Destined

Chapter 37

Malekith sat at the head of a long wooden table. He paid no attention the the Asgardians and thier guards as they entered the throne room. He gave his platter of food his undivided attention. Algrim walked Loki and Thor and thier party to the the foot of the table where he announced them to Malekith. Algrim took his leave and closed the heavy wooden doors behind him. There was an arrogant confidence to Malekith. So confident in his own might he sat alone, unguarded surrounded by his enemy.

Arry couldn't keep her eyes off of Malekith. She was sure he was able to feel her eyes burn into him. He looked just as she remembered him. He hadn't changed at all. A long scar ran diagonal across his face. A constant reminder of the day he took over Gondor, the day Arry had taken up her fathers sword and swung in self defence. The group stood, patiently, in silence as they waited for Malekith to acknowledge them. Arry gently walked around the throne room. Her mind flooded with memories of her childhood. Malekith wiped the corner of his mouth with a napkin. He cleared his throat then, looked to Thor and Loki.

"Son's of Odin." He greeted. "I believe you have come to return something of mine. Tell me, what is the catch?" A sly smile played on his lips. He propped his elbows up on the table and interlaced his finger together. He supported his chin of his now linked hands.

"Asgard calls for peace." Thor reached into his pocket and pulled out the replica Aether. It looked extremely convincing with Loki's magic still swirling within, mimicking the red mist of the Aether. Malekith's eyes widened. He reached out to grab the Aether but Thor pulled it away at the last minute. "We give you what it is you desire and you leave Asgard alone. This is our bargain." Thor began the negotiations. "Do we have a deal?"

Malekith eyed the group suspiciously. He looked around the room as if he was thinking. His gaze lingered a little longer over his shoulder. he smirked before looking back to Thor and agreeing to the terms. Loki's eyes followed Malekith's gaze. He tried to listen for any indications of Arry's presence. There was silence. It was as if she wasn't there.

"In exchange for the Aether, I give you my word that Asgard shall remain unharmed and untouched by the impeding Darkness BUT, it will be under my rule. These are my terms." Malekith countered. His steady gaze faltered from the Asgardians as he once again looked over his shoulder and smirked to himself. Loki felt a worry build in the pit of his stomach. Something wasn't right.

"Agreed" Thor said as he placed the pendant into a black velvet pouch with a silver drawstring. Thor held the pouch out to Malekith and the exchange was made. Malekith tucked it safely away in the inside pocket of his jacket.

"What of the girl?" Malekith asked.

Shit. Loki thought to himself.

"What of her?" Loki growled.

C'mon Arwen make a move. Get on with it. Loki projected his thoughts into Arry's mind. There was no response.

"She shall suffer greatly for what she had done to me. The blade she so kindly cut me with has left a scar that forever throbs. I wish to inflict upon her the same torment she bestowed upon me."

Geralt felt an anger and protectiveness for Arry brew within him. He was almost at boiling point. The anticipation of waiting for her to strike was becoming intolerable. Having no way to sense her or communicate with her was making him on edge. This needs to be over with soon.

"She is in a cell in the dungeons of Asgard. She is a thief and a miscreant. She shall rot in there for as long as the All Father sees fit." Loki interjected before Geralt could say or do anything that would blow their cover.

Arwen, are you okay my love? Where are you?

"If it is peace Asgard desires then tell me Odinsons, why is it you have come to me so heavily armed and guarded?" Malekith questioned. He stood from the table and began to pace the floor.