Welcome back for the first time avid readers!

As promised another story is here. For those who have returned *Mimbillia bows*. This is part of my little 'series'... with the first being Stone of Command. No worries If ye can't be bothered to read the others, here's the basic algorithm story plot outline that you missed ...

Loki+Thor +Avengers x (a little fluff, whump and angst) - an evil villain (to the square root of Loki's badassery) = a chilled redeemed god.

Without further ado, enjoy

He lay broken.

He lay numb.

His gaze remained set on the sliver of stars that ran like Thor's lightning bolt across the chasm opening above him.

His body set in the same position as when he had crashed into the stone floor. He could do nothing but control the rise and fall his chest in an attempt to breathe, but blood had long filled his lungs and all he could do was rasp for air.

Loki could not even move his head to spit out the pooling blood; instead it ran down the sides of his mouth as it spilled over his lips.

A chill had swept through him as more blood pooled around his body, going cold as it seeped into his clothing and into the ground beneath him.

He had hit the chasm floor hard.

The chasm ran so deep that the little air he managed to breathe was damp, and musty.

Loki could hear water as it trickled down the ragged stone edges of this dark place. But it was little against the rain that had fallen not too long ago… the ground above soaking most of the water before it reached his fallen place.

Loki knew it had been raining. It rained when he fell.

He wanted to move but his thoughts could not command a body so spent of life.

Loki could do nothing but wait and hope that someone was searching.

He closed his eyes unable to fight the heavy sensation that suddenly befell him.

I'm sorry…Thor…

Five days earlier

Loki felt his body crash against the large wooden table in the feast hall. The night's leftovers of empty cups and dirty plates clattered as they fell to the floor. Spreading his hands out to steady himself, he stood until another swing collided with his face, this time he heard something break. Bringing up his hand he breathed in silent rasps as he dabbed his fingers to his wound. Lifting it towards his eyesight he saw the red. Loki was unable to step backwards, cornered against the table, as a tall figure loomed over him, grabbing his collar and shaking him.

"How dare you!"

Loki could still feel the warm blood run down his nose; over his lips with haste… he could taste it.

"Thor!" Loki tried to stop the wrath against him, raising his arms up in surrender, as his brother continued to shake him with rage.

"You knew what I was planning…you knew it." Thor hissed, roughly shoving him back.

Loki hit the table once more. His back had arched and he stared upwards at his brother.

"I-"he tried to explain.

"It has taken me months to convince father and yet you a minute to destroy it!" Thor roared.

Loki frowned in confusion; he just didn't understand… for once he had been utterly truthful.

"I merely stated the obvious-"Loki tried to begin but Thor shoved him once more.

"You knew I wanted to bring Jane here," Thor growled. "It was wrong of me to introduce you to her, you've ruined everything."

Loki raised his hands submissively. The feast hall was relatively quiet at this time, with the occasional flurries of servants trying to clean up the mess. Thor had paid no heed to them as he had burst into the hall, grabbing Loki and striking him. Loki looked towards a servant who let their gaze falter on them for too long. Hurriedly they picked up some plates and briskly left.

"She is a mortal Thor, I simply alerted her to that fact." Loki said reassuringly, trying to understand his brother's rage.

"She declined visiting Asgard because of you. You persuaded her to do it didn't you…" Thor spat "with your poisonous words."

"No!" Loki shot back but recoiled against the venomous look Thor gave.

"She was to visit our home, visit me… and because of your words she will miss the solstice eclipse."

"Thor—" Loki tried to say firmly.

"I worked hard on this!" Thor pointed in Loki's face. "Jane has always wanted to see our stars." His voice softened.

Loki watched his brother turn around.

"Brother…" Loki straightened slowly with guilt.

Thor did not turn around.

"I can't bear to be near you…" he muttered before walking away.

Loki lowered his head.

It had been a passing comment really; to a mortal he thought had recognized the implications of loving a being as old as Thor. Loki only wanted her to know it. The peace between him and Thor had never been better. Loki had active days again, and a purpose. He accompanied Thor to everything he had asked and Loki finally thought things were good again. Then Thor had changed over the months, and Loki knew what was coming. He knew Thor had been intending to bring Jane Foster to Asgard and could not help but resent it. He didn't appreciate a mortal coming between the small dose of happiness he managed to grasp after returning to Asgard. And, perhaps, deep down he did not want to share his brother.

Jane Foster had refused his brother because of his words.

Loki was broken from his thoughts as another servant entered the hall to finish the cleaning. This servant, however, did not give him acknowledgment. None of them did.

Not when Thor was absent.

Inspecting the red that ran down his face once more he stared at its color momentarily lost in a daze before fleeing to the confines of his quarters.

A day passed.

And then another.

On the third night as he entered the grand feasting hall, hearing the sound of roaring laughter and conversation, Loki finally saw him. Raising his head he softened his face and looked to Thor. A few warriors fell silent as they halted in their conversation, staring at him before murmuring.

Hogun kept his gaze down, silently listening to the others while Fandral and Volstagg turned to each other, keeping their backs to him.

Loki carefully walked over, keeping his hands down to quell the anger he felt towards them.

As he neared the empty space beside the two, a warrior next to Fandral scooted over; jesting loudly as they suddenly occupied the space.

Loki hesitated before them, feeling the snub and glanced at Thor, who continued to talk to Sif softly.

Walking around to the edge he neared another empty space until a warrior lifted their armored boot upon the seat, looking the prince directly in the eyes before continuing with his meal.

Loki looked away briefly, but kept his face impassive. There were no open places left in the feasting hall. The conversations continued as he stood to the side of the large tables in silence. He finally lifted his gaze from his boots and stared at Thor, an emotion filling his eyes.

He watched as Sif nudged his brother discreetly before Thor finally looked up.

Anger.

Loki opened his mouth, but Thor roughly pulled apart the bread he was holding and turned his back to him.

Loki tried to smile but it did not reach his lips. His eyes lowered back onto the floor and he unclenched his fists. It only took a moment, a moment of hurt to cross his face before he straightened up, putting his mask back on and leaving the hall.

Loki silently made his way to Thor's quarters.

He wanted there to be peace between them again.

He didn't want to be alone again.

Slipping through his brother's door he looked around. It had been a long time since he had been in this place and there were noticeable differences between their tastes. He wandered around his room as he waited, fingers brushing over his brother's many objects. Loki waited until he heard the sound of Thor's thunderous footsteps outside. He waited silently as his brother cared little as he crashed through the doors, throwing his formal attire onto the floor in front of him.

Thor, who seemingly noticed a presence in his room, looked to Loki and scowled.

"Get out." He growled.

Loki frowned in frustration, this was getting old.

"No." he stood firm.

Thor made a move to him.

"You think you can just be forgiven?" Thor stood over Loki. "Loki, whether or not your words were truth or lies, the fact of the matter is you manipulated Jane."

"It was unintentional, I swear this to you."

Thor looked his little brother over with disbelief.

"Please, brother." Loki pleaded but Thor shook his head.

"It is my right to be angry, now get out."

"But Thor" Loki tried.

But Thor grabbed his brother by his collar and pushed him back towards the door with such force Loki had no choice but to stumble backwards.

"OUT!" Thor screamed in his face before the large solid doors were slammed shut before him.

Loki returned to his dark room a while later. He had ensured he remained hidden between the shadows. His bruises had turned purple where Thor had stuck him and he did not wish for others to see him weak.

The solstice eclipse, he thought as he sat defeated on his bed.

The event Thor had been planning to share with Jane Foster only occurred every few thousand years. Loki had never seen one in his lifetime on Asgard but he knew Odin was old enough to have seen the one previous. It was rare for an event of this nature to occur, when all of Asgard's moons aligned perfectly in front of their sun. Loki had once gone to Midgard to understand what it would look like… but that had been centuries ago.

He let his eyes drop to the floor.

Thor would never forgive him.

Loki spent the rest of the night unable to sleep, and avoided leaving his chambers. Even after the morning's rays filtered though the drapes and the candles left trailing smoke, he remained locked in his thoughts.

A soft knock on the door broke him from his disdain. Quickly covering his bruises with glamor he looked himself over, deciding he was presentable.

"Enter." He commanded opting to look casual near his bedposts.

Loki shifted uncomfortably as Frigga slipped through the doors and walked over.

"I did not see you for morning meal. I feared you may have fallen ill." Frigga smiled as she neared him.

"I was working through my latest tomb, I'm afraid I lost track of time." He bowed his head, displaying feigned embarrassment.

Frigga stopped in front of him, hands clasped gently in front of her.

"And what tomb would that be?" she asked curious.

"It is of no importance." He waved his hand.

Frigga hummed, nodding slowly and Loki knew she did not believe him.

"Let me see." She said softly.

"I don't-"He tried to lie again but Frigga cupped his cheek with her hand.

"You have much talent in concealing things my son, but not this."

Loki dropped his head and let the glamor fall off him. Frigga did not let her thoughts convey on her face, instead she gently traced around his bruises, eyes glowing with concern and love.

"It is nothing less of what I deserve." He mumbled.

He closed his eyes in the moment, feeling her soft hands hold him. With great care, Frigga lifted her son's chin. Loki opened her eyes.

"Thor could have presented more restraint." She said, tucking one of his lose hairs behind his ear. With a tender smile she brought her hands to his collar and slowly straightened out the creases. Her hands stopped at his chest, while her thumbs traced some of the embroidery.

"And, perhaps for next time, more restraint on your part would do good as well." She stepped back, looking at her son thoughtfully.

Loki let his lips draw into a small smile.

Frigga tilted her head and returned the small gesture.

"I know it is difficult to admit one's folly, but Thor has a kind heart, he will forgive you my son. There is no need to lock yourself away in here."

Loki nodded, glancing away.

"Thor left for a hunt with the warriors before sunrise this morning. If you ride out now, you can catch up to him in a day or two." She smiled.

Loki looked back at his mother, both of them knowing his answer.

Asgard's sun had risen past high noon as Loki pulled his horse out of the stable with hurry. His horse neighed softly with delight as he produced an apple. Gently he stroked the horse's forelock, before easing the leather saddle atop its back... ensuring all straps were tightly secured. Loki looked up at the sky as he held onto the reins. In the distance he could see a small gathering of clouds moving his way.

Strange, Loki thought. It was uncommon for rain to gather at this time of the year, but the oncoming clouds appeared as though they would pass. The thought did not linger as he pulled his steed to the gates. Setting himself onto the horse he pulled the reins taut as he decided the best course.

Loki gently tapped his heels into the horse's flank and began his journey to the sparse open grass fields that lay between the kingdom and the outer villages. He knew Thor would first head north, past the villages into wild terrain and that is where he would go. Loki rode forth, passing quickly by the villages and after a few hours he found himself leaving the roads into the wild lands.

Loki slowed after a while pulling on the reins, giving his horse some respite as he looked towards the sky. The clouds he saw far in the distance at the palace were now ominously huddled together. Their dark curves mocked the landscape, as it continued to swallow the sky around it. Loki frowned, swinging his leg around the saddle and landing on the ground gracefully.

He looked forward into the distance of the land before him. Thor would most likely wait for the storm to pass before continuing. Loki looked up again, concerned. It would be dangerous to navigate at night without the stars, and he would need to find shelter soon, but he wanted to close the distance between his brother and the warriors quickly. He decided on the latter.

He would draw on his aura if need be.

His horse pulled on the reins, breaking him from his thoughts as it snorted, becoming restless.

"Come now." He whispered, stroking its neck, "a few more hours and we shall take shelter for the night." He reached in his saddle bag, handing the animal another apple.

He continued to ride slowly, as a deep mist shrouded most of the land ahead. Loki knew it was best to stop for the night as conditions worsened. The ground had become damp from rain that had fallen previous, and a chill had settled through the terrain, while a decaying odor reeked from the mud that was now causing his horse much distress. Loki moaned, having to disembark after a while as he pulled his horse from the swallowing ground. As they broke free from the grasp the mud held, Loki turned to get his bearings.

He lowered his brow in confusion as he gazed at the woods before him.

Woods? He thought, turning his head left and right, seeing nothing but the edge of the endless array of trees before him.

ArënWood?

Loki shook his head trying to understand. It was not possible. ArënWood was on the farthest edge to the east, where none ventured, not north. Loki scrunched his face in uncertainty as he traced his steps.

He had definitely taken the northern road, so when did he turn east?

Suddenly, the horse reared, pulling the reins free from his grasp and began to kick its forelegs wildly. Loki jumped back trying to calm the animal but turned sharply as he heard the roar. Loki had barely enough time to duck as a Kilnberg launched itself, talons sinking into his steed, taking it down.

Another roar had Loki pushing himself up off the ground staring directly at two other Kilnbergs that circled him like prey. Their talons dug into the ground as they lowered themselves ready to attack. Loki summoned his blades as he stared down one of the animals. Its large eyes narrowed and it curled back its lips, revealing its array of teeth larger than any of his hands. Loki quickly glanced at the other beasts before one reared backwards bracing its hind legs in a stance ready to attack.

As it jumped, opening its claws to kill Loki threw one of his knives with precision into the side of its neck and jumped out of the way as it crashed into the ground unceremoniously. Loki turned sharply, the beast that had killed his steed looked at its fallen member and snarled. Fresh blood pooled out of its mouth as it abandoned its kill.

Loki's heart dropped as both beasts broke into a chase. Turning around he sprinted into ArënWood. Killing a Kilnberg was relatively easy when one had the means and time. Their hides were thick and often hard to penetrate with swords. But the beasts were large and would blindly attack, relying on their talons to ensnare their prey. This would open up the weak skin near their necks. But Loki could not face two beasts at once as he sprinted further into the dark wood.

The sky burst open. Rain plummeted to the ground, soaking it. The downpour deafened his ears and Loki had to turn to see the beasts catching up to him. His heart raced as he tried to breathe. The dampened ground was becoming slush as the rain overflowed. Loki could feel the breath of a beast on his back and in one swift motion he used the momentum to turn and jump, flinging his blades into the beast's eyes and neck.

Together they both crashed into the ground, the beast falling dead as he rolled to a stop. He had landed hard and clutched one of his legs in pain. Loki grunted as he pushed himself up quickly, the second beast had picked up speed. Loki clenched his teeth in agony as his leg shot pain with every step. The thrum of the beast's claws hitting into the ground kept him going.

The darkness and downpour made it impossible to see and hear properly. Quickly turning he ducked behind a tree, stopping to conjure mist. His heart raced and he pressed himself further against the bark.

He heard the beast stop moments from where he had been.

He conjured more blades, feeling the cool metal slide down into his palms while his hands shook with adrenaline. Turning his head he could see the outline of the Kilnberg, snarling at losing its prey. Turning back, he shakily wiped the water around his eyes with his arm and spun around, throwing his knives.

Loki squinted through the rain and widened his eyes, when his weapons flew into thin air.

He did not have time to think as piercing pain erupted across his shoulders and he was thrown onto the soaked ground of ArënWood.

The beast roared.

Loki hollered in pain as his useless attempts of escape fell flat and he was pushed onto his stomach. He blinked furiously as mud splattered on his face from the rain, desperately trying to teleport away… but the beast held its talons into his back, grounding them both.

Without warning the Kilnberg shrieked, removing its talons and lowering its ears in fear. Loki looked up as the beast whined, backing away.

He frowned, pushing himself up painfully and slowly.

Loki swayed as he watched the Kilnberg give him one last look of hungered longing before it turned and ran back into the darkness of the woods. He looked around seeing nothing but the rotten trees and decaying plants around him. He straightened up, ignoring the pain in his shoulders as he stepped back.

Something had scared the beast away.

Loki closed his eyes, trying to regain his breath, but as he took another step he felt himself tilt backwards. The ground before him loosened at the sudden decline.

He fell.

A short noise of shock escaped his lips as he was hurtled down through mud and bush. Loki tried to grab onto roots of the trees but the decaying woods around him broke away at his touch. He continued to tumble down the slope, unable to to see past the sickening spin of his vision.

Panic flowed through him as he caught sight at the ground rushing forth to meet him. The ground was split open beneath, revealing nothing but blackness as water flowed over the edges like a waterfall into the chasm.

Loki first felt his legs go over as his hands scrambled to grab something. In one final attempt he managed to grab hold of a root from a woodland tree as his body crashed against the side of the chasm. The impact winded him, and Loki hung there momentarily trying to breathe. Muddied water continued to flow over him as his fingers tried desperately to pull himself back over the edge. Loki kicked his boots into the chasm's walls to gain a foothold, but the rain had softened the opening leaving large chucks of ground to fall below.

His heart beat thunderously through his chest and he felt the ground near the root loosen.

Loki tried to look beyond, but the rain kept him continuously blinking to remove the water in his eyes. But the god continued to hold himself on the edge even as gravity pulled him closer to the darkness. He tried to access his magic.

Nothing.

In desperation Loki extended his arm out in another attempt to grasp something, his fingers crawling against the decomposing leaves and mess of the woodland floor.

His breath hitched as the chasm wall he hung on split away from the edge.

Through the deafening roar of the rain, no one heard his scream as he fell down into the depths below.

Its that time of the story again!

An alert lets you facepalm at Thor. A review lets you hold Loki in support.

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