Loki's Apprentice: A Tale Retold

Chapter 40: Purpose

Evelyn held her arms tightly to herself feeling a chill far deeper than physical as she paced where Grim had left her.

She didn't know how long she was left in that position, nor did she really noticed Roth approaching, appearing in the hallway before her in a flash.

Roth greeted her with a bright smile, only faltering a moment as he surveyed the vicinity around her. 

"Where's Grim? I thought he was going to escort you halfway?" He asked. 

He was bouncing on his toes, as if he had more energy than he could contain, making Evelyn wonder if this is how he acted before battle. 

It was a strange thought, but she felt as if it was right. 

He had a light-hearted air about him, as if there was nothing that cause him any worry. And yet, he hadn't looked Evelyn in the eye since he approached her. If that hadn't tipped her off, his rambling would have been just enough.

"The old man got tired I suppose." He laughed slightly, but Evelyn did not join in, not that he particularly noticed as he continued to prattle: "Still he should know not to leave a beautiful woman wandering all alone, you never know what could lurk in these halls. Perhaps some ferocious beast, or a whiny prin-"

"Roth." There was a notable edge in Evelyn's voice, enough to cause Roth's playful facade to falter.

She cleared her throat, glad to see his attention as he finally lowered his gaze to hers.

"I had an unsettling conversation with Grim before he left me here." She forced her arms to relax at her side, but the tension moved to her hands as they formed hard fists.

While Roth's emotions pushed him to move, Evelyn's forced her to remain stagnant and tightly coiled. 

Roth watched her carefully before nodding as if he understood.

"Grim is always unsettling," He said lightly, but sparing a cautious glance towards her. "How could expect anything less from such an indignant shade?"

He began walking, motion with his head for her to follow. She obeyed him silently, barely aware of herself placing her hand on his offered wrist. 

It was almost automatic, just as much an intuitive response as holding on to the ship's ropes as the waves brutally tried to take it, and everything it carried, down—thoughtless, yet life-saving.

It was only when Roth's huge shoulder gently nudged her did she look up and realize that she had left him for her thoughts. She smiled apologetically, an effort that was far more draining than it should have been.

"What did old eyepatch tell you?" His eyes were wide with attention, somehow making them appear more blue.

Evelyn bit her lip, a bad habit she never completely could stop herself from doing. She was still deciphering Grim's meaning herself, and was almost at a loss on what to say. 

"He said I'm withholding Loki from his purpose." She said slowly, sifting the information in her mind, "I can only suppose he means his old life on Asgard and his purpose to rule, but how exactly am I preventing that?"

Roth shook his head in irritation, but didn't look too surprised with Grim's behavior.

"Grim is very set in his way of thinking, especially what is best for Loki." He said carefully.

Roth held himself differently, with more consideration than he had been while joking moments ago, as if Grim still, in a some small way, demanded respect.

He began gently, squinting as he looked ahead as if what he was trying to convey was just ahead of them, "I believe that we are born with purpose, sometimes even burdened with one we do not want. But people change, and I think new destinies can be made in the process."

"Sometimes the old must give way to the new to allow for the better. The age of kings falls as the people rise united, although that too might come to an end and continue in an endless cycle. But it is always what is most needed that rises."

"Are you really comparing me to a democracy?" Evelyn countered, mocking offense in her tone.

"Exactly!" He said, his eyes were gleaming. " And Grim sees you as an unruly mob, but that is entirely his own problem because we all see you as a beautiful unity of voices."

This last statement caused her to burst into laughter. She covered her mouth in surprise and embarrassment as it echoed throughout the halls.

"Finally!" Roth exclaims, a smile of his own brightening his face. "She graces these halls with her laughter."

Evelyn tried to hide her smile as she nudge him with her own shoulder, her force not even strong enough to shake his stability in the slightest. In fact, it was her own stability that was at risk as he abruptly came to a stop.

Roth stood silent as she turned to him. He only watched her sadly as he gently picked at his hand, as if something under his skin was bothering him— his nervous energy propelling him to motion once again.

He looked as if he was searching for words, his lips pursed in anticipation, "You know that I would never let anything bad happen to you?"

He spoke softly.

 she responded just as quiet.

"Yes."

His solemn demeanor was starting to concern her, she almost thought that there really was some ferocious beast waiting to meet her down there rather than a fallen prince.

"Please,  Evelyn, "He pleaded softly, taking her hand in his, "forget your worries, trust Loki, and enjoy the night."

She nodded earnestly, almost afraid that if she hesitated it would've broken something within him.

He flashed her a smile, relief clear in his eyes as he raised her hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss upon her skin, vanishing into the darkness without another word.

Evelyn's hand felt heavy without him holding it, and she allowed it to fall limply at her side.

Trust Loki

Such a strange wish that seemed to be so opposed to what everyone else had recently been whispering in her ear.