Loki: Winds of Winter

Chapter 37 - The Threads of Fate

Loki walked down the hallways of the Red Keep with a determination in his eyes, but a lightness in his step. The courtiers parted for him, and there were few smiles behind their hands. They all knew that things had been repaired between the Lord and Lady of House Frostborn and they were sharing the same chamber again. They knew better than to say anything to his face. Meddling in the familial affairs of the Hand of the Queen was risking a lot. Loki hated it when anybody tried to stick their nose into his personal business. At that moment, he was en route to the small council chamber to discuss how to proceed with meeting officials from earth. "Wait up!" called a voice and Loki paused to allow Oberyn Martell and Jon Stark-Targaryen to catch up to him. 

"What is it?" Loki asked.

"What is it? That's a stupid question considering we're about to go where no Westerosi has gone before," Oberyn commented as he placed his arm around Loki's shoulders. Loki's eyebrow went up before he glanced at Jon. The youngest Targaryen heir could not resist the twinkle that came into his eyes.

"It is true, right? We could wind up going to another realm?" Jon asked.

"Are you really that excited to go to another world?" Loki queried and both men chuckled. Jon elbowed him in the side and Oberyn pulled Loki even closer. 

"It's another world, Loki! It's a place where we could study the mortals and their politics and methods of combat. It's a chance for us to learn and expand," Jon stated with enthusiasm. Loki snorted as he waved his hand and the doors to the small council chamber opened. They were the last ones to join and Daenerys smiled at them. They took their seats and everyone looked to him.

"Rhaenar told me that Ragna is going to arrange for a diplomatic meeting to take place between key figures of Westeros and the United Nations, a form of government in Europe. This would be to get permission for more of our soldiers to enter Midgard's territories. The forces she already has on Midgard are the only ones she's allowed to have right now. She wants to push the advantage she has in this moment," Loki explained.

"Did she combat a Wight Walker?" Tyrion asked.

"Rhaenar said that she did encounter the one that was leading the army she faced. He used a 'news helicopter' as a distraction to escape, but she did cross blades with him," Loki responded.

"We have leverage against the politicians of Midgard right now. Influence we know Ragna will use to further her agenda. Which, at present, is the same as ours," Daenerys said, and Loki raised his eyebrow at the hint to his daughter having other ideas.

"Do we think that Ragna would do anything to hamper the goals of Westeros?" Tyrion suggested.

"Maybe not directly, but if it deviated from hers a little, we figure she might want to diverge. Which, as long as the basic objectives of Westeros are met, I don't particularly care what Ragna does," Daenerys admitted and Loki narrowed his eyes at his half-sister. "I see so much of myself in her. Except, she is more... how do I say it?"

"Bloodthirsty? Brutal? Decisive?" Tyrion suggested and Loki's eyes flicked to his brother-by-law. "I'm not the only one to think it. Many people have said she is the Mistress of Men, the Orchestrator of Chaos. You are the God of Mischief; she is sometimes called the Goddess of Death."

"That title's already taken. Sorry, it belongs to my first daughter, Hela, the ruler of Niffleheim," Loki said dismissively. 

"Is she just as ruthless as Ragna?" Oberyn queried with a smirk on his face. 

"They're up there with each other," Loki answered truthfully. 

"That's scary," Sam commented and he shivered at the thought of two daughters of Loki getting together and causing mass anarchy. Jon chuckled at his friend's discomfort, but Bran cleared his throat and everyone looked to him. 

"That aside, I have seen something that might be of interest to you. Have any of you ever heard of the Three-Eyed Raven?" Bran queried. Loki nodded, as did most of the people at the table. "I've been having these strange dreams, and other times throughout the day where I'll stop what I'm doing and stand there for what feels like hours. I've been having these dreams for the past couple of weeks. Actually, since Rhaenar and Ragna went on their expedition beyond the Wall," Bran admitted and Loki's eyes narrowed. He stood up, walked to Bran, and forcefully placed his hand over his face; his fingers spanning the expanse of his skull. 

"Loki!" Jon exclaimed, but the god did not hear him. Loki's eyes went entirely white and he felt his soul get pulled into the Spirit Realm.

Loki glanced around and found Bran standing next to him. "I've seen this place before, but, I could never interact with anybody here," Bran said as he glanced about.

"I've been here before. It's been a while," Loki said.

"Too long," said a voice and they both turned and saw two women standing there. One was a blonde and the other had pure white hair. The blonde had her arms crossed over her chest and was tapping her foot on the ground. The white-haired woman was covering her mouth, clearly trying to conceal her laughter.

"Ah, hello, Mothers," Loki greeted lamely.

"Loki! I've been in contact with three of your children these past twenty years, but not you. What kind of child does not speak to his mother?" Frigga challenged.

"Busy schedule?" Loki said in response. Frigga shook her head while the other woman approached Loki and kissed him.

"It is good to see you, Loki. I've been watching you and my grandchildren for years, and it pleases me what I have seen," she said.

"Even Ragna?" Loki asked and she nodded before she glanced at Bran. 

"I am Rhaella Targaryen, the mother of Loki and Daenerys Stormborn," she introduced.

"Brandon, son of Eddard and Catelyn of House Stark," Bran said. 

"I know you, Brandon. Since Loki bequeathed a part of his magic to you, I have been cognizant of you. Wherever his magic was in this world, I knew who had it," Rhaella told him with a smile.

"What can you tell us about the Three-Eyed Raven?" Loki posed.

"The Three-Eyed Raven was the human made immortal being chosen by the Seven Vanir to act as their vessel on this world. The Three-Eyed Raven was supposed to help defend against the Wight Walkers. Once you gave Bran some of your magic, Loki, he immediately became a candidate for the title. Only three other people exist who could have been alternate Ravens. Rhaenar, Dhaerin, and Dagmar," Frigga told them. 

"Three of my children could have been the Three-Eyed Raven?" Loki asked, genuinely concerned.

"They were possibilities. However, all their fates have already been decided," Rhaella said. 

"You make that sound ominous," Loki said, the unsurety clear in his voice. Rhaella smiled at Loki and placed her hands on his face.

"Do not be afraid for them. They were created with these destinies in mind. You could no more protect them from it then you could stop yourself from breathing. They're hearty and strong. True descendants of dragons," she told him. 

"And descendants of Jotuns. They are half fire and half ice," Frigga reminded.

"Well, I know the math for that can't be right. They're one quarter Jotun, Targaryen, Stark, and Tully. They have fish and wolf in them too," Loki countered, and Frigga smacked him upside the head. Bran chuckled at the parental display of affection. That was before both Frigga and Rhaella turned to him.

"You are to be Westeros' spiritual guide from now on. The maesters and priests and sages will bow to you. For, the Children of Mischief have destinies out there in the universe. Only one is meant to stay at home."