Story of Seasons: Fire and Ice

Expanding the Circle

As per agreement, Loki continued close observation of the mysterious wolf, now named Runa. He followed her movements and behavioral patterns, treading lightly to avoid anything that could make her run off. As lightly as was possible for a troublemaking trickster.

One thing the fire god learned quickly about Runa was that she was a rather sensitive creature. She was cautious and wary of everything around her, even those she considered allies. It was easy to press her buttons and get a rise out of her, but it was just as easy to push her too far. Crossing a line would upset her and send her into a state of avoidance. Once that occurred, she would withdraw and remain missing for days, ignoring Loki's calls and all but falling off the face of the realm.

The key to working with Runa was to be persistent, but patient and also gentle. Two things that required tremendous effort on Loki's part. Thus, he had taken to summoning her every few days for a routine hunt and some relaxation, leaving plenty of opportunities to play his tricks in between. Doing so proved highly effective and over time, the god of fire slowly earned her trust. Eventually, the pair came to enjoy their outings; Runa coming to his side with or without his calling.

It was one such day that Loki found himself strolling casually toward his cottage, a large rabbit in hand. Runa trotted alongside him, carrying one of her own.

In the previous weeks, the pair had taken to expanding their hunting routine. While they frequently enjoyed a roast with one another, the two had now started working together to aid in Loki's preparations. As per Balder's request, the fire god had gotten dragged into assisting with the upcoming feast, gathering food items, and hunting game for the massive event. Of course, doing so was far more effort than the lackadaisical god was willing to exert.

Thus, he had enlisted Runa's assistance in the matter, gathering and transporting items as necessary. He wasn't certain how it had come to this, the entire situation seeming far beyond bizarre. In truth, he hadn't expected her to help at all. In the worst case, he thought she may even be offended by his request. Yet surprisingly, she didn't seem to mind, simply enjoying his company and having something to do with her days. And even more strangely... Loki was beginning to appreciate their time together as well.

Having spent so much of his life alone, it was nice to have someone... or something around that didn't reject him. Balder and Thor had always been there since his youth, but they couldn't be around all of the time. As Odin's sons, they had responsibilities that often drew them away from him, leaving him to brood by his lonesome on the forest's edge. Sure, he could venture into town if he wished, and often did so to break the tedium of everyday routine. But such action was almost always met with a negative response as he was effectively loathed by all who resided there. It was true that their treatment no longer bothered him as it once had in the past, but it was still very tiresome.

"You've been a busy puppy today, haven't you?" Loki smirked, strolling along beside his furry companion.

The companion in question snorted, huffing a puff of air through her nostrils in warning. Hairs along her tail and scruff bristled with mild irritation, their owner unappreciative of his playful jab. This had become the routine between the two of them. While Loki was generally respectful of the wolf and her boundaries, he occasionally poked fun at her with nicknames and backhanded comments.

Truthfully, Yuna didn't entirely mind it. She had for a while, assuming his words to be blatant insults as she had become so accustomed. But over time, the goddess came to learn that that was simply his way. It was his nature to tease, no matter the target. Jests and tricks were interwoven into his personality. One that she was, despite herself, slowly growing fond of. But even still, it was incredibly rude.

"Hmm?" Loki lifted a crimson eyebrow. "You don't like the nickname... Ylwa?" He continued, curling his lips into a smile at the sight of her growing annoyance. He chuckled silently, taking careful note of the way she rolled her golden eyes. Then... it was the last thing he saw before looking to the sky.