Goddess of the Universe

The Woman Living Amongst Beasts

Palace parties always went on far too long. While Loki appreciated the feasts and copious glasses of wine, he often grew bored with the company of the other gods who only cared to be self-indulgent, uncouth, and deafening. To keep his sanity, he would normally only stay around for an hour or so, grab a bottle of something red that hadn't been finished yet and head back to his chambers for the night. This night was different. The occasion called for his full attendance and he dreaded every minute. This time, however, it wasn't just the sounds of nonsensical cackling and shouting that had Loki's mood low. It was what they were shouting about that had his stomach churning as he sat at the end of the dining table.

"Oh, how I've missed taking her on our adventures!"

"Asgard surely has not been the same without her!"

"Her smile could light up the entire nine realms."

Thor, The Warriors Three, Lady Sif, Lady Amora, and Lady Lorelei all sat on the right end of the table, while Loki was on the far left, secluding himself from the bunch. They were all ogling over her like easily impressed children and that sickened Loki. Sure it had been at least three hundred years since she departed, but he hardly understood why a nonstop celebration in her honor was a necessary response to her return. Despite his efforts, Loki failed at hiding his disdain by wearing it on his face long enough for it to catch the attention of a giggling Lady Amora who was now walking towards him.

"Loki," she said, catching his attention. He straightened out his face. "Why the somber eyes?"

"Oh, you know why!" Thor retorted and the Warrior Three exchanged quiet snickers and side glances. Thor hopped from his chair. "Of all of us, he is surely the most excited to see her." He said, while theatrically pointing his finger towards his brother. Loki's eyes rolled.

"What? That's ridiculous." Loki said with a low tone as he reached for his glass of wine, before he could bring it to his lips Amora snatched it from his hand and drank it herself, finishing it and then sitting it back down.

"I don't think drinking your way through tonight will do you much good Loki."

"Your concern for my well-being is making my heart swell, Amora. Truly it is, but I don't think I could live through tonight without drinking." He lunged over the table and grabbed the entire bottle. He brought it to his lips and took a deep swig.

"Listen we understand that you are nervous, but-" Loki cuts Thor off.

"I am not nervous, nor do I care for any of your little jokes or speculations. I am fine."

"It's alright if you aren-"

"I am!" Loki jolted from his chair, nearly knocking it over on his way up, and met Thor chest to chest.

"Okay, well if you are sure the-"

"I am sure!"

"Stop cutting me off! I understand how tonight may not be the easiest for you. Perhaps if you and Asta spoke privately after the party." Her name stung Loki, yet Thor said it so easily. Asta Heimdalldottir. Even when things were good between Loki and Asta, he could never say the name so carelessly. It always lingered in his voice as if he were trying to savor it, loving how it tasted as it left his lips.

"I have nothing to say to her privately," Loki said, dropping his expression and turning his back towards Thor. He grabbed the bottle from the table and dropped back down to his chair. The gods eyed him curiously as he continued his drinking. Thor decided it was best to leave it be and Amora gave Loki one last weak smile before walking to the opposite end of the twelve-foot table and sitting beside Sif and Lorelei.