Mischief Makers Ch. 09

When Cami asked Jorn and Mahlora to explain the extensive procedure they intended to perform on her, Loki knew he should have discouraged it. Cami was already in a poor state of mind, having spied Mahlora's blood blade when they arrived.

Through the preliminary examination, Cami stayed close to Loki's side, tightly clenching his hand. He also noticed she was biting on her lip hard enough to cause red marks to appear. So, he repeatedly had to whisper in her ear to encourage her to stop.

When Cami's breathing progressively got quicker and she was starting to rub at her sternum, Dr. Lloyd sat her down and pulled out his cuff to take her blood pressure while Jorn, Mahlora and Loki stepped out of the hut to speak quietly.

Mahlora said immediately, "She is scared."

"She was attacked and badly hurt with a blood blade before," Loki quietly disclosed in Elven so Cami couldn't possibly understand if she overheard him.

Jorn said with urgency, "Tell me about this woman that put the curses on her."

Loki hesitated, needing a moment to comprehend. "Curses? You mean she has more than one?"

"The bad luck is bound to her soul," Jorn said. "The other is a controlling curse that is bound to her flesh."

"What kind of controlling curse?"

"We do not know," Mahlora said.

Jorn promised, "We will remove both before we work on her magic. Please, who is this Jotun woman with such power?"

"Her name is Jahla and she is only half Jotun. Her mother was a Light Elf slave."

"Do you know the slave's name?" Mahlora asked.

"No, I don't," Loki admitted.

Looking anxious and a little sick, Jorn told Loki, "We sensed familiar energy in these curses that made us think we could be connected to this Jahla woman. I think her mother was our eldest daughter Lorna. We lost her in a raid by the Jotun many years ago. She had both blood and spirit magics."

"I'm sorry," Loki sympathized. "Jahla told me that her mother died in the hunters' village a long time ago."

Loki left Jorn and Mahlora to speak quietly between themselves and stepped back into the hut.

Cami had pulled her knees up to her chest. "I can't do this," Cami said immediately to Loki, her eyes wet and pleading.

Loki asked Dr. Lloyd, "Can you give her something to help calm her?"

"We shouldn't expect her to make it through this procedure awake," the doctor said. "I suggest we put her out and closely monitor her vitals."

Feeling that Dr. Lloyd did offer the safest option, Loki agreed.

When the couple returned, a younger man and woman with similar features entered the hut with them. Jorn explained, "Our children will help. The task will go faster."

Loki noted that Cami focused on the younger man as he also had a blood blade.

"We need much blood," Mahlora said. "Your people will help?"

Dr. Lloyd looked up from the syringes he was preparing. "How much blood?"

Cami had started to shake and quietly sob, obviously terrified. So, Loki asked the group, "Can we have a few minutes please?"

Jorn moved his family out again. Dr. Lloyd stayed only long enough to give Cami some injections, one of which would help ease her to sleep.

Cami leaned heavily against him as Loki sat beside her. She asked, "Don't tell anyone that I carried on like this, OK?"

It bothered Loki that she was concerned with such an unimportant thing, like it wasn't acceptable for her to react emotionally to a life-threatening situation. Of course, lecturing her on the subject wasn't going to help, and it worried him to see her frightened. So, he made the promise and held her securely until she slept.

When the collective returned, Loki knew he had to leave. The hut was small and now that Cami was unconscious, he was the least necessary person there. He exchanged a meaningful look with Dr. Lloyd before he stepped out. Then he sat on a stump around the side of the structure to wait.

Agent Stott was trained as a secondary field medic and proficiently made the rounds for Dr. Lloyd, collecting vials of blood from their teammates. After Gary delivered the vials into the hut, he reported that Cami was doing well and tried to get Loki to come over with the rest of the team.

Natasha had authorized Kotter and Stott to lead a scouting party into the Jotunheim in the early morning hours to collect some intel on the Jotun village where Rosner was being held. The twins, Hogun and Trawick had accompanied them.

"We're talking mission options and going over the video footage we captured," Stott said.

Loki shook his head. "I feel I should be here for Cami."

Gary understood and didn't press, just headed off to rejoin the others.

Loki was so distracted with his troubles that he didn't notice the passing of time or when a dark-haired girl of five or six years of age approached him. "Prince Loki," she said sweetly, drawing him out of his reverie. Her dark brown eyes were hopeful as she asked in Elven, "Can I give blood for your princess?"

"Dear One," Loki replied tenderly, his already heavy heart instantly swelling, "I do not think your parents would approve."

Her disappointment was evident as she cast her gaze over to a large group of children peeking out from behind a tall woodpile and shook her head at them. Their anxious features fell, which further stirred the emotion within Loki's chest.

"Come here, Children," he called out, and they rushed from their cover to stand humbly before him, fidgeting under his inspection. "Lady Camille will be touched to hear that you wanted to help. She likes children very much."

The first girl to approach told him sorrowfully, "The fire-hair woman said the Jotun witch stole the princess' beauty and now she is sad and wants to hide away forever."

Loki didn't know what to say to this. The children all appeared so brokenhearted.

Jorn's son stepped out of the hut, turning to address the children. He was smiling as he said, "Come with me to see Saizon."

The children scurried off on the son's heels to visit with the village leader, leaving Loki once again with his own thoughts. When Jorn's son returned, he was alone and carrying a large satchel. He gave Loki a respectful nod before slipping back into the hut.

Clint wandered over a bit later to check in. "I thought they'd be done by now," Clint said with a look of concern. Then he added, "We've been going over the rescue plan."

"I assume I'm driving," Loki said. Even though he'd been training with Natasha, he didn't feel so confident about the possibility of getting into an actual fight with a Jotun since he only had human strength and speed now.

"Yeah. I'm thinking about leaving Cami here tonight?"

Loki said firmly, "She's a skilled driver. If she feels up to it, this could be a real opportunity for her to contribute."

With a nod, Clint said, "That's what I thought you'd say. I haven't made up my mind yet."

Jorn stepped out of the hut first, followed by his son and Dr. Lloyd.

Loki jumped up, eager for news on Cami. "How is she?"

Dr. Lloyd said, "There were a few tense moments, but overall Cami did really well, especially during the last leg of the procedure. She actually woke quicker than I expected."

Jorn admitted, "We do not understand the full nature of her magic. It is strong and willful, but we did finally contain it."

"Any side effects that you foresee?" Clint asked, looking uneasy.

Jorn shook his head. "Find her a good teacher," he advised.

Cami soon emerged from the hut, hidden beneath her cloak. To Loki's surprise, she was walking without assistance.

"The cure isn't supposed to be worse than the disease, right?" Clint said as he drew up beside her. "How are you feeling?"

Cami raised her head and pushed back the hood to show them scar-free and healthy features.

"Wow," Clint said, a bit bewildered.

Loki moved close to caress Cami's cheek and inspect her skin more closely. He said to the mages, "You said you wouldn't be able to heal the scars with everything else."

Jorn's son said with a proud smile, "The children convinced the elders to give the needed blood. They said every princess should be beautiful for her wedding day."

Jorn translated this into Common for the Midgardians' benefit, then added cheerfully, "May you have a blessed union."

Loki didn't dare admit that there was no wedding in the works after all they had done for them.

Cami thanked the family. She was smiling and got a little teary-eyed as Loki embraced her and pressed a light kiss onto her forehead.

"Incoming," Clint warned with amusement as a herd of children came running around the woodpile toward them.

Cami's eyes lit up instantly. "They're adorable!" she exclaimed, stepping away from Clint and Loki to get to them. She eased onto her knees then sat back on her heels, putting her a little bit shorter than the children as they crowded close to look and touch her face, much like Loki had been compelled to do.

"Forgive their excitement. They have never met a prince and princess before," Jorn explained. "They only hear about them in old stories of faraway lands."

Cami showered each child with affection, brightening their smiles and making it hard for Loki to try to tear her away. "Lady Camille must rest," he said gently, apologizing when the little ones grew sad.

"I don't feel that tired," Cami told him, her eyes and expression alive with a vibrant energy.

Loki turned to confer with Dr. Lloyd, who seemed exhausted in comparison. "She looks good to me," the doctor said.

Clint urged, "Let her play if she feels up to it."

Loki helped Cami stand then stepped back from the group of admirers. The children deserved her attention; so he asked them to get Cami some food and show her off. "Have fun," he said as the little ones took her by the hands and edges of her cloak and guided her deeper into the village.

Dr. Lloyd and Jorn's family followed, ready to eat and relax.

Once they were alone, Clint stepped closer. His features quickly tightened as he said, "So much for us being completely honest. This rumor is getting out of control."

Loki had really hoped to avoid this discussion, but knew it was in Clint's nature to be direct about issues that worried him. He asked humbly, "What do you want me to say? I didn't start this lie, and I realize that I should have put a stop to it earlier, but in light of everything, the rumor has benefitted us."

"Yeah, but what happens if Cami gets too comfortable with the idea?"

Loki firmly insisted, "We are not getting married."

Clint's frame remained stiff. "You better make sure Cami understands that in the nicest way possible. My sister does not need the centuries of baggage you come with, My Friend."

It took a great force of will for Loki not to lose his temper. Clint used the word friend, but everything else he said cut swift and deep, wounding Loki's pride. The archer was basically admitting that there would always be something about him unworthy of Cami.

Loki said heatedly, "I have lived a long time and made many mistakes, but I don't think I should have to spend the rest of my short, mortal life apologizing for the past."

"You haven't apologized for anything," Clint said, also escalating his tone. His eyes grew hard and piercing.

"Is that what this is about? Can I not be judged by my current actions? Have I not worked hard and shown loyalty to you and my teammates?"

This argument only ruffled Clint's feathers more. He said, "I'm not talking about your service to S.H.I.E.L.D."

Since Clint was going to so easily disregard his point, Loki decided the discussion needed to end before he became angry enough to do or say something he would regret. "Permission to be excused?"

The question threw Clint off momentarily. "This is just a talk between two guys. I'm not your superior right now."

"It doesn't feel like 'just a talk' to me," Loki replied. Then instead of walking away as he first intended, he stepped right up to Clint. Since he only had a few inches height on Clint to put to use, he tried to make it up with his expression. "I will only say this nicely once more. Your sister and I have made no promises to marry. So, you can abort your preemptive strike."

Clint's anger escalated with the attempted intimidation, but he also looked a little embarrassed by Loki's insinuation. He glared, saying nothing more as Loki turned and walked away.

When Loki strolled into the center of the village, he found that the Zovodna had gathered for another elaborate meal. He intended only to check in on Cami and the rest of the team then perhaps continue down to the river to hide out. However, Dan Kotter reached up and snagged his arm as he passed by, using the element of surprise to successfully pull Loki off his feet and into a clumsy landing in the grass between him and Fandral.

"Oops," Kotter said instantly, but his tone revealed his amusement at the intentional move.

"I think you could use a drink," Fandral stated, slipping Loki a cup of some unknown beverage.

Loki leered at Kotter, but it quickly became clear to him that he and Fandral were attempting to be lighthearted to ease his poor mood.

"Hey, we're gonna have some challenges between the two groups. Kind of a pre-mission competition," Kotter told him. "Stick around. It could be fun."

Loki wasn't enthusiastic with the interference in his own plans to be alone, but realized his absence from the gathering could cause Cami unneeded stress. "Very well; for a little while."

"Clint giving you a hard time about Cami?" Kotter asked knowingly.

"When doesn't he? He creates conflict where there needn't be." It felt strangely freeing for Loki to finally say this out loud to someone.

Fandral lifted his own drink, gesturing across the gathering to where Cami, Sif and the twins were seated and surrounded by little girls. Cami was meticulously parting and tying up the Elflings' long hair in her maddening piggy tails.

"She is a fine woman," Fandral said, "but is it worth constantly fighting Clint to possess her?"

Loki took some offense to the idea that anyone could own Cami, like she was a mere object. The crime lord Victor Drago had confessed to wanting to collect her, and though Loki had taken particular satisfaction in injuring him, it was unsettling to realize that Drago and his old self weren't that different. Loki knew he had often been attracted to intelligent women who were difficult to charm and bend to his will, but it had been the challenge that fed his need more than actually collecting the prize.

His connection with Cami had proved very different than past relationships, which were marked by constant disagreements, lies and power games.

"Clint is just being protective. She's all the family he has left," Kotter said.

He understood Dan's point, but it was never Loki's intention to take Cami from Clint.

The competition began shortly with a wrestling match between Volstagg and four of the larger Zovodna males.

"Four against one; how is this fair?" Kotter asked with concern.

The Elves rushed at Volstagg, only to bounce off his massive torso and stumble around before he toppled three of them with one mighty shove with his broad shoulder.

"You're right," Fandral agreed with a grin. "They need twice as many men if they're to have any chance."

Kotter had a good, long laugh at this while Volstagg easily put his opponents in their place.

After a few more wrestling matches with Natasha, Sif and Kotter winning theirs and Fandral doing pretty well for being mainly a swordsman, the focus switched to archery and nearly everyone had to move to make room for the positioning of the targets.

"Go easy on them," Loki heard Natasha tell a silent, joyless Clint as he joined Hogun, Trawick and several others at the firing line. Clint switched off his bow's lasersight in the spirit of fairness, but was just as impressive without it, earning admiration from the Zovodna as he out shot his opponents through each round. Unfortunately, he didn't appear to be enjoying himself at all.

In the final, Clint competed against Trawick on some pretty advanced shots while the crowd roared. Cami and Sif led a group of enthusiastic children in a chant of "Hawkeye! Hawkeye!" What a tremendous ruckus it was, and when Clint won, the Zovodna were noticeably in awe of him.

A knife throwing competition followed next. Loki had no intention of participating, but Natasha dragged him out with her while Kotter made a mad dash to retrieve his blades for him. "Come on, Loki," Natasha insisted, "help represent the team."

"I really do not want to do this," he said, feeling overwhelmed by the crowd.

"Don't be a stick in the mud. The kids are already cheering for you. Look."

The mass of children seated on the sidelines were indeed calling out his name as Cami winked and smiled encouragingly at him.

Perfect, he thought. Now he had no choice but to compete.

Kotter returned, handing off Loki's knives and joining the rest of the team to watch.

Even with his attention divided, Loki still managed to progress through multiple rounds before Natasha edged him out by the tiniest margin to continue to the final. Natasha ultimately lost against Trawick, who was a nearly flawless knife thrower. Natasha did handle the defeat with great poise and sportsmanship though.

During the break from the events, the musicians began to play and people were getting up to dance. The Zovodna had a diverse style of dancing that looked savage with sharp quick motions one moment, then transitioned into smoother, fluid movements the next to match the dynamics of the music. Like many cultures in the nine realms, dance was just another form of storytelling and this particular dance appeared to be a clan favorite.

Fandral leaned close to Loki to suggest importantly, "You might want to go over there. Cami has been looking your direction."

Loki didn't understand to what urgency Fandral was eluding. Cami was watching the dancers with fascination and cuddling the armload of children piled into her lap. Why would she suddenly want or need him?

"Oh," Kotter said after a few moments of observation. He grinned, sounding insightful as he said, "Yeah, you should definitely go over there."

Cami did flash Loki a grin when he focused his gaze on her again. Perhaps it was because she was surrounded by distracting little ones that he was having such a hard time interpreting what his companions claimed to see in her look.

Fandral's grin widened at Loki's confusion. "Surely with all your experience with women, you must see that look she is giving you."

"What look?" Loki demanded. He wondered if they were back to teasing him.

Dan explained, "Most women have this natural maternal instinct, which is great for kids, but it also has a flipside that benefits us guys too. She might look all content sitting over there, but I bet her hormones are whipping into a frenzy, and those little looks she keeps giving you are like distress calls."

Loki finally caught on and started laughing before Kotter even finished explaining his theory.

"I'm serious," Dan said pointedly, but chuckled as well.

"Quite right," Fandral said. He nudged Loki with his shoulder. "You are her prince. You must rush to her rescue."

"In the mood he's in right now, Clint would likely shoot me if he found out I'd spirited her away for such activities," Loki argued.

"Don't worry about Clint," Dan said. "The whole team's got your back on this. We'll keep him occupied."

Fandral was nodding and added, "If he does find out and tries to start trouble, we'll just have Volstagg sit on him."

That image made all three of them laugh.

Loki let Fandral steal back his now empty cup so he could climb to his feet. "You two are bad influences."

"You're welcome," Kotter called after him.

Making his way through the crowd, Loki stepped into a free space directly behind Cami, crouching down to whisper in her ear, "Mind if I interrupt?"