Heavens above was there no end to Sk?ll's incessant banter? Already Baldur was repeating a mantra in his head. He'd always been impulsive and quick to anger and ready to vent his feelings and frustrations physically but things were different now. He was growing and he was learning. And he needed to get back to Hodr. He knew it was a huge risk. Baldur was certain Hodr would have fled as soon as he'd seen Baldur's outburst at Anglea's engagement to Vili. Why would he linger behind? The snowy brute was 80% sure that Hodr was not back home but if he was? Damn Sk?ll and his words.
"I never wanted to lead - I have simply taken up the duty that should have been my brothers' had you all not turned your back on us who needed you
A bark of laughter erupted from Baldur's lungs as he turned on his younger brother with a grin that did not match his normally contented personality. "Congratulations! You've discovered why I find your suggestion so ridiculous. You don't want to lead, huh? Guess what, neither do I! Neither does Thor? or Loki? or even Hati. No one does! Sorry but your shit out of luck Sk?ll no one is interested in ruling that hot mess of a pack." He paused then grinned. "Except, as I said, Eyfura or even N?tt. So why don't you go bug them?" He knew his younger brother held disdain at the mere thought of female rulers. The irony was indeed hilarious that it seemed only the Hroovy females were interesting in a possible leadership role in the family.
The moment passed though replaced by a frown and narrowed eyes. "You seem to forget dear brother. I battled Ve and Vili. I lost. I could have done nothing for you." It had been a bitter defeat. Even though he'd been young he felt so sure he could kill at least one of them only to be merciless shredded and near killed if Thor hadn't saved him. Baldur continued marching down the mountain but alas Sk?ll was intent on following him. Mantra, Mantra, Mantra. He was not going to attack his little brother. He had more important things. Baldur kept working it out through his head. He needed to be in peak physical condition to sneak Hodr out. There's no way he could fight Vili and Ve by himself. He could go with Sk?ll? but that didn't seem like a good option either. While less likely to lie and cheat Baldur still did not trust the youth and he half wondered if this whole thing wasn't a trap. Though Sk?ll would've had Baldur bounding right after him to the heart of their homeland if he'd simply said Hodr was in trouble. So was there an angle or wasn't there? At the moment it seemed Sk?ll was more interested in pissing him off. Hodr was a fucking adult. He could have left at any time and if he was smart he would have. Baldur was not their mother! Or? what a mother should have been anyway.
Baldur lost control of himself, though for once not in a physical way, as he turned on his brother, speaking through clenched jaws in a voice that was suddenly quiet and dark, a voice that hissed between his teeth like a stalking viper. "Listen here you little shit. I'm not stupid and I tire of your games. I will go back for my twin if he is even there, which I very much doubt. Be considerate and I may even help in slaying an uncle or two, if you really think we stand a chance, but I will not rule. We'll get my brother then he and I are coming straight back here. Got it?"
