Book Three - Part One: Two Worlds (Prelude)

Chapter Seven

Loki opens his chamber doors to find Neremy standing there, the two of them share a look, Loki understands why the elf is here. They haven't spoken since the announcement that Neremy was to marry Nienna, not that they'd had much contact before beyond the politeness that comes from state visits. Loki opens the door wider and allows Neremy to enter, then closes the door behind him before he then closes his eyes too. He doesn't want to have this conversation. Not with Neremy. Not with Nienna. Not with anyone. He takes a deep breath, readying himself.

"I hear congratulations are in order" Loki states as he turns to face Neremy. Neremy sighs and then takes a strengthening breath himself, they both need that slight boost to get them through this moment. "I assumed you would be with your new wife" Loki comment, surprised by how even his voice sounds considering that he has spent this whole day hiding away and wallowing in self-pity and self-loathing and longing.

"Your glib is insincere" Neremy comments holding his hands behind his back, fingers clutched together to stop him hitting Loki. "And unwelcome" Neremy takes another breath. "I am here because your recent behaviour has affected Nienna. And I am here without her knowledge or blessing" He admits. "But I am here on her behalf none the less" Loki raises an eyebrow.

"Oh" He states. "I'm listening."

"You better be" Neremy warns. "You upset her" he scolds. "And considering she is now my wife, that makes it my responsibility and my duty to make it right, to make sure that everything in her life is as it should be" Loki glances at him. "If you cared for her, at all, in any capacity, you will fix this" Loki cocks his head. "You will go to her and you will apologise from the bottom of that heart of yours, you will make sure that she leaves Asgard with this hurt fixed"

"If you understand" Loki starts. "Then you know I cannot fix this"

"Then lie" Neremy scolds. "I have heard that is what you are good at...lie to her, make it better, do not let her leave Asgard with this pain in her heart, do not allow for her future to be tainted by this" Loki clenches his jaw before he shakes his head.

"I will not lie to her" Loki argues. "Not now....not ever" Neremy nods a little and looks away thoughtful.

"Very well" Neremy comments and then walks away leaving Loki to his fate. Neremy knows nothing he says will change this. He will just have to comfort his new wife through her heartbreak and hope he can heal even a little part of it.

................

Nienna stands looking up at the palace as the servants place her belongings within a carriage behind her. She's leaving now that she is married. Her husband's home is in Alfheim and that is now where she belongs. She takes a deep breath, some part of her still hoping that Loki is going to show up and apologise, but she also knows that he won't, it's not who he is. Thor approaches her and gives her a sad smile. She's already said her goodbyes to Frigga and Odin in private, Thor is here to do it publicly, because she is his friend. She gives him a small mournful smile back. She's hurting about this. Not about being married to Neremy, she does care for him, a great deal and she knows that he loves her, but leaving Asgard, leaving Loki, it hurts her.

"I am sorry" Thor tells her as he hugs her closer to him. She shrugs and pulls away from him. Neremy threads his fingers with hers at her side. "I wish you both the best" Thor offers honestly. "A good future, a happy future...."

"Thank you" Neremy shakes Thor's hand, Thor nods and gives them both a smile, despite everything that is happening with Loki is he pleased for Nienna, all he ever wanted was for her to be happy, he always thought that would be with Loki here on Asgard, but if it's not, if her happiness is with Neremy, he will accept that. He touches Ninenna's cheek and she smiles sadly at them. They both know that this is Loki's way of showing his displeasure at the situation, he lashes out and withdraws, they both know that Loki cares because he would not be this upset if he didn't. And they both know that this is the end of Loki and Nienna's friendship. It will not survive this. 

"Are you ready, my love?" Neremy asks Nienna who shrugs a little and then nods. There is no use in lingering her any longer. Neremy kisses the back of her hand and then leads her to her horse. He helps her up and then climbs onto his own mount. She glances back at Thor who waves at her, she nods a little and takes a deep breath, resigning herself to her life and the loss of her friendship and her home. She looks forward and takes hold of the reigns before the horse moves with her. Thor watches as Neremy, Nienna and the carriage ride away from him, Iorek walking at Nienna's side.

.................

Thor finds Loki later, Loki is curled up on his couch in front of the fire, his chambers has been trashed and destroyed in his rage and upset. He let her go because it is what is best for her, to have a husband, a family, a real shot at normality and happiness. Loki doesn't think he can give that to her, that he is not worthy of her, so he let her go. He let her leave believing that he hated her, for her. Thor sighs and sits at Loki's side, both of them quiet. Loki isn't really in the mood for company, but neither is he in the mood for an argument with his brother. So he allows him to stay. Both of them wallowing in their grief, their loss, even though she isn't dead, it feels like it to Loki. She will never forgive him for the way he's handled this situation. Loki lifts his eyes to look at Thor.

"She's really gone" Loki whispers sadly, Thor nods.