Flesh of ice, heart of iron

I am Laufey, king of Jotunheim and the Frost Giants. If you have some business with me, do make it quick, my patience for foolishness is non-existent. Bring me tidings of these worlds, good and bad alike, for I will learn, my people will evolve, and the Jotnar will survive. -- (Tracking the tag frostbittenking)

[woodendreams]

(by Adrian Klein)

[frostbittenking]

All's fair in love and business.

[starkindustriesonline-archive]

Basilisk… Yeah, that was a fitting word for Loki. Especially Deceiver, he had such a wicked and serious stare sometimes, especially when he was in one of those moods that had him looking all stern. ‘Companion’ of the Basilisk, yeah… He wondered how Laufey would feel to know he was more than just the companion of his son, but the highly-touted lover of a pair of them.

It wasn’t something he was planning on blurting out just for the fun of it, no matter how momentarily tempting it might be. Better to just accept the Jotun’s good graces and leave it at that. “Thank you,” he said respectfully, tipping his head toward the King. “I intend to continue my association with him for a while yet, so the blessing’s, uh, appreciated.” Could this technically count as asking to have his sons’ hands in partnership, or whatever they technically were? Anthony amused himself with the idea that yes, it just might.

"You’ll have it before the end of the day," Anthony assured him. "Vibranium’ll definitely make up the largest part of the list. Gotta have a fair bit of it to power an arc the size you’ll need." But the idea of such a huge new project was undeniably appealing.

[frostbittenking]

"Which sort of vibranium will ye need? The Anti-Metal or the Wakandan?" It made no real difference to laufey whether it was one or the other, but he suspected it would make a world of difference in this particular project. The Anti-Metal would be easier to obtain, since it made its home in the chilled depths of Antarctica from what his research had told him... Not as cold as Jotunheim, but the closest that Midgard seemed to get and so no problem for the Jotnar to traverse it. Harder would have been Wakandan, hidden away under the blistering sun of Africa. 

He had no interest in traveling to Africa... not in the slightest... unless it made the difference of life and death for his people. 

Wakandan Vibranium was for the repelling of vibrations and the absorption of the energy around it, but Antarctic Anti-Metal was more suited towards nuclear manipulation. Truly it would vary, depending on what method this Stark seemed to be thinking of.  

[staceythinx]

Spectacular winter landscapes by James Fougere

[coolandyscapes]

[brutalgeneration]

[aseaofquotes]

Dorothy Parker, “Unfortunate Coincidence”

[bringer-of-ragnarok]

Fathers

[bringer-of-ragnarok]

With a small frown, Loki rubbed his wrists as he kept his gaze down. He wondered what Laufey’s plans were for him. Diplomacy was not something he looked forward to, but Laufey must know what he is doing. To him, it seemed like Laufey wished for him to learn more about his own people. Though, he worried how other Jotnar tribes would take to him.

Or perhaps he’s just use to everyone despising him.

"I’m not much of a fighter, but I have some skills. My greatest weapon, perhaps, is my tattered mind. I never… Was as great of a warrior like the rest of Æsir. I don’t want to be a liability in battle, so I’m forewarning you now. I can calm elements and follow politics, but I highly doubt I could take on a troll, especially on my own." His lips quirked slightly, he was almost tempted to smile. The patrol is at least a group, he could stick behind as he worked the galdr and spells to give support.

"I think I might agree to your idea. The more and more I turn and prod it, the more I like it. No doubt Deceiver would like this idea as well. In fact, he would encourage me to go." Loptr fell silent as he fell into his thoughts once more.

"If you don’t mind… Can you explain to me the importance of the moons to your people? You’ve mentioned the more than once and I am curious."

[frostbittenking]

"There are two moons in our Realm's sky. As the sun tends to rarely show its face from behind the clouds, and in the winter months almost never rises, the moons play an integral role in our homeland. They control the tides and ferocity of the sea, they give us out power over ice, and they light our way... in addition to this, the moons sing soft songs into the universe, and by listening and interpreting them, we can understand great portions of our future, Jotunheim, and oncoming weather patterns. The Elders sing to the Moons and in return will often receive visions of other places and Realms.... since the Heart has been taken from Jotunheim, most of us have gone deaf to them, and this has resulted in a slow decline of our home's quality and our survival rate." 

A harsh reality, that, and how important the little moons were to the Jotnar. Laufey himself could hear their songs before, but now he could not, and the Realm was feeding only off of his own energy reserve. When he ran out, Jotunheim would fall apart. 

"Farbauti still hears them, and that makes her the most powerful sorcerer among us."

[woodendreams]

 (by Rich Bitonti)

[bringer-of-ragnarok]

Fathers

[bringer-of-ragnarok]

The idea of his magic possibly being nurtured a lit a spark in Loki’s eye. A spark and a love for learning has always existed inside of him, though Asgard seemed to do it’s utmost to quell it. The Æsir frowned upon his fascination with seiðr and for a long time, they tried to steer him on the path of a warrior though he did not give in. In secret, Loki studied the magics and workings of the universe through trial and error. Eventually, he meet Amora and he learned more. Though… The seiðr he studied was for creating woe. “I’m mostly versed in combat magic and curses for mischief,” the python spoke softly, “‘twas later, when I meet my late wife did I learn healing magics and how to create tonics—though I’m not an expert at it. I don’t know of what use I’ll be at aiding, though I will do my best to learn and assist.”

For a while, a question has been stuck in his mind. What did the moons meant to the Jotnar? Shamefully, he didn’t know much about Jotun culture and religion. Perhaps later, he shall inquire. “I… Don’t know if your people will be comfortable with me learning Jotnar magics and secrets. Are you sure that is wise,” Loki paused, before saying softly, “Do you even trust me? I am raving mad—and have earned the title of Betrayer in Asgard. Who trusts a man who is called Liesmith and Betrayer?” There were many other titles, but he did not dwell on them.

Brows knitted at the idea of patrols. He expect labor, yes, but why would Laufey have him join the patrols to the other tribes? It… Seems to be a diplomatic job. “What use would I be on patrols,” a soft murmur of curiosity came from Bringer, “besides giving me a glimpse of your lives?”

[frostbittenking]

"Ye have no titles in Jotunheim besides 'Trickster' and we care not what other people call any of us. Yer my son and that is the only kenning of import to us.. ye will prove yer valor and sanity through deeds, not through reputation." Said Laufey, with a great shrug of his broad shoulders... large, even in this form was the ebon-skinned man, who spoke with a voice deep as brass and quiet, but surging with power. 

Here was a king who did not have to raise his voice to be heard. 

"As for patrols... mostly ye would be learing our ways of diplomacy with the other giant nations, as well as upholding our boundaries, battling trolls and stray Serpents and wyrms and the occasional wyvern... sometimes Elementals grow furious and must be calmed... other times rogue warg packs try to hunt our pups and must be dealt with or chased off. The demands of the patrols change and can be unpredictable, but at large is will give ye a sense of our people, what belongs to us, and how we associate with one another. I imagine once ye come to us, ye too will hear the Moon Songs and they will tell you much of our culture themselves."

[riotnature-deactivated20131126]

[woodendreams]

(by Michaël MARTINHO)

[brutalgeneration]

By kern.justin

[prizeofasgard-deactivated201404]

  Laufey was… busy, for lack of a better word, but there was a rare moment indeed when he WASN’T busy. His business just now happened to include his titan’s rage, which was fearsome to behold and tended to shake throughout the entire fortress of ice and rock and obsidian and jewels. His wrath was a terrible thing to endure, far worse so for whatever poor hapless fool had managed to incur his ire in the first place. The Frost King was rarely truly mad, he preferred to quietly observe or to seethe in times of brooding, allowing the greater part of his old and wise mind to resume its processing. 

Then there were nights like this, when his anger knew no restraints, and the bellow of his mighty voice caused the meter long icicles of diamond on the ceiling to tremble. 

The double doors to his war council were slammed behind the Jotun hard enough to make the hinges scream, and the mighty form of Laufey prowled down the hallway in quick, overtaking strides. He was in fact so absorbed in his musing that he quite nearly walked into Thor, checking his steps and straightening his barbed spine to focus and stop himself. Spurs were bristling, tension slithered throughout the broad giant’s shoulders, and every shake of his head sent the gold golds on his horns to singing, but as usual- the ruby red of gore splashed on snow that served as his eyes were cool as untouched ponds. 

Anger never got the best of this warrior, if he could possibly help it, and he did not strike out against any who did not deserve it and know it to be so. 

"….Where is yer keeper?" He asked instead. 

"—Library." He spoke softly, his head down. He did not earn the right to look up at the man who basically raised him. Though not so much as raised. He took him, gave him his form and let him live there without resentment. 

He was his King and forever his King.

"—I was told I was not allowed in by another servant, so I am here. Would you like me elsewhere, my King?"

[frostbittenking]

"Not allowed in the library.." Who had made that rule? It sounded like an exceedingly stupid rule to the king... as long as Thor remained obedient, he did not care if he was also educated, in fact he may prefer it. If the boy wanted to read, let him read. 

On the other hand, reading had somewhat spoiled Loki, hadn't it?

"Attend to Helblindi then, he's in his quarters and will soon be heading out on patrol. See if he has something for ye to do."

[bringer-of-ragnarok]

Fathers

[bringer-of-ragnarok]

—It was difficult to reel himself in, but the strong hand gave a steady anchor to reality. He was scared, terrified. Loki wanted to be his own person, not what Odin and Thanos wished him to be. For ages, he has been bred, guided, and molded into what others wished him to be; why can he not be what he wished to be? Loki exhaled and inhaled shakily as he listen to Laufey.

Good. Odin’s plan on setting him upon the throne would have failed to begin with, unless he wished for another war to do so. Let another accept the responsibilities and weight of the people and the Wyrd—Loptr wished no part of it. The Exiled Prince title suited him. A fallen royal who lost his way, unable to lead or participate in politics again. This gave him the freedom he desired. No longer was he being groomed for greatness or worrying over diplomacy. There is more peace in his mind these days and less mindless chaos. Odin was wrong—he is not Æsir. In arrogance, Odin called them a chosen people who bare great responsibilities. Loki could not shoulder them—it is too much to do what the Wyrd and Odin asked him to do.

In a thankful silence, Loki did not further inquire about the royal line, content with Laufey’s answer.

"—I do not want war because of me. Too many lives have died by my hands already. The idea of people throwing their lives away to protect my worthless hide leaves a foul taste in my mouth. I’d rather you give me up instead of putting that on my already trouble mind. I've escaped Asgard once, I can do it again. Odin will come to realize he can’t control or contain me and will leave me to my own devices," Bringer murmured softly with a frown.

He has seen enough war to last him a life time, there was no appeal in it anymore. In honesty, he is tired. Fighting against everyone and everything drained his very soul—it almost killed him. Gazing at his hands, he began to speak again to change the unsettling topic, “What kind of work will you have me do on Jotunheim? What will I be doing and learning? I honestly don’t think I’m much help in anything. Besides the duties of a Prince, my only other talent is seiðr. I don’t see how my magic would be of use.” Another thought entered his mind; would he have to give up his Æsir form? He wasn't comfortable in his Jotun skin and despised it, but he did not voice this.

[frostbittenking]

Laufey was unmoved by the plea the let him well enough alone and give him back to Odin... he had lost his eldest son to that one eyed tyrant once before and he would NOT be doing so again, not even if he had to tear Asgard down with his bare hands and drag it into the great river to drown them both. If Loki came to Jotunheim... he would be beyond the AllFather's reach... of that, the frost king would make absolutely sure. 

As the topic had been changed though, Laufey kept these thoughts to himself. 

"Magic is useful on Jotunheim." Said he, "Not many of us have the aptitude for it, but we can all hear the songs the two moons sings to us, and it is what gives us our mastery over the ice element. Farbauti is a talented sorceress though, as good or better even than our Elders.... she and they will teach ye more magic related to our Realm... old and secret magic we keep to ourselves... yer to be tasked with helping them keep our home stable. We build fortresses and new homes, we build walls to protect the young from wind and predator, and both of those require a great deal of magical energy to accomplish. Besides helping yer mother, I'd also have ye follow me on patrols to the outlying tribes with Helblindi and our Guard, to make sure each is doing well and to get the supply lines moving. In many cases, much of our food comes from the sea, and tis extremely important that it makes it to all of Realm's peoples, else some will stave together before the years end. It is a hard life on Jotunheim, make no mistake, but we live proudly and build bonds of iron between us."

[grofjardanhazy]

More: These alien-looking ice sculptures formed all on their own

[frostbittenking]

All's fair in love and business.

[frostbittenking]

"Whatever materials ye need will be given to ye." Shrugged the larger the man. That was not a problem for him, nor was ‘time’ really… the way he saw it, humans perceived time to be much much slower than immortals did.. what could take twenty years for the Stark might seem like no more than a week for a Jotun, especially one as patient as he was. As long as he maintained his own body, Jotunheim would continue feeding off of his strength until a new core was in place.

When he breathed in again, the scent of Anthony once more came to him, and he puzzled over it momentarily. Rather typical man smell for his species… aftershave and metal… and something else. The lingering touch of another upon his skin, of someone that Laufey knew, or had been in occasional contact with enough to sort of recognize. 

"Ye’v had a great deal of contact with one of us, if yer able to identify my species so quickly… might I ask with whom?"

[starkindustriesonline-archive]

"Large amounts of vibranium, to start. Hard to come by here on Earth, but hey, maybe you have better resources than I do, so I’ll leave the materials to you. I’ll get you a list." He pulled out his phone to tap out a quick reminder to himself, for Jarvis to point out to him again when he’s in a place to actually take care of it and get it back around to Laufey again.

At the Jotun’s question, he paused, thinking. Contemplating the risks of evading the question and comparing them with the potential dangers of giving his lovers away.

Then he thought of Liesmith, and Deceiver, and knew that they could take care of themselves.

"I spend a great deal of time in the company of Loki."

[frostbittenking]

"Loki..." He repeatted, not as surprised as he should be- but then... what other Jotun did he know of that spent a lot of time on Midgard? None of his people went anywhere on other worlds without his express permission... no one besides Loki. 

Loki... Loki... 

The trickster who was also his eldest living son. 

How poetic. 

"I hope that my son has given ye a good impression of us..apparently he has, if yer so willing to do business. If yer considered a companion of the basilisk and his silver tongue, then yer either very intelligent or very malleable, and judging by our conversation thus far, I am inclined to believe it is the former. As such, I wish ye luck in yer continued association with him." Which, all in all, basically meant that Laufey was assuring Anthony he would not be interfering, and also that his curiosity was satisfied to the point of...not... really caring who he hung out with, "once we have the list, I will begin obtaining whatever ye need."

[designstroy]

Brian Stauffer