Working Title : Loki & Annie

64 Move Along, Nothing to See Here

Odin stood in front of the still-open door of Loki's chambers. It had been years since he had entered these rooms, he actually couldn't remember the last time he had been the one to go to his son rather than summoning Loki to him. So as he stood still he allowed his eyes to roam over what he could see of what appeared to be a sitting room. The drapes remained open though the room was still deep with shadows in the corners and near the floor though he could still make out most of the room.

Behind him stood the palace guards who had called the alarm as well as a half dozen Einherjar, all alert as some held spears and others short swords. They peered over the AllFather's shoulder as they awaited their king's command if he should have one to give them. They knew exactly why they were here, the traitor had escaped.

This was why Reapt and several of his men were anxiously waiting to enter the prisoner's rooms. The fact that the beast still had rooms was an insult only borne because it was at the command of the emotional heart of the Queen. Such sentiment could only be expected of a woman.

Taking the risk of angering a King who was all too willing to sacrifice his men when shifting plans, Reapt inquired, "AllFather, might my men and I enter to search for the traitor?"

Odin's face gave not a single one of his many thoughts away, he had perfected the ability to seem serene while inside his emotions were in turmoil. Which at this moment they were. He had been informed that Loki had been seen by two palace guards in his own chambers. Odin had accepted this breathless announcement with no more than a single raised eyebrow, certain that a mistake had been made. And yet. The guards were firm in their report and Odin had found proof in his probe of their memories. They had seen Loki and Odin had hidden his state of agitation as he had walked to where he was now, standing before a doorway he had yet to enter. He was certain Loki had been taken to Midgard however, he hesitated to consider that his eldest was capable of such subterfuge. He once more stretched out his seidr, pushing it into the rooms even as he again felt that sharp sensation as he pressed past Loki's wards. His youngest had made only one exception on who could enter his chambers without consequence and Odin was not that one.

Inside the chamber Frigga walked about the room, her eyes searching as they roamed over the ceiling and into the dark corners. Not finding what she sought she moved on to Loki's dressing room.

Odin felt nothing of Loki beyond the wards protecting the rooms, it was strong which was no surprise to Odin. Loki had never enjoyed others being within his private spaces and was actually deeply spiteful towards those who dared disturb him. "Remain here." The command was spoken as he stepped through the door, motioning for the door to close after him. There was an odd sound and he looked back in time to see that the door couldn't properly close. He glanced down and took in the broken pieces of metal on the floor and wondered how long had it been this way and which son had caused the damage. Experience told him his eldest had been here.

Reapt and his men moved in the hall to get a better view of what was going on though they didn't step any closer. The Captain watched until the door swung closed without being touched and he shivered at the AllFather's use of seidr. What was filthy in the bastard Prince was powerful and awe-inspiring in the AllFather.

Standing several steps outside of his youngest son's immodestly large dressing room, Odin watched his wife's perusal. It was obvious she was looking for something other than their son. She could not imagine that Loki would be found in corners or above the highest shelf neatly filled with chests and leather bags nor among the unusual amount of footwear that spanned multiple shelves. 

Frigga ignored her husband as she strode past him to exit the room and move into Loki's bed-chamber. The room was as it had been the last time she had entered, in the gloom she could see nothing changed.