Emprise [Fólkvangr End, Book 2][Loki Fanfiction]

Chapter Eleven - Endurgjald

Author's Note: SORRY. It has taken me so long and for that I am so deeply sorry. I'm back in the full swing of college insanity and it has me very busy all the time. And times I have found to write I've had really bad writer's block. It's just been a rough go with this chapter. However! It contains things of the utmost importance, and therefore, I have gotten my act together and present it to you now. It should be noted that this chapter in in the third person, and the narrative switches from the events on Svartalfheim, to Asgard, back to Svartalfheim, to Asgard and finally to Svartalfheim again. Well, you shall see. Anyways, onwards and upwards and I look forward to hearing from you! (Oh, and fun fact, this chapter's title also translates to Recompense!)

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Chapter Eleven - Endurgjald, or Remuneration

Loki floats elegantly along Thor's side, cloak caught up in the crisp wind of Svartalfheim. The wind tears through the dunes and Loki casually flicks the stray hair from the corner of his mouth. He chances a glance toward his older brother who offers nothing but steely resolve in return. Out of Loki's sight, Thor's fingers tap idly against the handle of Mjölnir, hanging at his hip.

"What is our plan, precisely?" Loki asks after another long bout of silence. 

Thor glances at him, "We annihilate the prisoners as an example, and then we hunt down the gods-forsaken elf that stole the Infinity Gauntlet, and we bring it back to Asgard."

Loki swallows hard, pushing aside the thought that Valkyrie would not be pleased. He sighs and Thor claps his hand upon his brother's shoulder as they cross over the grassy hilltop. Below them, in the crest of the dunes, the crew of Dark Elves are neatly lined up upon their knees, spread across the space between the hills. Several soldiers stand guard, as well as Sif, Hogun and Volstagg. Sif paces back and forth, catching Loki's eye in particular. He watches her with narrowed eyes, wondering what has her so distressed.

"How do you suppose Valkyrie will react upon our return to Asgard?" Loki asks, eyes still tracking Sif carefully, locked onto her like a predator. 

Thor scoffs, "Is that what has you so tense, brother? You worry your woman will be displeased with you? When are they ever truly pleased with us?"

Loki opens his mouth to retort but instead clamps it shut tightly. Notably, there had been tension and unease between Loki and Valkyrie, but Loki was just chalking it up to something else. Something he couldn't think about at the current moment. Well, actually, there are a few distinct somethings about Valkyrie that are plaguing her husband.

"She is safe, brother," Thor insists. Loki nods once, his jaw clenched tightly. He flexes his fingers, joints stiff from being so tightly clenched. He knows Thor is right, Valkyrie is safe. But is everyone else safe from her?

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Frey hurries down the hall, checking back over his shoulder twice before setting his fist to the wooden door. He raps twice lightly and in quick succession, calling his name through the door. He hears a rustling from inside but it takes awhile before the light shifts in between the cracks in the doors and the door is opened. 

He bows his head at the slight woman and then straightens, offering a tight smile. "My Lady Jane, forgive me for this intrusion, however - "

"You are Frey, right? The man who kidnapped Valkyrie and Loki?" Jane asks as clarification. Suddenly her eyes widen and she places a fluttering, elegant hand over her heart. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I understand you are friends with Valkyrie?"