A/N: While Jane snoozes during the little flying-boat trip, Loki addresses something that's been bothering him.


Jane slept. Thor sat at the helm watching over her… and also, watching to be sure that Loki was keeping them on course. He had not yet ruled out the possibility that Loki might deliberately fly the craft into a rock and kill everyone.

"Thor." Loki's voice, from behind him. Soft.

"Yes?" He didn't turn to look – it was safer that way. The less he engaged Loki, the better.

"Will you really kill me, if I deserve it?"

He couldn't place the tone. It was not doubting, it was not reproachful. Rather, he heard almost… hope. "Yes, I will."

A moment passed. "Thor, how did the creature get to Mother's room? What-… what path did it take? Which hallways?"

"What path did it take? How does that matter?"

"Because- because you promised me vengeance," Loki sputtered. "Killing in ignorance is not vengeance at all; I need to know what happened. Tell me."

That was fair enough. "It went up from the dungeons and disabled the shield. Then it stalked the halls a while, killing everything in its path. Once Malekith landed, it met with him outside the great hall and they proceeded together. Up to Mother's room."

He heard Loki let out a breath. "It didn't-… it did not take the south staircase?"

"The south staircase? No. Why?"

He heard breathing again – almost panting. It was a while before Loki spoke again. "Ah… no reason. It's nothing."

Thor had no idea what he was thinking, but in any event it was probably something mad. He did not ask.


The End.

It's a reasonable fear. I mean, he did give Mr. Tusky-Face directions.