushed back to Loki’s side, only to realise that there was nothing in her power that could halt the poison’s ghastly undertaking. She could only watch as the effect of the poison seemed to worsen. Loki’s body writhed as the poison spread, each vein revealing itself underneath his skin, as if to escape the terrible venom. The frost giant guards struggled to keep a hold of him and eventually released him to escape being injured accidentally by Loki’s body spasms. Laila placed both hands on each of Loki’s shoulders, instantly feeling a scorching sensation from underneath. Loki looked into her eyes, pain evidently present. She felt her breaths become short as she fought back the panic in her throat. She looked into Loki’s bloodshot eyes, searching for any signs of the poison’s sickening task coming to an end. There was no such luck. Instead she tried to calm Loki down, hoping that it would ease the pain
“Loki, listen to me. Just breathe. It’ll be over soon, I promise. You just have to relax. Relax Loki. Everything will be okay.” She begged as the poison reached Loki’s heart. Loki’s eyes were now streaming with tears, and for a moment he almost seemed temporarily paralysed. He lay on the floor, his body still and his breaths fast and curt. Laila began to panic “Loki! No!” she screamed, thinking that her lover was dying. However it wasn’t long before the poison started again; retracing its path and its terrible procedure. Loki howled, the gag that was once on his lips now dripping off his chin. He looked towards Laila’s direction as he lay sprawled on the floor
“L...Laila.” he croaked, stretching out a hand with difficulty. Laila took it in hers immediately. Loki whimpered as another shot of venom went through his body before he spoke once more “Laila...I...I love you. I’m...s...so...sorry. Forgive me” he whispered, his eyes flickering closed as he finished his sentence. Laila shook her head. She was not going to let him die
“No. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! Loki, stay with me. You can’t just give up like this! I love you! Don’t leave me!” she cried. Turning to Laufey she pleaded “You have to do something! Please! Make it stop! He’s your son! Don’t you care?! ” She begged. Laufey shook his head
“I’m afraid I can’t do that princess. Once the poison is in the body, it cannot be stopped. He’s nothing to me now.” Anger seeped into Laufey’s voice like blood in a vein. Laila turned back to Loki who was lying on the floor.
“Please, I know that you’re not all bad Laufey. This must kill you to see your only son dying at your hand. Please stop it. Stop the poison. Save your son.” She pleaded. Laufey hesitated for a moment. It was true that killing his son was something he had hoped he’d never have to do. Regaining his posture he rolled his eyes at Laila
“Oh alright. You win. I’ll stop it.” He reluctantly swiped a hand through the air hovering above Loki’s body. Laila watched as Loki’s breathing began to return to normal. Taking his hand in hers once more she softly spoke his name
“Loki?” she whispered. Loki’s eyes fluttered open. For a moment he seemed dazed and confused. Then his eyes caught sight of Laila.
“Laila?” he said uncertainly. Laila nodded
“Loki! I’m so glad your back!” she cried happily, her words flooding with relief before jumping into his arms. Loki hugged her back as tight as he could whilst supporting himself on his other arm. The tears began to tumble as Laila felt something change inside her body. Although Laufey had stopped the poison from killing Loki, he had also been the one to start its deadly journey. She pushed the anger down, not wanting to start another dispute
“Thanks Laufey. I knew you weren’t all bad.” She said softly whilst squeezing Loki’s hand. Laufey snarled, disliking this kindness and approval. Things had to change. Once again he produced a weapon from his arm
“I’m glad you think so princess but you see, I never said i would save his life for free. You must give me something in return.” He said mischievously. Laila stopped still. Loki frowned as he had no idea what was going on. All he knew was that it wasn’t good. Laila spoke again
“And what is it you want?” she asked curtly. Laufy smiled wickedly
“You.”
Ooh! Yet another cliff hanger! Yay.
So...um...opinions? Please? Just a minute of your time to give feedback would be hugely appreciated. Thanks :D
I know that in mythology Loki is like 1000's of years old but 26 just seemed a cute number so I kept it 26.
Okay that's all.
Read, comment, enjoy and vote! Oh and follow me if you would like.
Much love
- Z xx