"I'm sorry to do this to you brother." Thor sighed as they watched Asgard fade into the distance.

"You are being forced to leave your family too. And I know it is not of that you asked this of me, but necessity." Thor nodded. "Just think, it could mean the end of a war that has raged for a hundred years."

"Did we ever think it possible? Growing up, hearing of how grandfather fought to defeat them, how father lost his eye in their failed revolt, and even as we grey ourselves, they fought on still, and now that all could be at an end. I never thought it possible." Thor admitted. "And if it I to be, I trust only you to help make it so brother, you are far better at politics than I."

"Thor, have you considered at what cost this peace may come?" Thor looked to his brother in confusion. Loki felt uneasy at what he was about to say, he did not know if Thor had thought along the same paths as he had, and if so, had he thought to speak through such matters with Sif. The older prince looked at him, waiting for him to continue. He knew that regardless of whether or not Thor had thought through such matters before, he would grasp exactly what Loki was about to imply. "Does Ásvaldr have any sons?"

Thor's eyes widened in realisation and fury. "Are you implying that Helga be used as a pawn? My daughter is not going to be traded to some foreign land like a mere object." He was just shy of roaring.

"Peace brother, I would never suggest such. But they might, and it is clear you had not thought it a possibility. If Ásvaldr had mentioned it in the talks and you had reacted as you had now, it would be rather counterproductive." Loki attempted to quell Thor's rage while the others that occupied the boat looked fearfully at the somewhat irate crowned prince. "I would never want such a fate on your daughter, no more than I would want it on my own children. Not to mention, could you imagine the reaction I would receive from Maebh if she ever thought that I would suggest such a thing?"

Thor calmed considerably at that. "She would certainly kill you for such, as would Sif."

"Death would be kinder; she would cut off my manhood with a rusted knife and feed it to the pigs." Loki shuddered.

"You sound like you have been forewarned brother." Thor chuckled.

"She is very fond of Helga, and I must admit, it was she who warned me that they may wish to use her to their advantage, it is not unheard of, as we both know." He admitted.

"And what did Maebh suggest to remedy it?" Thor enquired. "I feel as though we should have brought her with is, she would be an asset."

"Sadly, I do not think even she knew how to prevent such a situation, I think her telling me was in hopes I would think of something. As for the thoughts of bringing her, I would not wish to be the one that would have the duty of dragging her to the boats, I have little doubt that she would not fight tooth and nail against it."

"She really does have an aversion to them doesn't she?" Thor laughed, though after a moment, he ceased and became somewhat sombre, thinking about if the matter of an arranged political marriage were to arise.

"Indeed not, but let is worry about what we need to do to get home to our families." Thor agreed with Loki's words, but still remained silent, staring to the sea in front of them, waiting for when they would finally arrive at their destination.

XXXXXXXXXX

It took nearly a full week of travel before they arrived at their destination; both Thor and Loki looked to one another anxiously, as did many others in their convoy as they arrived, the main village. There were many out crowding the docks to see all of them as they neared. Loki noticed that though many seemed merely curious toward them, some seemed to be looking at them menacingly.

The boats arrived at the dock and were secured. Thor was the first to step onto the wharf, followed very closely by Loki. Amongst the many people gathered, stood a regal looking man who was surrounded by armed men. He was much the same age as the two Aesir princes, though not as tall as Loki or as well built as Thor. His clothes were finer than all others gathered, but they paled in comparison to the paltriest of the Asgardian cloths. The man stood forward, his demeanour friendly as he met the brothers. "Prince Thor and Prince Loki, I must say it is an honour. I was led to believe that I would be lucky to see one of you, let alone both. I cannot express my delight in having you here and I feel I must apologise for taking you both, and indeed your men, from your homes,"

"I must say, I am impressed by your learning of the Æsir tongue, you speak it so well." "Thor commended. "And thank you for your invitation, we are as eager as you to end the animosity between our nation's peoples. A century of war is a century too long. I hope that you and I can both start our reigns as allies." Thor used his beaming smile. Loki had to admit, it had an outstanding ability to disarm people instantly, and it was as warming as the sun.

"I too share these ideals, hence why I asked for a meeting." Ásvaldr agreed. "Though I must tell you, due to my father's declining health, I have been given his crown this past week, so I find myself in a more powerful position than I had anticipated at your arrival, and desperately trying to do what is right for my people."

"It is all any king would strive to do." Loki smiled, bowing to the foreign monarch. "You bravery in extending the hand of peace is to be commended." Thor nodded his concurrence.

"Thank you Prince Loki. Both you and your men must be sea weary and hungry from the journey, please accept my offer to stay in my home and to attend a feast in your honour this evening before we discuss all matters of business in the morn."

The brothers accepted the offer graciously, and the Aesir walked through the village and its people, looking at their surroundings as they went. The war had hit the people of Svartalfheim far harder than Asgard, and it showed. The food for sale was of a very poor standard and Loki noted even the tools being used around the village were of terrible quality, all of which could work to Asgard's advantage if Thor listened to him, which he most likely would. He thought of all that was required of them and kept an eye on everything around him to see what could be of assistance in their discussions. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Thor was doing the same.

King Ásvaldr's home was pleasant, but nothing in comparison to their father's home, or indeed their own ones, but the Svartalfheim king had ensured that their quarters were more than comfortable.

After washing up, Loki heard a knock on his door, when he opened it, Thor walked straight inside. "Well hello brother, please enter." Loki spoke to the empty hall before turning to Thor.

"So what is our plan of action?" Thor asked, looking around.

"They are weak, weaker than I thought. They have such poor quality food and tools that our ability to trade these will be one of our greatest assets." Thor nodded at Loki's observations. "Ásvaldr being king is also both good and bad for us."

"He will be able to pass whatever decrees he wishes regarding alliances with us, but he also will be stern on certain aspects often for no reason other than to show he is not spineless and is worthy of rule." Thor commented, Loki was impressed. "I am learning brother." Thor smiled with a wink.

"Clearly." Loki grinned. "We have much work to do here." Thor sighed in agreement.