Chapter 2

Peace – it was practically tangible in this moment, as Thor quietly sat on the couch watching Jane's sleeping form. He'd always been one for action, not taking the time to slow down and really see what he'd been given. Now, her head rested on his lap and she dreamed peacefully with the assurance of his presence. He brushed a wisp of hair from her face. She wasn't the first woman he'd loved, but she was the first human.

Something about this race of weak creatures fascinated him. He just couldn't place his finger on it.

His attention was drawn to the books strewn about. A smirk of vain amusement touched his lips as he saw they were a myriad of Norse and Germanic Mythology books. Curious to know what she'd read and if it differed from the reality he knew, he sipped his mug of strong coffee and picked up the volume within reach that had the most bookmarks. The chapter detailing himself, was of course the first he started to skim.

Jane stirred when he was only a few pages into the chapter. "My Valkyrie awakens," he spoke as he set down his coffee and put his hand on her shoulder.

"Valkyrie? Huh?" she mumbled confusedly as she stretched.

"You were there as I died, just as the Valkyrie are for those who die in battle. At my side, you braved the Destroyer and helped get people to safety. And you were the first person here to believe in me, while I was in my mortal form and banished from Asgaard. In essence, my salvation," he stated it so matter-of-factly that it threw Jane off for a moment and she looked up at his expression to see if he was being ironic. No jest, just tenderness.

Then her eyes turned to the book he had in his hand. Her eyebrow raised and she jibed, "Reading a little about yourself now are you?"

Not to be dissuaded or embarrassed by his actions, he counted, "Yes. Over a millennia ago, your race commonly worshipped my family. I wanted to know more of what is and was thought of us."

"And…" she prompted.

"I've only read a few pages." Pointing to the paragraph describing him driving a cart pulled by two goats he snorted, "This...THIS is utter nonsense." Then his voice changed tone, "But other passages … this one…" He indicated a section and an image. She sat up and scooted closer to get a better look as he continued, "It says I waded across the realms, while the others must wait to use the bifrost to cross between realms." His gaze fixed on hers and a slightly puzzled tone entered his voice, "I JUST did that Jane, yet it was written here." An uncomfortable pause settles in after he turns to another passage and just taps below it. She reads and finds it's the section on his lineage. She breaks the silence, "Why are you pointing here?" She places her hand over his and taps with her index finger at the indicated text.

"My mother is not listed as Frigga…" his brow furrowed with his thoughts coming together and he took a breath before continuing, "Fjordin is listed. The Earth Mother. Another name for her is Gaia…"

Added silence. Jane softly slipped the book from his hand, setting it on the table and took his large palm in hers. How does one comfort a god? She was in territory so foreign that she hadn't the slightest idea where to begin.

Still in his own thoughts, he questioned, "Frigga, I was raised and loved by her and always believed her to be my mother. Could this be why Father had been particularly keen on protecting Earth and its people, all the while proclaiming we of Asgaard were the defenders of all the realms? Is this why he chose Earth as the place of my banishment after I disobeyed him?"

"So… he sent you off to your mom?" she thought out loud.

"It appears so," he voiced as the furrow in his brow increased.

Moving her hands to his cheeks, she turned his face to hers and placed her forehead against his. His eyes close and she asks "With you being a god, nothing will be easy – will it?" She felt the crease in his brow lessen and his hand cover hers on his cheek before he let out a quiet chuckle at the irony.

"Tell me more about Asgaard," she requested hoping to change the subject.

"Asgaard would please you," he replied as the sparkle returned to his eyes. He described the great hall, the gateway observatory, those he knew, the magic that powered the kingdom, and recounted a few of the battles he'd fought – all before there was a knock at the door.

What would you think of the human race's description of you as a god? It's one thing to be worshiped. Perhaps another when you see what people really think and you aren't all knowing? Thanks for reading! Reviews are appreciated!