Working Title : Loki & Annie

122 A Lepard's Spots

In Asgard Thor woke slowly, he was too hot and there was itching fur tickling his nose. With his eyes still closed he first tried to huff and then blow it away and when that didn't work he used a hand to try to brush it away but the long strands returned. Deciding he needed to open his eyes to properly move the animal he reluctantly did and with bleary eyes looked around.

He recognized the ceiling art as belonging in one of the private dining halls, the kind that was much smaller and more intimate than most. The tables were low, the seating on piles of various-sized cushions. He knew without looking there would be remains of a meal or several, littering the table tops, spilled food and wine marking a time well spent. Looking around himself in the low light of the burning torches Thor sat up with a heave, finally seeing the body of several nude women sprawled around him on the cushions. Their limbs were entangled in his, Thor grunted, his and apparently Fandral and Hoguns as well. His shield brothers were still sleeping, relaxed faces and clothes scattered on the floor. Quickly taking in his own state of dress he was relieved to see his pants were still on though unlaced, his boots scattered on the table.

He pushed the heels of his palms into his eyes for a moment in hopes to delay his need to think for a little bit longer. Pushing out a stale breath he lowered his hands knowing he could delay leaving no longer. With a little bit of care to not wake anyone, he slipped out of the pile of bodies to rise to his feet, lacing his pants while searching for his tunic. The others could easily wear each other's and had many times in the past, he could only wear his own. Of course, his prickly Brother only wore his own clothes no matter the - Loki! Thor groaned. He had forgotten Loki. He had promised to come back right after the meal was over. 

"Thor?" Fandral's sleepy voice quietly called out, a lazy grin on his face.

Raising an eyebrow while finally spotting his tunic on the floor Thor quietly hummed his acknowledgment.

"It's good to have you returned to us." Fandral's voice had a satisfying quality to it. "We've missed you."

Thor pushed his head through the proper hole and while smoothing the fabric down he studied Fandral. Had he really been so distant that a return to drinking and bedding women brought about feelings of relief and camaraderie? It had only been a short time since he had last been with his shield-mates but he had been disturbed by reports of Loki's treatment. An unusual instinct had told him to remain silent to his companions about what he was thinking instead of pulling them into his confidence. It made sense he had already been mentally distant. Saying nothing Thor picked up his boots as he gave a small smile and nodded his head to Fandral who closed his eyes and settled back among his bedmates.

Not bothering to put his boots on, they seemed to be wet with spilled wine or at least he hoped it was wine, he padded on bare feet to the Healing Halls. His socks had been left for servants to find in the morning, it wouldn't be the first time they found his clothing strewn about the palace.  Magun? Madrun? Mygun? The servant girl should be near healed, hopefully, he could report to Loki that she would be able to return to her duties.

The guard at the door had no reaction to seeing the Crown Prince of the Realms coming down the hall barefooted and rumpled. The guard had seen it before and the Prince had a reputation. "Highness." He opened the door stepping out of the way with a small flourish.

With a still tired smile, Thor nodded, saying as he passed, "Gersson." 

The young Healer taking the night watch looked up with a slight widening of her eyes and softly exclaimed, "Prince Thor!" Her surprise might have come from Thor's appearance so late in the night or his state of dress, or rather undress. He wasn't known for coming to the Halls. Or at least he hadn't needed to for hundreds of years.