Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

***

Eisa stood at the window of her current home. Her thoughts were a mess and her emotions worse. A hand rested on the swell of her stomach as she thought about the events that had taken place over the course of the past few months.

Loki was gone.

That was the only thing that was certain, and even then she did not wish to believe it. The younger prince of Asgard had fallen from the bifrost after his failed attempt to destroy Jotunheim. He had always felt overshadowed by Thor, and perhaps his feelings were accurate. Eisa, however, had never seen in Thor what she had in Loki.

He had been her best friend for over a millennia, her lover for centuries, and now he was gone. Eisa shut her eyes as tears began to fall. Before this mess had begun she and Loki made a serious mistake. They each made several more as his plans were set into motion.

Yes, Loki was gone, but she was still here. Now, she was to be put on trial for her crimes.

***

1500 years ago

Eisa was the daughter of two high nobles. Her father was often present in Odin’s court, and so Eisa was of high standing in Asgard. When she was born there was a stir among the other nobles. Eisa’s hair was dark brown in color unlike the usual blonde of the Aesir. Their gossip was silenced, however, when it was revealed that a Midgardian had found their way into her mother’s bloodline generations ago, and the trait had manifested itself in Eisa. On top of that, they were reminded that the All-father’s youngest had dark hair as well. No one ever bothered her, and after the birth of her brother Tyr twelve years later all scandalous rumors were silenced. Tyr was a perfect example of what an Asgardian should be, blonde hair, blue eyes, and a skilled warrior.

Eisa did her best to please her parents when she could. Sometimes her mother was cold and her father distant, but she admitted they were good to her, and they never seemed to mind her odd hair color. Or if they did they never mentioned it. In fact, there was only one thing they seemed to truly dislike about her.

Eisa was a sorceress.

Her magic had shown itself when she was about eight. Eisa knew her parents didn’t think magic was a proper form of fighting in general, much less something a noble girl should practice. She was terrified of them finding out, so she managed to get hold of some spell books and practiced on her own in secret. For two years she managed to keep her practices secret. Then her mother came to her room unexpectedly one day and caught Eisa practicing with fire spells. Eisa was severely scolded and her books confiscated.

Proper ladies do not practice magic. That was drilled into Eisa’s mind from that day forward, but she had begun to love her gift and did not wish to quit her practices. To try and make her mother understand she pointed out the fact that the queen was known to have magic. Her mother did not take kindly to this and told her the queen was an exception, only because of her status. She absolutely forbid Eisa from practicing.

Eisa did not listen. She made note of all she had managed to learn before she was caught and practiced on her own when her parents were not around. That wasn’t too often, seeing as they spent most of their day at the palace where her mother kept a close eye on her to make sure she did not embarrass them.

When she was eleven her mother finally allowed her to go off on her own after reminding her to behave herself three separate times. Once she was satisfied that Eisa would not make a mockery of their family she sent her off.

Eisa wandered off to the library. She loved reading and the palace had a wide selection of books to choose from, however as she entered the library a feeling of rebellion swept over her. Her father was in court, and her mother would be kept occupied with the other noble women, so Eisa searched around until she found a section on magic.

She had figured out long ago that she was good with fire spells, so she wanted to try something different. A book of mixed spells was on a higher shelf, and she stood on her tiptoes attempting to reach it. After several attempts, she sighed in frustration. She could have climbed on the shelves to reach it, but the consequences if her mother found out her feet left the ground weren’t worth it.

Finally, Eisa gave up and began searching for a book on a lower shelf when the spell book she had been eyeing was held out in front of her. She started, surprised, before finally reaching to take it. “Thank you…” She said looking up and then gasped falling into a bow. “My prince,” She squeaked out in shock.

Loki waved a hand dismissively. “You may rise, I do not hold you at fault for not noticing who I was.” He told her.

Eisa rose up hesitantly. “Thank you, my prince.” He nodded in acknowledgment. Eisa paused for a moment unsure of what to do before she finally turned to sit at one of the many tables. She opened the tome and immediately began to read. There were spells for beginners all the way through expert. After attempting a couple beginner level spells, some successful others not, Eisa turned to the intermediate. There was a levitation spell that would have been very useful when she couldn’t reach the book earlier. She decided to give it a try.

***

An hour later Eisa sighed in frustration as the book she was focusing on once again fell to the ground. She was panting at this point and felt utterly exhausted for a reason she did not quite understand. Finally deciding she was not going to accomplish anything else today she stood and went to exit the library. Loki heard her leave from his spot a few shelves over. He walked over and looked at the book she had been reading curiously. Looking to where she had left he wondered if he would be seeing her again.

“Eisa, I would have thought you would be gone longer.” Fasta said as her daughter approached her. Then her eyes narrowed with suspicion. “You seem tired, what have you been doing?”

“I was reading in the library. I just got a little sleepy.” She lied rubbing an eye innocently. “I was restless last night.” It had not taken her long to realize that innocence could be played to cover deviance.

Still, she looked at her daughter with her eyes narrowed in suspicion before letting the subject drop. Fasta would never dare to make a scene in front of the other noble women. Eisa spent the remainder of her time in the palace that day with her mother. When her father finally returned they made their way home. Eisa’s mother made no mention of her daughter’s suspicious activity earlier in the day for which Eisa was grateful. Her mother was known to be very stern when she was angered.

The next day Eisa returned to the library and found the spell book where she had left it. She found this a little odd as she knew the librarians usually saw to it that all the books were returned to the shelves at the day’s end, but shrugged it off. Turning back to the levitation spell she looked at the book determined. Even if it took all week she would get this spell right.

Unfortunately after only an hour of trying she laid her head on the table exhausted. She could not fathom why her spells were taking so much out of her. Groaning to herself she decided to just sit there for a while and see if her energy returned. After a while, she did indeed feel better, but by then her interest in the spell had worn off. She decided to do something else for a bit and then return to it. Searching around found a rather interesting book about Midgard and its customs, though a bit outdated it held her interest.

She lost track of the time and when she next looked up the sun was low in the sky. “Oh no,” She muttered to herself before closing the book and hurrying to find her parents.

They looked at her with stern expressions as she approached. Eisa looked at the ground sheepishly. “Where have you been, young lady?” Her father asked staring right at her.

She hated when her father was disappointed with her, mostly because she was closest to him, if you could call her relationship with her parents close at all. “In the library, I lost track of time.” She muttered quietly. “I am sorry.”

Ver’s eyes softened slightly. “Do not let it happen again.” He told his daughter.

“I would not have let her off so easily Ver.” Fasta told him glancing toward her husband before returning her gaze to Eisa’s slumped form. “Stand up straight.” Her mother snapped and Eisa immediately obeyed.

“Go easy on her Fasta, she is but a child.” Ver was always the softer of the two, and it often frustrated his wife.

“No, it is alright. I did not return when I was meant to, it is my fault.” Eisa admitted. In all honesty, she just wanted her mother’s approval.

“Do not let it happen again.” Her mother’s response sounded sterner than her father’s. Fasta turned on her heel to head toward the exit and her husband and daughter followed close behind.

Eisa sat in her room later that night with one of her dolls on her lap thinking. Why did casting the spell make her so tired? None of the others she had tried had this effect. Sure it was a higher level, but it felt unnatural to her. This question repeated itself in her head over and over. She had no answer and it frustrated her. Despite her young age, Eisa craved knowledge, and this barrier between her and her ability was nerve-wracking.

Finally giving up her attempts to understand she lay on her side still clutching her doll and attempted to sleep. It was still early, but she could honestly think of nothing else to do.

***

The next week passed in an almost constant loop. Eisa would arrive at the palace with her parents in the morning, go to the library, work on the spell, grow tired, read a different book, and then return home and go to bed. It became tiresome and she craved a change of pace. That is why she decided to head to the garden one day instead.

She was simply wandering amid the flowers when she heard water splashing. Curious, she went to investigate and saw the younger prince Loki practicing with water spells. He seemed to be trying to manipulate the water to his choosing, but each time he managed to raise it up the liquid would simply fall back into the pool.

Eisa watched a moment before making her presence known. “My prince?” She spoke quietly.

Loki growled in frustration as the spell failed once more before turning to face her. Eisa was taken aback by his annoyed expression which almost instantly turned to curiosity. Still, she could not help but take a step back in surprise. Loki merely stared at her for a moment before he spoke. “You are the girl from the library are you not?”

“Y-yes,” She managed to get out. This situation made her nervous and she began to think she should have just kept walking and left him be. Swallowing she spoke again more confidently. “I am, my prince.”

He nodded in acknowledgment. “Have you made use of the book I had left out for you?” Eisa looked at him surprised by his statement. “I knew you would not be able to reach it on your own, so I had it left out. There are few who come to the palace with an interest in magic. I would not deny you that knowledge.”

“I have been using it every day, my prince. I fear that I have not made much progress, however.” She hung her head sadly. “I become very tired after only about an hour.”

Loki seemed in thought. “I had been unsure if you were simply interested in the art or if you were gifted. It seems to be the later.” He stated and she nodded.

“I have the gift, but my parents strongly disapprove of it and so I must practice in secret.” She admitted to him. Now that they were speaking Eisa felt at ease for a reason she could not explain.

“Show me.” Eisa looked at him surprised by the words. “I wish to see your power.” He said simply and Eisa swallowed knowing she should not ignore an order from the prince.

Nervously she held her hand palm up and summoned a ball of fire. It was one of the most basic spells she knew, but it would be enough to show him that she was not lying.

“I assume fire comes easiest to you.” He stated and Eisa nodded in agreement. “Everyone has an element they are best with. Mine is water, though today has not been the best for it.”

Eisa shifted awkwardly where she stood. “I am sure you will master it, my prince.”

Loki looked at her seemingly amused by her discomfort before speaking again. “Would you like a teacher?”

Eisa nearly fell over from the shock. “What?” She blurted.

“I told you I would not deny you the chance to learn, and from what you have told me it seems you could use a teacher. I am still learning myself, but I would not mind taking an apprentice. My mother has taught me much, and I am willing to share it. That is if you are willing to commit without complaint.” He explained to her. The idea of having someone under his wing appealed to Loki and this girl seemed more than willing.

“I…of course. I would be honored, my prince.” She hesitated a moment before asking. “What about my parents? They would never approve of it.”

“They need not know if you do not tell them.” Loki said simply. “I will not.”

Eisa smiled at that. “In that case, I graciously accept your offer, my prince.”

“Good, since you agree, meet me here tomorrow.” He told her and she nodded. Eisa bowed and made to take her leave before Loki stopped her once more. “Wait, I do not believe I ever heard your name.”

Eisa turned quickly. “Oh, forgive me, I am Eisa Verdottir.”

“Your father is one of the king’s advisors is he not?” Loki asked her surprised. It was rare for the high nobles to produce children of magical aptitude. Then again Loki himself was an exception, as was his mother. Even Thor had some minor abilities, so he should not be have been surprised to find another.

“He is, my prince.” Eisa confirmed.

Loki nodded in acknowledgment. “You may go.”

“Thank you again, my prince.” Eisa said before excitedly returning to the palace. She schooled herself before returning to her mother lest she become suspicious. If Fasta noticed Eisa’s upbeat mood she did not show it. Eisa could not wait for the next day to come.

***

“Again,” Loki said and Eisa hurled a fireball at the target. To begin Eisa’s training he simply wished to see what she was capable of, but as she went on he noticed her spell was growing weaker. “Again,”

Eisa was practically panting and shook her head. “I am out of energy.” She told him.

Loki stared at her trying to judge if she was being honest or not. Deciding that she had been he motioned her to him. “Come here,” She did as she was told and he set a hand on her shoulder. Eisa felt some of his power flow into her and instantly felt better.

“What did you do?” She asked him curiously.

“I transferred some of my seidr to you.” He studied her a moment. “One of two things are happening. You either have very poor seidr concentration, or there is a leak in your magical barrier. Your energy is draining.” Loki explained to her as he released her shoulder.

“Wait, a leak? Could it be fixed?” Eisa was concerned by this information.

Loki did not speak for a moment and when he did Eisa’s heart fell. “I do not know.” He admitted. “Do not fret over it. Worse case I can do some research to find a cure, but it is very possible it is simply untrained concentration.”

Eisa nodded solemnly. “I understand.” Her hopes were still high, but now she had something else to worry about.

“Do not worry so much. I have confidence we will eventually find the issue. Now, if you are feeling better, let us continue.” He said and Eisa returned to her training.

***

“Mother,” Eisa spoke later that evening as they returned home. “How old is the younger prince?” Eisa knew Loki was older than her and she was also aware that he was skilled with magic. She was simply curious as to just how much older he was, how much more he may know.

“He is sixteen. Why do you ask?” Her mother told her looking at her with a studying expression.

Five years. That was more than enough time to have gained far greater knowledge than her. “I was merely curious. I have seen him around the palace.” Eisa decided to keep her time spent with the prince a secret for the time being.

“I do hope you were behaving yourself.” Fasta said looking at her daughter for confirmation.

“Of course mother, I would not wish to embarrass our family.” Eisa wished she could tell her mother that the thing she found most embarrassing was the very thing that currently had her meeting with the prince, but that would benefit no one.

Eisa spent the rest of the evening in her room leaving only for dinner. Her mind mulled over the events of the day. With Loki’s help, she could hold spells for longer. He just needed to channel some of his seidr into her. However, there was still the matter of why her energy was being drained so badly. Eisa shook her head. It just was not fair that she should have a disability like this. She was so passionate about her gift, and now she realized there was a possibility she might never be able to perform it properly. All she could do was hope Loki was right about it being concentration and not a leak.

Eisa spent a few hours reading before she began to grow tired. She quickly prepared for bed and then rolled onto her side. Her sleep was more uneasy than usual with fears of losing her power flooding her mind.