Work Text:
The völva entered the great hall before Loki had reached his second decade. She strode in, head held high, and looked at Odin as if he was beneath her. Even mother had never dared to look at Odin like that before. Loki glanced over at his brother, and saw Thor climbing to his feet, stubbornness written all over his face.
“Thank you for coming.” Odin greeted the woman before Thor could storm over. He froze, and Loki watched as Odin bowed his head respectfully to the woman.
“You wish for me to share with your court what I have seen.” She says, and the word seen rings with magic. Odin glances over to them.
“Boys, go play in the gardens.” He orders, and Thor immediately goes to obey, Loki trailing behind him.
He can’t seem to take his eyes off of this woman. Odin glares at her, and yet she stands strong. At the last moment he chooses to hide, instead of leaving, slipping behind a curtain. He isn’t sure what makes him do it.
“I was reared by giants Odin,” The völva says as the door shuts behind Thor. “It takes more than a stern glare to cause me fear.”
“You would be wise to remember that I am king.” Odin warns, and Loki winces, preparing for the völva to apologize. She does not. Instead she laughs at the king of Asgard.
“You would be wise to remember who I am, Odin Borson.” She says, looking down her nose at him. “You would be wise to remember what I know. You sacrificed your eye for knowledge, and it is only we that know its location. Do you understand Borson?”
Loki waits, concerned for this stranger as she stands against the king. Odin nods.
“I understand, please tell us what you have seen.” Odin says through gritted teeth. Loki has never seen anyone else so effectively get under his skin.
“Loki will grow up in the halls of Asgard,” She begins, and her words seem to echo. “He will grow strong of wit, and seider. He will grow to be mistrusted, and disliked. He will grow lonely, and bitter.” Loki feels himself grow cold at the truth in her words. He does not want to grow lonely. “He will grow at odds with Asgard, and then, one day, he will birth three children.”
Loki blinks.
“His firstborn, Hela, will rule over the realm of the dead.” She states as if it is fact. “When Ragnorak comes she will lead an army of the dead to Asgard’s door step.”
There’s silence from the court.
“His second child will take the form of a snake, Jörmugdar, the world snake.” She goes on, and Loki feels as though he can not breathe. “Jörmugdar will wrap around Midgard, and when the time comes he will consume worlds.”
Loki is shaking as she speaks.
“His youngest son, Fenrir, will take the form of a giant wolf.” She declares, and there is silence in the room. “When Ragnorak comes, Fenrir will consume you, king of Asgard.” Loki whimpers.
“Surtur will walk through Asgard, and the gods will fall.” She finishes. “This is what I have seen, after Asgard falls, a new world will rise.”
“What do I care for a new world?” Odin growls, slamming gungnir on the floor. “Leave.” He demands, and she rises to her feet, and leaves. “I said leave!” His voice booms, and others rush for the doors.
A sob makes it past Loki’s throat, and he stumbles from his hiding place.
“Loki?” Frigga asks, dropping to her knees in front of him. “What are you doing love?” She asks, and tears flood down his face. He can’t control his sobs.
"My children, they're," he struggles to breathe through his tears "Ragnorak." He manages to get the word out, after a moment of struggle.
"Don't worry about that." His mother says, and wipes a tear from his cheek. He leans his head into her palm and allows her magic to whisk away the memories of what he heard. "Don't you worry about that."
And he didn't, because he did not know he should.