Working Title : Loki & Annie

75 Changing of the Plans

Frigga's eyes fluttered for a moment before coming back to herself and awareness of the weaving room. After methodically pulling in a steadying breath she focused her eyes on what was before her. Lowering her hands from the threads of her loom she frowned in puzzlement then rose on stiff legs so she could move further back to get an overall view of the tapestry.  Her breath caught in her throat until a small sob burst forth as she covered her mouth.

On the loom before her was revealed a single large scene rather than the multiple smaller ones that had always been woven before.

Odin surrounded in brilliant golden threads, Gungnir pointing downward with white light streaking from it.

A blade protruding through his chest.

Loki laying at Odin's feet as blood made of dark red thread flowed from his body to trail off to the very edges.

Thor revealed behind and to the side of Odin, his face twisted with hate as he held the blade that pierced his Father's body.

Around them, all of golden Asgard burned with bodies scattered in the flames.

Frigga was not in the scene at all.

To the left side, the golden threads bled into a lavender then into purple, and finally black once it arrived at the edges, casting a shadow.

With a cry of despair that was edged in fury, she turned and fled the room. Her steps were rapid as she hurried through the halls, servants as well as courtiers all stepping aside and deeply bowing their heads. The energy rippling from her left sharp sparking in their mouths and only the Einherjar guarding the massive throne room doors kept the distaste from their features. They had seen her coming and had already begun pushing at the doors though they were still swinging open when she entered the throne room where the AllFather was holding court. The people moved back hastily, bowing low yet still curious enough to keep their eyes raised.

Odin saw Frigga enter past the Einherjar who had hurried to open the doors, her steps never hesitating. He was certain that if the doors hadn't been opened quick enough she would have sent seidr to open them for her. With a wave of his hand, he signaled to his secretaries to clear the hall. 

They were well versed in his commands and by the time Frigga was at the bottom of the steps the room was rapidly emptying. Diplomats, emissaries, and assistants all cleared the Great Throne Room with only surreptitious glances. Though no official pronouncement had been given, all were aware that the youngest Prince had escaped confinement in the dungeons for his latest failings and the elder Prince had been sent to retrieve his wayward brother. Just as well known was the fact that the AllMother favored the younger Prince who shamefully shared her woman's learning of seidr.

With a thought Odin cast a silencing ward around them, he had no desire for anyone, even his most trusted Einherjar, to hear this conversation. He knew keeping silent would create more rumors which at this time could only be to his advantage. Keeping the populace in mild confusion would be a boon once Thor returned and took up his duties. The people would feel relief at Thor's strong leadership and fall into step with Odin's plans while never suspecting their AllFather had led them like sheep to the slaughter.

Frigga gave Odin the courtesy of waiting at the bottom of the steps in silence until the only other presence in the massive room were several guards at the far doors. The rise of her chest slowed in the time it took to empty the room and now she moved up the steps, her eyes never leaving Odin's so she was able to his reaction to her boldness.

Odin raised an eyebrow yet said nothing, Frigga was usually emphatic on following protocols so her breaking one by approaching him without his leave was a sign of the importance she was going to place on her words. He thought of the known possibilities with distaste while he wondered at the unknown with trepidation.