A M O R A

Amora was no fool.

For the past few months leading up to the coronation, Loki had grown increasingly more distant. Even with her.

He claimed to be busy helping make arrangements for the ceremony and keeping an eye on Thor, but Amora knew better. Well, not purely by intuition; she had investigated his claims and found them false.

But a confrontation was something that Amora was hesitant to create. She preferred to avoid conflict among those close to her as much as possible, even though it tended to find her.

Amora was also restless.

Now, she was left in the healing room, updating the file of a patient and biding her time. While her hands were occupied with the task, her mind was free to fret over her friends. And her realm, for that matter.

Loki had been torn over this day ever since it was first announced, Thor just had his crown taken just out of his reach, and instead of being there for them, Amora was stuck doing chores in the healing halls.

This is ridiculous, she thought bitterly, They are out there facing Norns know what, and I am stranded here doing paperwork.

"You should be resting," the voice startled Amora so much so that she almost drop the holopad in her hands, "You have done plenty of standing for one day."

She cast a sharp look back at Loki as she put away the file. "I am fine," she said tightly.

Amora was not fine.

She had spent nearly the entire day standing and her injured leg was now killing her. But she simply could not find the peace to sit down.

"You should sit." Loki motioned to a nearby seat. She had to fight the urge to collapse into it as she carefully sat down and rested her crutch to the side.

"How can I sit when my friends are in need?"

"We are not in need, Amora," he then paused and glanced away, "not yet."

She narrowed her eyes. Something was not right with Loki's presence; something felt...off. "What do you mean 'not yet'? Where are you, really?"

Reaching out, Amora waved her hand through what she had known was merely Loki's image.

"How do you always know?" he wondered partly to himself before sighing, "We are going to Jotunheim."

"What?" Amora barely gave him time to finish his sentence before her outburst, "That is madness. Why would you do that?"

She took a deep breath to calm herself, but her eyes suddenly widened. "You do realize that it is my duty to inform the Allfather of this?"

"I have already taken care of that."

"What? How?"

"I ordered a guard to notify my father."

Amora let out a heavy sigh of relief and leaned forward in her seat. However, upon looking up, she saw the hesitancy on Loki's face. "What is it?"

"Well, I fear that the message will not reach him in time. We are almost to the Bifrost."

Amora shot to her feet, albeit a little clumsily. "I can go tell him now," she said urgently.

The sick feeling of horror created a knot in her stomach. Her friends were going to a face what could mean their death if they are not careful. And Thor is never careful.

"No, I need you here to prepare for our return. I will do my best to keep things civil, but..." Loki looked away and shook his head, "I just need you to be ready for us."

"Okay," Amora said softly. She tried to touch his arm, but it of course passed through. Drawing it back to wrap her arms around herself, she pleaded, "Just please be careful, Loki."

"I will," he said earnestly before disappearing.

Immediately, Amora scrambled about the halls, preparing bandages, ointments, beds, and anything else that came to her mind. When she was done, she sat heavily on the medical bed.

Her foot tapped incessantly as she waited, and the minutes seemed to last infinitely longer. How can I just sit here while they are probably facing droves of Frost Giants?

Finally, she huffed and stood despite her obvious inability to make the trek to the Bifrost. Amora breathed deeply and closed her eyes.

When she opened them, she was met with the Gatekeeper standing resolutely at his post.

Even though he was facing away from her, Heimdall's deep voice rang, "I had expected you to come sooner, given your anxiety for the company."

"How are they?" Amora asked frantically, hobbling to his side and bracing herself on his sword's stand.

"Fine, for now. They are speaking to Laufey," Heimdall then turned to look down at her, "You have not been here for many moons."

"Well, I have not been able to go on many journeys," Amora quipped, giving him a guilty look.

"And when you have travelled, you've had no need for my services."

The sorceress ducked her head sheepishly as Heimdall chuckled. "It is alright, Amora. I trust your judgement."

After a beat, he asked, "Have you any idea how the Frost Giants got into Asgard?"

She shook her head grimly. "I had hoped that you of all people would have one. It may be possible to tap into the powers of the Casket, but that would require a wielder of magic."

"Well--" Heimdall began but he snapped his head forward, his eyes widening as he stared into the starry expanse.

"What is it?" Amora asked.

Heimdall's grip tightened on his sword. "Our future king may have just started a war."

"Oh, Norns," she whispered. After a long moment of waiting, Amora grew impatient. Turning to face the gatekeeper directly, she demanded, "Let me see."

He opened his mouth to speak but abruptly drew in a sharp breath. "You had best go and get the healing room ready," he said grimly and Amora's heart dropped.

"What happened? Who is it? Do I need to go down there now?" The questions came out rapidly.

"Fandral. It is not fatal, but it is no mere flesh wound either."

Amora let out a shaky breath. She turned to rush back to the healing halls but stopped short. The pounding of hooves should have been apparent, but worry had clouded her mind to her surroundings.

"Open the bridge, Heimdall," Odin ordered curtly.

"But, my king--" the gatekeeper began.

"Did I stutter?" The Allfather's anger was practically radiating off of him, making the temptation to shy away flood Amora's thoughts.

Without any more hesitation, Heimdall inserted his sword into the stand and the Bifrost came to life. Raising his sword, Odin wasted no time in urging his horse into the light that led to Jotunheim.

When the bright flash faded and took his presence, Amora let out a breath that she had not realized she was holding. The two stood ready for the king's return; Heimdall held his sword in place and Amora tensed for whatever injury would come through the portal.

Then, after what felt like an eternity, Heimdall reopened the gateway and the company returned. A rush of relief filled Amora as she saw Loki appear unscathed. However, her dread increased as she waited for Fandral to come into view.

When he did, the anxiety was not completely dispelled. He was leaning heavily on Volstagg's and Hogun's shoulders and his face was twisted in pain. In fact, everyone's faces held a tense and pained look, but Amora was sure that they were not fully attributed to any physical injuries. The rage in Odin's eyes was enough to leave anyone feeling less than well.

"Get him to the healing room. Now!" Amora instantly perked at Odin's order even though it was not completely directed towards her. As Sif and the Three passed, the healer stepped forward to make a quick examination as they walked.

Heimdall had been right. It was a serious injury but nothing life-threatening if mended soon.

They began to make their way back to the city, but Fandral leaned towards Amora. "Do not worry about me, my friend," he glanced back at the Bifrost, "Make sure they are alright. You can meet us at the healing room later."

With a small nod, Amora stopped and turned back to the Bifrost. As she approached, Heimdall was once again at his post outside of the great sphere.

"The Allfather would not appreciate you snooping, Amora." he said quietly when she reached his side.

This made her pause; she respected the gatekeeper too much to ignore his warning.

But he then added, "You had best not let him see you."

Amora looked at him in surprise; the hint of a smile signaled his approval. Conjuring an invisibility spell to mask her presence, she entered to Bifrost and was met with furious shouting.

"You are a vain, greedy, cruel boy!" Odin boomed.

"And you are an old man and a fool!"

The air turned deathly silent at Thor's outburst, as the weight of their words settled into everyone's minds.

No, Thor, no, Amora thought helplessly.

Odin looked down. "Yes, I was a fool...to think that you were ready."

Taking a step forward in the defense of his brother, Loki began, "Father--"

The shout--no, the growl--that burst out of the normally composed king startled Amora so much so that she almost lost her grip on the enchantment.

Silently moving to Loki's side, she carefully rested an unseen hand on his arm. He stiffened at the unexpected gesture but relaxed and leaned slightly into her.

Looking somberly at his son, Odin spoke gravely, "Thor Odinson, you have betrayed the express command of your king. Through your arrogance and stupidity, you've opened these peaceful realms and innocent lives to the horror and desolation of war."

As he gritted out the last word, Odin lifted his spear and used it to activate the Bifrost. He then stepped towards his son.

"You are unworthy of these realms!" The familial symbols on Thor's armor were ripped off.

"You are unworthy of your title!" Odin grabbed a handful of the prince's red cape and tore it off.

"You are unworthy," he shouted before his voice dropped wearily, "of the loved ones you have betrayed."

Unable to gaze upon Thor, the king turned away and walked back to where his spear remained. Whirling around, he announced, "I now take from you your power!"

Mjolnir flew from Thor's grip and into Odin's outstretched hand. The Allfather motioned it towards the prince.

"In the name of my father..." The mail on Thor's armor began to shed from his arms as thought rejecting him.

"And his father before, I, Odin Allfather, cast you out!"

With a single motion of the hand that held Mjolnir, Odin sent Thor flying back and into the portal. With a great flash of light, the prince was gone.

Amora covered her mouth to suppress the gasp that threatened to come out as tears welled in her eyes.

Her friend was gone. He was brash and a fool, but he was gone.

Loki discreetly rested a comforting hand on hers; she had not realized how tight her anxious grip was on his arm.

With a sigh, Odin turned to look at Loki. "At least I still have you, my boy," he said sadly.

He wearily removed his spear and the whir of Bifrost died down until it left only a heavy silence. As he began to mount his horse, the Allfather glanced back.

"Go to the healing room. You need to rest, my son." After a beat, he added, "And I am sure you are needed there, Amora."

The sorceress allowed her enchantment to fall and ducked her head, feeling her cheeks flush with guilt, as the pair exited the Bifrost. Contemplating the long journey back to the palace, Amora grabbed Loki's arm once again and transported them to the healing room.

With a small nod, Loki left her to check on the others as she went to receive a report from her fellow healers. As Emelía recounted the company's injuries, Amora could not help but listen to the others' discussion of the day's events.

After Amora dismissed the other healers, she turned to see Loki stalking off. Her mind was torn between frustration and sympathy when it came to him. The recent events had obviously taken a toll on him and Amora could somewhat understand his logic in not interfering, but part of her had expected some more effort in his defense of Thor.

"He may speak for the good of Asgard," Sif said, "but he has always been jealous of Thor."

Amora grimaced at the statement. Not because she disagreed with her friend, but because it was true.

"We should be grateful to him. He saved our lives," Volstagg said, ever the forgiving optimist.

"Laufey said there were traitors in the house of Odin. A master of magic could bring three Jotuns into Asgard." Almost everyone grew quiet at Hogun's grim words. Almost.

Fandral stepped up. "Loki has always been one for mischief, but you're talking about something else entirely."

"Hogun does have a point," Amora finally spoke up even though it pained her to admit it. The others seemed startled by both her statement and her presence; guilt overtook their features upon realizing that their friend had overheard their suspicions of Loki.

"However," she reasoned, not wishing to condemn him so quickly over a coincidence, "Loki has not mastered opening portals between realms. Frigga has yet to teach him that practice. Only Lorelei and I--"

Amora abruptly stopped short as her eyes grew wide. Oh, Norns, she thought in horror. Her mind promptly recalled the time when she had caught Loki meeting with her sister many months ago.

"Your prince came to me to learn how to conjure immediate portals to other realms." Lorelei's statement echoed from the past.

Immediately, Amora whirled around and rushed to the door as fast as her weary legs would allow.

"Wait, what is it? Where are you going?" Sif asked, alarm dripping from every word.

"To go speak to my sister," Amora called back before disappearing with a flash of green light.

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