Chapter 28

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As Loki was silent, as were the rest of group. No one dared to bring up what happened—not even Tony.  The silence was awkward to say the least, not ceasing until we reached the edge of the mountain range.

The feeling I had first gotten from the mountains had changed significantly.  They no longer felt lost—they felt welcoming and homely.  To be completely honest, I kinda liked it there.

"We walk from here."  Loki suddenly explained, jumping down from Skygge's back.  I rolled my eyes at his back before I followed his motion to get down from Aurea.  Honestly, his silent treatment was just beginning to become childish.

"How far?"

Loki looked back, his eyes narrowed at Tony as if he dared him to continue speaking.  Really?  As quick as I could, I caught up with Loki.

"Really?  All he asked was how far."  Loki was silent, yet again.

"How far."  I growled it this time.  There was so much that Loki wasn't telling us and adding this unpleasant, 'grumpy' mood, was not helping.

"Less then a mile."  Loki finally snapped back in response, his jaw tightly clenched.

"Thank you," I groaned with an annoyed smile.  "Thank you for finally acknowledging the rest of us." Loki sighed and I watched as his hands clenched at his sides. Whatever.

I slowed my pace and fell in step next to Addea and Skye. At least they would talk to me.

***

The air held a chill to it as we traveled between two of the mountains.  The grass lining the path was damp with dew and the breeze whistled through the trees.  The sky had began to shift into a darker blue as it grew later, and I began worrying that we would not arrive before nightfall.

Loki still remained silent but he no lore seemed angry.  The original anger in his eyes had changed to an almost anxious look.

"Your brother seems to be grieving."  Addea suddenly spoke, leaning closer to me.

"What?" What gave her that idea?

"Well, there must be a reason for this negative mood of his.  Whatever it is that Amora blames Loki for seems very personal and so does this journey we now face.  Whoever has this Freyja stone—I doubt Loki left them on good terms."  Addea explained, keeping her voice quiet to avoid being overheard by Loki.  It made sense to be honest.

"And from what I know of Freyja stones.  I wouldn't be surprised if whoever they are—they are most definitely special to your brother."

"Are you saying you think......"  I didn't get to finish as Natasha's voice interrupted.

"I believe that is what she is implying."

"He hides it well, but I've seen the look in his eyes."  Addea whispered before nodding in Loki's direction.  "Whoever they are, he misses them dearly."

***

"We're here."  Loki called back softly, stopping at the edge of the path.  Beyond there, laid what looked like a small village.  A line of single story cottages and other buildings. 

The village was alive with sound.  I heard laughing and singing as I watched children play on the path leading straight through. 

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