Out of reach • A Loki fanfiction

Chapter 17 - The oval table

Being intimate with Loki the day prior had actually somehow cured her from the Draugr's grip. She was more at ease now, trusted her eyes which told her that anyone close to her was alive, and overall just worried less. Still, the night wasn't flawless for her. She still had a mind like everyone else, so she still had nightmares like everyone else. No visions this time. Instead, reliving the past.

She had eaten dinner on her balcony with Gertrud last night. The girl walked on crutches, and was told by Era to heal before getting back to work. Gertrud was eager to, she always had been. But Era could braid her own hair for the time being.

Not long after did she go out to find her brother and father. They were both in Harald's chamber at that time, living in the memory of the day while looking out over the burned forest down below. The three of them didn't exchange much words for the few minutes Era had visited them. They just hugged, checked up on each other's health and promised each other to have a good night's sleep.

Yes, her father had been concerned as well. And for those few minutes, maybe even the perfect dad.

Right now, she walked along the two into the room she had been called to. A boardroom, so one of the King's guards said.

There was no king to be seen in the room, though. But that didn't mean it lacked royalty.

Era courtesied for the room, full on regretting about how easy she went along with the guard just a few moments ago. Because it was confronting, truly. At an oval table sat multiple important people, now all standing to welcome their guests. Among the princes Loki, which Era did her utmost best to not look at, at all.

That alone would betray her.

"Welcome, Lord Frode, thank you for coming here on such short notice." Prince Fjölnir shook his hand firmly before greeting his two children and appointing the three a seat.

"It is no problem at all, my prince. We all stand ready for you, whenever that may be."

"Please." Prince Thor appointed them their chairs. "Take a seat."

Chairs scraped against the floor as everyone sat back down, leaving Era last to follow and make the only noise. Once sat, she immediate grabbed for her glass of water, and downed it with the hopes of releasing herself from some stares she knew were upon her at the moment. Because aside from Fjölnir, the little family were the only Vanir there. And Era had made herself quite known over the last couple of days, thanks to her clumsiness of hitting her head to the edge of a bench.

She hadn't realised her zoning out until a maid came to refill her empty glass. She even slightly jumped a little as the woman's arm reached forward from next to her. Harald looked at her with a confused brow, which she quickly shook off by clearing her throat and giving the maid a quiet 'thank you'. Soft enough to not erupt the conversation that was taking place already.

"... but it stays my duty to protect my people, and if what Prince Loki said is true, if the Draugr shouldn't be real, then who knows what danger is coming for us next." Prince Fjölnir spoke directly to Era's father, most likely filling him in on previous meetings.

"That being said," Prince Thor continued. "It is safe within the palace halls, and so will your people be."

"Tell me, Lady Era, Lord Harald, your input is important to me." Era's eyes squinted as soon as the realisation hit her that she was now expected to pay attention. "Would you—as two of the people representing Vanaheim—feel safe between these castle walls?"

"I would." Era spoke before her brother could. Because she knew where this conversation was going; either stay here or go back to Vanaheim. And Era didn't want to go home. She felt stupid for not realising that she was bound to eventually. "We were all caught by surprise yesterday, and we still managed to get out of it. Asgard has great warriors. I would be honoured staying here for now."