Since the DVD/BLU-RAY comes out Tuesday/in seven minutes/today, I wanted to write another chapter. Let me know what you think! I am worried I am not doing enough character work with Lydia. But anywho, enjoy!

10: The Truth Revealed

The next two weeks Steve, Clint, and Natasha were in Russia, trying to find Bucky. This left me with mainly Dr. Banner. We discussed various tactics that might help any future invasions. We even drew several 'plays' on boards, and then copied them into computers to run potential variables and outcomes. Every couple days Bruce would get a call from Mr. Stark asking if they were back, or he was needed, or anything really. I got the impression that Tony often checked in on Dr. Banner. Our passionate planning turned to boredom. Near the end we had devised a series of hand signals that covered most of our communication, just for the sheer fun of it. When Tony showed up to brief Fury on the progress he had made with the Asgardian armor we were all too happy to shadow his every move.

"I take it they are still not back yet." Tony said just before Fury walked into the room.

"They are on their way already, and should be back in a few hours. And here I thought you guys didn't like being a team."

Stark quickly retorted, "We don't."

"Doesn't seem like it. What have you found, Mr. Stark?" At this point I zoned out. I was glad for their return, glad to get my friends back. I didn't return to the conversation until I heard my name. "Ms. Smith? Did you not hear me?"

"Sorry Sir, I didn't."

"You will be returning to Asgard tonight."

"Of course." I faked a smile.

"I am told we should be expecting Thor around 9pm. Be ready." Fury stormed out of the room.

Tony decided to wait with us for them to arrive back from Russia. When they arrived Bucky was with them, he hadn't aged a day. There were awkward introductions, and then it came to me.

"Lydia." He smiled.

"I didn't know if you would remember me." I smiled back.

"Who could forget you?" He took my hand and kissed it. It reminded me that in five hours I would be going back to Asgard with Thor.

I felt the red rush to my cheeks, "So did you finally find out who you really are?"

"Yes, with the help of my buddy." He turned to Steve, "So I take it that she is the dame you've been talking about then?"

I felt the redness intensely flooding my face now. I looked at Steve and gave a weak smile. "All good things, I hope."

"Of course, Ms. Smith."

"It's Smith now? Wasn't it Kuznetsov last time?"

"A lot can change in forty years."

Fury entered the room, "Sergeant Barnes, I would like to talk to you for a minute. Agent Romanoff, Agent Barton, please join us."

"Hey Bruce, I have something I want you to look at in the lab." I noticed Tony's wink to Steve. So did Bruce.

"Oh, right. You were telling me about that earlier. Well, I'll see you guys later." When the door shut behind them, a thick silence entered the room.

"How was your…" I started just as he did.

"What were you saying?"

I smiled, "How was your trip?"

"Good. There were some problems at first, but it all worked out. Bucky's back."

"I'm glad."

"How have you been?"

"Alright, I missed you though. I mean you guys. I missed you guys."

He smiled, "We missed you, too." I nodded and the silence crept back in for what felt like forever. "How would you like to go out with me tonight? Or us, I can see if Bucky and them want to go to?"

"I'd love to. But Fury is sending me to Asgard again. When I get back though?"

"Do you know when you'll be back?"

"No, but I'll make sure its quick," I gave another smile, but this time I added a wink. Here I was flirting, or trying to flirt! How long had it been? Maybe on Alfheim, but I was so young then. I began to feel embarrassed. "I'm sorry. I don't normally try to flirt, and I'm pretty sure that was a mess," I laughed.

"So you want it to be just us?" he pointed at me and then back to him.

"If that's alright? I mean, I am not going to pressure you or anything."

"No, it's alright."

"Cool. What did you want to do?" I began trying to think of what people do on dates. I had been on men's arms before, but only ever as a necessity. Dinner? Is that what people did? Movies? I have heard that before.

"I'll think of something."

The door opened and in walked Thor looking angry. "We shall leave at once."

"I thought Fury said nine?"

"The Allfather wishes to speak to you immediately."

This must have been what it felt like to get called into the principal's office. "Is she in trouble?"

"No, patriotic one. There are just urgent matters to attend to. Come, Lydia."

I walked past Steve. "I'll see you soon, okay? Then we will go on that date."

"I'm looking forward to it, Ms. Smith."

I tried to hug him, but it turned into a weird, I don't even know. If I had one weakness, it was human contact. If I had two, they were human contact and being 'smooth.' Then I walked over to Thor who was now on the balcony. He flung his arm around me and in moments we were off.

Once in Asgard, Thor flew us immediately to the Castle where he then led me to the throne room. I followed him through the room where not only Odin was, but Frigg and Loki. Even my mother was there; she had a proud expression on her face, which gave me hope. The look on Loki's face on the other hand, full of trickery, made my stomach churn.

"Lydia, or should I say Lyydria, it has come to my knowledge that you aren't a daughter of Alfheim as you claimed to be. Is this true?"

"I was raised in Alfheim. I was raised as a light elf. I have been given a charge by the people of Alfheim, by my people. In those ways I am a daughter of Alfheim."

"But were you not born of my wife's maid, Fulla, who stands before me?"

"I was." There were no gasps, no shock. They already knew this.

"And was your father not Mimir, who I have slain with my own hand?"

I looked at my mother for a cue; she gave the smallest of nods. "Yes, Mimir was my father."

"Then I must admit a great debt to you, for he was killed in vain." I look at him questioningly. "I beheaded Mimir for consorting with the people of Alfheim." I felt my heart sink. For the first time in a great while I felt utter sadness. A sadness that tugged behind my eyes and scratched at the back of my heart. "In order to relieve this debt I have decided to grant you with all the honors my kingdom has to give, as well as a betrothal to one of my sons. As my son Loki has betrayed his people, you shall be betrothed to Thor. This time tomorrow he will have your hand, and all shall be right."

I looked at Thor and could see he was unhappy with this. "I beg your pardon, Allfather, but I am a free woman." Quiet. Quiet except for a sigh of relief from Thor. "My hands belong only to me, and only I can choose who I give them to."

"Would you prefer Loki, Lyydria?" Frigg questioned.

"Would I prefer a man I don't know to a man who clearly does not wish to marry me?" I walked over to Loki and grabbed his hands, peering farther into his essence than I have done to anyone before. So many layers down, so much confusion. He had good in him, but these things weren't enough to condone marrying him. "I still do not know. If this is all you wished to see me for, then I want to return to Midgard now."

My mother walked over to me, "Lyydria, please consider what this means."

"I have. I refuse to marry someone without love." I walked up to Odin and whispered in his ear, "If love is ever shared, you have my word," I stepped back and spoke aloud again, "But I will not be a bride tomorrow."