Ch. 13: Loki's Funeral (TDW era)

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Asgard

Early 2015

Loki's Funeral

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"Whoa!" Madelyn stumbles as she and Thor appear in Asgard. This is her first time traveling to Asgard, and the way of traveling is all something that is out of a fantasy to her. She never knew this could be real. 

"Careful," Thor says as he reaches for her arm steadying her, "Takes some getting used to."

"No kidding," Madelyn says as she brushes herself off, "Thanks."

"No need to thank me," Thor says as they begin walking toward the castle, "I should thank you for accompanying me to my brother's funeral."

Madelyn stares around in awe as she takes in the sights of Asgard, not really responding to his statement. 

"When Loki and I were kids we used to play right here..." Thor says, pointing to a small fountain in the courtyard.

Madelyn watches Thor as he stares at the flowing water, his eyes full of tears. 

"I miss him," He says sadly, vulnerability lacing his voice, "We grew apart, but it felt like we were going back to how we were again...and now he's gone...right as we were becoming brothers again." 

Madelyn places a hand on his shoulder, but before she can say anything, a bell sounds. The two of them look up. 

"We should get ready for the funeral," Thor states somberly, "You can borrow something from our royal wardrobe since you're my guest. There should be something you can find for this occasion." 

"Oh um thank you," Madelyn says as Thor guides her inside. 

The two walk down a few halls until they reach the royal wardrobe with all the ceremonial clothing. Thor gestures for her to go in. 

"Meet me out here when you're ready," Thor says before going off on his own.

Madelyn nods and enters the wardrobe. Her mouth drops as she sees all the fine, elegant clothing. She gazes at the different robes, gowns, and accessories as she strolls through the room. Her hand traces along one particular piece of clothing: a dark green gown that is simple yet elegant with a sheer train that flows behind it. She hears a slight magical noise, and there is a green hue of light.

"That green was Loki's favorite color, I'm sure he wouldn't mind you wearing it for our mourning ceremony," A deep voice speaks up from behind her. 

Madelyn turns suddenly, startled at the appearance of Odin in the room. He is wearing a long robe that is black, but there is a slight hint of green along the trimming. She has never met Odin before, but she has heard about him from Thor and Loki. 

"O-oh I had no idea you were in here. I-I'm so sorry, king? Y-your majesty" She stutters, bowing before him, unsure how to handle the situation. 

"No need to fret," Odin smiles, stepping closer, "I'm surprised to see you here. Especially after what he did." He looks at her peculiarly, with a hint of suspicion and mischief in his eyes...

"I forgave him," Madelyn says quickly, "I feel like we have similar stories...I just I always knew there was good in him, even when he did what he did."

Odin nods before glancing at the dress she was eyeing, "You should try that one on."

Madelyn looks back at the dress, her hand sliding up the side of it again. She looks back at Odin for permission, and as he nods, she smiles and grabs the gown. She heads toward a dressing area and changes before appearing before Odin again. She walks toward a floor length golden mirror to look at herself in the dress. Her hair is up in a messy curly updo, and she stares down at her train as Odin slowly walks up behind her. 

"Try this," He says, handing her a sheer green shawl to put on over the gown. 

She takes it and slides it over her shoulders, "It's beautiful."

"I concur," Odin says, but his eyes are on her face. Those eyes......

She adjusts a part of the dress, and as she does so, 'Odin' secretly uses magic to form a beautiful gold necklace with a small green pendant. 

"I uh found this with Loki's things...it seems perfect for you," 'Odin' makes up a lie, "May I?"

Madelyn nods, moving the shawl to the side for him to put the necklace on her. 'Odin' puts the necklace on Madelyn, and his hands brush against her neck as he does so. Madelyn feels a hint of a blush creep onto her cheeks, and she shivers at his touch. Why does his presence feel so familiar? She glances at the necklace and turns to face him after he finishes clasping it. When she looks up into his eyes, she recognizes something. They've met before...she KNOWS those eyes, but this is her first time meeting Odin. 

Suddenly, 'Odin' clears his throat nervously, stepping backward and excusing himself. Before he can leave the door entirely, Madelyn decides to test her theory about this not really being Odin. 

"Your majesty?" She calls out. 

"Y-yes?" He turns hesitantly, clearing his throat again. 

"I know Loki is gone..." She trails, watching his face carefully the entire time, "But if he were here, I'd tell him he could be more than his pain, more than what people think of him." 

She stares at him as she watches him take in what she had to say. 'Odin' nods slowly, letting out a shaky breath. He hesitates for a moment, as if he wants to say something, but he doesn't. He just turns and walks out of the door. 

Madelyn doesn't know what she expected him to do, but she has a strange feeling in her stomach. He felt so...familiar...to her. 

She shakes her head, brushing off the strange encounter as she exits to find Thor to go to the funeral. 

She finally spots Thor and waves to him. He is talking to a few people. As she approaches, she sees him talking to...Odin, but Odin is now wearing a long tan robe, different than what she just saw him in inside the royal wardrobe. 

"Ahhh there she is! Father, meet Madelyn. Madelyn this is my father, Odin," Thor introduces them. Madelyn looks suspiciously, about to speak up that they just met...

"What a lovely surprise to meet you, dear," Odin says, nodding his head. He doesn't remember just meeting her? 

"Now how do you know Thor?" Odin asks her. Doesn't he know? He just referenced what Loki did to her in the wardrobe how could he...

Madelyn suddenly fits the pieces together. She never answers his question. Instead, Thor gives him a quick rundown, but they are cut off at the orchestra beginning to play for the funeral to start. 

Madelyn goes through the funeral in a state of confusion...Loki is dead...right?

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Reminder that this takes place after Thor: The Dark World...

Is Madelyn figuring out Loki is alive?

Disclaimer: Loki has not taken Odin to Midgard yet to the nursing home (it's revealed he did this in Ragnarok...he does this after his funeral, but he is still having to keep his identity hidden, so he was just magically doing the illusion when he heard her walk in so she would not know his real identity. He is waiting for Thor to leave Asgard after the funeral to take over as Odin like he is in Ragnarok. So the real Odin is still on Asgard right now. 

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