Loki: Return from Midgard

[moonshadows]

(AN: This takes place after the end of the Avengers movie, if it wasn't obvious.)

 

If the crowd in Odin’s throne room had been huge for Thor’s interrupted coronation, the one for Loki’s condemnation filled it to bursting. Guards struggled to keep a channel open to the door, then at a nod from Odin, abandoned the effort entirely and formed a stern and unfriendly wall keeping the crowd from absorbing the two standing before the throne. Even Sif and the Warriors Three were not exempt, and they stood with the queen, who watched with worried eyes. Thor stood straight and tall, his posture challenging the entire room, every inch a young king-in-waiting. His armor gleamed, his cape flowed from his back like newly-spilled blood, and Mjolnir was gripped in one mighty hand as though he might be forced to use it at any second. Beside him, forearms encased in unbreakable bonds and shackled with magical chain, stood Loki. His armor was alien, damaged and dirty; his hair unkempt. Scratches and bruises covered his face and hands, and an armored gag hid his mouth and swallowed anything he might have said. Despite all of this, he too challenged the room with his posture. Where Thor’s declared his intent to pummel any and all comers, however, his brother’s dared all onlookers to pummel him.

“Loki.”

The crowd stilled as Odin Allfather rose to his feet, craggy face impassive, the echoes of his stern voice resonating from every wall.

“You are here, brought before me in chains, to answer for what you have done.”

The murmurs of those assembled lapped at the throne like waves against a mountain; not all of those present had come eager to see the younger prince fall. During the short time he had been king in Odin’s stead, he had amassed a fair number of those who agreed with his policies and course of action, and these muttered angrily, watching the supporters of Thor from the corners of their eyes.

“Silence.”

Again the voice of the Allfather rang out, empty of anger, commanding rather than demanding. All other voices died.

“You brought three Jotuns into Asgard on the day of your brother’s coronation. You brought Laufey, king of the Jotuns, into my chambers to kill me in my sleep. You sent the Destroyer to kill Thor during his banishment, stole the Casket of Eternal Winters, and used it in your attempt to destroy Jotunheim. You are responsible for Thor’s breaking the Rainbow Bridge, and the resulting loss of the bifrost.”

The muttering arose again like a swarm of gnats, angrily buzzing. This was not all public knowledge, and not all welcome in the ears of Loki’s supporters. Odin’s eye passed over the crowd, and the buzzing quieted.

“But that is not all. You threw yourself into the vortex your actions created. You allied with the Chitauri, promising them the Tesseract. You stormed Midgard, causing death and destruction, and you opened a portal through which the Chitauri could invade. Only by the actions of Thor and a handful of mortal heroes was this invasion stopped.” The Allfather frowned. “Do you have anything to say in your defense?”

Loki quirked one eyebrow at his brother, a tilt of his head indicating that he wished to speak. With a wordless growl, Thor undid the clasp and the armored gag fell away. Loki stood a bit straighter as he took a deep breath, pale eyes darting over all those assembled to the sides of the throne, before finally settling on the face of Odin.

“No.”

The single word was simultaneously a slap in the face and an acceptance; the look in his eyes somehow conveyed astonishment, as though he had not intended to utter it.

“No?”

Thor’s incredulous exclamation unleashed the dam of words; the crowd’s voice became a roar as each clamored to voice his opinion to his neighbor. Odin watched impassively, waiting. Soon enough, the talk died again as everyone waited with held breath to see what Loki’s response would be.

“No,” he said again, as though surprised that he had to repeat himself. “There is nothing to say. You know everything already, and no words of mine could sway what is in your heart.” He inclined his head slightly, pale eyes still locked on Odin’s. “Allfather.”

Odin scowled. “You are correct, Loki Odinson.”

Both Loki and Thor jerked as though struck.

“You are correct,” Odin repeated firmly, raising his voice. “And so I, Odin Allfather, say that you shall be stripped of your freedom, confined to your chambers indefinitely. You have proven that banishment would only bring more trouble, and so you shall remain here, under guard. Under watch. That is my decision. Is there anything you wish to say to that?”

Already pale, the little color Loki’s skin held drained away. “No,” he breathed, swallowing a high scream. Moisture gathered at the corners of his large eyes, and his slender fingers balled into fists.

Thor’s jaw dropped, but his eyes were on the throne. Wisely, he held his tongue.

“You may all leave now,” Odin said mildly. “We are done here.”

Stunned, dismayed, but obedient to the Allfather’s authority, the crowd milled as those in attendance streamed through the now-open doors. Frigga herded Sif, Thor, and the Warriors Three away to the royal chambers, leaving Odin and Loki to stare at one another in silence.

Slowly, Odin descended the steps of the throne, until finally they stood face to face. Loki trembled. With a swift motion, the Allfather gathered him to his chest and embraced him tightly.

“My son,” he whispered, voice thick with unshed tears. “My son. I had faith that you would return to us.”

Loki opened his mouth to ask Why? but what came out was, “I just wanted to come home.” He squeezed his eyes shut, struggling to keep the tears behind closed eyelids, but they escaped.

“I know,” Odin said softly. “My son. You are my son, and you are home again.” Somewhat reluctantly, he ended the embrace. A gesture, and the shackles opened of their own accord, metal ringing out as they struck the floor. “Go now, and rest from your adventures. I know you must be weary.”

“As you command.” Loki swallowed once, then again. “Father.”