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Chapter 10 – Empathy

The sky cried throughout the night.

A thick fog that rolled from the mountains made the small fire blazing inside the cave undetectable from the rest of Elgoth's men. It was a sorrowful, somber atmosphere as Loki carefully tore up their cloaks to use them as bandages.

Tyr was equally gloomy.

Guilt and insecurity hung between them, as if their souls were bared before one another in the face of a horrifying aftermath. It was gravely unsettling. They both felt utterly vulnerable and the silence that stuck between them was hard to penetrate.

Loki sighed, wet the torn up cloth and started to clean Tyr's many wounds.

A hiss escaped the General's lips.

"Sorry." Loki mumbled.

The cuts burned, but there was nothing they could do about it.

Tyr had to wait for real help and endure the agonizing slowness of his recovery. Usually, the healers were quick and they had healing stones and magic to help with cuts and mortal wounds, but here, they only had each other's skills to rely on.

"You do not have to take care of me." He voiced. "You should get some rest."

"I know," Loki said. "Just… think of it as a distraction."

They couldn't sleep.

Their senses were far too alert for that.

Loki let another sigh escape him as he wrung the bloodied cloth and wet it once more. They had gotten a small supply from the men Tyr had killed and it was enough for them to survive the night— like a pot to boil water in, some extra blankets, and small necessities.

"Hold still."

He dipped the cloth in the water and continued cleaning the cuts marring Tyr's back. The General looked over his shoulder and noticed Loki's hand trailed and lingered on the scar of his arm.

"He did that."

Emerald eyes looked up.

"When Thor was born, everyone was thrilled." Tyr turned back to the fire and narrated. "We all knew what kind of warrior he would be as he grew. The defender of Asgard—" He said with some bitterness in his voice. "I grew resentful, you see…"

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He felt as if he was replaced.

Thor's responsibilities grew and Tyr's counsel was barely met. He allowed the sorrow to corrupt him, making him distance himself from the others. He only appeared when Thor and Odin were at their wits end and he was the only one capable of giving a solution.

To gain the glory, he thought.

"If you would hear my request, my King."

"Speak then."

"Send me away," Tyr declared as he knelt before the All-Father. "Give me a task and I swear I will serve you to the best of my abilities."

"You are needed here, General." Odin rasped. "You ask much."

"I only ask to be of service."

"Is this what your heart desires?"

Odin found him a task and was sent far away to work as a spy. No one knew what he was ordered to do. He set off to the mountains to find the Warriors Blood Debt, a group that they had long been tracking.

"Who are you?" A man asked.

"Why should I tell you?" He hissed, loving the thrill and freedom. "If you're trying to steal from me, go ahead and try."

"You're cocky."

"So are you."

"Leave him alone." Another voice spoke. "You looking for a place to stay?"

Tyr eyed the auburn haired man with sky blue eyes and a scar running down his cheek across his lips, down to his chin. The ink marks on his body were enough to send shivers down Tyr's spine. But he noticed a familiar looking symbol.

The Warriors Blood Debt brand on recruited members.

"What is it to you?" Tyr growled.

"My name is Algaroth," He happily reached a hand out. "You look like a man on a mission."

That was how it began.

He and Algaroth became fast friends in the grueling initiations that were set up for him. Elasador and the rest of the men were highly impressed with his skills and knew little of him in Asgard.

"This is a great man!" Algaroth slurred.

"Not as great as you!" Tyr drunkenly yelled. "More drinks!"

"Tyr is a blessing to this company!"

"AYE!" The men yelled. "HEAR! HEAR!"

"He can slay a dragon if he wanted to!" Algaroth cheered. "It is just as well that we found him! You are a great man, Tyr!"

"Hear! Hear!" Tyr mocked.

They laughed throughout the night, but as the years passed, their merry making was no longer as innocent as Tyr's first time joining the group.

It got horrid enough that he got addicted to the freedom he felt, especially when they rode to battle. He enjoyed the lack of rules and the brotherhood that was offered that he indulged in the most selfish of whims.

He pillaged, plundered, killed, even forced himself upon another…

No duty or honor was in his work…

It was a dark time.

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"What happened?" Loki curiously asked. "What made you change your mind?"

"I suppose I missed my life." Tyr laughed, but it sounded so grounded and forced. "I got too cocky and lost most of the sanity I ever had. The months, the years went by, and everything seemed… dull and disappointing."

Loki didn't believe him.

Tyr knew he didn't.

"I knew the All-Father had an idea of what happened to me." He miserably uttered as Loki finished bandaging his wounds. "Heimdall was watching. It's impossible to wrench away from his gaze…"

He pulled away from Loki and faced him.

"Your father understood what I was going through."

"So he forgave you?"

"I think Odin knew where my anger and resentment came from."

"He still forgave you."

Tyr sighed, "I did not deserve it, but you should know that forgiveness never came easy for me to receive. Your father made me General again, yes, but that was a far worse punishment than any could ask for."

"What do you mean?"

"Think on it, prince." He sadly smiled. "If it happened to you and you made a mistake, yet you were welcomed back with open arms and returned to your position, what would it feel like?"

"Awful."

"The guilt I felt was large and long. Every day I resented what he had done. I should be punished, you see, or thrown to the axe, but instead here I am. It just proved that I was angry for nothing and that I overthought things, when in truth, the All-Father trusted me. It was my insecurity that made me stray."

"So it was your fault?" Loki inquired.

"It was."

Loki merely nodded.

"You heard most of the story from Algaroth himself, but I let him go because I thought we were just a couple of men looking for… a family." He shrugged, finding it hard to explain. "I know that is not what you would call it, but it was aching to that. Some form of security…"

"He was hurt by your actions."

"The invasion of the Einherjar was a terrifying display. Fire was everywhere and it was… haunting to watch. Who would be foolish enough to defy the All-Father's decree a second time? I did not think I would see him again, let alone be the leader."

"I understand."

"Forgive me, for getting you into this."

"It does not matter." Loki smiled. "We are safe for now."

Tyr awkwardly reached out and placed his large, calloused hand on top of Loki's head. Loki's emerald eyes widened innocently. Tyr's face turned red, making him cough a little. He pat the dark hair and moved his hand away.

"You did well." He said.

Loki blinked, a hand lifting unconsciously to his hair.

"Thank you?"

Tyr shook his head at the strange fondness that came over them and quickly squelched it inside him. He decided it was time to end the conversation and lay on the blanket by the fire. This wasn't Loki's first battle and he knew it won't be the last, but Tyr knew fear was fear.

Loki sat there, gazing at the fire.

"Come here."

"What?"

"Come," Tyr said, offering his side of the blanket. "There is no need to strain yourself by staying awake. They are gone and only one is left of their group. The other men won't bother us again."

"What makes you think so?" Loki whispered.

"They will be lost without a leader."

"They will not stop."

"No," Tyr breathed deeply. "They will not."

"Take one head off and another will follow." Loki said, feeling a shiver crawl up his spine. "That is always how it is."

"Rest," He offered. "No need to die of the cold."

"I do not get cold."

Tyr simply shook his head and gave up. He succumbed to the tiredness of his body and closed his eyes. Loki figured Tyr was trying to make amends in the only way he knew how, as he had tried to do these past many days.

The man was dense, that was for sure.

Not to mention, Tyr wasn't an affectionate person and most likely took hints from everyone else about these certain subjects. It made Loki's lips quirk as he found himself missing his brother's strong warm arms, Loki lay next to him.

Tyr cracked open an eye to see Loki's back facing him.

A smile grazed his lips and he fell asleep.

Loki silently chuckled as he listened to the even breathing coming from behind him. A long breath escaped his lips as a hand reached up to his neck to pull something out of his tunic. Loki lifted it up to meet the light of the fire.

It was the purple blood stone.

He had taken it right before Tyr stabbed Elgoth.

Joy filled him as he turned the blood stone around in the light. It was magnificent. There was a certain glow and magic that emanated from it. Loki smiled, and decided the first thing he would do when he got home was to study the stone.

Perhaps he too… would utilize its effects and make it his own.

Think of all the mischief he would get into.

oOo

Loki innocently grinned as Tyr rolled his eyes and almost glared at the Elven King when they were received in the Great Hall. Several elves were staring and whispering over their muddy, beat up figure.

But happily enough, they were offered with much grace and hospitality as one would expect from elves.

"Forgive me for saying this, child." Freyr's lips twitched. "But you look awful."

"Thank you." Loki cheekily answered.

"King Freyr." Tyr nodded.

"Lord Tyr," Freyr acknowledged and gracefully gestured. "I know the journey has been long. Please, allow me to escort you to your chambers to clean up. After that, you may tell me all that has transpired."

Long robes billowed behind the King as he led them through his palace.

Loki, for some strange reason, lost all the melancholy he had on the journey and started chatting up the King with tales of their long adventure. Tyr couldn't blame him. After all, Freyr was like an uncle to the boy.

"Is Thor here?" Loki asked.

"No," Freyr shook his head. "I thought they were with you."

"That's strange."

"That is odd." Tyr voiced when he saw Loki turned with a horrid expression on his face. "Do not worry, Prince Loki. Your brother is a strong warrior and has with him, Sif and the Warrior Three. They will be fine."

"Are you sure?"

"They must have taken a detour." Freyr smiled. "I would not worry much."

"You will send for a patrol?"

"If it will ease you heart, child, then yes."

"Thank you."

They were led to their rooms and given enough time to clean and dress up.

After that, they were each taken away to the healings wards to see respective healers to assess and cure their injuries. Once they weren't in any danger, they were invited to the King's table in the large Dining Hall where several elves joined them with songs and dancing.

It was a beautiful sight.

"Prince Loki!"

The prince was gracefully tackled into an embrace, lifted gently and swung once by one of the taller elves. He was placed down and greeted with a courteous bow. Loki shook his head and grinned at the blonde haired elf.

"Erland," Loki scolded.

"Missed me?" Erland smiled sweetly.

"Hardly."

"Everyone was worried about you."

"I am well."

Tyr scowled from his seat at the table as he watched the long blonde haired, servant elf with the cerulean eyes, chat with Loki like they were fast friends. He never trusted that elf, seeing as he used to be a thief, but that would be hypocritical of him to judge, seeing as he was in the same boat as the elf.

That pissed him off even more.

Two identical elves walked towards Loki at Erland's gesture and each gracefully bowed to the prince. Identical swords hung on their belts underneath their royal-looking robes, making Tyr groan in response.

"Faerwen," Loki addressed the older twin. "Greetings."

"Greetings, prince." He smiled.

"Felweth."

"Sweet prince," The other twin grinned. "Greetings."

"Greetings as well."

Loki's cheerful laugh echoed through the hall as the twin raven— almost midnight haired elves started recounting their most recent and unfortunate adventure. Loki laughed harder when Erland added his part to the story.

Odd.

Tyr had never seen Loki this way before.

He was so… happy.

"Lord Tyr," Freyr's voice sounded beside him. "I was deeply grieved with your experiences on the journey here, but overjoyed with your safe return. I spoke to the members of my Council and decided to have a large patrol sent to the forest to decongest it of its… interlopers."

"I would be happy to help."

"You have done much already."

Tyr shook his head, "It is not enough."

"You give yourself too little." Freyr lifted a goblet. "You found our enemy— pointing their location to us is more than enough. We will do this slowly. With calculation and preciseness will we triumph over this chaos."

"That is why we are here." He smiled.

"Yes, and we welcome it."

"I thank you for your hospitality."

A strong looking elf walked towards the King and deeply bowed. Tyr recognized this elf; he was part of the War Council and a General almost equal to Tyr. Freyr smiled at the elf and returned the gesture, tilting his head towards his direction.

"What is wrong, Lord Tadion?"

"It is about the small patrol you sent," He voiced in a hush tone. "We received news and the new guests are swiftly headed—"

Suddenly…

The large golden door groaned open and the room was filled with murmurs, giggles, and open laughter. Tyr found himself craning to see what the commotion was about. Funny enough, the King beside him was smiling.

"... this way."

"It seems they have arrived." Freyr declared.

"Thor?" Loki blinked.

The eldest prince and the four warriors behind him were muddy and almost as haggard as looking as they were when they had first arrived. Mud covered them from head to toe with bits of twigs, leaves, and feathers sticking out of it…

And they smelled a little rancid.

The elf, who had tried to stop them from opening the door, looked scandalized. Freyr chuckled at the scene happening in his Dining Hall. It was quite amusing whenever the Odinson's were in his home. It was all the more reason why he was very fond of Loki and Thor.

"Thank you, Lord Tadion." Freyr chuckled.

"My King."

"You may go and enjoy the feast."

Tadion bowed and walked away; a smile grazed his lips as he bowed to a lady and asked her for a dance. Tyr wanted palm his face in embarrassment. As if his and Loki's entrance wasn't enough— this had to happen.

"Like you said, General," Freyr continued. "There was no need for worry."

"I think I have every right to worry." Tyr mumbled.

"Norns," Loki breathed.

"Forgive our interruption," Thor began. "King Freyr."

"Thor Odinson," Freyr gracefully stood with a merry look on his face, and kindly said, "Your travels must be great and wearisome. You are free to refresh yourselves and be welcomed at my table."

"Umm," Thor blinked. "Well then…"

He was at a loss for words.

Loki nearly doubled in laughter when it dawned on him that despite having the worst adventure of his life with Tyr, Thor still managed to get himself and his friends in trouble.

"Thank you, your grace." Sif voiced.

Well, that was that.

The elves resumed their songs and dance and the room was once more filled with merriment. Loki excused himself from Erland and the twins and walked up to Thor. His lips twitched as he eyed the strange appearance of his brother.

"What happened to you?"

"Please," Thor groaned. "Not now, Loki."

"Why?"

"Do not ask." Sif flicked a twig from her hair and scowled at Loki, who bit his lips to stop himself from reacting and making things worse. "Ever." She declared, eyes digging deep into Loki's soul.

Fandral whined, "It is a very-very long story."

"One we will not tell." Hogun grimly stated.

"A warm bath would be nice," Volstagg chuckled. "Anyone care to join me?"

Sif groaned and asked a nearby elf to point her to a room where she could clean up. Hogun followed her swiftly while Fandral and Volstagg lingered for a bit behind Thor as they eyed a nearby table to enjoy the company of elves and food later on.

Thor merely stood there, looking utterly… exhausted.

"When did you get here?" Thor wondered.

"Just this morning."

"Strange," His brother muttered, shaking off the crusted mud off his clothes. "To think we were on a road far faster and closer than yours was, but it was lucky all the same that you did not cross it with us."

"Was your journey that bad?"

"Yes, it was." Thor mumbled. "Yours?"

"Uneventful," Loki lied.

Tyr snorted from across the room and a strong feeling empowered him. He smiled as he watched Loki laugh and point out the strange things he found that were stuck on Thor's grubby person. His older brother shrugged off the teasing and pulled Loki away to join him.

Protests echoed through the hall, making Tyr shake his head with a smile.

He felt… empathy.

Yes, empathy.

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Fun Fact: Empathy means having the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

oOo

THE END.

I hope you all enjoyed.

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Thank you!