Under New Management // Thorki

6.

Over the next few months, Thor had fallen into what Midgardians called depression. The thunderer hadn't seen his brother since the incident, and now he doesn't know what to do. He found it almost routine to think about what Loki could be doing. He never got that answer, he asked servants, they either didn't know, or didn't tell him.

He had spoken to the Allfather, but alas received no true response, it was as though the raven had completely disappeared.

Thor never seemed to realise what his brother truly meant to him, until he was gone. He had forgotten such a lesson he'd learned as a child. He thought now, as an adult, he would've grown out of his clinginess. This was.proven otherwise. Even the warrior three had begun to notice the significant chance in their friend, but they weren't sure how to help.

Fandral had tried to get a maiden for Thor's pleasure, like many a times before, but the god had declined with a sigh, showing no interest in bedding a lovely woman.

Volstagg had tried hunting, taking the blond on a much needed trip. But unfortunately, Thor had never really enjoyed the little trip and he once would have.

Sif attempted sparring, but she beat him every time, eventually, she gave up as he wasn't even trying.

No, they didn't know what to do to help their dear friend. Perhaps the death of his parents and shook him more than they realised, but how were they to know? He never spoke of it either way.

It was the 146th day since Thor had heard of Loki, and the blond was walking through the garden, trying to remember his mother's blissful laughter, along with his brother's curious smile. Many years ago the memory was, back when everything was easier. Thor recalled a time when he could go out into the garden and almost always find one of the two, if not both, tending to the flourishing life.

The thunder god bent down when he saw a rustling within the autotrophs, his eyes gleamed with sadness and remembrance as he saw the lithe body of a snake. Thor brought his calloused hand down to the serpents body, only to have it recoil at the sudden gesture, it's green eyes wide with fear.

Thor couldn't help but smile a bit at it's black scales that shone bright in the evening sun. Whispering softly, Thor brought his hand back down, laying it in front of the being.

Cautiously, the animal slithered up the blond's arm, coiling it's body around his forearm.

Upon further observance, Thor found something truly strange about the little snake, it's mouth was sewn together with a silver string, disabling it's natural ability to open it's mouth. Who could've been so cruel as to harm such an innocent creature, and one holding such mysterious beauty.

Thor stood slowly, careful not to disturb the green eyed snake. Part of the blond wished the serpent would transform into his brother and stab him.

The thunderer took the small scaled creature back to his room, closing the metal door behind him.

"What happened to you?" He asked softly, setting it down on his bed as he turned to find something to cut the thread.

When he turned, he set the scissors down on the small table and crossed his arms, figuring his might as well hope for the possibility of the snake being a mere illusion.

"Won't you show yourself to me, brother?"

The snake simply stared at him, it's green eyes seeming to assess his every movement before bowing it's head, a small green light revealing the battered form of the raven.

Thor stepped forward, forcing his hands not to tremble and he tilted Loki's chin up to meet his eyes. He set his jaw when we saw the painful smile his brother was displaying, his eyes almost colourless with despair. His chapped lips were stitched together, drying blood cracking down his chin. His face were covered with blemishes of all colours, black, blue, purple, red, pink, green, and yellow. Old and new alike. Loki's frame was shallow, a ghost of the already thin person he once was. Thor absently ran his fingers over the trickster's cheekbones, his eyes glistening with sorrow.

"What has happened to you?" He asked gently and he cut the thread.

Loki said nothing, dropping his eyes and nodding his head in an almost unnoticeable thanks.

Thor was quiet, as he wasn't sure how to continue, he understood what happened.

Or so he thought.

"Loki, who did this?"

Again the raven had no response, his hands fiddling awkwardly in his lap.

"Please brother... You can trust my word. I will not harm you, of that I promise." Thor insisted, gently clasping the younger's hands.

Their moment was interrupted by a thunderous knock at the door, followed by the forceful opening. There stood the new king, an unreadable expression resting on his face.

"Loki." His voice rumbled into the now cold atmosphere.

Thor glanced to his brother to see his eyes stretched wide, his mouth gaping in horror.

"What are you doing here?" He asked coldly, his eyes fixed on his pet.

The trickster looked down, his gaze shifting uncomfortably, his faded emerald eyes avoiding contact with both.

"Answer me, pet!" He yelled suddenly, causing the raven to flinch back, his fists gripping his pants.

"I-I'm sorry, sir." He whimpered, his unused voice cracking painfully.

Thor watching the two, his eyes flicking from the furious king to his terrified little brother.

"What is this?" He asked, his voice dangerously level for a god practically known for his anger.

Alfarinn grinned politely, malice hiding within his smile like nesting termites.

"Nothing of your concern, Prince Thor." He said coolly.

"Loki is my brother." The blond argued.

"An adoptive brother. And that's all he'll be to you. Now, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to deal with what's mine." The man replied. He redirected his gaze to the pale god, "Come."

Loki stumbled a bit as he stood, his eyes glancing to Thor briefly before stepping to Alfarinn.

"See you soon, brother." He rasped, sending a small smile before disappearing out the door.

"I would count on it." The king said coldly, closing the door behind him.

Thor stood in his own room, his eyes staring at the door for minutes on end before blinking. Only one thought flashed through his mind.

How do I save him?