Chapter Text
Loki breathed deep, inhaling the murky mixture of forest and fish as his longship coasted along the gentle river. It was a scent he’d learned to ignore over time and one he hoped never to grow accustomed to. Oh, how he longed for the smell of winter’s embrace upon the salty air of the half-frozen fjords. Norway would always be his one true home, and he hoped to return one day.
But not today.
No, today, there was work to be done: buildings and homes to repair, complaints to hear, supplies to gather, kingdoms to conquer…
Ah, a Jarl’s work was never done, and a Jarl of Loki’s caliber was never idle, unlike these kings of England who sat lazily upon their thrones, growing fat while their people suffered famine and poverty. Four kings currently ruled England, reminiscent of how it had been in Norway until King Harald Fairhair had changed everything…
A marvel of a king, this Harald Fairhair; so young, and yet he had managed to unite all of Norway under one banner for the first time in history. This was not without loss or complaint; many clans fled Norway because of King Harald’s rule, though just as many stayed, content to live under one man’s thumb, or perhaps, were too weary for travel.
But not Loki.
No, he and his blood-brother, Thor, had chosen to leave their respective clans and beloved homes in search of adventure, meaning, and freedom. Their parents had chosen to bend the knee to King Harald, forfeiting their kingdoms to the young king. In doing so, their parents subsequently robbed them of their birthright.
He and Thor were fated to be the next Jarls of their clans, but that honor had been ripped away from them without so much a word. It was humbling and infuriating, to say the least. Luckily, others agreed, and together, Loki and Thor organized a plan to leave with or without their parents' blessings. Various clansmen and their families chose to sail with them, hoping to find a new home and new opportunities elsewhere.
Loki and Thor had chosen to start that search in England's four kingdoms.
Their people were voyagers, traders, and warriors, and many had already made a home and names for themselves in England and elsewhere. So, while their arrival hadn't been… welcome, it wasn't surprising to see yet another fleet of Norsemen arriving on English shores.
Several years had passed since then, and in that time, Loki and Thor had taken their clans to opposite areas, content to live near each other as they had in Norway once upon a time.
Thor and his flock of Berserkers and Bears chose to make their home in the western region of Mercia, living alongside the sons of Ragnar. Loki, longing for some sign of home, decided to take his clan of wolves north to Northumbria, where the winters were long and the summers were cold, though it was still nothing compared to Norway…
Loki sighed heavily, willing his homesickness to flee, as the longship sailed along the riverways. Miles and miles of river and farmland had passed as they sailed between territories to gather, trade, or raid for supplies. Building a settlement was challenging, especially when you left with practically nothing save for the clothes and weapons on your back. Loki's parents had blessed him upon his departure, but most of his things now belonged to King Harald…
But that was in the past now.
In the years he and his clan had settled in Northumbria, they had made quite a lovely settlement that cared for their various needs. They were successful in trade and even formed alliances with multiple regions and their thegns.
Loki steadied himself near the back of his ship, holding onto the tailpiece as they sailed under his navigation. He smiled when the air became a hairsbreadth colder as they approached their settlement; he couldn't wait to rest in his own bed.
His crew kept up their steady pace, rowing through the calm, cold waters of the river Humbre until their settlement finally came into view. Smiling at the sight of home, Loki began barking orders to his raiders to dock the longship and unload so they could get the rest they deserved.
They docked quickly enough, and Loki immediately jumped onto the wooden pier to help tie off the ship. Once secured, they began unloading the supplies, setting them on the dock to be distributed amongst the populace or stored as needed.
As they unloaded, they were greeted warmly by other clansmen working around the docks, and the area quickly became alive in the early evening light—
"Loki!"
Loki's head popped up at the shrill squeal calling for him, and as soon as he turned, the owner of the voice threw herself at him. He caught her, holding up her weight as she wrapped herself around his tall, lean frame like a spider ensnaring its food within its webbing. Her fingers tangled around the ends of his ebony locks as she cupped his face, pressing her lips to his to show what some would perceive to be affection.
Loki returned her kiss, briefly indulging her, before breaking it off, much to her visible dismay. He peeled her off, forcing her back to her feet, but she kept her arms locked around his neck as she pressed against him. "I missed you so much, Loki," she cooed.
"I've been gone a week at most, Asta."
"And it was the longest week of my life, my king," she pouted. "The nights are so much longer when you are away."
"Are they, now?" Loki hummed. "Well, I am home now, so I would enjoy time to rest."
"Oh, well, that certainly won't do, brother!"
Loki and Asta turned to find Thor and an unknown man walking toward them.
Loki grinned at Thor's appearance, immediately leaving Asta's side to greet him. They gripped each other's forearms before Thor pulled Loki in for one of his famous bearhugs. They parted after a few seconds, and Loki eyed him and the stranger curiously, "What brings you to Skölliboer without warning? Is everything all right in Bilskírnir?"
Thor nodded, "Oh, aye, everything is fine." He held out his hand toward the man accompanying him, "This is Edwin, a friend I have made since settling in Mercia, but our business here would be better discussed in the longhouse."
Loki inclined his head and led Thor and Edwin up the hillside where his longhouse sat, overlooking the settlement and all its snowy surroundings. They entered the welcoming warmth of the main hall and bypassed everyone as they made their way to Loki's map and war room.
"So, what are you planning, Thor?" Loki asked as he eyed Edwin suspiciously.
Thor laughed as he made his way to the wide wooden table in the center of the room where a map of England had been laid out. He braced his hands on the table, looking down at the map markers and territories strewn about the large parchment. He pointed to a spot on the map between Mercia and Northumbria, "Here, there is an abbey that my crew and I have been asked to raid. I want you to join us."
"Why?" Loki questioned.
"Are you questioning why I want to go on a raid with you?" Thor chuckled, "I miss fighting beside you, brother! Join me!"
Loki sighed, "No, dunga, you said you were asked to raid this abbey. Why and by whom?"
"Oh," Thor said sheepishly, "Right… well, that is where Edwin comes."
Edwin stepped forward, extending his arm toward Loki, "Yes, allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Edwin Kantor, and I seek to lead a revolt in Mercia, and Thor has offered to help me."
Loki's elegant brow arched as he looked toward Thor and ignored Edwin, "Is this true?"
Thor nodded, "Aye, I'm hoping to help install him as ealdorman of Ledecestrescire."
"Why? What do you gain from this alliance?"
"Peace and trade opportunities between Ledecestrescire and Nottingham with less military interference. Right now, Ledecestrescire is being governed by a tyrant of a man. He's making trade and travel difficult for my people because of his bigotry. My clan hasn't even raided anywhere in Ledecestrescire! He thinks we're bloody Danes and has some sort of vendetta."
Loki rolled his eyes, "Thor, you should be used to that behavior by now. All these fucking Saxons think we're Danes. Do you think Edwin knows the difference? What faith have you that he will even uphold his end of this bargain? He gains leadership, and what do you gain aside from less blood on your blades?"
Edwin stepped forward, "If I might interject, I am a man of my word, and I know words are empty, so allow me to show you with actions. I'll tell you, Loki Jarl, that you are not Danes because you are Norsemen. You hail from Norway and not the Danelands, yes?"
Loki nodded, "Yes, and how often did Thor have to tell you this?"
Edwin chuckled, "Oh, you weren't lying about his sharp tongue, Thor. Your accents are different, though most don't pay enough attention to that, I'd wager."
Loki hummed, "Fine, so you know better than to confuse us with the Danes, and you are observant. What else makes you worth my time?"
Edwin smiled as he indicated the map and pointed to the area Thor had shown him earlier, "This abbey is an equal target for the three of us. It borders our lands, and I believe they are hiding something that could greatly help my cause. Riches and supplies are always necessary, of course, but I seek something different from this abbey. Any gold, jewels, or supplies you and Thor may have, no questions asked."
Loki pursed his lips, a thoughtful glower darkening his face. His eyes, green in their suspicion, pointed daggers at Edwin, "Pray tell, Edwin, what could be more valuable to you than gold to pay your soldiers or food to keep them happy?"
Edwin's grin faltered at Loki's invasive question. "It wouldn't be of any value to you, I assure you."
"Try me," Loki growled.
"Loki," Thor warned, "This will be a good opportunity for all involved. Why does it matter what he wants out of this if we get more than him?"
"That's the thing, Thor," Loki said, "We don't know what he wants. What he wants just might be worth more than gold, so why should he get the prize if we're doing the work and risking our lives?"
Thor frowned, carefully considering Loki's words, and nodded, "I see your point. Edwin, surely you can give us more information on what you're looking for. After all, how would we know it was the object you seek should one of us or our men were to find it?"
Edwin inclined his head, "Fair enough, I'm looking for what I believe is a book that, supposedly, details vital information regarding the location of a powerful artifact."
Loki cocked his head, "What artifact?"
"Well… to be honest, I-I don't know. You see, it's not really me that wants the book; I'm doing this as a favor for King Alfred in return for a seat in his council."
"So, Ealdorman is just a stepping stone for you?" Thor asked.
"Yes," Edwin confirmed. "King Alfred might be a king, but he doesn't appoint just anyone to his inner circle. Even an ealdorman is lowly compared to a king. If I can find this item for King Alfred, it will allow me to put Ledecestrescire under his rule."
Loki rolled his eyes, "Does King Alfred seek to unify all of England?"
Edwin nodded, "Eventually, yes, or at least put it in motion, but Mercia is his priority at the moment. King Burgred is… well, let's just say that King Alfred would rather one of your lot sit on the throne. Burgred is King Alfred's brother-in-law, but he grows weary of aiding this man and would see him exiled."
Thor sighed, "Edwin, why all the secrecy? And what right does this King Alfred have to unify all of England?"
"King Alfred seeks to better the lives of his people. All his people, be they Saxon, Dane, Norsemen, or whatever. He's not like other kings, I swear it."
Loki glanced at Thor, "What say you now, Thor? King Alfred seeks to have Mercia under his control, so where would that leave you?"
"Worst case scenario, I'll bunk with you and relax while you handle the Jarl business," Thor snickered. But his face turned serious as he looked back at Edwin with suspicion, "But Loki's question is a valid point, Edwin. Should your King Alfred bring Mercia under his control, what of my people who have settled in Nottingham?"
"A better question, Thor, is, would he force you to sign a treaty that bade you to convert? I was visiting Guthram in East Anglia, and this King Alfred defeated him but allowed him to retain his kingship on the grounds he was baptized in the name of Christ."
Thor scowled, "Never. I will take Wessex for myself before I am forced to worship as another dictates."
Edwin inclined his head, "I understand, and I will do my part in pleading that case to King Alfred. I swear it, and I will do what it takes to prove that to the both of you."
Loki inclined his head, "And you are certain this object you seek for King Alfred is in that abbey?"
Edwin nodded, "As positive as I can be. I do not know exactly what I am looking for, but I will know when I see it. My scouts have confirmed the presence of extra guards on the abbey grounds, and multiple trips have been made to a hidden cellar in the courtyard. I believe that is where I will find what I seek."
"And everything else we find is ours?"
Edwin nodded, "You have my word."
Loki nodded, "Well, I will admit I am intrigued… so I shall lend you my aid and my wolves." He glanced at Thor and held up one finger, "But I am still suspicious of this plan, Thor, and should things turn sour, I'd hate to be drawn into a war to save your hairy arse… again."
Thor laughed heartily at the memory Loki had stirred, "You thought my arse was hairy, but you didn't see hers! I did her husband a favor by going where he refused to tread!"
Loki shook his head as he fought back his laughter, "He might have refused to sleep near her, but Bera was still his wife, and you caused a war between clans for one night betwixt her thighs."
"And I'd do it again for a poor damsel in distress with an inattentive husband!"
Loki rolled his eyes, "She was in distress because you were crushing her into the furs."
"Oh, didn't realize you were watching that closely, brother."
"How could I not? It might have been your final moments. If Oddgeir had discovered the two of you, I needed to ensure you died with an axe in your hand."
Thor wrapped his arm around his shoulders, "And that's why we're blood brothers!"
"No, that's the risk of being blood brothers."
Edwin chuckled at their back-and-forth, "That sounds like an amusing tale, and I must hear it!"
Loki inclined his head as he motioned for Thor and Edwin to leave the war room with him, "Then let us adjourn to the main hall for a feast, and Thor and I shall regale you with tales from our home."
The three men shared a hearty laugh as they wandered back into the main hall and settled behind the head table. Loki, of course, took his throne, and Thor and Edwin took the seats beside him.
It wasn't long before the longhouse filled with people, music, and food. The large hearth in the heart of the longhouse roared to life as fresh logs were tossed upon it, and the homey scents of stews, spit-roasted boar, and mead filled the air alongside the excited chatter and laughter.
Hours flew by in the span of what felt like mere moments as everyone indulged in the feast. Singing, drinking, dancing, and eating were all anyone knew for the time being, and it was fun. Even Loki would admit that a feast with Thor was never dull, what with his voracious appetite and demands for drinking contests every few minutes until he would inevitably pass out and break a table or three…
And when Thor finally passed out on the floor next to Edwin, who had passed out several hours prior, Loki finally felt it was safe to retire to his rooms. He stood on wobbly legs from the several horns of mead warming his insides, but he managed to make it to his chambers with minimal stumbling. Once there, he swiftly disrobed before falling into his bed, lined with soft furs and pelts.
But as he fell into bed, he realized he wasn't alone.
Asta had retired before him but remained awake as he joined her. He rolled onto his side with his back to her, but she slid toward him as usual. Her arm wound around his waist as she pressed her warm, nude body against his back, humming contentedly as she breathed in his familiar scent, "Are you really going to leave again so soon?"
"Thor has asked for my aid, Asta," he mumbled.
Asta scoffed, "I highly doubt he needs help raiding, Loki."
"He could be in over his head—"
"Why must you always go to his rescue? Thor is a leader, just as you are; he should be able to care for himself."
Loki rolled over to face her in the darkness and scowled, "I am not going to take care of him, Asta. I am going because he is my brother, and I wish to help him as he requested. I do not know what he is getting himself into, but I will see this through as promised."
"But you only just got home—"
"Enough," he barked. "I have already made my decision, and nothing you do will sway me, Asta. Now, either go to sleep or put your mouth to better use because I do not wish to hear you speak any longer."