Sorry for the wait but here it is the next chapter in the story. I must say this was harder than I thought trying to bring a more viking Thor while not disregarding the movie was hard and writing a character that could not speak was almost as difficult.
If your wondering why I focused on Sif in the myths she was married to Thor in the movie the are not but she still slearly cares for him and repeating three names all the time would be boring. Sadly this chapter is not action packed instead it is setting the mood for the next chapter that I promise will have more action.
Copy and Paste Copyright statement here. Don't own anyone or anything in the Marvel Universe.
Asgard, 3 months
Three months had passed since the trial of Loki Odinson and too many it was a fleeting event that held no importance in their daily lives but for others the event had a profound effect on their life. An unspoken rule was created soon after the trial that none should speak ill of the fallen prince in the presence of Thor. The rule was created several days after the trial when a warrior who had too much mead began to slur to second prince in front of Thor who in a rage decorated the table with the warrior's teeth.
Thor had changed over the past few months laughter no longer followed in his wake his smile was a rare event and held none of the warmth it once had. Much of The first prince's time was spent either in the training fields or near the edge of the Bifröst asking Heimdall for information on Jane Foster's actions.
While Heimdall and Thor spoke to one another the best of Asgard's engineers worked tirelessly to rebuild the shattered remains of the Bifröst. Before the arrival of the Tesseract the engineers had estimated the repair process to take over seven years but with the Tesseract that time could be cut to a measly one year. Upon hearing this news Thor had been ecstatic his visit to Heimdall increasing in frequency each month to many his fascination with returning to Midgard was unseemly and insulting to the Allfather.
Many Thor's recent activity was a hopeful sign of a return to his more energetic and boastful nature that many found both inspiring and endearing. But this was a ruse a façade that Thor put on when in public but those in his inner circle saw the truth his movements were lethargic bags under his eyes and they knew that something was wrong.
Taking it upon herself Lady Sif journeyed to the house of Sessrúmnir to speak with the Goddess Freyja in hopes of finding a cure for the God of Thunder's troubled mind. Upon entering the golden halls of the Sessrúmnir Lady Sif quickly found Freyja within the main hall as always dressed for a wedding surrounded by Valkyries. Sif quickly brought herself before Freyja kneeling before the Goddess Sif gathered her courage and began to speak.
"Greetings Lady Freyja I would ask an audience of you."
Sif's firm tone quickly drew Freyja's attention that with a quick flick of her wrist dismissed the Valkyries around her. Turning her eyes Freyja could only sigh as her eyes lay upon the armoured form of Sif before her she could have been a great Valkyrie but instead chose to follow the first prince. Nodding politely Freyja began addressing the young woman before her.
"Be welcome in my halls Lady Sif and I grant your request for an audience walk with me."
Rising from her chair Freyja took Sif's shoulder as she stood and guided her down a hall flames from torches danced their way up the walls letting darkness ebb and flow as if it was the ocean. Upon reaching the end of the hall Freyja opened a large door leading out to a large field of herbs and trees once the stood upon the dirt Freyja turned and spoke.
"Now tell me what ails you Lady Sif why have you sought out my counsel?"
Freyja watched as Sif worked her jaw her muscles tensing and relaxing before she relaxed and began to speak.
"I seek your aid in identify and curing my lord Thor's an illness of some sort ravages him."
Frowning Freyja turned to her plants fingers dancing across their leaves as thoughts danced around inside her head.
"Describe his symptoms for me Lady Sif."
With a nod of assent Sif gathered her thoughts and began to list off each problem.
"He has become slow in his responses especially in battle, when he moves it's like he is dragging himself and at times he seems to stare at nothing but when touched jumps in surprise."
As Sif listed off each of the problems Freyja's mind quickly raced through various possibilities her fingers picking leaves before folding them in the palm of her hands the silence quickly irritated Sif who soon spoke again.
"Please Lady Freyja do you know what ails Thor."
Sif's voice held traces of desperation and worry turning the Goddess could see the fire of determination burning in the young woman's eyes her need to protect and serve her comrade. With a smile Freyja began to respond to the determined young woman.
"Thor suffers from no illness Lady Sif-"
Sif soon raised he voice and cut the Goddess off.
"But Lady Freyja he-"
Freyja raised her hand Sif quickly clamped her mouth shut and allowed Freyja to continue speaking leaving the young woman clearly chastised.
"As I said Thor is not ill he is greatly fatigued when was the last time he had a full nights rest."
Freyja's tone was no longer soft but instead powerful and demanding her eyes drilling into Sif who could only shake her head she had not seen Thor sleep since the trial of his brother. Frowning Freyja placed certain leaves in her palm before closing her hands and whispering ancient words of power.
A slight glow began to emanate from her hands while the smell of earth filled the air opening her hands the leaves were gone instead replaced by a vial of liquid. Sif could only marvel at what she had seen the magic amongst was rarely seen Sif had only witnessed the cold sharp frost taint of Loki's magic and the powerful ozone and blood tinted magic of the Allfather.
"Place this in his food or drink either by choice or cunning and he will sleep for three days this will give him a dreamless rest that his body needs."
Taking the vial Lady Sif smiled and quickly thanked the Goddess before bowing a taking her leave so that she could return to The Warriors Three. After a long journey home Sif quickly sent word through a servant to find Volstagg, Hogun and Fandral with a message to meet her. After several hours of waiting all three men soon joined her within Odin's palace the room they occupied was soon filled with whispers between the four of them. It was Fandral that began to ask what Freyja had to say on the matter of their friend.
"Well Sif what did Freyja say is there any cure to Thor's illness?"
Sif's eyes flicked to the overdressed warrior his hands nervously working the fabric of his sleeves a habit that none dared to inform him. Sighing Sif revealed the vial in her hand to warriors both Volstagg and Fandral looked at her quizzically while Hogan retained his usual mask of indifference.
"Freyja believes he suffers from fatigue and informed me that we must apply this liquid to either his food or drink willingly or not."
The three warriors in the room shifted uncomfortably at Sif's last words such action in their minds was not honourable nor was it a practised skill amongst them. Much to the shock of those around him Hogun spoke his deep voice controlled and calm bordering on monotone.
"At times like this a certain trickster would be ideal."
Those around him could only gape trying to figure out if Hogun the Grim had made a joke or an observation thoroughly confused the others decided to return to the task at hand. After several moments of silence it was Sif that spoke first.
"We will give it to him tonight at the feast Fandral and Volstagg you distract him and I will slip the liquid into his mead."
Nodding Volstagg and Fandral exited the room to prepare for the feast leaving Hogun and Sif alone the fire pit in the centre of the room breaking the constant silence with the crackling of wood. The reason for their lingering was a window and what lay beyond it a snow capped mountain and the source of Thor's sleep deprived state.
The feast was a minor event allowing for minor lords to meet and dine within the Allfather's hall allowing skalds to impress the Allfather with their son's feats of strength or blade. At the head of feast clad in his shining armour sat the Odin a smile upon his lips as the skalds spoke their voices weaving tales of courage and valour.
To Odin's right sat his wife Frigga her laughter ringing through the hall as a skald mentioned a particularly inglorious moment where a great beast led the young lords into a pit of mud before escaping them. After the skalds tale Frigga frowned such a tale would draw a great bellowing laughter from Odin's left the place reserved for the first prince instead there was silence. Thor merely sat there his hand and arm supporting his head as the young prince sat in his chair ignoring those around him.
Turning back to the crowd before her Frigga smiled as she spotted four familiar forms the ever armour clad Sif, Hogun and his usual unsmiling face, Fandral flirting with anything that had a skirt and Volstagg hand stroking his beard as his eyes set upon a boar on the spit. As the warriors reached the Allfather's table each went down on their knee bowing before their king who waved for them to stand.
"Greetings Lady Sif and The Warriors Three what brings you to my hall this evening?"
Odin's tone held none of its usual harshness but instead almost warm as he spoke a smile hiding behind his snow white beard. Rising from their knee it was Fandral who stepped forward and spoke.
"Well my lord Hogun and I were watching Volstagg drink and I declared that none could match him, Hogun challenged my declaration saying that our mighty prince Thor could match such a pace."
Running a hand across his well-trimmed moustache Fandral dragged Hogun to his side before continuing.
"So with my loyal friends in tow I journeyed to the hall so that we may settle this bet between us."
As Fandral spoke Odin could only grin as the challenge lit a fire deep within his first son's eyes a fire he had been sorely missing over the past few months. Odin knew this was no normal bet between friends they were planning something and Odin wouldn't mind see what so with a nudge of his elbow Odin egged Thor on.
"Hmm I believe young Fandral may be right with the way Thor has been acting lately I doubt he could drink milk without passing out."
The Warriors Three had to bite the inside of their cheeks to prevent laughter from erupting Fandral was soon agreeing with the Allfather's logic all the while watching Thor turn several shades of red. With a mighty roar Thor slammed his fist upon the table silencing all those with in the hall the prince took a deep breath and addressed his father and friends.
"I accept this challenge come Volstagg let us see who the better drinker is."
Drawing a chair up in front of the God of Thunder Volstagg smiled as servants placed a jug of mead beside both men. With a shake of his head Odin could only laugh as his soon struggled to match Volstagg mead slipping from his cup as Thor in a vain attempt to match his larger friends pace.
Within all this flurry of movement Odin's single eye tracked the Lady Sif as she slipped behind Thor her quick hands opened a vial and poured its contents into the jug of mead. As Sif raised her head she noticed Odin's piercing gaze and she froze fear coursing through her veins like a child caught doing something she shouldn't have. The feelings of fear quickly vanished as the one eyed king gave her an exaggerated wink and went back to watching the contest.
The contest continued for several more jugs before the alcohol and medicine took affect and Thor's forehead collided with the wooden table the force of the blow splintering the wood beneath him. Laughing Odin rose from his seat and bellowed across the din of the hall addressing all those in attendance.
"My guests it seems that my son can no longer continue the festivities and so with a heavy heart I will bid you all goodnight."
As a roar of laughter echoed across the hall the lords and ladies filed out of the hall each giving their thanks to Odin and Frigga before leaving all receiving a smile as they left. Din slowly turned to the only occupants left in the hall Sif and the Warriors Three all at least had the honesty to look chastised under the Allfather's gaze. With a shake of his head and a laugh Odin instructed them to carry Thor to his rooms before slipping his arm into Frigga's and bidding them goodnight.
After a great amount of tugging, dragging and cursing Thor was placed haphazardly in his bed each of his friends breathing hard and red in the face. With half lidded eyes and his sleep fogged mind Sif decided to capitalize on the moment and interrogate Thor on his reason for a lack of sleep.
"Thor what ails your mind so much that it prevents sleep?"
Her words were soft whispering their way into his ear and worming their way through the fog around his mind and with a thick tongue Thor responded.
"My brothers fate haunts me no matter how strong I am I cannot protect him from what he is suffering and it tears at my mind."
Taken aback none of his friends knew how to respond to that remark Volstagg and Fandral quickly looked to the floor while Hogun merely closed his eyes lips tightening only Sif held Thor's gaze. Licking her lips Sif decided to answer the God of Thunder voice firm and calm.
"While we had our differences with him Loki fought and bled beside all of us his imprisonment hurts us as well but we are warriors and such problems cannot affect our abilities or all of Asgard could fall."
Thor blinked several times at Sif before giving a slow nod then his eyes unceremoniously slid into the back of his head and his soft snores broke the silence in the room. As his friends left the room Hogun draped Thor's cape across his body and joined the others all of their minds preoccupied with the image of a man dressed in green and his sharp smile. When Thor finally awoke days later he chased down his friends and after thanking them, quickly yelled for several jugs of mead to prove that he was a better drinker than Volstagg.
Bowels of a Mountain, 7 months
Trygve was freezing the measly fire in front of him barely pushing back the freezing ice its cold penetrating him to his very bones. Drawing his cloak closer to his body Trygve could only glare at the reason that he was knee deep in freezing snow. A huge door crafted from powerful ash tree wood with chains the size of his body, each with a hand crafted rune to prevent any form of Aesir magic opening the gate.
Grumbling Trygve cursed and spat in his fire thoughts turning to his wife her smile brightening his demeanour five more months and he would see her again smiling Trygve returned to rubbing his hands. While the guard stood vigil outside the great doors of wood, stone and steel his prisoner hidden within the darkness smiled with cracked yellow teeth as venom dribbled down his face. Years without food or light had changed this once human form into stretched cracked skin across sharp protruding bones.
But to the prisoner his body was merely a vessel his true home was deep within the dark hidden crevices of his mind a room where he could escape the unbearable pain of his punishment. Loki had shaped this room as a failsafe on the off chance that someone would attempt to use mind control on the fallen god.
The room was once dark and almost smoke like had been quickly formed into a room filled with books each holding memories or knowledge and in the middle of this room sat Loki himself. Sitting in the centre of the room was a shogi board the black pieces were set and ready while the white were missing several key pieces such as the silver and gold generals.
Sighing Loki placed the book of childhood memories back upon its shelf before turning to a select pile he had created thin fingers sliding across their spines each title flitting past his eyes. Several books with a focus on Dwarven magic another on Aesir containment magic and its properties all enlightening but none could solve Loki's current dilemma. Loki could only collapse in his chair hands passing their way through his hair as his mind whirled with half thought plans on how to escape his predicament.
In this state Loki pushed those useless thoughts from his mind allowing his mind to slowly move through his memories Thor bellowing laughter, Sif's obsidian black hair shining in the sun The Warriors Three practising upon the training field. With a frown Loki remembered the first time he discovered his true nature after a jötunn grabbed his arm and his skin slowly changed to an azure blue. Seconds after reviewing this memory Loki's eyes snapped open the God of Mischief returned to his books quickly flipping through them Loki found what he was looking for Aesir containment runes.
The information within the tome gave knowledge on the specifics of Aesir runes and how they disrupted the flow of magic within the object they are placed on. It was this that made Loki's smile grow wider every minute with this final piece of the puzzle Loki knew he was free. Discarding the book Loki watched as the room he had called home slowly dissolved into smoke all that's left was a small space and the shogi board.
With a smile and a flourish Loki produced several pieces between his fingers before slowly placing the pieces upon the board. The God of Lies turned and began focusing on the darkness around him searching for the key to his freedom the small smile on his lips growing ever larger.
"All the pieces are set now to play the game."
Opening his eyes Loki strode forward into the pitch black landscape the smoke curling around his body as he advanced leaving only his whisper as he left.
Temporary Shield Headquarters, 11 months
In an undisclosed location deep beneath the earth sits a hidden bunker of the UN sanctioned espionage and military force known as SHIELD. Within this bunker sat the director of this clandestine agency his single eye flitting over the many screens in front of him some showing secrets others global news. This man was known as Nick Fury the most informed man on Earth clad in black military fatigues the director just sat there in darkness fingers dancing across his keyboard scanning field agent reports.
With a hiss the door behind Fury opened and in strode two woman who could not have been any more different one sleek and deadly the other uptight and military. To Fury's left stood Maria Hill a serious individual dressed in SHIELD fatigues her hair tied back she placed a series of reports in front of Fury before taking a seat. To Fury's right stood Natasha Romanoff aka the Black Widow counter to Hill Natasha let her fiery red hair fall past her shoulders while clad in a nondescript leather uniform she too taking a seat at Fury's table.
With a sweep of his hand the various screens vanished the once dark room quickly flooded with light and Maria Hill began to address Fury.
"Sir I have several reports from the engineers that all the repairs on the Helicarrier are complete and it will be air worthy within the month." Hill's voice was all business as she spoke.
Flipping open some of the folders Fury let his eye wander over information that he already knew the damage from the Hulk and Loki had been extensive but the UN had spared no expense to get the flying fortress back in the air. Finished Fury pushed the documents away before interlacing his fingers and staring at Natasha for her report with a nod she began.
"With the success of the Avenger imitative many other nations have begun to form their own teams so as to not be outdone." The Black Widow's voice was soft and had an almost lazy tone to it earning a disapproving look from Hill.
"Sir is it truly wise to trust other countries with something like this?" Hill said concern laced through her words.
"Tell me Maria would America allow German or British heroes combat a threat on their soil?" Fury said raising an eyebrow as he did so.
"Well no they wouldn't sir."
"Exactly so instead we have to find a way to regulate these groups and place preventive measures in case they go rogue." Fury's last few words had a hint of steel to them and both women knew he had more than one preventive measure ready. Clearing her throat Natasha continued with her report.
"With a bit of persuading the UN has agreed with your assessment of Earth's lack of defence against intergalactic attacks and has created a new sister organization known as SWORD."
With a few taps on the keyboard in front of Natasha several screens sprung to life each depicting images of satellites, armour and weaponry all bearing the logo of a sword upon them. The weaponry and armour was far more advanced than anything available to even SHIELD causing Fury to frown it was Hill though who spoke first.
"So other than monitoring the space around Earth this organization is also outfitted to combat these threats?" Maria Hill furrowed her brow as she studied the schematics.
"Yes SWORD is being supplied with armour and weapons to combat any extra-terrestrial attacks along with the ability to call upon any meta-human teams in times of a threat." With those words shock painted itself across Hill's face that quickly turned to Fury before speaking.
"Is that the regulation you were talking about sir?" Maria Hill questioned and with a roll of his neck Nick Fury responded.
"Yes all countries with meta-human teams must register with SWORD this allows us to monitor all groups sadly this does not apply to mutants who were quick to point out the loop hole." Frustration marked the last few words Fury spoke.
"Sir if I may ask what convinced you to bring this idea forward to the UN and how did you get around the council?" Natasha spat the word council like it was poison in her mouth.
"It was something Loki said to me before he was gagged he spoke of a threat that would sail across the stars to destroy us." Fury frowned as he spoke eyes staring into the darkness appearing almost lost in thought.
"Loki is notorious for manipulation sir why would he warn us of such a threat?" Natasha said brow furrowing as she questioned the director.
"I don't know but what he said was no lie but he didn't tell me the entire truth so I relied on my gut to guide me and it said that we need to be prepared." Fury's spoke with the unyielding conviction it held when he believed he was irrevocably right.
"Getting around the council was easier than you think I just had to slip the idea to several members of the UN and they would do most of the work for me." Fury gave an almost predatory smile as he remembered beating the council at their own game.
"Your worries I fear may be correct sir and from the reports SWORD should be operational within a few months." Natasha said slowly shutting down the screens one by one.
"Then this meeting is adjourned Natasha Tell Barton to see me when he gets back from his assignment he needs to be brought up to speed on what's happening." With a nod of confirmation Natasha departed the room while Fury turned his attention to Hill.
"Agent Hill I want you to inform Mr Stark that if he continues to push those Avenger toys into the market I will strangle him with my bare hands." While his face was blank Maria could feel Fury's rage literally roll of his very person with a curt sir she too left the room.
In the darkness Nick Fury was left to his thoughts each of them buzzing and flitting around inside his head and all but one he could not shake a few words given to him by Loki haunted Fury's mind.
"He will come Fury He will strike Earth with all his force and if you don't prepare yourselves He will crush you beneath His heel."
Those parting words spoken with such conviction from lips of his enemy convinced Fury that whatever was coming he would be prepared to face them with all his might. Unbeknownst to Fury high above his fortified base hidden in Earth's atmosphere flew a ship containing the very enemy he was preparing to face.
On the bridge of this small hidden ship stood two men one wearing a metal mask glinting in the moonlight the other hidden in the shadows his teeth bare and mouth twisted in a hideous sadistic grin. As they floated both men's thoughts were directed at the conquering of the planet before them one for his god the other for himself and so they hid in the darkness waiting for the most opportune moment to strike.
Asgard, 1 year 2 months
The whole of Asgard was celebrating the final touches were being placed on the Bifröst Bridge and Heimdall would soon re-activate it. Many stood upon the rolling fields of green waiting in anticipation even Odin himself stood upon the field his wife at his side as everyone held their breath. The most anxious in the crowd though was the young God of Thunder Thor this was a moment he had been patiently waiting for a chance to return to Midgard to see his friends and love Jane Foster.
Running across the hill Thor spotted a sweating engineer his beard and hair dripping with sweat he soon brought himself before the All-father and took a knee before him. In between big gulps of breath he spoke.
"It is finished Heimdall will activate the bridge soon." With a smile Odin patted the man on the shoulder bidding him to rest so that he too could watch the awakening of the Bifröst with them.
Within moments everyone could begin to feel the thrum of magic around them the very air becoming thick with ozone and with a great teeth rattling boom a huge stream of power emitted from the Bridge. The air was soon filled with great cheers and whistling the repairs were not only complete but the Bridge was working perfectly Odin could only smile as a huge grin broke out on his sons face.
Far from the celebrations deep within the bowels of a mountain chained to stone the God of Lies Loki began to smile the magic of the Bifröst reaching him even in his cold dark prison. With the Bridge finished Loki knew everything had fallen into place and soon the God of Lies and Mischief would soon be free.
Plans are be starting to be laid a great threat is soon to loom over Earth and what is the God of Lies role in it?
According to Marvel all gods have a average strength of 10 tonnes which to the best of my knowledge was not displayed in the movie so I will probably weave that into the story at a later date. Hopefully I will be able to update faster but life has a funny way of getting in the way so hang in there and please give constructive criticism.
-Final Silence