Fallen Star

Fallen Star Chapter 12

VVVVV

CHAPTER TWELVE

"Genius: the superhuman in man."

-Victor Hugo

LLL

Loki had never been one for romance—that had always been Thor's arena. Certainly, Loki had admired a few Asgardian women from afar, but since the shining Thor had always been nearby, the ladies' eyes had been on him, and not on the shadowy younger brother. Loki had always pardoned his brother, citing that he could not help it if he was charismatic and good-looking.

But once, at a banquet celebrating their father's awakening from the Sleep, Loki's attention was particularly captivated by the beauty of a young lady he had been admiring from a distance for several months—and tonight, Thor noticed. With his usual lack of discretion, Thor demanded to know what was keeping his brother so silent and fixed. Secretly grateful for this forced confidence—for he had been wishing for an outlet for his sentiments, and perhaps some advice—Loki cautiously remarked on his admired lady's loveliness, the elegance of her dress, and the way her hair looked like a long waterfall of living gold. Thor, who had apparently never truly noticed this girl in all his life, took a good, long look at her that moment.

And then he proceeded to pay her court during all the rest of the festivities.

For hours, Loki watched from a distance as his lady and his brother exchanged warm, flirtatious glances, quick banter and ringing laughter. Thor even got her to give him a lock of her unspeakably lovely hair. All the while, Loki's heart burned with a sick mixture of horror and something like hatred.

The next day, Loki did not make any appearance in court. He didn't even bother wearing anything that suited his rank. He wore dark trousers, a long black coat and a loose shirt, and he sat on a rock on the stony beach, feeling the spray on his face, and listening to the roar as the white-foamed surf rolled up onto the shore. Gray clouds hung low in the sky, and when the gulls cried, it made a lonely sound.

Loki sensed another presence—quiet and hesitant—behind him to his right. It was definitely not Thor. Slow footsteps sounded on the wet, round stones. Loki didn't look—but it didn't surprise him at all when he felt Balder sit right next to him on the stone.

"Hello, Loki," Balder said, his voice soft as a murmuring stream.

"Hello, Bird," Loki answered, using the nickname that he and Thor had given Balder almost instantly after his birth.

"You were not at dinner," Balder pointed out.

"You're very observant," Loki answered.

"Ha. It's rather hard to miss the gaping hole between Thor and Hogun," Balder answered. "What is wrong?"

Loki turned his head and looked at his brother. Balder was young and guileless—just two turns away from coming of age. He had a bright face—classically and handsomely-shaped, and ruddy. His radiant blue eyes seemed to reflect the light of the sky—and they always saw straight into the soul of whomever he spoke to. Yet his gaze never invaded, never brought awkwardness. Instead, it drew people near, and filled them with warmth. His long, curling golden hair tumbled to his shoulders, like spun sunlight. He had a quiet, listening presence, an aura of living stillness. He had no taste for learning the art of battle, or even picking up any sort of weapon. Instead, he often walked by himself in the high hills, amongst the fertile valleys, or the river countries, talking to the trees, singing to the birds. Yet, for all his wandering, he always seemed to be nearby if anyone wished to talk, or simply did not want to be alone. He had a brilliant, ready smile, and did not know a stranger. He made a point of befriending every newcomer to court, and always learning everyone's name. Loki knew it was no wonder that all of Asgard loved his little brother. Loki certainly did.