Demeter did not like Loki.
Not many gods liked Loki when you think about it. Many of them actually hated them. Demeter didn’t hate them yet.
But she was starting to as she saw them looming over her newborn.
Hated to see those long blood red strand of hair tickling her child who stared back, unknowingly, at the god of Chaos itself. A god who has walked among them, took notes about them, flanked by two crows, and reported everything to the Allfather of Asgard. A thief of secrets. As if Olympus didn’t have enough problem with Eris wrecking chaos when she was awake.
Plants and roots twirled to turned into pointy spears, ready to strike the intruder. To pierce the flesh of the jötnar without a second of hesitation. They were not welcome in Demeter’s domain.
Yet, as Kore pulled on the jötun's braid, Demeter was surprise to see tears twinkling inside the Trickster's eyes. Grief had settled on this god’s face instead of the trademark smirk they bore around others. Trembling fingers delicaltly pried the hair away from those little hands. Slowly, they rose up and stepped away of the newborn.
“I have daughter too you know?” Loki whispered. So low that at first it took the godess a few seconds to understand him. Loki turned towards her, uncaring of the weapons she had pointed at them. “A wonderful little girl. But she’s away now. Far… Away.”
Demeter felt a clench in her chest in sympathy and pity…
Yes, thoughout realms and kingdoms it was known that Hela, the daughter of chaos, became the Queen of Helheim unwillingly, Queen of the dead of the northmen. The tales of her disfigured face travelled far and wide. The ones about her fate, the one Asgardians gave her, followed closely behind. Do not get on the bad side of Asgard. So be it if some ally's family is caught in the crossfire as long as it is for Asgard.
“She’s beautiful. You can be proud Godess of the seasons” Loki whispered as they looked back at the baby. “A cute little rose bud,” they chuckled softly when the baby cooed back at them. “I see why Odinn was interested in her.”
Demeter felt fear shackle her limbs for a split second before she made the roots strike.
No no no, it can’t be! Not her precious daughter barely born!
She couldn’t bare to imagine what the Allfather interest was into a child. But that man was cruel and unfair towards his own people.
You must never catche Odin’s eye before a battle! She heard humans saying. Don’t catch Odinn’s eye!
For if he takes a liking to you, he won’t protect you. He’ll let death catch you so you can stand by his side in Valhöl
Loki sidestepped the attack and rushed out of her range. Their feet barely touching the ground as they leaped, slid between plants and trees. Off into the distance, to report back to their brother probably. Demeter rushed and picked her child into her arms, shaking. Not her sweet daughter, no one will ever touch her.
Out of Demeter’s domain, Loki stopped and open their cape. Gently grasping the head tied to their waist, they lifted it so they could face Mimir’s white eyes.
“Say it again. The future you saw of this child, please, repeat it.”
I see the the maiden, born from roses
I see her, shackled in thorns.
For the care and love from others will be bitter poison
And the beauty she bares will earn her scorns.
She will shine and be wanted,
She will break and wrath will take
What sweet innocence she had left.
She will be crowned with love and dread.
All hail the maiden and Queen of the dead.
Loki willed themself not to squeeze the head in anger as the words tumbled from his lips. Angry? At who? At the fate that the little rose bud seemed to have and has yet to face? Or was it at himself?
He couldn’t protect his daughter. Demeter will not be able to save her’s. For the words that tumbled out of Mimir’s mouth are laced with a bitter truth that cannot be changed.
But I see something that may change the stakes.
Loki jumped and nearly dropped the head. They blinked as Mimir continued, with a offended frown at Loki’s handling.
Years to come she will face others and herself.
If allies stand by her side she may have what it takes
To stand, fight and shield any kindness she’ll have left.
Beware, before spring’s arrival, there will be a harsh winter
And as an Asgardian, Loki, think twice before your share your fire.
The trickster stared at the wise man eyes before looking above in the sky. Twin crows were circling above them. As the birds flew down to land newt to them they sighed.
“Of course I will. Always will, always have.”
They knelt down and offered a hand for Huginn to jump on. It rubbed it’s beak against the jötnar’s sleeve with contempt. Loki sighed.
It was time to go back home.
(Few sketches I've done in regards of this little piece of fanfic between Demeter and Loki)
(This is the "first" meeting between Loki and Persephone, but I'm working on the second meeting, years after this one ^^)
