Chapter 20

ASGARD

Thor frowned to himself and froze, feigning sleep. He was not a light sleeper, but a warrior's instincts would always be honed and ready. He felt the lightest of touches caressing his muscular back and rolled, the body next to him squealing in shock as she was tossed to the floor, Thor looming over her with a scowl and hand around her throat. Growling, "Amora."

The fact that he was gloriously naked, chiseled features, rippling abs, and impressive…stature, should have given her pleasure but in this moment she was truly afraid for her life, "P-prince-…"

Snarling menacingly in her face, "Who gave you leave to enter my rooms?" She wanted to purr in submission but the amount of anger in his eyes told her he was not in an accommodating mood. Mentally she sighed in disappointment.

His grip tightened just a fraction and she squealed, "No one, sire, no one! I-I wanted-…"

He growled and dragged her to her feet, shoving her to the setae which she sat on in a huff. She sent out a tendril of magic to fix her mussed hair and smooth the wrinkles in her dress. If only it were mussed for more passionate reasons. Silently she watched with a mournful gaze as he slipped on an under tunic and breeches. But she wasn't idle, her mind scrambling for a plausible excuse that she knew he was going to demand. The prince had never been opposed to companionship, she was honestly surprised at his reaction. She supposed it was because she hadn't allowed him the opportunity to invite her.

Stepping towards her, "Now. You will explain this intrusion or you will face the gallows."

Whimpering softly, hurt that he was so serious about this, "I wanted to know if you appreciated my gift, that is all."

Eyes narrowing, "Gift?"

She knew she should have approached him sooner, but some of the sorcerers on Alfheim had taken exception to a few things she might or might not have said at a gala and she'd spent the last couple of months hiding on Vanaheim. Smiling weakly, "The flowers?"

Scowling, "Your gift vexed me for hours, even after their repugnant odor no longer infested my rooms."

Sputtering with wide eyes, "B-but h-h-h…" She gave an inarticulate howl and covered her face with her hands. Not only had Loki tricked her, and was she even surprised, but he'd put some sort of curse on her to prevent her from betraying his presence. Without knowing the words it could take her years to lift it. She had to admire him just a little for that. Nearly wailing the first thing that popped into her mind, "I was forced!"

Lifting his hand, Mjolnir flying into his waiting palm, before pointing it at her, "You will speak the truth, witch. Either you are to blame or you will name the one who is."

She opened her mouth, then closed it again and looked down in defeat, "He put a spell upon me, to enslave me."

Thor slowly frowned at the enchantress. He personally was surprised she was still here. His brother had been living mischief but even he had known to vanish when a prank had gone too far. Still, Loki had had one advantage over Amora and it had everything to do with intelligence. It didn't mean he wouldn't make full use of her ignorance, "Who? What is the name of your master?"

There was nothing that she could say or do to point the finger to Loki. And honestly did she even want to? Of course she did, she would just have to find a different way to get her revenge. Then it came to her. It was perfect. It would allow her to slip back into Asgardian court with grace and perhaps earn the sympathetic protection of a certain god of thunder. Mentally hiding her grin, knowing this could work well to her advantage after all, "T-thanos."

Scowling in disbelief, "The mad titan commanded you to assault me with roses?"

Well when he put it like that it sounded idiotic. Mentally wincing and scrambling as a plan started forming, "Nay! Of course not, my prince, I merely meant t-that I was under duress and running from him after escaping his control. I gifted you the flowers in the hopes that you would grant me protection!"

Thor studied her for a moment. He knew she was lying, he just wasn't sure if it was all fiction or just some of it. Thanos was enough of a threat to the nine realms that the truth of his involvement in anything needed to be determined. Normally he would have dragged her to Loki, who could have figured out in seconds truth from lie…but he couldn't, so his father would have to do.

ALFHEIM

Loki walked silently along the thick branches of the trees. Hunting had never been his forte, in fact he'd abhorred it, but he was finding with some surprise that he actually looked forward to it now. Perhaps because an AEsir would never hunt this way. Just like in everything else, a grand production is made to find the largest, toughest kills. To run into the fray head first with sword and shield and slay the beast. A coward hunts from the trees. A non-warrior uses a bow and arrow. Mentally he stuck his tongue out at each and every one of them.

Indel watched him from a safe distance, following when he moved on to the next tree. It was much easier to hunt from up here. Safer as well. And since the three and a half year old loved to climb it was a perfect arrangement. Most parents would have insisted on a child so young staying home and safe but he had been raised a prince of Asgard, and he'd been taught these skills from a young age.

He crouched down, his bow slipping soundlessly into his hand before taking an arrow and smoothly pulling back. Breathing in controlled intervals, fingers touching his lips and waiting for the perfect moment, he waited until the deer took a single step before raising its head. The arrow released and flew perfectly, finding the heart and their bounty crumpled to the ground.

Loki looked back and Indel grinned with a giggle. Pointing at him with a clear indication of 'stay there', he climbed down the tree and crossed the forest floor. A few gestures and a long wave of his hand, the meat disappeared into a dimensional pocket for later. Taking a look around, breathing in the cool morning air, he turned back to his tree and climbed back up to the branches, Indel leaping the distance and he easily catching him.

Little arms wrapped tightly around his neck, "Dada…" Fingers reached out to tug on his hair.

"Ouch." Indel giggled, blue cat tail flicking lazily. Indel had spent nearly four months as a white kitten before finally being coaxed into changing back, but the experience hadn't traumatized him anymore than Loki's abilities to change as a child had. Loki felt himself smile every time he saw the thing. His son had argued quite logically that it helped with his balance so he did nothing to dissuade him.

He grinned and bopped his nose with a finger, the smile fading as he felt something. He pressed his index finger to his son's lips, the little boy immediately freezing. Turning, eyes and senses searching for something, he felt his lip curl in a snarl as three very familiar figures walked along the lake shore. He didn't recognize them, necessarily, just their species. Chitauri. And they were following the path that would lead them to the elven village.

Advanced scouts? Lost remnants? It could just be an amazing coincidence they were here…but he'd stopped believing in coincidence a long time ago. The world eater was getting closer. It would still be a while. As a final kindness he had planned to warn the elves to leave before he and Indel disappeared…but what if there were more? What if one escaped and reported his whereabouts to Thanos?

Fear gripped his throat before he beat it into submission. No. Never again. He wouldn't allow the coward in him to rule him but he wasn't stupid. Only on his own terms, in his own time, would Thanos know he lived…just before he sent that monster to Niflheim.

With just three of them it would take time to slaughter the village, allowing for him to easily slip away. He was a trickster, after all, not a hero. He was no longer a son of Asgard and had no loyalties to anyone. But then that thought paused him. Alheim was his home now. G'dath. Trax. Azni. G'dath trained him and he'd vowed to protect her. Trax befriended him. And Azni…no, he owed them more loyalty than that. He looked at Indel. A boy that learned by example.

Damn. Damn. DAMN.

He held him close and kissed his hair. Ran a finger gently over the delicate points of his ears. Another kiss to his cheek before breathing the command in his ear, "…stay hidden…" Indel's lower lip trembled but he nodded obediently, knowing that was a tone never to disobey, and soundlessly climbed higher up into the tree as soon as Loki released him.

Just like hunting a bear, Loki stalked his prey soundlessly. The difficulty was that these three would not separate. He would be forced to take them all on at once. He would have to start with the one in the middle. That one moved slightly ahead of the other two and carried the largest weapon. Either the pod commander or an advanced soldier.

He called in his throwing knives and hid the pouch on the inside of his jacket. Not enough time to call in armor, the sound of metal unmistakable. He didn't like the idea of attacking without that protection but he couldn't move like this in his Asgardian armor. In the back of his mind he made a plan to modify his battle gear again.

He slipped to the next branch, keeping pace with them as he planned out his moves. The right one was smarter, he would fire after assessing the situation, save him for last. The left one had a weakened right knee: that would be to his advantage to incapacitate him.

He pulled out his hunting knife soundlessly from its sheath, tucking the familiar handle down so the sharp blade would impact flesh when he jumped. He felt himself grin and there was no denying it, he had missed this. He wasn't an Asgardian warrior who needed constant blood and gore but his instincts were just as finely honed and three years without a challenging target left him eager to enter the fray. He ran through his entire plan in his mind, visualizing each move before he leapt.

Loki landed exactly where he intended, the blade lodging solidly in the lead's cerebral cortex. He twisted the blade and it collapsed. Dropping down, he spun his leg out and caught the left one at the knee, the creature screeching in pain. He lodged a throwing knife deep into its trachea, grabbing the head and jerking until there was a crack and the body went slack.

The smart one did the unexpected, it ran. And like all Chitauri, it ran fast. Loki growled and didn't even think, leaping into the air and shifting form into a sleek panther. With a roar he gave chase, eating up the distance and easily evading the shot aimed back at him. Eyes narrowing to see his house up ahead, he mentally started cursing to see G'dath and Azni frozen in the path.

The ground under the Chitauri turned to quicksand, slowing him down. Vines snaked out of the ground and wrapped around the sinking creature, delaying its escape. Swiping with his left paw, the ground reverting back to firm dirt under his own four feet, the Chitauri gave an inhuman yell and fell forward in front of the two women. They backed up but Loki ignored them, letting both sets of claws sink into its shoulders and relishing the screams. Idly he wondered what else he could do to recreate it.

"Loki." Slowly he raised his head, whiskers twitching and left ear turning slightly in G'dath's direction, "Kill it, but do not let these monsters turn you cruel. You owe your son more than that."

He looked back down before deciding she was right, shifting form halfway, black tail whipping around in agitation and snapping its neck dismissively with his clawed hands. Knowing his son as well as he did, all that he did was stand and turn with arms out. Indel, never one to stay behind, fell into his arms and wrapped his own tightly around his neck, legs around his waist. He rubbed the boy's back, hesitantly meeting Azni's appraising look.

His half transformation wasn't a conscious choice, but a sign of his wariness of her reaction. His black tail continued to flick nervously. Seeing what he was capable of was sometimes too much. It led to fear which is why he sometimes took such pains to walk the knife's edge between weak and powerful. The weakling prince of Asgard wasn't respected, but the God of Chaos was feared. She seemed to nod to herself, "Well, are you going to invite an old lady in for tea?" Both G'dath and Loki snorted in unison as he grinned around his fangs in relief but he bowed slightly and invited them in.

MIDGARD

Whenever she picked up the slip of parchment, her mind immediately turned to Asgard. She missed it. She missed Thor. He'd opened her eyes and she couldn't be anything but thankful. It had been beautiful and intriguing, she could happily spend her entire life asking questions about anything and everything. Grand. Glorious.

Was there a school there for little demi-godlings? Maybe somewhere else for little magicians to learn. Science? Astronomy? Wouldn't it be epic to compare all that she knew with an astrologist who lived in Asgard? And they would be so much older than her, living possibly long enough to observe a star from birth to death. Well, perhaps that idea was a little farfetched but still, far longer than she would ever live.

She wrote another translated word down.

But then her thoughts turned to the death of a queen. The funeral. So many of those brave warriors dying when the dark elves attacked. Her almost dying…and Loki dying. Her brow furrowed, wondering if Thor went back to find his body, to bring him home. She rubbed her forehead lightly with her fingers and wrote down the last word.

Svartalfheim. Were all the other planets in the universe like that one? So desolate and barren. Lifeless. She never had asked why it was like that. But now she wondered. Was it just the way the elven planet was, or had something happened? Natural disaster? Pollution? War? Considering the people, she was leaning towards the last possibility.

Jane frowned to herself, slowly putting down the pen as she looked over the completed letter. It had been slipped in amongst her clothing and she'd recently stumbled across it. It had been written in Norse runes, a string tied around it and tethered to two objects. It had taken quite a bit of time for her to translate. Now that she had the translated product she was no less mystified. Apparently it was a note from Frigga, but why the queen paid her the least bit of attention mystified her.

Lady Jane,

As you read and understand the words, let me first express my relief that my sons were successful. And if my vision is correct, I am no more. Do not harbor any sorrow, for death is but a part of life, a lesson I have striven to instill in my children.

I urge you, my dear, to not confuse your love for my home to equate the love for my eldest…but I feel certain by now you have realized that for yourself. Keep your eyes focused on the stars and do not allow your doubts to sway you from your path.

It is customary in my world that all my possessions are passed on to my children, but I chose for these two items to be given to you. You are not required to return them, but I do ask that you keep them safe. The necklace is similar to a Midgardian locket. While holding it in your palm, speaking 'Odinson' will reveal the picture within. Wear the ring in good health.

You might consider the name Vili for your son's name, I was always partial to it.

Queen Frigga of Asgard

She smiled to herself, even as she was puzzled by the last part. Picking up the necklace, she puzzled it over. Smooth and clear, almost as thin as glass and oval shaped. She held it in her palm, "Odinson." She gasped in delight as an image appeared. She blinked in surprise. It moved.

Two figures standing side by side, familiar and yet completely unknown to her, obviously younger than when she'd known them. One man an inch taller than the other, blond hair but no beard and smiling freely with an arm thrown over the shoulders of the slightly shorter man. The dark-haired man rolled his eyes for effect but stood still, his smile was smaller. Shyer. They were both dressed in tunics, hair shorter than she'd seen on either of them. Loki was saying something to Thor, though there was no sound. Thor tipped his head back to laugh and Loki's smile brightened slightly, apparently happy to have made his older brother laugh.

The image faded and after smoothing her finger over the crystal, she put the gold chain around her neck. She took the white and gold band and twirled it on her fingers. It was beautiful, even for a keepsake. Tomorrow they were going to test her worm hole and she was anxious to see its success. Her dream of visiting Asgard had faded over time, but the burning desire to see other planets no human had ever traveled to had only increased. Standing up to go get ready for bed, she absently slipped the ring on the ring finger of her left hand.

ASGARD

Thor walked with Amora casually at his side, she smirking at scandalized courtiers and scowling warriors. If it were possible, she was even less liked than Loki had been by the court in life. Now in death he was remembered more for the positive than the negative, leaving Amora severely lacking. The double doors to the throne room opened, the pair of them walking down the runner to Odin's throne.

Taking a knee before his father, "All-father."

Amora was quick to offer a kneeled curtsey, slightly delayed since she was busy primping for her audience. Nodding in acknowledgement to his son, "Thor." Remaining as rigid in court as ever, "I seem to recall an event seventy-five years ago." Amora felt her face flush. Odin was still mad about that? "And I also recall that you, Lady Amora, took it upon yourself to remove your presence from Asgard, rather than face honorable judgment."

It was an unspoken rule. She was free to wander Asgard if she chose to maintain her self-exile but now that she was officially before the throne any outstanding punishments could and would be brought forward. It was just a little bit of fun and she'd always delighted in making royalty look like idiots. Alright so it may have started a minor war between Asgard and Vanaheim that took Thor's might and Loki's Silvertongue to subdue. Oh. So that's why the trickster was annoyed with her.

Swallowing and ducking her head in forced humbleness, "Was it really only 75 years ago, sire?"

Eye narrowing, "I have the date down to the second if you wish it to be offered considering the number of fine warriors that died as a result of your jest."

Murmuring, "No, sire, but I thank you for the offer." Then looking up with a pout, "You would not have punished your youngest for a similar crime."

Thor sucked in a pained breath and Amora almost felt bad for speaking. But when the All-father's voice thundered through the throne room she did feel regret, "You, Lady Amora, are not Loki and never will be. You are fortunate your past misdeeds have not earned you the executioner's block and I strongly suggest you never again mention my son in my presence." Silence from everyone. Odin growled to himself but turned his attention to his son, "Thor?"

Odin was silently praying his son hadn't taken an interest in the Enchantress. He'd prefer his oldest go back to courting the mortal Jane Foster than that. Thor stood, "The Lady Amora has indicated that a new enemy may have interests in Asgard."

The warriors stood up a little straighter and shuffled. Odin leaned back just a little. She was a strong magician, it was true, but she was a truly selfish creature who would never endanger her own life for the betterment of Asgard, "And who is this new foe that requires vanquishing?"

Thor nodded to Amora who tried to look innocent and demure…it didn't work, "The titan…Thanos."

There were murmurs and whispers but Odin didn't even twitch, "I see…and just where did you encounter such a creature, Lady Amora?"

Her eyes widened for the briefest of seconds before filling with tears. She knew the legends of Thanos. She may not know where he is right now but she knew where he came from, "He…he exists o-on Titan…in Midgard's realm…"

Odin nodded slowly to himself, "Thanos is indeed a powerful foe. One can never underestimate his abilities in seidr for he is almost impossible to defeat. However did you escape?"

Closing her eyes for just as moment, swaying on her feet as if swooning. Thor automatically reached out to steady her and she almost purred in delight, "I-It all h-happened so fast, milord, and I barely remember the how."

Speaking quietly, almost gentle, "I really do insist, lady."

Nodding bravely, "I remember Vanaheim. Then I was waking up. I was brought before him, trapped and after h-he t-t-tortured me…he said I c-could be useful and locked me in a cell. B-but he forgot to seal it." She put the back of her hand to her forehead and closed her eyes, "I barely had the magical strength to slip past the guards and I…I might have accidentally crossed over to a dark passage for I was suddenly on Midgard. Yes, that was it, and of course the way back to Asgard from there is easy for one such as myself."

Thor stiffened as he stared at her. He might have believed her walking the golden branches of Yggdrasil, although he wasn't sure if she was powerful enough, but only Loki knew the dark passages. Odin looked at her more intently, "Intriguing. I was not aware there were any dark passages between Titan and Midgard. In fact, I do believe my youngest made a statement as such and you will forgive me lady if I take his word over yours."

Squeaking, "Sire?"

Continuing on as if he hadn't been interrupted, his voice turning angrier as he spoke, "Then of course, there was the very neat trap that has sprung around your lie, since Thanos has absolutely no magical ability, of which I know from personal experience." Amora squeaked again as a pair of magic restraining cuffs were slapped on her wrists by Thor, who was staring down at her coldly. She looked from the thunderer to the king, "I raised an artful liar, lady, you would do well to remember that he rarely fooled me." Odin offered himself the luxury of leaning back slightly as he drank in the full picture of her current plight. He would need to visit her separately, away from the court setting because he did believe she had answers to a few of his questions but not just yet. Best to let her wallow for a while. Loki could spend 10 years in the dungeons and barely blink with true remorse but Amora lacked the mental discipline and would break easily enough, "But I am not an unreasonable monarch, Lady Amora. Perhaps a few days to consider the merits of truth before your king will be enough for you to be more forthcoming. Take her to the dungeons. Seven days."

Pouting at Thor, she slumped and let the guards escort her down to the lower level. Thor caught the barest of amused gleams in his father's eye and wondered just what it was that Odin found so amusing.

NOTES:

As always, thank you to everyone for your support.

Big, BIG things are about to happen. I'm about to start the blender *evil laugh*.

NEXT:

Tony flirts, Jane's too curious for her own good, and Loki figures out he's lost control over his life.