As he walked beside Thor, Loki couldn't decide if he was concerned about Lilith or furious with her. Or furious about being concerned. It didn't matter that he knew Danethar wouldn't touch her for the rest of the day; she believed he would and had sent 'Ilsa' off, anyway. What was she thinking? Did Lilith want that brute to kill her? He would. Loki was sure of that now. And Lilith seemed eager to let him do it. The awkward silence with his brother offered time for him to think of a rational reason why that should bother him, and at last, Loki did.

Lilith had no business getting herself killed before he could unlock the secrets of her power- portals between worlds he had intended to use to escape Asgard. It made perfect sense why he would be upset at the thought of losing that opportunity. Much more sense than any idea that he actually cared about her. So he focused his thoughts in this new direction. Eight days ago he'd learned of her unique talent, and he'd yet to bring them back to the subject. Loki had let himself be distracted by Lilith's daily physical drama with Danethar. Naturally, to get back to what was important to him, he'd had to find a way to put a stop to it.

Hence the game he'd set in motion when the warrior had asked 'Ilsa' to come inside during Thor's visit. That fool Danethar was so easy to manipulate. In minutes, he believed that 'Ilsa' had been utterly charmed by him, and that she considered his wife a useless, whining burden Danethar should just ignore. By the end of their short 'conversation', the warrior was the one who'd been charmed, promising anything if 'Ilsa' would agree to be his exclusive lover. Promising not to spend himself on Lilith in particular. It was one oath Loki ensured the man would keep.

"I'm sure you're wondering why I should want to talk with you," his brother said, interrupting his thoughts.

Oh well, time to perform again. He was not looking forward to groveling to Thor, but it had to be done. For the sake of the game.

"I was, my Prince."

"I'll be blunt. I want your honest opinion of Lord Danethar, Ilsa. My cousin tells me that she is contented with her life, but I suspect her answers regarding him are not entirely truthful."

Still harping on this, Brother? I thought I fixed it the other day when we were talking about the rumors. Apparently not.

"What makes you think so?"

"Not important. All I'm interested to know is what you think of him. How long have you been a maid for the Lady Lilith?"

"Not long." He might as well start honestly, and save the lies for when it counted. "Just a few weeks."

"Long enough to form an opinion of your master, then."

"I suppose."

Thor stopped walking and turned to him, a grave yet sincere expression on his face. Loki wondered what his brother was up to, and waited silently to find out.

"You may speak freely with me, Ilsa. I promise none of what you tell me will find its way back to Lord Danethar. Or to Lady Lilith. On my honor."

Interesting. His brother was offering him complete protection if 'Ilsa' would reveal what she knew. What version of the 'truth' should he offer, then? He'd promised Lilith not to say anything, but Loki didn't concern himself with the moral dilemma of whether he ought to break that promise. It was more a question of whether doing so would get him what he wanted. He didn't see anything gained by disclosing Danethar's indiscretions to Thor right now. Not a bad plan in the future, though, so Loki didn't want to close that avenue entirely. Finally, an idea came to him.

"Okay- so long as you promise," Loki agreed warily. "I don't want to lose my place. The Lady is the best I've worked for."

"Not a word," Thor repeated and they resumed walking. "I can see you think highly of my cousin- what of her husband?"

"He's…wonderful," Loki breathed in a whispery sort of tone. This part of his plan was going to require the best of his abilities, but so far they were paying off. Meanwhile, his brother had been caught by surprise with his response, and frowned.

"Wonderful in what way?"

"He's always so decisive and clever and…well, handsome as you can imagine. Lady Lilith was sure lucky to be pledged to him."

Loki nearly gagged on the words, having trouble forcing out this particular lie. But it worked just as he'd planned it to. Thor was convinced that 'Ilsa' was mildly infatuated with Danethar, and was obviously not thrilled to hear it.

"You seem quite taken with him, Ilsa. Is Lord Danethar aware of your feelings?"

"Oh, I doubt it." Loki feigned a blush. "He's always so focused on attending to the Lady that he's not about to notice me. And I swear I'd never do anything to steal him away from her. It's just hard when you don't have someone of your own, you know? I hope one day I'll find a man half as good as he is. That'll be enough for me."

"Uh huh." His brother's half-hearted response was all he said for several minutes, but eventually he tried again. "And you're sure that you've never seen your master act out in anger- either with you or with Lady Lilith?"

"He'll stomp around and yell sometimes when he's moody," Loki admitted casually. "Harmless, really, and why shouldn't he be able to have a mood now and then? There's no crime in that. They seem to pass quickly enough, anyway."

Thor sighed, already wearying over 'Ilsa's' ebullient praises of Lord Danethar. Even a dolt like him would figure out that she'd be no help to him when it came to the truth about the warrior, too blinded by her infatuation to see anything clearly. And yet he'd given his brother just enough information to keep this conversation in the back of his mind. If 'Ilsa' ever came to him later in a panic, claiming Danethar had done anything aggressive or improper, Thor would believe her with no hesitation. A flawless plan, and Loki congratulated himself on having thought of it.

They'd arrived on the palace grounds at this point. Thor wanted to conclude their discussion, and was trying to find a polite way to do it. Warriors. They all struggled when it came to anything not related to combat- even the son of the Allfather. Clumsy tools, every one of them. Loki would have let his brother blunder along for his own amusement, but he had things to do. So he took charge to end this as quickly as possible.

"Is that all you wanted to know, Prince. I was hoping to get back to the Lady for the remainder of the afternoon. We were trying to put the garden in order today, and she could use my help."

"Of course. I believe you've given me all I need, Ilsa. I appreciate your help in this matter."

Loki flashed him an empty-headed smile. "You're welcome, Prince. I'd be happy to assist any time."

"Yes…well, I'm needed inside for an assembly and you'll want to hurry if you hope to be of help to my cousin."

"You're right- just like Danethar always is! I'll be going. Good evening to you, Prince."

Judging from Thor's expression, he was almost to the point of nausea from 'Ilsa's' cloying eagerness. But he held out long enough to wave weakly at her before turning towards the palace. His brother wouldn't be returning to Danethar's house to ask questions anytime soon, that's for sure.

I'd expected Danethar to come out of his room in a raging temper once he knew Thor was gone. But when he emerged and found both Ilsa and the Prince had left the house, he seemed not to care. I was surprised at first then wary, figuring that he was saving his anger for tonight when he had more time to vent it. Ilsa wouldn't be back after her discussion with Thor; even if she had thrown herself in the line of fire once today, I doubted she would come back to do it again. So I knew I would bear the brunt of his disappointment when she did not return as he expected. This was merely the calm before the storm.

I watched him leave through the window of the front parlor, on his way back to the palace for the Allfather's announcement. A few hours' respite at most before he'd be back. What should I do with my time? I turned away from the window and crossed my arms, thinking about my options. The garden beckoned most strongly, as Ilsa and I had been interrupted before we could get very much accomplished. I suppose I could finish that on my own. A decision made, I thought to get to my task as quickly as possible. Berda met me at the door, hands on her hips as she leveled her most determined look at me. Oh I was in for it now.

"What?"

"I'll not have you missing another meal, Lady. You've almost no meat on your bones these days, and I won't stand for it, you hear?"

I wasn't hungry- was rarely hungry, which was why I was losing weight. But Berda was in a full temper and it seemed easiest to placate her. So I'd choke down whatever she set in front of me before attending to the garden.

"All right, all right. You win. Lead me to the food and I'll eat."

She'd geared up for more of a fight, I could see, and so her only reply was an indignant huff. I smiled at her pique. Poor Berda. Between Danethar and I, we were such a trial for her. Honestly, I wondered why she didn't find some other Lord to serve with her credentials. Better for me that she stayed so I didn't have to find someone else to follow the guidelines I'd asked of her. I imagine not many would.

Rather than the formal dining room, she'd set up my meal in the kitchen. Not unusual, since I rarely insisted on anything fancy when it was just me. In fact, I enjoyed sitting in the kitchen- its warmth and aromas were always inviting. But I was pretty sure Berda chose this setting to ensure I'd eat. She watched me like a hawk the whole time, and I was encouraged not to linger any longer than I had to.

"Satisfied, Berda," I asked as I handed her my empty plate.

"I'd be happier if you'd seen fit to tell the Prince what Danethar's up to around here. The one time any of your kin come down here to check on you and you say nothing."

"Berda…" Not this again. What had gotten into her lately?

"Fine, fine," she threw up her hands. "Don't tell them. But one of these days it'll all come out. Whatever you think you're hiding won't stay buried forever."

"I think you've been talking too much with Ilsa lately. You've developed her habit of asking questions and voicing opinions."

"Maybe it's about time I did. Keeping quiet hasn't done you any good, far as I can see."

See, this is why I asked for no servants. They always complicate things in the end. I refused to argue with her any more, and rose from the table.

"It's not for you to decide what is best for me," I reminded her.

"No, it isn't," she agreed stubbornly. "But you don't seem inclined to do what's best for yourself. You choose to stay here, even though you don't have to; even though it's killing you. And yet you expect us to stand by and let it happen."

I blinked, praying I could hold in the tears that threatened. She didn't understand. None of them could possibly understand, and I saw no point in trying to explain it again. Without a word to Berda, I walked out of the kitchen and headed to the garden. She let me go, having said all she wanted to say to me. To combat the weepy mood, I tried to replace it with anger, fuming and cursing to myself the whole way up the stairs and out to the garden. It fueled me to action, and I launched into my work with vigor. So I shouldn't have been surprised when in just a short hour later, I'd accomplished everything I'd come out here to do.

Panting slightly from the frenzied activity, I surveyed the garden. All the weeds were tidied up and placed in a bin to decompose into potting soil. In a few weeks, I'd be able to use that in the new raised beds where I'd planned to grow some exotic bulbs the florists were selling. The flowers were trimmed up- including the climbing vines. I'd finished it all, though I couldn't remember much of anything I'd been doing. Now what was I going to do?

I could relax and daydream a little while. It's been a long time since I've done any of that.

Too true. I hadn't dared since the disaster with Ilsa and her joke about the portals. At first I'd been too upset and hurt that the woman had been making fun of me for the pastime. But the past five days, I just hadn't had the right frame of mind to daydream about anything. Even now, I worried that it might not offer me the same escape it had before. What if I were to recall something with Danethar in the middle of my daydream? That would spoil everything.

Well, I won't know if I don't try, and I really don't feel like doing anything else right now. Let's see what happens.

I settled in one of the garden's wicker chairs and shut my eyes like always. At first, I couldn't decide what world to visit. Something familiar? Something new? In the back of my mind, though, the pirate fantasy called to me. Like a siren- it demanded to be finished. After all, Ilsa had interrupted me before the pirates could hunt for the treasure; the precious map was still waiting for me. Maybe now was a good time to see if I could find it.

No sooner had I made up my mind, the familiar sight of a volcanic island rising out of the ocean appeared before me. All seemed just as I'd left it, down to the waves lapping gently against my pirate ship. As if it had been waiting for me to return all this time. I smiled to myself and focused on the excursion party, now deep in the island's jungle interior. The first mate led the way, hacking at thorny branches with his sword. The others followed his lead, clearing away the verdant detritus by the armful to create a path.

As captain, I was on the lookout for clues, directing the pirates to our next destination. We'd already found the first seven, but another thirteen waited before we'd come to the treasure horde. An unusual formation of moss-covered trees stumps caught my eye at once, and I hurried over to examine them. Without warning, a venomous snake darted out from the debris and sank its fangs into my ankle. I shrieked in shock and pain, raising alarm from everyone. The mate rushed to my side and hoisted me onto one of the stumps. He yanked off my boot and rolled up the leg of my pants.

"Lilith, what were you thinking? You should have waited for us to clear the area!"

He sounded angry, but I could tell it was because he was afraid. Every time I got hurt, he'd rant and rave about it until I was recovered. So I said nothing as he prodded the bite wound, gritting my teeth.

"How's it look, Liam? Is she hurt bad?"

"She's not hurt good, Thomas, that's for certain. Darlin', just hold still and I'm going to fix you up, okay?"

I nodded. Liam bent his head and wrapped his strong hands around my now swollen ankle. The venom had already begun to take effect, causing the sensation of tiny knives jabbing into the area around the bite. I sure hoped he'd hurry. Then suddenly, numbness. Blessed numbness. Liam was a special healer, and he knew how to use magic to cure all sorts of injuries. On our last adventure, he'd set a broken arm- not mine, thankfully- without any medicines or tools. Just his hands and his unique brand of magic.

The numbness faded and the flesh around the wound came to life by degrees. Liam glanced up at me and rocked back on his heels. I could see the worst of his worry had abated, but another lecture was still coming. Not now. Later, when we'd return to the ship. He'd lecture me about my carelessness and then we'd make up afterwards- in bed. Maybe the lecture would be worth it, but for now, it was time we were on our way.

"If I promise not to argue with you tonight, will you let me get on with the expedition?"

The sassy remark coaxed a smile out of him, and he winked at me. I'd been bracing myself to get up just as I caught it, and thumped hard on my rear as the surprise knocked my feet from under me. Ilsa's wink. Not only did Liam have her eyes…now his expressions were hers, too. What in the name of the nine realms was going on here?

"Lilith, are you all right? Do you need me to carry you?"

"No, no, I'm fine," I replied with a shake of my head. "Just needed another minute before I stood on that leg. See? Good to go."

I wasn't sure Liam believed me, but he didn't prevent me from leading the way to our next landmark.

Heimdall felt the disturbance again from the warrior's quarter. The feeling of a doorway opened between Asgard and some other realm. It had been a while since the strange manifestation had appeared, but sure enough it was back. This time, he was ready for it, and searched that part of the city with a sharp eye to ascertain the source. Despite how carefully he searched, though, the mysterious flux of power eluded him. After several minutes of no luck, he nearly gave up. Then a sudden thought struck him. Heimdall had made himself purposefully blind to the goings on at Lord Danethar's house over the past week, unable to stomach what little he had seen since his talk with the Queen. What if this thing he was searching for was in that place?

Reluctantly, he opened his awareness to that house. Lilith sat in the garden- alone. Praise to the gods for that small blessing. At first, Heimdall saw nothing out of the ordinary regarding the Lady. Then he spied the garden wall. More specifically, the part of the wall that was no longer a wall. It shimmered and shifted until an opening appeared. Through it, Heimdall saw a ship…and an island. Neither of which belonged to Asgard. So his suspicions were right- a doorway had been opened to another realm. And Lilith was the one responsible for it. He whispered a prayer to the gods as he realized what that meant for all of them. Especially now that he knew Loki was inside the house, pretending to be Lilith's maid.

If he were to discover that she can create such a doorway, and could persuade her to create one into Midgard…gods of the Allfather, he can't be allowed to escape.

Once again, he'd been put in an untenable position. If he alerted Frigga and Odin about this- specifically about Loki's involvement- Lilith would know Heimdall had broken his oath to her. She would likely hate him forever for it. But if he didn't say anything and Loki did escape…he wouldn't be able to face his King and Queen for shame of failing at his post. If only he could guarantee that telling them would ensure that they would discover the trouble in Danethar's house. Heimdall feared that it wouldn't, though. The Allfather's primary concern would be to contain Loki, and the God of Mischief would likely be thrown back in his dungeon to keep him away from her. Unlikely that he would look any further, and then Lilith would be alone to face the monster again. He made a tough decision, hoping it was the right one.

I will not inform anyone of this, but I will break part of my oath to Lilith to ensure Asgard and Midgard are safe from Loki. I will no longer remain blind to what goes on in that house, and should I see him attempt to use this power to escape, I will alert Odin.

It would have to do. Heimdall only hoped he could stand what else he might see in the days ahead- and that whatever the God of Mischief was doing with Lilith would see her removed from Danethar's reach as quickly as possible.

Thor left the assembly feeling somewhat disgusted. He doubted any of the men took to heart anything his father had said. Of the ones who'd paid the least attention, Danethar and his two friends were the most obvious. Naturally. They were the ones who needed the reminder the most. He'd have to speak with his father about them as soon as he could. But for now, he was hoping to have a quick conversation with his mother, who was enjoying the view of Asgard from her private balcony.

"Mother- may I speak with you?"

She turned, genuinely surprised to see him. Thor supposed she had good reason to be. He didn't often seek her out for counsel, usually spending more time with his father. But in this, he felt she was going to provide him with better direction.

"Of course, my son. Please join me."

He stepped out onto the balcony, leaning against the railing instead of choosing a seat. It meant he was deprived of the view, but also kept him focused.

"Is something matter," she asked.

"Yes…no. Maybe," he answered. "I'm not really sure, but I thought maybe if I told you what's on my mind, you might tell me whether I should be worried or not."

"A second opinion- always a good idea."

"It all started with that rumor a week back."

"Oh Thor," Frigga interrupted with a sigh. "You don't still think Loki had anything to do with it? I thought we settled that."

"I still think it was him, but that's not what's troubling me."

"Let me guess- it's something to do with the assembly Odin held with the warriors this afternoon. I heard he was lecturing them about maintaining their distance from the servants."

"It's worse than that. Mother, I'm worried none of what Loki started is a rumor. Not just the part about warriors bedding serving women." Her eyes widened, but she said nothing. Thor continued with his explanation. "And what's worse, I think it might have something to do with Lord Danethar."

"But…"

"I know, he's married to Lilith, and the thought that he may be involved is an unpleasant one at best."

"What makes you suspect that he has any connection to the rumors?"

"For one, he's admitted to me that he used to consort with the maids, even though he knew it was expressly forbidden. By the way he phrased it, I'm beginning to suspect he's not stopped after the wedding. And now he's installed a young, naïve maid inside the home. She's lost her heart to him already, and while she claims nothing has happened between them, I fear it's only a matter of time before that changes."

His mother frowned, tapping her fingers on the arm of the chair. Thor waited for her response before divulging the next piece of news to her.

"Well, that is certainly distressing to hear. How scandalous that he should dishonor his vows in such a fashion."

"I agree. And I hope that is the worst of what he's been up to, although I fear it isn't."

"This is what you alluded to- about the rest of the rumors being true?"

"Yes, sadly. Over the past few months, I've noticed a marked change in Danethar's behavior during training. He's increasingly disrespectful to me and to many of the other warriors. After the rumors started, I've seen the female servants giving him openly hateful looks. When I asked him about it, his answers were full of derision and spite. They trouble me. Then when I saw Lilith today, she seemed to want to talk about anything but her life with Danethar. She made a good show of sounding cheerful, but Mother, she doesn't look well."

Frigga hesitated, as if she couldn't decide where to begin or how to respond to his implications. She sat forward in her chair and studied him for a while. Thor thought she was merely stunned upon hearing how they had all misjudged Danethar's character- the Allfather included. Certainly he had felt that way at first. But gradually, he noticed her expression changing, becoming more severe. When she finally spoke, Thor was surprised by the direction of her inquiry.

"When you say she didn't look well, what do you mean?"

"Thin. Tired," he replied after a moment's consideration. "Not quite as I remembered in the days before she left here."

"And you truly think Danethar has laid a hand on her in anger?"

"She told me he hasn't, as did her maid, Ilsa. But…"

"But no one has actually spoken out that he's abused her or any other woman."

Thor was genuinely confused by the nature of her tone. His mother sounded harsh and defensive, and he could see no reason for her to feel that way. Reluctantly, he shook his head.

"No, I have not heard reports of any abuse."

"Then all you have are your own speculations and inferences. No proof of anything."

"No, Mother, no proof."

"Then I suggest you keep them to yourself before you damage the reputation of Lord Danethar and humiliate your cousin," she ordered sternly.

"Have I angered you in some way, Mother? If I have, I am sorry. It was not my intention when I sought your advice on the matter."

Frigga's expression softened a little at his apology, but Thor could see some of the steel remained.

"I know you meant well, my son, but you must be very careful before you leap to these conclusions."

He could see she would offer nothing more on the subject. Not exactly the advice he'd been hoping for, either. Gods, even the discussion with Loki had been more useful, though Thor suspected his brother had directed it to suit Loki's needs more than his. But he could do little about it, and swallowed any attempt to push the subject.

"I will remember your wisdom and will try to be more circumspect in the future."

"Good. Now, why don't we head down to dinner? We can forget all about this business with Lord Danethar and find something more productive to talk about."

Why do I get the feeling she's hiding something, Thor asked himself silently.

It wasn't like his mother to be so quick to dismiss a potential issue before all the facts were known, but to him it felt as though she wanted to end all discussion about Danethar before it even began. He didn't like the feeling it gave him, and so he was determined not to let it go so easily.

You want proof, Mother? Fine. I'll look into this on my own and when I find it, I'll be back. When that day comes, I'll want an explanation about your behavior today.