Your Hand To Hold

Chapter Twenty-One: Saving Jane

             My portal leading back to Loki, Thor, and Jane opened just in time for me to step right onto the covered portion of the stern, just behind where Loki now sat. He and Thor were locked in a heavy debate, once more bickering over something that had engrossed them; neither felt the boat move nor noticed me. I stood there, watching and listening, silently sighing as I realized what it was that they were discussing.

   "You think this is all a silly game for power, a right to a title you so justly deserve over me- over everyone. Perhaps you are right, perhaps you would be a greater king than the world has ever known, and I hope I get to see that day, truly. Yet I wish you to earn it on your own, just as Eibhlin does." I could see him straighten, almost uncomfortably as he said my name then. "She was willing to accept the Aether... to sacrifice herself, not for Father, not for me or Jane, but for the good of Asgard."

   Loki leaned forward. "What?"

   "She kept this from you too then? Strange how she would attempt to spare everyone's feelings, including her own, in such a selfless and giving way when you claim that she is so like you, so unworthy of consideration from anyone but you, Brother."

   "I never said-"

   "Eibhlin, who would have lain her life down three times over now to protect Asgard is more worthy of a throne than you ever will be," Thor spat angrily. "She is a wonderfully spirited woman, one that you do not deserve, and yet she cares for you in ways I will never comprehend despite all that you have done. She forgives you even when you cannot forgive yourself... Perhaps it is because she sees what you have attempted to hide from her and others for so long."

   "That has not saved her from the All-Father's ire," he said bitterly, adjusting the steering rod to keep the boat steady. "If anything, it has only warranted her more of his rage."

   "No, no it has not. I wish I had answers for why Father detests her so when she has done nothing close to all that you have. I do know that despite what you may think, I would have never allowed him to place the Aether within her to save Jane."

   "And why should I believe you when you would concoct such a ridiculous and clandestine scheme to not only free me but remove her from the All-Father's hold? You said it yourself, surrender is not in your nature."

   "No more than it is in yours, hers, or Eibhlin's." He noticed me then, his blue eyes quickly returning to stare at his feet to make it look as if he had merely glanced up at his brother; though I could see that it was to hide the smirk that he struggled with. "I would not be surprised if she was working to find her way back to you now."

   "Unlikely." Loki sighed, lifting his cuffed hands to run one through his windswept curls, his fingers lingering near his left temple. "Thank you... For protecting her when I could not."

   Thor nodded, pulling another blanket over Jane. "You need not thank me for that. I know you would do the same."

   "Do you?"

   They stared at one another for a moment before Thor sighed. I took that as my cue to intervene before things could heat up again, quietly stepping forward until I hovered just behind him as I leaned forward, my braid falling over my shoulder to land on his. Loki lifted it, staring for a moment before he tilted his head back. "Hello."

   He grabbed my waist, helping me to summersault down and into his lap where he just held me.

   "I told you she'd find her way back to you."

   "Yes well, she's probably been standing there this entire conversation."

   Thor shrugged. "At least the last ten minutes to my knowledge."