Trapped

Forty-Nine

Mira felt unsure about the credit the two Gods gave her, she'd truly done nothing spectacular to warrant such gratitude from either of them. She understood how they felt differently, with Loki's suffering changing and Thor learning that his attitude was in truth a great part of the cause. They were both learning, adapting, but she didn't feel she was the catalyst for any of it, she'd just made it easier but it hadn't been beyond their own ability to make these changes, if they'd meant to.

Still it was nice to be appreciated this way.

As Mira sat quietly, contemplating the events that had unfolded, she couldn't shake off the feeling of being a mere bystander in her own story. Loki's transformation from dark mischief and chaos to a more tempered demeanour, almost gentle, was a testament to his own inner struggles and growth, a willingness to escape the role that had been forced on him. Thor's realization about his own behaviour and its consequences was something he had to come to terms with on his own, but she could tell he was trying, not wanting to soar by thanks to privilege alone, to be seen a more than this playful superficial friend to all he'd become.

There was something about her presence, her actions, that seemed to have nudged them in the right direction. Maybe it was the way she listened to Loki's tales without judgment, or the gentle encouragement she offered Thor to reflect on his actions. Whatever it was, she couldn't deny the impact she had, however subtle it might have been.

She glanced their way, taking in the sight of Loki and Thor engaged in conversation. Their demeanour had shifted since her arrival, she remembered when Thor had said he didn't consider Loki family, she wondered if he felt differently now as they seemed to connect most when it came to her. It was a subtle change, but one that spoke volumes.

Lost in her thoughts, Mira barely noticed Loki's piercing gaze fixating on her.

When their eyes met, he offered her a small, knowing smile—one that held a hint of gratitude and understanding.

Despite his mischievous nature, there was a depth to Loki that she couldn't quite fathom.

Thor, on the other hand, was more overt in his acknowledgement, flashing her one of those brilliantly bright smiles. His transformation from the arrogant warrior she first encountered to this humbler version was remarkable and she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in having played a part, however unintentional it may have been.

She studied them both for a moment, then smiled, "We should get going, shouldn't we?"

They both nodded, but they seemed equally reluctant to go. Mira stood then, taking a quick bite of one of the mango slices before she went, watching as Loki easily made all the food just... disappear. He wondered if any of the other Gods had ever paid attention to what Loki was capable of, how insanely useful his gift could be.

Thor was the one to step forward, offering her his arm. Her eyes briefly danced to Loki, who shrugged ever so slightly then moved his head to indicate to just go along with it. He wasn't concerned about playing the part, while for Thor, it had been so deeply worked into his very being, he couldn't help it, even if he tried.

Loki supposed they both had that issue, though circumstance had conditioned them differently.

As Thor guided Mira to the Great Hall, Loki followed closely behind. He wasn't used to showing up without trickery and illusions, but as he watched Thor sink into the role he played he refused to do the same. Sliding his hands into his pickets, mostly as a means to comfort himself, he followed them in as 'just himself'.

He watched as Thor – and Mira because of it – were immediately greeted by most of the deities present, some making a formal introduction if they didn't have a chance before, others trying to strike up conversation.

Loki eased into the Great Hall, keeping to the shadows of the room as another means of comfort. He could've sighed at himself; habits died hard.

Thor steered Mira away from the crowd, a boundary set to leave them alone a while. Loki could see the gratitude in Mira's gaze as she looked at Thor. He watched as Thor leaned in, whispering something into her ear that made her laugh despite the heavy blush on her cheeks.

He almost jumped as Ullr and Skadi suddenly stood before him. The God and Goddess of Hunting, he was silent.

He stared at them as they invited him to join them on a hunt, saying they could use his abilities of fire and illusion during the hunt and that they'd love to have them there. He nodded, not quite realising he agreed to the hunting trip, before they moved on.

Next were Hod, God of Darkness and the Vanir Goddess of Witchcraft Gullveig. His cheeks coloured pink as they complimented the battle tactics he had used the day before in fighting Odin with Thor, the illusions, the shadows. Briefly, he thanked them, then eased further into the darkness of the shadows. He wasn't comfortable.

His eyes searched for Forseti, praying it wouldn't take much longer for them to give their verdict or he might not linger to ear it.

Mira sought him out moments later, alone, "Do I need to whoop their butts?"

Loki's lips curved into a wicked smile, "They were nice."

He fully let her live with the illusion she could, too, so he added, "It's just... strange."

Mira lightly tugged his hand from his pants, lacing their fingers, "Well, don't hide."

Her eyes glinted as she repeated what she'd been told the day before, "You deserve to be seen."

Though he nodded, it didn't happen easily for him. He'd rather be anywhere but there.

Thor watched them from a distance, his focus fully on the both of them even as he entertained others as he was accustomed to. Absently he toyed with the ring around his finger, before he excused himself from his company to join them.

Just as they did, the tribunal stepped forward, Forseti being the one to speak first, "We have passed judgement on the matter that was brought to our attention yesterday."

As Odin stood from his throne, Forseti pressed on, "We have determined the Allfather's actions went far beyond justice, therefore, we decree that this must have consequence. One that will reflect upon all of us, for we are not blameless."

As Mira's grip on his hand tightened, Loki gently drew her in closer, while Thor's hand came to rest on his shoulder in silent support. Whatever happened next, it'd change everything.

TBC...