The wide solid gold stairs descended steeply, you marvel on your way down. Seeing your reflection glint on each step you took.

Even in the very depth of the palace, Odin felt the need to be ostentatious. The vault being just as grandeur as the rest of the palace showed his wealth was truly in abundance.

You dawdle, lingering behind Huggin distracted.

Your eyes were drawn to many shiny objects around the enormous vault, that you didn't notice the items in front of you.

You stumble, almost tripping over a jewel encrusted shield. You admire it, wondering why it was left on the floor.

You look ahead and see other items stacked randomly in piles, unorganised and dusty.

These were Odin's personal possessions? you think to yourself

You wonder if they were not as valuable or not as highly regarded as the others. It seemed odd they were stacked randomly near the bottom of the steps.

"Are these not as worthy to be hidden behind this so called red line" you call out, Huggin now far in front.

He turns, and rolls his eyes seeing you about to touch a golden vase that sits littered among other little trinkets.

He swiftly appears behind you, gently but sternly grabbing your arm away. "I told you not to touch anything!" he scorns

"No, you said don't go past the red line" you corrected him. " I see no such line"

Huggin narrows his eyes, "we haven't come to the line yet, but let's just imagine this whole area is in the red. No touchy touchy" he says, as he pulls your wandering hand away yet again.

You continue to walk besides him, giving him a pouting face. He tries his hardest to ignore you, refusing to turn and look.

You let out a mock whimper, as you puff out your lower lip. Your eyes pleading.

Huggin sighed in defeat and you smile.... "fine, you wish to know more. Well, these are simply the relics they moved up front, making room for Fenrir's overly large cage to be built. They'll eventually be sorted through, and put in there proper place.
But, it doesn't mean they have any less value, so I mean it Flower, don't touch"

"Thank you for the explanation, I really do love when you talk" you say giving him a cheeky wink.

"Don't attempt to butter me up Flower, you're not taking anything" he says, raising a brow

You give him a pretend frown, "well darn it, I thought you'd at least let me take the mishapen pebble as a souvenir. You know well I won't ever be back here"

Huggin looks at you quizzical "I highly doubt a pebble is part of his valuable possessions. It's likely rubble from building the cage. I'll allow you to take it, so long as you behave. But take it on the way out, let's not backtrack"

You raise your hand and cross your heart with your fingers, "I solemnly swear to be on my best behaviour" a playful grin on your face. He smiles, turning around continuing his stride.

You open your palm which has been clutched tight this entire time. You gaze down at the small pebble, looking closely at the fine white cracks that run through it. It was certainly an unusual piece of rubble.

You quickly put it in your pocket as Huggin abruptly stops and looks at you "come on Flower, stop falling behind. Don't you want to see your pup?" he grins, he knows mentioning Fenrir will make sure you're no longer distracted.

You pick up your feet, darting over to him. Matching your pace with his.

You've been hearing a low hum since entering the vault, but as you walk closer to your destination, you hear it more as a buzz.

"He's just through here" Huggin says, pointing his arm in the direction ahead.

You walk through an arch that takes you into a very large part of the vault. One of the many rooms underneath the deep foundations of the palace.

You gasp as you see a giant cage, the buzzing sound radiating off the electrified metal barriers.

You notice Fenrir sat in the middle, his body slouched, his head lowered.

Flashbacks of when you first saw Fenrir replayed in your mind. Seeing him forcefully chained, sat outside Grayah's hut. His demeanour broken, his mind lost of all hope.

You see him now, the exact same way.

Your heart grew heavy, "my poor pup" you sigh out.

You run to the cage and peek through the gaps, making sure not to touch the electrified prison.

"Fenrir my son" you say softly

He doesn't move, not an ounce

You scrunch your brows and turn to Huggin

"turn off the electricity, open the cage!"

He looks at you in shock "we can't, he'll escape, destroying anything in his wake!"

"Then let me in, he won't hurt me. He just needs to see that I'm here" your eyes looking back at Fenrir, still unmoving from his depressed demeanour.

"Mina, I can't. It's dangerous"

"Then why bring me here?! am I suppose to just pay him a visit, did you really think I'd be fine with him stuck in an electrified cage? He's been locked away all his life, I will never allow him to stay here alone. Let me in.... NOW!" your anger rising.

Huggin nodded to the guard, you walked to the gate just as the guard turned off the electricity. The buzzing noise ceasing, making the room eerily quiet.

You step through the door, and walk confidently towards Fenrir. Huggin stares at you on edge, his hand gripping an electrified weapon, ready to use should things go bad. He watched in awe, seeing you glide so effortlessly, no hesitation within you.

You look down, seeing a trail of wet liquid on the floor. You wonder where the water was coming from.

You reach him, positioning yourself under his lowered head. You feel a drip on your head, looking up to find it's source.

Your heart broke, seeing his eyes closed tight, his tears wetting his fur as they dropped to the floor. Realising the trail of liquid was his tears.

You couldn't take anymore sorrow, you held out your arms and fell into his chest. Melting into his fur as your own tears fell.

You felt his body suddenly rumble, his chest vibrating. He was growling, snarling at the intruder who now embraces him.

You hear the gate unlock, Huggin entered about to charge.

"Fenrir" you say softly, you feel his body tense, he abruptly stops his warning growls. His ears prick up, listening intently to the calm voice he recognised.

"It's me, mother, I've missed you son" you stand back, looking up. His eyes catch yours, staring in disbelief.

A large tear forms in the inner of his eye, rolling down and falling. It splashed onto your face.

"Oh Fenrir, I really didn't need a shower pup" you say playfully, wiping away the excess of salty tear.

'Mother!' He yells in stunned excitement. His body jolting back, prancing up and down on his paws.

Your body vibrates, as he crashes down from happy frolics. You struggle to keep your balance, his pounding paws making the cage floor shake.

"Steady on Pup, I haven't walked in over a week, my knees are still wobbly" you laugh, your eyes growing wide with happiness.

Relief poured through you, truly thankful he was his chirpy self.

You look at Huggin, his expression completely gobsmacked. Just a moment ago he was ready to swoop in and get you, fearing Fenrir would attack.

"You can put away that electric stick Huggin" you say smirking "he'll never hurt me"

Huggin quickly threw down the weapon, opening the gates wide. The guards all shuffling to one side as far away from Fenrir as possible.

Fenrir finally calmed down, curling his body around you, nestling you within his embrace.

You stroke behind his ear, his body instantly relaxing under your touch.

'I thought you were dead' he says lowly, deep sadness in his voice

"It was just a misunderstanding, I was put to sleep so I could better heal. Loki being unwell believed I was dead, which made you believe it too. But I'm here, I'm okay. Let's leave this place, let's go home"

'The library!' he says, his head popping up in anticipation.

You chuckle, "yes, the library"

Fenrir stands, walking with you, stopping as he reached the cage exit.

You walk through but turn around when you notice he hasn't followed.

"Come Fenrir, what are you waiting for?" you smile curiously

He slowly walked out of the cage, relief flooding through him.

'I'm really free?' He questions skeptically

You look at him with heart ache, he truly thought he'd never be on the other side of the cage. Believing you were gone, leaving him locked away in Odins vault until the end of his days.

"You'll never not be free Fenrir, Loki and I will always make sure you are"

'Father! Is he well?' his voice sounding hopeful

Your mind replayed your last encounter with Loki, his pained wails, his heartache at seeing you leave him. Your heart physically hurt, a deep pang that crippled you, you hunched over holding your chest.

Huggin rushed over to you, holding you up "what's wrong Mina?" Concern in his voice

You calm yourself, and take a deep breath. "I'm fine, I just, I need to be with Loki" you look at Fenrir "we need to be with Loki, he needs us Fenrir, now more than ever"

By your tone Fenrir knew Loki wasn't yet well, his mind impaired by the potion, it'll take time to know whether it's done lasting damage or not.

You have a discussion with Fenrir during your walk back through the vaults. You make him understand that no matter how much Loki pleads, he needs to keep orderly. You anticipate Loki attempting an escape using Fenrir again, so you make Fenrir fully aware of the situation.

Fenrir agree's, fully understanding that he needs to remain calm, neutral. He won't react.

"Good pup, now, are you hungry?"  you say as you walk through the Corridor, nearing the kitchen.

'It's okay Mother, let's just go to father, food can wait'

You smile, you knew he was hungry. Like Loki, he's also been refusing food.

"Come pup, let's go to the kitchens. I'm preparing food for Loki too. He needs to eat, as do you"

You could sense Fenrir perk up, relieved you'll take him to the kitchen.

As you round a corner you stop abruptly, just ahead you see King Odin, his guards following close behind.

You stomach lurched as you noticed his eyes stare wide eyed at Fenrir. Seemingly in shock he's released from his underground cell.

"Mina, maybe stay here with Fenrir. I'll explain to Odin" Huggin says, also sensing Odin's shock

You nod, staying close to Fenrir. You're ready to fight should you have to, your trusty blade always hidden on your body somewhere. You've strapped it to your thigh this time, concealing it under your dress.

Fenrir notices your stance, as you observe Huggin and Odin talk. He readies himself alert, just incase he needs to protect you.

His large paw moves to the front of you, shielding your body as a precaution. You smile, knowing he's feeling just as protective as you.

You hold on to his leg, looking up at him. "You no, it's not me I worry about. It's you, I don't want to witness any more hurt for you Fenrir. I protect you this time son"

'You saved me, I owe you my life' he says, as he touches the very tip of his nose to the top of your head.

"And how many times have you saved mine?. You owe me nothing Fenrir, don't ever feel you need to put your life before mine. You have a long life ahead of you, ready to accomplish so much. If a life is more deserving of living it's yours more than mine pup"

'Father says you're unaware of the value of your mind, or the value of your heart. He also says you don't know how worthy you are. Others see it, but you don't. I understand that to be true now mother...you should not doubt yourself'

Your chest filled with so much emotion at hearing Fenrir within your mind. You choked back tears, you do doubt yourself, thinking a mere mortal amongst gods and mythical beings minuscule in comparison. Yet Loki, never seeing you as such, now relaying it to Fenrir.

You quickly put your emotions and thoughts aside when you see Huggin, along with King Odin approach.

"Princess Mina, so glad to see you're well.. Huggin has explained you've tamed your wolf. I hope you understand why I had to contain him." Odin's voice, sounding softer than usual, no ounce of anger within.

You look at Huggin perplexed, Odin never speaking to you so coolly before.

Huggin, shrugged his shoulders in response, he was just as bewildered as you.

"I understand King Odin, it was deemed necessary at the time. But, my son is fully aware and understands the situation with Loki now. I hope you have no objections to Fenrir being released from his confinements" you say confidently

"Not at all, I trust you can handle Fenrir, should you need any help my guards are at your disposal. Equally, should you wish to talk, regarding Loki, or otherwise, I am always available"

You remain silent, lost in his complete change of character. "I..um.." your astonishment making you a stuttering mess

"I've had the chefs prepare an array of dishes upon hearing you're awake. Please, head to the dining hall and fill your belly"

You furrow your brows, questioningly. Odin, seeing your apprehension.

"I understand I may have treated you harshly, I'm prepared to make amends. Start afresh, for the sake of my son. We both want Loki well. A mutual understanding, maybe even a friendship could form should you chose to accept my truce."

Odin suddenly extends his arm, adorned with solid gold protection plates, his signature crest engraved on thick gold cuffs, and rings embedded with rare jewels. He likes to flaunt his unimaginable wealth with furs and jewellery, not just his imposing abode it seems.

You swallow your pride, putting aside your stubbornness to be civil for the sake of Loki. You take his hand, and to your surprise, and relief he shakes it.

"I believe this is the midgardian way" he says with a smile.

You're pretty sure this was his first time at smiling. Or at least, the first time he's done so since you're arrival.

Huggin tried hard to suppress a grin at seeing your surprised expression. He somehow knew exactly what you were thinking. Unsure when the last time he saw Odin genuinely smile too.

As soon as he let go of your hand, you felt the awkwardness settle in-between you both. You didn't want to hang about, you quickly curtsied and ushered Fenrir in the direction of the dining hall.

You look back, seeing Huggin held back by Odin. Odin conversing more privately with Huggin now that you've left.

The whole exchange was odd. The sudden change, and his sudden acceptance of you.

You walk through the large double doors of the dining room, your eyes lighting up, seeing Odin's words to be true. The large rectangular table was full of colourful, fragrant dishes.

"Maybe I'm being too judgemental" you say aloud, "maybe he's finally realised it's better to be friends than enemies?" You say looking over to Fenrir, only to be startled when he wasn't on the side of you.

You look around, finding Fenrir already feasting at the other end of the table. He's bypassed all the vegetables and headed straight for the cooked meats.

"Slow down son, you've not ate for a while, take it easy" a soft warning tone in your voice

Fenrir, surprises you. Actually listening to you this time. He sat himself down, chewing more slowly, overcoming his urge to devour platefuls, along with the plate.

You grab an empty plate, moving down the table, musing over what foods to try until your eye catches something familiar.

You smile as a memory replayed in your mind at seeing the sweet sticky pastries.
Loki, hand feeding you the honey filled desserts while sitting on his horse, heading towards his castle.

You adored that day, eager to go back with Loki again.

You pile the plate high, grabbing a selection of the syrupy pastries, as well as savoury ones too.

You sit at the table, not touching any food. You watch as Fenrir eats, waiting for him to finish.

"Not eating Flower?" you turn, seeing Huggin behind you.

You smile, with a hint of sadness hidden behind it. "I've chosen the foods I'd like, but I'm waiting to see Loki. we'll eat together"

Huggin looks at you sadly. "He's not been eating much. I don't think he'll eat Mina"

"I have to try Huggin, I'll never give up on him"

Huggin gave you a saddened half smile before a silence broke out.

You sat still, hands in your lap, anxiously picking at your fingers as you stare at the food. You're hungry but have no desire to eat. Your worry for Loki, growing each second you stay away from him.

You hope Fenrir's done soon, yet by his slow eating, you know he's going to be a while.

You smile amused, today of all days he finally listens to you and eats slower. The first time you wish to be quick.

You inhale deeply, your breath breaking the awkward silence.

"Huggin" you say

Huggin darts his eyes to you curiously, you're not one to stop at one word. Usually blurting out whatever you want to say in one quick sentence. But he feels your apprehension.

"Yes Flower"

"Odin held you back, the conversation looked....private. Anything I should no?" you say, careful not to outrightly ask him what was said.

Repeating a kings private conversation could land him in hot water.

You look at him quizzical, awaiting an answer.

"I'm not sure you want to know"

Your eyes narrow, even more curious. "I want to no everything you're allowed to divulge...."

"Hmm..." his lips pursed as he hummed, unsure if he should repeat Odins conversation. 

"Please" you frown

"I assume, by your expression earlier you noticed the odd change of behaviour with Odin. Yes?"

You nod, not wanting to interrupt his sentence

"I think, during the course of the week, Odin has seen Loki diminish quickly, I don't believe he ever felt Loki was in danger of succumbing to insanity. Yet when he heard of Loki digging graves, for himself and you, he sort of woke from his nativity. Realising he could indeed lose his son"

You continue to listen intently even though your heart aches from hearing Loki's suffering.

"He's acting civil because he wants to make amends, he wants a relationship with Loki. In turn, that means accepting his sons betrothed...you. He knows Loki needs your love, needs your affection and support in order to help get through this"

"So he's treating me how I should've been treated from the start?" you jeer, feeling annoyed.

"Yes"

"So your conversation earlier was of this" you query

"A little..but also" he hesitates

"What?" you ask eager to know

"He believes Loki is already permanently damaged. Apart of his mind slowly going to decay. He wants me to help find a cure, the only cure being the immortality stone"

"The stone Loki did all this for? that damned gem, It caused all this. Who's to say it's even out there" you sighed feeling exhausted

"If he's correct, then I have to try. I have to interrogate Munnin. Odin believes Munnin the only one who knows it's location"

"So you're basically taking over what Loki was doing. Torture Munnin to find out the location of the gem"

"I'll use words rather than violence, Munnin never did respond to torture. I feel that was more for Loki's benefit, revenge for you"

"Well while your doing that, I'll actually be helping him by appealing to Loki's unaffected part of his mind. I have faith he'll come back to me"

"I know you hate this idea, the notion a gem could heal all. But it does exist Flower. Let me play my part, how else could I be of help? He detests me, I can't go into the room without him accusing me of"

You dart your eyes to Huggin "of what?"

Huggin sighs "Loki's mind is frazzled, I enter the room and he replays the memory of you and I side by side, the day we came back from our outing. Except, his darkened mind twists the memory. Accusing me of taking your body within the lavender fields. He's convinced we made..um.." Huggin stops, hesitating to finish his sentence

"Made love?" you finish for him, feeling less bashful than him.

"Yes" Huggin's cheeks tinged pink as he blushed

"Well, if he starts accusing me, I'll just put a stop to it. I need to remain stern and strong for both of us"

Huggin grips your hand, "just be careful around him Flower, if Odin is right he'll only get worse, deranged insanity his future"

You closed your eyes, unable to keep back the tears that's been threatening to fall.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you cry, but I believe we need to be realistic"

You open your red rimmed eyes, blinking through the tears. "No, we need to be optimistic Huggin" you say as you stand, taking the plate of food from the table.

You turn to Fenrir, who still eats. "Son, I'm making my way to Loki. Remain here and eat, Huggin will stay with you, won't you Huggin?"

Huggin looks at Fenrir still chewing a mouthful of meat, before looking at you with apprehension.

You walk towards the exit, but Huggin has gripped your free hand. You look at him curiously.

"Flower, I hope you no that should I be unsuccessful in finding the gem, and Loki does succumb to his fate. You won't ever be alone" Huggin pulls you closer, his heartbeat rising  "I'll always be there for you, however way you want me to" 

For the first time you sense what Loki feels, recognising Huggins desire for you.

Yet, you feel no malice or deceit. He doesn't want to take Loki's place, his sincerity shows, he truly does wish for Loki to get better. But if he doesn't, he wouldn't hesitate to step in his shoes, stopping you from feeling lonely, hoping you'd love him one day.

"Thank you Huggin, truly. You're a good friend"

You made sure to say friend clearly, you've never intended to lead him on, or make him think your friendship could be more than that.

Even if Loki didn't get better, you couldn't ever be with anyone else. You'd look after him the best you could, until the end of your days.

Huggin smiled softly, watching you as you pulled from his hand heading towards the door.

You left the dining hall determined and full of hope.