Loki Laufeyson (son_of_laufey) wrote in newalliance, @ 2012-06-28 19:36:00 |
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Entry tags: | doctor strange, loki, thor |
Who: Thor, Dr Strange, Loki
NPCs: Heimdall, Odin, Frigga, various Asgardians
Where: Asgard!
When: Thursday, June 28
What: Loki is brought before Odin's throne to recieve punishment, while Thor and Dr Strange are welcomed
Rating: PG-13
Heimdall led the way across the Rainbow Bridge toward the lofty gates of Asgard. Flanked by Thor at his right and Dr Strange at his left, Loki was determined not to show any signs of shame or weakness while being paraded through the city streets. He was returning, not as a prince, but as a captive, and Loki knew his current situation, bound and gagged, would generate stares and whispers, if not flat out mockery for the Trickster.
At the gates, Heimdall instructed a pair of guards to escort the three to Odin’s Hall, and then returned dutifully to his post.
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It took a great deal to leave Stephen Strange awestruck. He had seen some truly fantastic things in his life of sorcery, but the full glory of Asgard was beyond anything he might have imagined. His mind burst with questions but he carefully filed them away for later, reminding himself that this was not a tourist visit. There would be time for curiosity once their solemn business had been dealt with.
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The huge double doors to Odin’s Hall opened wide to give them passage. The All-Father’s ravens, Huginn and Muninn, had already witnessed their approach and had given the message, so Odin was not found surprised. At the far end of the room, on top of a raised dais, Odin held court upon the throne, Frigga by his side, polar opposites of one another: while Odin’s expression showed nothing but anger, Frigga was filled with concern and love for her two children, despite Odin’s edicts to cast them from Asgard. Those gathered in the hall cast nervous glances at the three and then to each other, whispering amongst themselves as they watched the drama begin.
At the foot of the steps leading up to the throne, Loki remained standing, refusing to bow to the King, showing his defiance. However, his mask was slipping, and reflected in his eyes was fear.
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Thor felt a stillness in the air, the uneasy quiet in the hall as the two ravens stopped rustling their wings and became still, their eyes keenly watching the two brothers. In brighter days, he might have uttered words of greeting to the All-Father, but not today. Today he came in violation of the exile, and with Loki bound. They stood close enough together that Thor grasped his arm, encouraging his brother to kneel with him. Thor knelt on one knee, and kept his head low, and waited.
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It was Thor’s superior strength that forced Loki down upon his knees, not any feelings of fidelity. Loki had wanted to continue holding his head high, to show he was not afraid, but the anger upon Odin’s face made him lose his resolve. He averted his eyes and gradually lowered his head, like Thor.
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“Two sons,” Odin said, his voice echoed through the hall. “Cast out from Asgard. Exile as punishment for their disobedience and pride. Now returned. One, who has proven himself worthy to again take up the mantle of responsibility of being Asgard’s Crown Prince,” Odin nodded at Thor, showing his approval. “The other,” he continued, his voice growing ominous as he turned solemnly to Loki, “Comes in shackles, contemptuous and a disgrace, after needlessly putting lives in peril.”
Odin rose from his throne and slowly descended the stairs to reach the level where the two brothers knelt. “Arise, Thor. Take thy rightful place beside the throne. Mjolnir has proven your mettle. If you had not been worthy, you would not have been able to even lift your divine hammer, what to speak of wielding the power it possesses.
“But you.” Odin reached down and caught Loki by the throat with his strong hand, lifting him from his knees and holding him aloft, his feet dangling a couple feet from the floor. “Your mischief has gone too far. Not only have you caused chaos and destruction amongst the mortals, but you have endangered the Nine Worlds by your use of the Norn Stones!”
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Feet kicking and struggling, Loki was completely incapacitated, with his hands still bound behind his back; the muzzle over his mouth made it all the more difficult to breath through just his nostrils as he was being choked by Odin’s hand. Muffled sounds of pain were all he could make.
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At first, Thor could only stand and watch, but as the moment grew longer, he cast a glance back at the queen, a question in his eyes. Turning, he spoke softly. “Father, I have shared words with my brother before coming here. I believe Loki will be sincere in his contrition.” He looked up at Loki’s eyes, understanding the same fear. Their father’s wrath was indeed fierce, but so was Frigga’s love for two sons, if not by blood then by a mother’s care, given throughout their long lives. Odin was King, but he was also a father, and though duty came before love, he might also see into Loki’s heart. Asgard’s faith in Loki at this point was a tenuous thread, and Thor believed it had not yet been cut.
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From her place, beside the throne, Frigga could keep still no longer. Despite Loki’s disobedience, her heart broke in compassion to see her son thus treated. She was in a delicate position, for she would not cause Odin to lose face before the assembly, and yet she had to say something. Descending the steps, she stood at her husband’s side and placed a tender hand upon the strong arm, which held Loki aloft, and simply muttered, “My lord. Please.”
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On one side, his wife... the other his favorite son: Odin was aware of them both without taking his eye off Loki, who was now showing signs of extreme distress, close to unconsciousness. At first, it did not seem as though either of their petitions were acknowledged, but then he violently cast Loki to the marble floor, then pointed an authoritative finger down at him.
“Guards, cast this wretch into the lowest dungeon,” he looked over his shoulder at Frigga, poignantly, “until I devise a punishment suitable to his crime.” He meant to convey to his wife that despite her love, Loki would not escape chastisement.
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A pair of guards came forward to collect Loki, whose chest rose and fell deeply as he struggled to catch his breath. The pain of humiliation was greater than any physical discomfort he suffered, as was his jealous rivalry toward Thor, to see how quickly all was forgiven for Odin’s favorite. It did not matter that Loki deserved to be punished for the wrong he had done - this did not even seem to register. Brought to his feet by the guards, Loki looked up with such a fierce expression, his anger seemed palatable. The guards, one holding each of Loki’s arms, did as they were ordered by their king and took Loki to the dungeon.
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Odin watched this scene but quickly turned with a sweep of his cloak, to return to his throne, announcing as he did, “There shall be feasting tonight! In honor of my son, Thor, who has returned triumphant! We will hear about your deeds among the mortals of Asgard, for I am interested to know how it has changed.” The topic of Loki was no longer up for discussion, at least not at this time.
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Thor watched Loki leave, hiding his pained expression from the rest of his face, though for those that could read his eyes it was very clear that his heart was on his brother and not the feast in his celebration. Not quite the Thor most had known when last he’d graced these halls.
He turned to his mother and smiled softly, and for a moment nearly lost his composure. Just now was the relief of being home again registering, and were it not for the heaviness in his heart and the terrible timing of the moment, he would be embracing Frigga and Odin without shame. There was a recognition in her eyes that the next few days would see more strain and heartbreak as Loki’s fate was decided. He trusted in her aid, and in the end he also trusted in his father’s wisdom.
“As you wish, father.” He clasped the king’s shoulder and smiled at him. “I am anxious to hear of Asgard as well.” He could spin the tales of his experiences, hold the court’s rapt attention with the surprising wonders of the mortals of Midgard, and be the dutiful son, but until Loki’s fate was decided, Thor would not be resting easily.
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Sitting upon his throne, the All-Father motioned to Dr Strange and addressed him, but not in an accusatory or angry way, “Who is this mortal who accomplished this task of bringing my sons from Midgard? Only a powerful sorcerer could travel across dimensions, as you did, sir.”
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Strange had remained silent during the exchange, not wanting to draw the attention of the god caught up in his righteous fury. He relaxed as Loki was taken away and the mood of the room improved, and was perfectly composed when Odin turned his attention to the mortal sorcerer.
“Odin the All-Father, lord of Asgard. I am Stephen Strange, sorcerer of Midgard.” The doctor bowed in deference. “The mighty Thor asked for my assistance in returning home, and I was only too happy to help. Truly the tales of your realm have not done it justice, despite their best efforts.”
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Satisfied by Dr Strange’s courtesy, Odin nodded his head and told the mortal, “You are well come to Asgard. You do a great service in returning my son home. You are welcome to stay here as my guest for as long as you wish. Accommodations shall be made for your comfort. May you enjoy your stay.”