Death's Princess

Family Reunions

Hela tip-toed down the golden hallway as quietly as she could. So far she had managed to sneak past several guards and a few maids. Her room was only another hall away.

The hall seemed entirely empty. She smiled to herself as she sneaked to the carved door and quietly opened it. Hela stepped into her room and shut the door behind her. Immediately a howling sounded in the room and she nearly jumped out of her skin.

"Fenrir! Fenrir, hush! Hush, hush, before you give me away!" She turned to watch the husky sized wolf dash her way and bounce about as though he were a puppy. She smiled in spite of herself and shook her head. "Quiet, silly boy!"

Fenrir jumped and tackled her, nipping at her hair and barking. Hela broke out into a fit of giggles and pushed her brother's face away. "Oh, calm down, Fen! I wasn't gone that long. Goodness, stop being so over dramatic and- Hey! Fen!" She laughed as he gently took her foot in his mouth and dragged her farther into the room before climbing on top of her and casually lying down.

She blew a strand of hair from her face. "You're not as little as you used to be," she muttered and chuckled before throwing her arms around the wolf's neck. "I've missed you too, Fenrir."

Hela rested her head back and smiled as the wolf climbed off of her and padded to her bed, hopping up and sitting, waiting. Hela climbed to her feet. "So much for sneaking in. Does anyone else know?"

"We'll answer that," replied a voice.

Two heads of white blonde hair emerged then from their hiding place in the bathroom. Nari and Vali grinned as they stepped out, arms folded, staring at their little sister. "Welcome back, Hel."

A smile broke out on Hela's face and she rushed over, throwing her arms around her two brothers. "How long have you two been waiting in there?"

"We saw you with Sleipnir outside," Nari answered, "Saw you trying to sneak in. Thought we'd come and beat you here." He gave her a crooked smile.

Hela huffed playfully and stepped back, tilting her head slightly to view them. They were both much taller than her. "Does Father know yet?"

"He knows you're coming today," Vali replied casually, "I don't think he knows you're here yet, though. If you want to surprise him, you should go do it now before Thor beats you there."

Hela smiled. She turned on her heel and rushed out.

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

Loki's chambers included a private study, a library, a bedroom and bathroom, a sitting room, and even a dining room. Hela slipped her way down the halls were he claimed his own wing. She knew where she would find him.

The study was a room lit by two braziers on opposite sides of the room and various wall sconces, and the candles on Loki's desk. His back was to her, as he was sitting at that desk writing in a book. His head was tilted down slightly. Books were tossed here and there on the tables where he seemed to be studying something. Hela slipped in through the small opening she made of the door.

As she crept closer, Loki paused. And then he said, "Not many can sneak up on me." He stood and turned around to look at her, his face blank as he looked down at her. And then he smiled. "But then again, you've done so before."

Hela laughed and ran at him, and he met her halfway, taking a few steps and dropping on his knees to embrace her. "Hi, Father," she whispered.

Loki hugged her tightly. "Hello, Hela."

He picked her up, much to the girl's delight, and spun her around. Hela squealed and laughed. "You're bigger every time I see you," he murmured as he set her down. He laughed and ran his hand over her hair, taking her chin in his other. "And more beautiful every day." He looked her over and chuckled. "You're here early, aren't you?"