Beyond The Stars (UNDER REVISION)

Pain and Loss

I sit by the fire pit, my damp hair resing on my shoulder. The Warriors Three and Sif all sit around, talking about Thor's banishment. "I told him." Loki's voice draws my attention.

"What?" Fandral asks.

"I told him to go to Odin after we'd left. He should be flogged for taking so long. We should have never reached Jotunheim.

"You told him the gaurd?!" Volstagg yells.

Loki remains calm. "I saved our lives... and Thor's. I had no idea that father would banish him for what he did."

"Loki," Sif stands up. "You must go to the Allfather and convince him to change his mind."

"And if I do, then what? I loved Thor more dearly than any of you, but you know what he is. He's arrogant. He's reckless. He's dangerous. You saw how he was today. Is that what Asgard needs from it's king?" With that, Loki storms off.

"He may speak of the good of Asgard, but he has always been jealous of Thor."

"We should be grateful to him. He saved our lives." Volstagg looks at conflicted.

"Laufey said there were traitors in the house of Odin." Hogun looks angry. "A master of magic could bring three Jotuns into Asgard."

I stand up. "What are you insinuating?" My words come more harsh than I expected.

"Loki's always been one for mischief, but you're talking about somethign else entirely," Fandral says.

"You were not raised alongside those two. Loki has always wanted the throne. He would do anything for it," Hogun says.

I step closer to him. "You're lying. Loki would risk everyone's lives to get the throne? Risk my life? His brother's? Loki loves his Thor. He would tell me stories of their games, their fights. He is so fond of his brother. Do you not get it?"

"There's only one way to prove it," Sif says. We all turn to her. "We request the Allfather bring him back ourselves.

I follow the four into the throne room, putting my arm over my chest like thiers. "Allfather, we must speak to you urgently." We all stop and look up. I see Loki sitting on the throne.

"My friends," his voice is chilling.

"Where's Odin?" Fandral asks, stepping closer. I follow the group, staying quiet.

"Father has fallen into the Odinsleep. Mother fears he may never awaken again." What's Odinsleep?

"We would speak with her."

"She has refused to leave my father's bedside. You can bring your ugent matter to me," Loki stands and and thuds the staff on the floor. "Your king." Of course, it makes sense. Loki si the rightful sucessor, with Thor banished. The group looks taken aback, as if Loki being king would be the worst thing in the nine realms. We all kneel before him.

"My king, we ask that you end Thor's banishment."

Loki looks offended and scoffs. "My first command cannot be to undo the Allfather's last. We're on the brink of war with Jotunheim," He walks down the steps. "Our people need a sense of continuety in order to feel safe in these difficult times." I mean, he's not wrong. "All of us must stand together. For the good of Asgard." Sif stands, but Hogun and Fandral grab her.

"Yes, of course," Fandral says.

"Good. Then you will wait for my word."

"If I may, beg the indulgence of your majesty to perhaps reconsider-"