fossilised | I come from a land of ice and snow

"How is it you have purchased gifts for me and yet do not recall why?" It was hard to tell if Thor was joking or not. His face was hard, almost fierce. "Has all of that sorcery gone to your brain or did mother prompt you to find a gift for me?" He made a show of scratching his beard. "And I have been planing your own gifts for nearly two years now, for much the same occasion. My poor brother. Mind for books and not much else. We will mourn you so."

Thor laughed and grabbed for Loki, actually make out Anthony take a step forward as if to protect his master from the juggernaut that was Thor. He would be nothing in the way of that might and yet a mere week had given Anthony an instinct that could not be taught but must be felt.

Thor's slave cleared his throat, not much taller than Anthony but muscular. He had dark hair and blue eyes that seemed amused. Though he had already guessed one slave was for Thor by his size and shape and haircut, he had never in his life known Loki to keep a slave. A lot had happened when he was out on his hunt with Thor. Interesting. He'd have to poke around the quarters for gossip later.

Loki would be thrown over Thor's shoulder if he allowed himself to be caught and flung down on the bed as if he was half his size and age. It was a game Loki used to cackle with delight over.

Thor's slave was a legend among slaves, even outside the palace. He had been chosen by the prince when he was just a small boy, and had been gifted the apples to keep him vital and young. His name was James and he was an exceptional warrior, even rivalling many Asgardians. He had an arm made of forged dwarven steel after he lost his own protecting his master, he was highly treasured and given many privileges that slaves were often denied.

James stepped to one side, used to the sight of his master and brother wrestling, and smiled at both new slaves. He shook his head just slightly at Loki's slave to indicate that he should not intervene, and raised eyebrows at Thor's new gift to see what he thought of his probable first close up look at his master.

Loki laughed as he flew back onto the bed, but he did not go easily. He wound his legs around his brother's throat and twisted to try and toss him down as well, relying on dexterity rather than strength to get the move done.

"Do not mourn my mind, my brother, it is sharper than any of your blades will ever be. Steven, step forward. Thor, I have bought this slave for you, his papers and assessments in physical attributes were second to none."

Steven stepped forwards eagerly and stood as straight as he could, pride practically radiating off him.

Hanging back, Anthony did as Bruce told him to. Be present, he said. Be present but invisible. Allow your betters to have their moments and you just be the extension of their hand. Bruce told him that he would grow used to it but until then, he needed to be mindful of his presence. It just took a lot out of him to stand straight in a corner when he wanted to be at Loki’s side.

And Bruce told him that it was normal too. Enthusiasm was important to cultivate and quash as needed

From under Loki’s arm and leg, Thor stuck his head to look up at the tall, muscled slave. “Ho! A fine specimen!” he said, pulling himself out of Loki’s hold to step out towards the slave. He put on a sarong, tied once around his waist rather than summon his usual clothing and placed his hands on narrow hips as he stared down at the gift. His grin was infectious as he nodded in appreciation at Loki. “You have his books?”

Thor tilted his head to the left and shifted his arms to cross over his massive chest.

“James, I want you to look over his logs….but until then, Steven? Where did my brother find you? Not the unclaimed village, surely. You would have been snatched up years ago.”

Loki remained relaxed on the furs, though he did gesture to Anthony to fetch him wine from the pitcher on one of the small tables, he would likely be here with his brother for some time and he wanted to wet his throat while he had a moment to himself. He watched eagerly, for he enjoyed when gifts he gave brought the pleasure that he imagined they would, it reflected well on him.

James immediately moved forwards to hold out his hands for Steven's books, which had thankfully been brought with them, grasping them in the gleaming metal hand and taking them to one of the side tables to begin examining.

"Yes, my Prince, the unclaimed village. Anthony and I, that's the slave Prince Loki bought for himself, were both only weeks away from our fourth knots. I do not know why I wasn't taken before now, but I thank Odin that I wasn't or I wouldn't be here now."

James snorted from the corner, much more familiar and less formal thanks to his long service and friendship with his master.

"Likely because of your fighting. Not many log books are this thick with brawling between the slaves, even with the guardians at one point."

"I--" Steven looked stricken, swallowing hard. "I don't like to see injustice, especially for those who lack the right to fight back."

Standing beside Loki where he could refill his cup as needed, Anthony arched an eyebrow at his name being dropped. He didn’t think of himself as a nothing, not exactly, but his name wasn’t important to Thor or to the story. James hummed a little at the response and earmarked a few pages to read to Thor later when his master was less excitable or focused on the state of his gift.

“You saw yourself as a protector of your fellow Midgardians? Is that not the role of the guardians? To instruct? To nurture? To protect? James, we will visit the unclaimed village. If there is injustice occurring, I will not stand for it.” He prowled around Steven, eyes transfixed on the blond, before he paused at where James stood. He flipped open one of the pages where James had his finger shoved against and briefly read the account. “Seven? You faced off seven three knotters-- This is astounding. How true are the accounts?”

“Extremely,” James said mildly. “The scribes record all sides of every incident in the appendix. What you see here is a summary and the ruling-- I will have those delivered if you care to see them—“

“No,” Thor said. “No. I will see them myself when we make a visit. For now-- James, I would like to see him fight for myself. You will spar him with fists and swords. We shall make it our breakfast entertainment! Come, Loki, I—“ Blue eyes narrowed. “A moment more-- Did you say my brother bought himself-- You. Slave. Present yourself. Let me see what has finally caught my brother’s eye-- You must be made of parchment.”

James immediately left the records in a neat pile to get to his feet and pull off the outer tunic to leave him bare to the waist, the pink puckered skin where metal prosthetic met flesh evident against the tan on the rest of his skin. He did not have blades on him, but he would collect some from the yard before taking Steven to the small tournament area so that they may entertain from beneath Thor's windows.

"Come along, we need to be ready to fight be the time breakfast comes."

Steven looked a little taken aback, he knew he would never win against James who had been fighting since well before he was born, but he was determined to put on a good show. So he followed the more senior slave at once, even as Thor examined poor Anthony where he stood with the wine pitcher.

"Yes, my brother, my slave is made of parchment, how astute of you to notice," said Loki drily. "My millennial is approaching and I should have my own slave when that comes, is it so much of a surprise?"

Steven matched his pace with James, keeping behind him as he had been taught. He was not as smooth as Anthony had become with rank and file, and he had no idea what was going to be expected of him. If the week before had been important to find his place in this world, now was even moreso. This could make or break his entire life.

Just beyond Thor’s chambers, around the circular hallway and visible from the antechamber through rows of neatly spaced columns was a lovely courtyard framed by well kept shrubbery. It provided a work out yard, a place to socialize and a place to spar. James had Steven assist him moving the lounge furniture to the side and whistled for two young women who resided where Steven would find himself as well that evening from the slave’s chambers across the way. They hurried over to help and then were sent off to fetch a suitable breakfast for Thor, for Loki, and for Thor’s slaves as well. As property of the eldest Prince, they were kept well. Thor saw to that.

The girls would one day be fine warriors themselves, their muscles tight and sculpted, and they might even take Steven in a fight, but for now they were mostly kept as chamber servants. James no longer did menial tasks for his master.

With Thor still commenting over Loki’s chaotic nature to have purchased someone untested rather than just name one of the loyal palace slaves, Steven had some time to survey his new surroundings. James smiled cheekily at him. “Don’t worry. I’m going to be gentle on you. We just want to see where else your training needs to be supplemented. I came from the village too. Unless they’ve changed in the last century or so, and I kind of doubt it, you’ll need some work.”

Steven's jaw set and he pulled himself up to full height, a weird mixture of pride and politeness still in his voice even as he obviously disagreed with what James was saying. He was a good fighter, strong and supple, he wasn't going to run or be beaten down by anyone, not even the personal slave to Prince Thor.

"Sure, I'm ready, let's do it."

He glanced up at the windows to see that Thor and Loki were now finally sat at chairs that had been brought out for them, a breakfast of cured meats and fruit between them, served by both Anthony and the women that belonged to Thor. He squared himself up and prepared to fight.

And he was good.

Not as technically skilled as James, but the potential was definitely there, and he never let himself stay down. Even long past when he should have conceded the fight, he was back on his feet with his hands raised in front of him.

"...I could do this all day."

Eating nothing, eyes on the gifted man below, Thor sat at the edge of his chair while Anthony watched from Loki’s side. He shouldn’t feel a swell of pride since he had nothing to do with Steven’s tenacity, but he did. The blond’s stamina was intense and though he was bleeding a little from a well placed shot meant to be dodged but instead had been leaned into so that he could get a blow in himself, he looked beautiful and in his element.

James was ready for another round when Thor slammed a fist down on the balustrade. He was not angry in the slightest, he wasn’t anything but impressed. He just tended to make grand and loud gestures. This, for example. “Enough,” he commanded. “Wipe yourselves off and come to share in breakfast.”

Anthony was slightly astounded by that. Not only did Steven and James round the curved hallway from courtyard to antechamber, but the two girls that had served him and two other slaves who had emerged from the slave chambers to watch followed as well. Were all to partake in breakfast?

It turned out that yes, yes indeed, they were. Lounging and laughing as if they were companions, though certainly not friends, Steven was brought into their circle. Thor poured for himself and ate separate from the group, with Loki, at the gilded table by the balustrade. “Does your slave care to join mine?”

Anthony wasn’t sure what he hoped the answer would be. He wanted to be at Loki’s side, but that meal looked delicious.

Steven was practically glowing with pride when Thor called a halt and invited him to take breakfast, especially when James clasped his forearm in a friendly and respectful manner to congratulate him on fighting so well. He genuinely thought this might be the happiest day of his entire life, and he couldn't stop grinning as he began to eat the most delicious food he had ever tasted.

Loki, well pleased with how his gift had been taken, was inclined to be generous in the good mood of the day. So he nodded and gestured for Anthony to go and partake in the food as well should he wish to do so.

"He pleases you then, my brother? He is not the whole of your present, a stallion of pure Vanaheim stock awaits you in the stables."

He knew that Thor would be gifted many things that day, from friends and family, and from people who wished to curry favour with Asgard's ruling family, but he would recall that Loki's gifts had come first and were thus untarnished by anything that came after. His were the gifts that others had to measure up to.

"Oh? After we have finished our meal, you shall show me this new stead. You take too much pity on my stable. I do not, as you say, run my mounts too hard. They are better for the attention. And what brought so much fine gift giving in for this day? It is not a year to be celebrated so remarkably."

Thor's eyes stayed on Steven as Anthony went to join him. His initial testing had gone so splendidly. Truly splendidly. He knew his brother had a keen eye, however, and would never knowingly choose a poor gift for him. He valued his praise too much.

"Why did you not keep Steven for yourself? He would have been an ideal personal servant." He was interrupted for a moment by the laughter among the slaves, centered on Loki's new and first addition. "You should have someone to fight along side of you," he continued. "Your slave is small and meek. He relies upon his whit and not his-- aaaaah."

It took him a bit to get there but get there at least he did.

Loki's lips turned up as Thor finally reached the conclusion that should have been obvious. For he was also someone who did not rely on brute strength, though he had sufficient strength should it come to a straight physical battle, and preferred to use trickery and intelligence to get his way.

"Should I not mark the day of your birth with remarkable attention each year?"

In truth, he did it because he feared this would be the last year he would be welcome as a son of Asgard. He had been visiting Jotunheim for many years now, and learned the secrets of his birth almost four centuries ago. He had struggled since with where his loyalties truly were, and he had come to the conclusion that they were with both. Yet the Jotun half of him could not flourish while the realm itself was so broken.

So he planned to steal the Casket of Ancient Winters and return it to his natural father. But not yet. He would enjoy his own millennial first, he would have his day surrounded by all he had known, and then he would sow the seeds of chaos into the wind and reap the storm.

Thor himself had absolutely no idea about Loki's birth. It was hard to say how he might feel about his favourite little brother had he known, though, but one thing was certain. Stealing from the All-Father to disrupt the balance between Asgard and Jotunheim would put them at odds in ways neither would understand until it happened and until Loki perhaps was capture in the act.

For now, he seemed pleased to say that he wasn't at all at odds with having his brother celebrate his birth whenever he liked and he was happy to spend this fine day with him. Thor was easy. He liked sport and sparring, he liked eating and drinking, he liked fucking and singing-- A ride on his new steed, equally mooned over as his slave, just himself and Loki, would give the slaves time to converse at their leisure.

All were interested in Anthony more than Steven. Steven was a natural addition to Thor's slave stable. But Anthony-- "Where does he have you sleep? I have been many times to Prince Loki's chambers and there is no room for a slave," one girl asked.

Anthony gladly informed her that he slept in a space cleared out solely for him.

"What of Bruce?"

"He teaches me. Steven too," Anthony said. He wasn't used to such scrutiny.

Loki gestured that Anthony may have the morning as leisure time, though he would expect to be met when he returned from his ride with Thor, and then slipped off down to the stables to ride out into the morning with his brother. A pleasant way to spend a few hours, and perhaps they would even come across some hunting which would clearly please Thor, for he was a simple creature.

Steve, for his part, looked as though he might burst with pride any moment. The breakfast tasted better than any food he had ever eaten before, and he had acquitted himself with such skill that both the legendary James and Prince Thor had expressed approval. He was beaming through every mouthful, watching as the others questioned Anthony.

"Prince Loki has never taken a slave before."

A man's voice interrupted the women as James swung onto the balcony and pulled up a chair to start eating, immediately given the better cuts of meat by the other slaves there.

"He's been presented with more than a few, but none have ever matched up to him. Any idea what made him pick you?"

"No idea," Anthony said with his mouth half full. Loki had been busy for this week and so the kitchens had fed him and none of that food was ever this good. None of the food he had ever tasted was this good either. "I disrespected him by not knowing he was a prince, showed him my upgrades to the unclaimed bathing chambers and gave him a little metal toy bird. I think he pitied me for being an idiot, frankly."

Anthony had pride in himself but this recountment was the first time he ever thought about why he'd been picked. Loki found him clever with the puzzle toy. And with the irigation. And that bird. Loki did not prize what Thor did. Strength. Honour. Loki liked subterfuge and Anthony loved joining in. He just couldn't say any of that. Not to these people. He had to keep his master's secrets safe so he downplayed himself.

He ate a handful more of blueberries and changed the line of questioning to deflect. "Where'd you think Steven will be serving? Prince Thor has his chamber servants. He bathes himself--"

Steven frowned when Anthony downplayed himself like that, leaning forward to shake his head and look around at his fellow slaves with earnest blue eyes. Already the women liked him, but then... everyone liked Steven, he was just so honest and friendly and genuine, like a giant dog that had never quite grown out of puppyhood.

"He's being too modest, Anthony is the cleverest slave to come through the village in centuries, I heard the guardians even say as much. Prince Loki is a scholar, right? He probably wanted a slave that had some brains, and nobody is smarter than Anthony."

One of the women smiled at him warmly and patted his arm, which seemed to mollify Steven, before turning her attention back to Anthony.

"It's hard to say, but he was chosen for his physical attributes so he'll probably be used to help when Prince Thor goes on campaign or hunting trips, someone to assist James when he needs it. Or maybe he'll be taken to the furs, he has a spectacular physique."

Steven blushed. Not because of the mention of sex, he was well versed with that and almost hoped he would get to lie with his master at least once, but because of the compliments. James grinned from where he was sat at the head of the table, though his deep blue eyes were serious and appraising.

"If you're meant for me, I'd accept that. You fight well, if without technique, you could be great."

Over the next two hours, James gave both Anthony and Steven the tour. Steven would need to find a place to sleep in the slave quarters across the private courtyard and Anthony would have to understand a few things about the brothers. Like how it was perfectly acceptable to make demands of Thor in Loki's name. "It is always best to favour the younger brother when it comes to demands and queries. Thor would (and has) moved mountains for Loki. I've spent my childhood with them. Loki can be cruel if he doesn't get his way and Thor is more forgiving."

Not once was there a Prince thrown in there. James spoke familiarly of them. But having spent almost seven hundred years with the brothers, he was privy to a great deal of insider information and a comfort level that few matched. Some slaves had served longer than he had but very few personal slaves had. The apples would give him another hundred years or so. But no more than that. He would start to age rapidly before Thor's next millennial. It was sad to think he might never see him take the throne.

He just hoped to die in battle first so he could wait to serve his prince in.Valhalla.

Anthony was impressed but as the sun was nearly at the mid day level, he excused himself with a lingering embrace for Steve.

He had to get back to Loki. James would tell Steven that he was surprised his friend had the itch already-- that call to serve. "He's like... So arrogant. I would never peg him for a good slave. But he's loyal. You can't fault that. Now we have a lot to do for the party. You can help Adriela with changing the furs and stoking the fire. We need to get these chambers clean."

Steven didn't know the truth about the apples yet, and he might be saddened when he learned that James would be gone before another century was out. But James wasn't that sad, he knew he had lived a good long time and knowing when he might go helped him to know when he had to start looking for someone to recommend to Thor to replace him once he was gone.

He trusted his master to send him into a battle that he couldn't possibly win before his time was over, to give him the honour of dying as the warrior he had lived as. And when that happened, he would dive into the fight with a full heart and take as many of them with him as possible, as befit a personal slave to the future king.

Anthony had arrived at the stables only a few minutes before Loki and Thor arrived back together, and he earned an approving nod from his master for not only remembering his instructions but following them in an exemplary fashion.

"I have need to bathe before the feasting begins, my brother, and I am sure you wish to inspect your slave more. Anthony shall keep me company in my bath, and we shall both come to the feast relaxed and ready to celebrate."

Thor hugged his brother fiercely in thanks for his gifts. The horse had ridden well, perfectly spirited and capable of not only carrying him tirelessly, but also inclined to head through rough terrain without balking. Thor was beyond pleased. He wasn't sure if he enjoyed the slave better, for he was a fine specimen and a capable fighter, or the steed better and told Loki he liked them both equally and would remember this boon well.

Anthony made sure to reign and stable the horse his master rode for the grooms to take over and then hurried to follow Loki back to his chambers. He had made sure to stop by the kitchen on the way down to the stables and there was a spread of fish and cheese for Loki to nibble at if he chose while he prepared himself.

"How was your ride, my prince?" He asked for he could never stay silent for too long. And Loki seemed in a good mood.

"Pleasant, though we saw no game to hunt, it was a good test of the stallion's mettle, a test passed."

Loki strode through the palace corridors to his own chambers, long legs eating up the distance easily and assuming that Anthony would keep up even if his slave, with much shorter legs, needed to jog in order to keep pace.

"But my muscles are now sore and I wish the heat of a bath and the warmth of a body to couple with."

He intended for that to be Anthony, it saved the trouble of going to seek out another who might share his company in the bathtub.

He'd had the training but not much opportunity to use it. The moment he had been of age, he and all of the others in his age group had been exposed to those sorts of skills. And, of course, they were encouraged to practice with one another. No harm could come of it. In order for slaves to breed, their masters would have to gift them with fertility. And the more desensitized they were with sex, the less they would attempt to use it for leverage or as a weapon. Rape was unheard of in the village. Respect and consent was ground into their being. Most Asgardians preferred consent from their slaves as well. Rape was for conquest. Midgardians were not much of a conquest when they were already slaves.

"Shall I call for someone in particular to assist or will you allow me the honor?" Anthony found himself unsure, however, which option he wanted. Loki was his prince and his master and Anthony would gladly share his furs. But it had been a long time for him. He rarely found interested partners despite his good looks. And he was far too interested in himself to pursue anyone.

After chores and training, Anthony preferred to build than to couple as his way of relieving stress.

He didn't know if he remembered how to be properly pleasing but he would try.

That did not sound enthusiastic, despite the formal and loyal way it was said. Anthony made it sound like he would join Loki in his bath if he ordered him to, but he would not be desirous of such an outcome. Loki did not wish an unwilling partner, he did not enjoy rape even as a means of conquest, there were far more intelligent ways to break an enemy and subjugate them.

"Should you not wish to join me in my bath, you may find another to take your place."

Slightly frosty answer given, for he was quick to see a snub even where there wasn't one, Loki turned into his chambers and walked direct to the bathtubs which were already full of water so hot that steam rose off it in a perfumed cloud. The palace servants knew that both princes enjoyed a bath after a ride, even if it had not been a particularly strenuous one.

Having been Loki's slave for but a week, Anthony could not see the danger sign of Loki's sudden chill. It at least kept him from second guessing himself, though. He immediately moved to follow Loki, a knot in the lower part of his stomach, just above his groin, forming. It was a warmth he hadn't experienced in a long time, a sort of tingle, and he knew immediately that it was desire.

"It was more a question of wondering if you would prefer someone else," Anthony said, quickly, moving to collect Loki's clothing if he decided to strip the conventional way or if he would just use magic. Anthony found both to be appealing to watch, for different reasons. "I have wanted...."

No. That was a bad phrase. It was a phrase that his trainers and guardians had tried their best to teach him to never use. But Anthony was stubborn. Why was it bad to have wants? One's master came first but losing one's self in the process would make it pointless to have slaves. Asgardians could craft golems if they only wanted runners and fetchers.

"I've wanted to you ask me to warm your furs since you claimed me."

Perhaps want was not a term that slaves were encouraged to use, but in this instance it was exactly the right thing to say. It wasn't formal, it wasn't trite, and it convinced Loki that Anthony had been telling the truth. It melted the ice and made him smile once more, the sultry smirk of a predator who had just been given permission by his prey to take what he wanted.

"Then you had best divest yourself of clothing and get into the water, my Anthony."

Loki chose to use magic to send his clothing away rather than leave it on a pile on the floor, or waste time having Anthony tidy it away before they could get to the far more pleasurable pasttimes he had in mind for the rest of that morning. Loki's body was all lean muscle and creamy white skin, long legs stepping into the heated water with a small sigh of contentment.

"Hurry, Anthony, I do not wish to have to give the same order twice."

He wasted no time. Though the leather jerkin of his rank happened to take him quite a while at first to get used to, now he could remove it with ease. He did his best to have it off to the side but as much as one man didn't care to have piles, Anthony didn't care. He was last off with his boots and made a splash into the water. His skin was tanned from outdoor work and his body well defined and taken care of. The trainers had pushed them to maintain themselves for looks as well as skills mattered in being chosen and they ought to do what they could with what they could.

As such, Anthony had powerful leg muscles and a strong core. His arms were not too thick, his belly wasn't soft, and though his hands were not calloused, as he touched Loki's skin with reverence, head bowed and fingers lingering at his navel, they were rough around the edges from working them on his projects.

The steam from the water did nothing to relax one particular muscle and though he wanted to plunge right for where desire struck men, Anthony took his time getting to know the long lines of Loki's body as his lips and tongue worshiped his skin.

He had never seen his master with another and he had no asked Bruce how Loki laid with his appetites so ubtil Anthony knew his role, he did not make an aggressive nor a passive move.

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