The Bridge Between Us - Loki X Reader

8 - "I was looking for you."

The sharp sound of metal on metal rung in Y/N's ears as she sat in the grass, a ways away from the three others that were sparring.

They all had arrived at the ruins a few hours ago. Personally, she had never been to them before, so seeing the remains of what used to be the first god's palace was rather exciting. A circle of trees enclosed the large clearing where it was built, providing a sense of safety and security. The structure had been built out of stone rather than the gold of the one now and was significantly smaller.

The architecture of it was wildly different from what she was used to; instead of the tall, lithe build of what she usually saw, this one was built rather stubby and sturdy. Broken columns lined the outer walls, providing decoration and stability for the overhangs. Vines and other plants had grown between the cracks, spotting the building with veins of leafy green foliage. It almost looked as if the surrounding area was starting to swallow the entire thing into the earth.

What once was a majestic archway leading into the grounds was now two lopsided pillars, worn away by time and riddled with cracks just like everything else. Although it was abandoned and unused, Y/N thought it was still pretty, even fascinating. There wasn't anything like it back in the city, and it had a sort of rustic appeal.

For something that was millennia old, she thought it was in good shape.

Clashing swords drew her out of her reverie once again, and she found herself letting out a deep sigh as she turned her head to the princes.

Odin had insisted that they get started right away, even after the long ride, which was much to Loki's distaste. The two brothers' difference in attitude was easy to see; it was obvious to anyone who watched them and their father.

Frigga and the other Tjener weren't too far away; they were with the horses who were tied to a few trees at the edge of the clearing. Varin was already eating whatever food he had packed and she shook her head.

Idiot.

"You know, if you eat that now, you won't have anything else for the rest of the day," Y/N informed, raising her voice slightly so he would hear her. He stopped chewing and turned towards her, scowling at her before sticking out the tip of his tongue. Killian found that funny for some reason and laughed.

Frigga wasn't paying much attention to the three boys, however; she was more focused on her husband and two sons. There was a small arena located at the back of the former palace, a large platform of stone set into the ground. She watched intently as Odin skillfully deflected any attacks that his sons attempted to land, all the while managing to get in some of his own.

Loki and Thor continually came at him again and again, their weapons tight in their hands and a look of determination in both of their eyes. Loki was quick on his feet and hard to keep track of. His fighting style was more of a 'jump in and jump out' sort of thinking; he went in, launched his attack and then was out of range of his father's weapon a split second after.

Thor had a more confrontational way of doing things. He relied on his brute strength instead of his lack of agility to try and crash his way through his father's defenses. The elder prince was powerful, Y/N knew, but Odin was able to keep him and his brother at bay all at once.

Y/N didn't doubt the Allfather's prowess in battle. Anyone who could face the two boys' fast and relentless attacks by themselves had to be a formidable opponent. It was interesting to see them engage each other in such a way. They definitely didn't do it often. A little more interested now, she moved a little closer so she could watch.

As they went for another round, Loki hung back as Thor engaged Odin head on. Y/N stared as multiple clones of himself materialized into existence until they had completely circled his father. Thor moved back as Loki jumped forward, brandishing his weapon menacingly. His clones did the same, copying his movements as the ring of Lokis descended upon the king.