Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel or Thor

Taking Hold

Chapter Seven

Thor sat impatiently in the quarters of the Warriors Three. He had relinquished his own quarters for Jane and the Healers that tended to her. The sun was now high in the sky, though they had returned shortly after everyone had broken their fast. Half the day had passed and he had yet to hear anything from anyone.

As soon as he had found the Healers, they had ushered him away because they felt it might be an invasion of Jane's privacy. Thor had spent a good portion of the morning grumbling over that little fact. They had had no problem when he had first brought Jane to Asgard but now all of a sudden, their own Prince wasn't allowed to be near her.

"Thor, could you be any more destructive?" Sif reprimanded, stopping in shock in the doorway. Much to his dismay, he had overturned quite a few pieces of furniture throughout his morning of brooding.

"Have you word of Jane?" he asked, leaping to his feet with renewed vigor. Sif's face fell and she shook her head. Thor's shoulders drooped and the eager expression on his face fell to be replaced with despair and heartache. With an audible sigh, he dropped back down on the balcony stairs where he had been sitting.

"They fear for her," she replied, moving to sit by his side. The afternoon sun began to filter in behind them, illuminating the destruction of the room. Sif was grateful for a moment that her friend had decided to leave Mjolnir in the weapons vault shortly after his return.

"But they do not know how to help her," he assumed, staring despondently at his boots.

"Not yet, but they are trying everything they can," Sif said quickly. "The Aether has done its damage and it might just be that a miracle is what she needs." Silence fell between the two.

"When may I see her?" he asked quietly after a time.

"Perhaps shortly," she replied. "Last I heard, the Healers were debating about keeping Loki's spell on her. To be honest, they are a bit terrified of what she might do when she wakes."

"Do you know how long she might have?" he asked in a voice so quiet Sif almost missed it. Of course, it didn't help that his hands were folded before him and hiding his face.

"We do not know," Sif replied in equal quiet. Though she did not care for this Midgardian in particular, she did not want her to die. She couldn't handle seeing Thor's heart break, as it was very near to doing.

"Thank you, Sif," he said after a moment's thoughtful quiet. She stood to her feet, grasping his shoulder firmly as she did.

"Shall I send for anyone?" she asked gently. Thor made to speak but quickly stopped himself and shook his head instead. As soon as the door shut, Thor's shoulders dropped for he could be strong no longer. He didn't move, but merely sat and stared at the golden stairs beneath him. Jane Foster was dying and there was nothing he could do. Some liquid hit the floor, turning the dark gold into a bronzish color. Thor quickly wiped at his cheek, surprised to find himself crying.

Honestly, it should have come as no surprise at all. Even his father, the strong and powerful King of Asgard and the All-Father, had been reduced to weeping when Mother had died. Thor despaired but he didn't want to weep. Jane was not gone yet and his friends would never let him forget the day he wept for a Midgardian.

"Tis no shame in crying, son," Odin's voice called from the balcony behind him. Thor scrubbed at his face, trying to hide the tears he couldn't stop.

"Tis wrong to weep for someone who has not left for Valhalla," he retorted.

"Jane shan't be heading for Valhalla today," Odin replied gently, sitting beside his son. "In fact, I don't believe she will be going anywhere anytime soon." Thor looked up at his father in confusion, which was only added to when he realized that he had addressed her properly.

"Father, the Aether has sent her on the path to dying. Tis only a matter of time," he said, voice fading to a whisper. "And I may have only hastened it."

"The Lady Sif was just in here, was she not?" Odin asked pointedly.

"She brought small news of Jane," he replied. "But the hope is faint." Odin nodded thoughtfully.

"The Healers fear for her, yes," the All-Father said, inclining his head. "But only because she sleeps so strongly on her own."

"Loki's magic," Thor replied simply. "He was trying to protect her after I struck at her. He knew that she must surely be in pain though she made to rouse on her own."

"Thor, I saw to her myself and removed Loki's magic. Her sleep is her own," he replied. Thor looked up in bewilderment.

"Then why have I not been able to see her?" he demanded, rising to his feet.

"Because I wanted to speak with you first. And because she needs her rest," he said simply, motioning that Thor should sit back down. When he was seated, Odin continued. "The damage you caused her is moderate, but within the Healers abilities. So you need not fear there." Thor exhaled, shoulders visibly relaxing.

"Is that all you wished to speak of, Father?" he asked after a moment's quiet.

"No, there is more," Odin said. "You once said there would be no wiser King than me. You were wrong. The alignment has brought all the Realms together and every one of them saw you offer your life to save them." Odin paused once more, as if choosing the right words. "So what can Asgard offer it's new King in return?" he asked.

"Jane's life," Thor said after a moment. Her life was so much more important to him then his own. He knew that if she died because of actions to end the battle, he would never forgive himself. Odin was quiet while he thought of what else to say. "Father, I could not be King of Asgard if that is the kind of sacrifice it requires of me. The brutality and the sacrifice, they change you and I'd rather be a good man than a great King," he said quietly, watching stars beginning to twinkles into life on the other side of the balcony.

"Is this my son I hear or the woman he loves?" Odin asked with a gentle note.

"When you speak, do I never hear Mother's voice?" Thor quipped and Odin sighed, appearing to chew on his lip thoughtfully.

"There has been no Asgardian to catch your fancy, yes?"

"Tis true. Jane Foster is the only woman who has stolen my heart," Thor replied, staring at his mess from earlier and choosing his next words carefully. "I love her dearly, Father. Her fate has torn me as much as Mother's tore you."

"I see," Odin said with a sigh. He had tried to convince his son before the Dark Elf mess that he should call after Sif. She was a fine warrior and would have been a wonderful Queen. But he knew now that Thor's heart was set and he accepted that. "A king should have a queen by his side whom he loves, for he cannot be expected to rule a kingdom on his own. For who else would temper him and set him to rights? Who else would bring him heirs for a future king?" Thor had heard nearly the same words from Sif not many days ago and they still tore at him.

"Why must you torment me so, Father?" Thor griped, furiously walking away from him. "Jane may have stolen my heart, but she is Midgardian. She cannot rule by my side. You know this as well as I."

"And what if she was no longer Midgardian?" Odin asked plainly. Thor frowned, gaze turning cold.

"Even if she is Elven still, it could not be." The All-Father sighed heavily, realizing he would have to spell it out plainly for his son.

"Thor, you misread my words. I mean to ask what would you do if Jane Foster belonged to the Realm Eternal?" he asked, standing to his feet. Thor stared at him in wonder for a moment. Then a bright smile appeared on his face as he pieced it together.

"Do you mean to offer her the Apples of Idunn?" he asked. Odin's only reply was a knowing smile. "But Father, she is dying still. What effect would the Apples have on her?" he asked suddenly, frowning.

"Tis why I offer them," Odin replied simply. "The Aether's damage is too great for a Midgardian form to bear. Jane's only hope is for our own healing and durability. And while a Midgardian cannot sit the throne with you, an Asgardian may." Silence fell upon them as Odin chose his next words carefully. "You asked for Jane's life and thus I give it to you, with your own. Jane's heart is right, as you tried to tell me before. She will make a fine Queen for our people."

"I have your blessing then?" Thor asked excitedly.

"You have my blessings, son," he said, clapping Thor on the shoulder. "You have proven yourself more than I could have hoped possible."

"What do you mean, Father?"

"Though I may have been here on Asgard, I saw your battle on Earth. You were ready to sacrifice your love if it meant saving the Nine Realms. That's not an easy choice, Thor."

"Father, I was ready to stand beside her if it meant finding a way to save her."

"That is not the way I beheld it. I saw a warrior taking an option he was presented with. Twice," Odin argued. "Your heart is too good, Thor. A life among the Dark Elves would have suited you ill, even if you were by Jane's side. Besides, you still managed to stop Malekith and save the Nine Realms. That much cannot be denied."

"No, I suppose it cannot."

"Go and see to Asgard's future Queen then," Odin said with a smile. Thor practically bounced to the door. He caught himself but couldn't help but give his father a strong hug.

"Thank you, Father," he said. "This means much to me." On hurried feet, Thor made his way to his own chambers at last. When he slowly opened the door, he was vaguely surprised to see that Jane was tucked into bed and sleeping soundly. He smiled softly as he sat gingerly on the edge of the bed and brushed a lock of hair out of her face. He was glad to see that she looked like her mortal self once more. Her skin and hair had returned to their normal color. She stirred slightly under his touch and blinked sleepily up at him.

"Hello," he said, smiling brightly when he saw that her eyes were brown once more.

"Hi," she said, voice still thick with sleep. "How long have I been asleep?" she asked, moving to sit up. Thor reached out to stop her but she quickly found the pain in her muscles and flopped back into the soft pillows.

"A good portion of the day," he replied. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been run over by Tony Stark in his stupid metal suit," she groaned, rubbing at her forehead. Thor chuckled, trying to keep his hands in his lap. The Aether was destroyed but he still wasn't sure how she felt about his touch. "What happened?" she asked, looking up at Thor with confusion.

"What do you mean?" he asked with a frown. "What is the last thing you remember?"

"I vaguely remember being in jail here. The rest is just a blur. Thor, what happened?" she pressed.

"A lot, Jane," he said, reaching out to stroke the side of her face. She leaned into his touch and closed her eyes. "But you are safe now, and that is all that matters."

"So, you managed to stop Malekith and the Aether?" she asked, looking back up at him. His mouth twisted as he thought of what to say.

"In a manner of speaking, yes," he finally said. After a time of peaceful silence, he looked out his balcony window with a sigh.

"What's the matter?" Jane asked, frowning a bit.

"Night draws upon us and you need your rest," he said, rising to his feet. His talk with Father must have been longer than he realized. He leaned over to kiss her forehead, fingers lingering upon her hair.

"You're not gonna stay?" she asked in a hurtful voice.

"Tis my chambers, but it would be improper to lay beside you," he argued.

"Improper for the prince to do as he pleases?" Jane scoffed lightly, a light in her eyes that begged him to stay.

"Jane, nothing would please me more than to stay but there is a reputation that my people need to see of their future King," he said, giving her a sad smile. Jane sighed heavily, dropping back into the pillows and staring at her hands. Thor covered her tiny hands with one of his own, effectively stopping her fidgeting. "You are not pleased with me," he observed.

"I understand, I really do," she said, trying to fight her sudden girlish emotions.

"But…" he prompted.

"But I've been searching for you for two years, Thor. I missed you and I don't want to feel like I've lost you again. I don't want to feel alone here," she said, scrubbing at her face and taking a calming breath. "Something obviously happened to me. I don't remember what, but I can still feel the fear."

"There is nothing for you to fear, Jane. Not while I am here," Thor promised.

"Maybe I don't, but your people are scared of me. I don't feel wanted here," she said quietly, staring at her fidgeting thumbs again.

"Very well then," he said suddenly, rising to his feet and beginning to undo the armor he still wore. He already had Odin's blessing and that should be all that mattered to any who dared gossip. Jane honestly tried not to look but couldn't help herself when he tugged his tunic off.

"Oh my God, what happened to you?" she demanded, scurrying off the bed.

"Jane!" he cried in shock, trying to usher her back to the bed. But she ducked beneath his arm and inspected the marks on his back. Various bruise lines, faint though they were now, crisscrossed against his back. One even reached across the back of his neck. She traced at them gingerly, trying to puzzle out what had caused them.

"Where did these come from?" she asked in horror, brows knitting together. Thor was honestly confused, as he had felt no pain. And it wasn't until she had snatched up the looking glass to show him did he understand what she was talking about.

"Oh, those are nothing more than marks from battle with Malekith," he replied simply, returning the looking glass to its shelf. "Do not worry, love, for they won't be there in the morning."

"How can you be sure?" she asked. "They look days old, surely they'll be there for another week or more."

"Do you see anything here?" he asked, pointing to the very spot Sif had worried over. Jane shook her head. "We went to Svartalfheim not two days past to confront Malekith. We cracked heads and his helmet managed to split my brow. Yet there is nothing there."

"How is that possible?" Jane marveled, lightly running her fingers over the spot he had pointed out.

"Asgardians heal very fast, Jane," he replied. "Those marks on my back occurred this morning in battle with you and Malekith," he said, then froze like he had been in the sights of a bilgesnipe.

"Me and Malekith," Jane said in horror, stepping back until she bumped into the bed and dropped onto its feathery softness. "Is that why they fear me?" she asked, lip trembling. She couldn't even bring herself to look Thor in the eyes.

"Not exactly, Jane," he said slowly, choosing his words very carefully. "The only people who should know of our battle would be my father and Loki, possibly Sif and the Warriors Three. My people only fear you because of the Aether's infection. You were not yourself and you lashed out at those who meant only to help you." He sat softly on the bed beside her.

"I wish I could remember what happened," she said, biting her lip and staring at the ground. "That way I would know what to apologize for."

"Please do not blame yourself, Jane," Thor pleaded. When she remained quiet, he decided with a sigh that the honest route would serve them best. He would not relish telling her of it, but she was strong and possibly needed to hear it.

"Where are you going?" Jane asked when he stood to his feet and snatched up his tunic.

"To fetch some wine and ale," he responded. "I believe you should know what actually happened and you can eat while I tell you." Jane's soft smile was thankful and nervous at the same time. He leaned over to kiss her forehead before making his way to the kitchens. He bumped into one of the newer Healers just outside the door.

"Oh, my Lord, I did not see you there," she apologized, ducking her head.

"Tis nothing, Neri," he replied.

"Doth she wake?" she asked. Thor was slightly confused by her speech but realized that he had spent too much time on Earth of late. He had fallen out of the speaking patterns of his own people.

"She does, but I fear that she won't rest unless I stay to watch over her," he replied. Neri nodded, understanding and relief evident on her features. "I was just on my way to retrieve some food and drink for her."

"So you will care for her during the night and I need not call upon her until morning?" she asked. Thor nodded. "If that will be all, then I shall be on my way." He almost reached out for Neri's arm, intent on asking if she would like to become Jane's handmaiden, but resisted the urge and let her scurry away. Surely she did not wish to be a handmaiden once more.

Thor returned a few moments later, carrying a plate of fruit and cheese and two pitchers as well. Asgard did not have the drinks that Jane found so delightful but he hoped that the wine would suffice. She was standing at the balcony when he entered, watching the torches and lamps being lit along the streets far below. She turned towards him when the door shut and nearly attacked the food he carried before he could even set it down. With a chuckle, he released the plate to her and set about pouring their drinks.

"You are quite ravenous," Thor observed, offering her a goblet of wine.

"I feel like I haven't eaten in days," she said, pausing to take a drink. "That Aether must have been more parasitic than I thought."

"Parasitic?" he asked in confusion.

"Parasite?" Jane offered. "You know, something that feeds from a living host."

"Ah, that makes much sense," he said, selecting a piece of marbled cheese from the platter and popping it into his mouth. "Jane, you must know that I do not blame you for what you did while under the Aether's control. And that my people shouldn't either."

"But they do anyways," she argued.

"True, but they will soon see the error of their ways," Thor said. "The Aether changed you, inside and out."

Thor spent a good portion of the night recounting his most recent battle to save the Nine Realms. When he was finished, a look of sorrow was upon Jane as he knew it might well be. She picked at one of the stems of fruit, mulling over everything that she had done.

"I guess that explains why I feel like Tony used me as a punching bag," she quipped, deciding to make light of it.

"T'was not my intention, but I was left with no choice," Thor said defensively. "Jane, I dare not live without you but I could not stand by your side knowing what had been done."

"It's alright, Thor," she said, inhaling heavily and stretching. With a yawn, she set her empty goblet aside and looked back up at the God of Thunder. "You did what you had to do and I thank you for it. You brought me back," she said, smiling as she cupped his bearded cheek. He returned the smile, moving to the other side of the bed and pulling back the covers.

"Now that we have that sorted out," he said, dropping onto the bed like a child and letting out a small laugh. "We are both exhausted and should rest. Some more so than others, I believe." Jane smiled gently, crawling into bed as well. It wasn't long before she was curled up against him, unable to resist the urge any longer. Thor hid a smile against her hair, tucking her against his side.

R&R as always, please!

~LE