Silenced (A Loki fanfiction)

Chapter 7

Leidi

After breakfast I head back to my room. I crash into the bed and am on the verge of sleep when Volstagg shakes me. "What?" I groan. "Are you alright, Leidi?" "What do you mean?" "You didn't want to wake this morning, and you fell asleep in your food. What's going on?"

I shrug, "I don't know what you're talking about." I shiver a little and wrap myself in the sheets. "It's not cold," he says.

Then how do I feel it? The others trail in behind him. "Leidi, are you feeling alright?" Fandral says. I nod. "I'm fine, it's just a little chilly." They all look at me like I'm crazy.

Thor steps forward and presses the back of his large hand against my forehead. "Oh dear. Leidi, you are burning up," Thor says. "Is that bad?" "Yes. Very," Hogun says.

Volstagg feels my forehead next. "That's not good," he says. "Lie down. I shall go get the healer." They disappear all but Thor, who lingers by my bedside. I shiver and wrap the blanket around me tighter.

Thor strokes my hair gently. "You remember that man from the other day?" He says. "Mhm," I mumble. "That was Loki," he admits.

"Why didn't you say so before?" "Because I didn't want you to think so low of me." "Why would I think low of you?"

"Because I am responsible for his condition." "How?" "I sealed his lips." "Why?" "I was left with no choice."

"Did you try not doing it?" "I was given strict orders." "What could he possibly have done to deserve that?" "He tried to take over Midgard. He attacked several defenseless mortals. He killed so many."

"But no one deserves that." "I agree. It was rather harsh." "Why are you telling me this now?" "In a way, you remind me of him. The innocent Loki, from our childhood."

"How?" "You act like him. He was always very smart and talented. And you look like him." "Is there more?" "Yes. You are daring, just as he is." "How am I daring?"

"You go to his cell every night, even though I forbid it." "How did you know that?" "I've seen you. I just don't say anything." "We have more in common than you think."

"What do you mean?" "Loki is not of Asgard. He's a jotunn. Am I wrong?" "You're not." "So am I," it came out as a whisper, "Do not tell anyone." "I won't."

I close my eyes and drift off to sleep.

"Leidi," Loki calls, "Leidi." He shakes me lightly. I groan and roll over, looking up at him. He looks at me with concern.

"You've gotten yourself sick," he says. "So?" "So? You are a jotunn. Jotnar can't take heat for long," he says. "Well, I lived in Muspelheim for 20 years. I think I can take a fever." "But."

"Why do you care? Last time you were there and I was here, you stabbed me. Now you're fawning over a small fever." "Very well. I don't know why I bother with you."

I stick my tongue out at him before he releases me from the dreamscape.

My eyes flutter open to see Thor, Sif, and the Warriors Three, surrounding my bedside. "You're awake," Thor announces. "I didn't know you talked in your sleep," Volstagg chuckles.

"I... What?" I suddenly get scared. What if they heard my conversation with Loki. "I find it rather adorable," Fandral says. "What were you dreaming of? And who stabbed you?" Sif questions.

"I don't know. I think it was someone I've probably met a while ago. I do not recall the dream," I lie through my teeth. I pray she won't notice.

"You can't recall the dream? Are you sure?" Sif doesn't seem to believe me. I don't blame her.

"Don't pressure the child, Sif," Fandral scolds. "I am no child," I whine. "Very well, then," Fandral puts his hands up in surrender.

"How old are you then?" Hogun asks. "I've lost track but, I think somewhere around 1033," I say honestly.

"Where were you before you came to Asgard?" Sif asks. "I don't like to talk about it," I look down.

"Thor, the All-Father requests your presence," a guard stands at the door. Thor nods at the guard. He places his hand over mine before leaving.

Sif and Hogun leave to train. Fandral and Volstagg linger by my bedside. "You both need not stay. I can take care of myself," I say.

"I don't doubt that. But in case something happens," Volstagg chuckles, "Fandral, it's almost lunch time. Go bring our meals here for us."

"Shall I bring extra for you?" Fandral teases. "Shall I make you no longer capable of eating?" Volstagg counters.

I laugh and cough a little. "See what you've done?" Fandral counters. "Why you little," Volstagg gets up and pretends to chase Fandral away.

That night, Loki doesn't bother me in my sleep. He probably somehow heard of my sleep-talking. Also, Volstagg slept in my room last night.

He stayed on the chair. I felt bad. He seemed uncomfortable.