Hey guys! Sorry it's been a while. My boyfriend had a birthday and of course the stress of classes is weighing on me. Anyway, a chapter out as promised, enjoy!

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That morning I woke up feeling a bit more rested than I had in a while. I got ready quickly before a few guards came to get me. We were going to have a pre-council and it made me extremely nervous. I met up with Tony, Steve, Alex, and Clint in the hallway.

Tony stayed at my side. He looked extremely protective as we walked into what they told us was the council room. It was a long room with a long white marble table and enough seats for all of us. There were even larger chairs for the Jotunn who usually took up a great deal of space. The roof too was quite high to accommodate the taller creatures. Most everyone else was already seated in their spots. I was invited to the front of the table, the seat on Odin's left side. Balder took the seat on his right just across from me. The man smiled and greeted me cordially.

"Good morning Lady Naiira. I hope you slept well." His rosy cheeks practically glowed when he smiled. Tony was right, he did remind me a good bit of jolly old St. Nicolas.

"Very well thank you Lord Balder. I hope you slept as soundly as me." I replied kindly. He chuckled.

"Of course, there is no bed like an Asgardian one."

"Oh yes, very comfortable indeed, but I think those of my world are even softer." Thalion and his attendant took the seats next to Balder. Tony was sitting next to me and was being unusually quiet. It was unnerving really. Steve sat on his other side, then Clint and then Alex who I hadn't talked to since the meeting yesterday morning. I was comfortable with this setup. Just so long as Sigyn didn't sit near me…

"Good morning all." As if on cue, Lady Freya entered with Sigyn following close behind. I made eye contact with them both smiling even though Sigyn scowled at me. The elder of the two women seemed pleased with the greeting as they took their seats at the table. Of course you could hear the Jotunn as they came in, their heavy foot falls making the goblets on the table shake. They took their seats without a word to anyone. I nodded happily in their direction to the pleasure of Byleistr and to the indifference of Helblindi. Though after a few moments even the crown prince nodded back in acknowledgment. Now all we needed was Odin. We waited a few minutes and I refused to engage in conversation with anyone, trying to think of all the things I could say. I wasn't exactly charismatic but I held sway here. I needed to do what I could. Tony placed his hand over mine for encouragement. I wondered how he knew until I realized I was shaking.

"No worries kid, we have your back." He whispered. I smiled. It made me feel so lucky that I had someone like Tony that I could always count on. I glanced down at Steve who was nodding in agreement. Alex seemed relaxed. Clint looked burned out and frustrated. Out of all my friends I imagined Clint would be the least likely to accept what I said as fact. He held grudges like no one's business. This was just a pre-trial anyway, there wouldn't be a need for too much…

"Sorry to make you all wait." Odin entered the chambers with a rather somber look on his face. I figured Frigga might have spoken to him before he came. Perhaps that was why he was late. He clapped his hands and servants appeared with food and drink to fill our goblets. Most of the table took wine (including Tony) but I took water, afraid of the impairment caused by Asgardian alcohol. I needed to have a clear mind and be able to fully share my thoughts. We all ate in relative silence though at times Odin whispered things to Balder.

"Lady Naiira, I came to your door this morning to walk with you but you did not answer. I was worried about your safety." Thalion said. I tried not to stiffen up too bad. Of course I hadn't been there, I had spent the night in Loki's room. Most people on the council still didn't know my relationship with the so called war criminal although it would be revealed pretty soon. If the others knew that he and I were involved then my word would hold less weight but lying was no good either.

"Forgive me Lord Thalion, I woke very early this morning to walk out in the gardens. I had a difficult night." It was a downright lie. Thalion looked forlorn, his handsome face contorting in worry.

"I am sorry to hear that. Perhaps you will be able to rest easy after this trial has ended." He smiled in reassurance.

"I do hope so your highness." I turned for a moment to look at Tony who seemed to be falling asleep.

"You shouldn't drink wine so early, it makes you drowsy." I whispered. He scoffed rather loudly making a few of the council members gaze in our direction.

"I'm drowsy 'cause of this early hour." His voice was a bit slurred already. I switched goblets with him while he seemed a bit distracted with the emblem on his shirt. It looked like he was trying to read it and kept failing miserably.

"I think you are a bit drunk Dad." I giggled. He blinked and it took him a moment to answer.

"What?" Steve looked rather amused at how drunk Tony was already. He looked at me and I gave him a knowing smile.

"You know, Asgardian alcohol is a lot stronger than earth alcohol." I whispered and Tony's eyes drooped. Steve and I kept eye contact as I spoke. He was starting to snicker a bit.

"Whats are you talkin' bout?" Tony slurred. Without warning his head slammed into the table. He was already out. Balder began to laugh.

"Your friend does not know his limits!" His hearty laughter was contagious. I started to laugh as well though I attempted to hold it in. The door to the room opened again and Thor came in with a great big grin plastered on his face. I hadn't noticed it before, but there were two seats at the head of the table. Odin was right next to me and there was a large chair in my blind spot. I was beginning to wonder if the prince would join us. Thor took the final empty seat and waved at me briefly. I returned the gesture before taking a bite into what looked like a giant grape…it sure tasted like a giant grape. Tony snorted a bit in his sleep.

"Your so called father is a bit of a lightweight as they say on Midgard." I was sure I jumped a bit. There was a chuckle from inside my head. I had forgotten, we had reconciled, Loki could probably hear everything I was thinking.

"Not everything, as promised I keep a distance. I heard you call, was there something you needed?" Had I called? I must have subconsciously or Loki wouldn't be talking in my brain right now.

"I'm not sure, can you listen to those around me?" I asked him. There was silence for a few moments.

"Sadly, yes. However, seeing through your eyes is rather new." He muttered. I looked about the table at the members of the council and heard Loki's critique of each of them. He called Thalion a prissy snob which almost made me laugh out loud though I held it in. He had nothing to say on Freya though he voiced his disgust at seeing Sigyn. This not so secretly made me happy. Loki managed surprise at the sight of the Jotunn who sat whispering to one another. Then I remembered something that Frigga had told me…

"Loki, you are technically a Jotunn and the son of Laufey. Wouldn't that make you a prince of Jotunheim?" I asked curiously.

"I suppose but…well by their standards I'm probably king." I was rather stunned.

"How does that work?"

"In Jotunnheim, the first to kill the former king becomes the new one. I murdered Laufey when he attempted to kill Odin so in their eyes I have rights to the throne." Yes, I knew how to make the Jotunn at least a little bit happier. There were two princes who might possibly want Loki dead for the purpose of becoming king as their customs dictated.

"Is it possible to denounce ones claim as king?" There was silence for a moment.

"I don't know, that I am aware of such a thing has never occurred…"

"If I could negotiate such a thing would you agree to it? It would make the Jotunn happy I'm sure of it."

"I never wanted the throne of ice, I would agree to give up any avowal." Good, then I would bring that up later. Odin stood, his cup raised high in the air.

"To peace!" He called. Everyone else murmured the same before drinking. I took a few sips of the water in my own glass since Tony was passed out. Odin was the first to slam his chalice back onto the marble. The wine sloshed out a bit, marking the table top with a wet blotch of red.

"And now to business, does anyone have any preliminary issues that need to be discussed?" He sat back in his seat, his eyes flitting to me for a few moments. I was the most unfamiliar with the customs around here after all. Well me and my friends anyway. It was Steve though who finally spoke up.

"I'd like to know what the options for punishment are sir. You see, on Earth there are lesser type sentences for crimes in which someone had little to no control." I smiled over at Steve who nodded reassuringly. Odin sat back in thought, waving his hand for Thor to answer. He'd be Ruler soon, he'd need to know these things.

"Most courts with council are held for criminals of the most brutal nature. We vote after trial is presented to either release or…" Thor paused. He didn't seem comfortable with the next part. I could imagine what it was though. He glanced at me carefully, trying to make sure I wouldn't be offended.

"Or they are executed in a certain way. I was hoping this trial could go a bit different." I muttered. The table's attention was fixed on me.

"The floor is yours my Lady." Odin's voice was smooth, undisturbed. I took a deep breath. Loki whispered reassurances in my head.

"Loki may be responsible for some of the crimes held against him, but others were not totally his fault. As Steve said, on Midgard we show leniency to people who are not fully in control of their actions. I find execution a bit too much." I shared. No one said anything, they seemed surprised by my sudden speech partly in Loki's defense. A rather sullen Loki was brooding about any punishment within my mind, but I reminded him that if anyone was to forgive him then he would have to repay those he wronged. He went pretty mum after that.

"Are you suggesting that his acts of war against the Jotunn were not wholly his fault? How about the attack on Midgard? You were there were you not? Surely you realize the folly in your speech." Thalion looked rather disappointed. He must have wished for the guilty verdict.

"My people wish for the head of the man who killed their king. I will not stand for his release." It was Helblindi who spoke. The ice giants deep voice caught everyone off guard. He hadn't spoken since he got here.

"I am not implying anything Lord Thalion and I do not mean to offend the Jotunn with my words. He would not just be released, but would pay in a different way." I explained. Odin looked thoughtful, Thor and Balder hopeful that the others would listen to me.

"I agree with Naiira, we should show mercy but with a strong fist. Don't you think that we kill those who might have deserved a second chance far too often brother?" Balder turned to face his elder sibling with a look of seriousness on his jolly face. Without the smile he looked as severe and powerful as Odin usually did.

"I too do not like the use of violence for violence. Make him suffer for the good of himself and others." Freya was smiling the whole time she said that, the halo of light around her midnight black hair seemed to emit an energy of happiness despite her rather harsh words. Sigyn nodded her approval.

"He killed countless people of different races and almost destroyed a realm! Adwin and I will not stand for anything less than his death." Thalion's beautiful violet eyes were being surrounded by dark circles. Was that normal for his race? Adwin placed a hand on his prince's shoulder which seemed to calm the golden male enough to return to his glowing self.

"If carried, what do you propose as a decent punishment for him?" Odin seemed rather amused for whatever reason. Perhaps he didn't think I had thought about this?

"Instead of death he would settle his debts. He would renounce his claim to the throne of Jotunheim, help them rebuild what he destroyed, and if you so wished it he could be banished to Midgard where his powers would be bound as you did with Thor when he threatened your world with war." My eyes glinted with slight hatred as I gazed upon the allfather. If he could only see what he had done to Loki, perhaps he should be the one in chains. There were whispers up and down as the representatives spoke amongst each other. Clint, Alex, and Steve sat silent while Tony was still knocked out cold.

"And you…Midgardians, after all Loki did you stand by Lady Naiira's decision?" Odin called down at the three men still conscious enough to hear. I moved to look at them, waiting for their answers.

"I trust her more than anyone." Steve agreed.

"I just think death is too easy, make him suffer a bit." Clint uttered. That answer was expected and it was good enough for me.

"He deserves to be heard out at the very least. Death should only come to those who are truly guilty and I don't think Loki is that type." Alex said it rather eloquently. He grinned at me. I gave him a rather grateful one back. I'm sure Tony would have said something snarky…or slurred anyway if he hadn't passed out but it would be in my favor.

"I am with her as well father. Loki is my brother." Thor declared from his seat at the head of the table. Odin looked quite frustrated but sighed in defeat none the less.

"There is a majority then. It is now a viable option but you realize Naiira that to pass such a vote at trial the entire council must agree with you." He seemed to be intrigued by my daring.

"I know."

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Loki sat back in his cell, letting out a breath. He knew she was right. There was no way they'd simply release him and pardon his misdeeds. It would be better if they had a compromise and now he'd have one. A decision that would hold him between death and freedom of life. At least Naiira would be with him. Surely she would wish to stay in Midgard if he was banished there. Not only because of him but because of her family. He couldn't shake the strange feeling he was having though and when he asked Naiira she said she felt the same. Something was going to happen, he could just feel it and she mirrored his worries.

She had already telepathically told him of the impending war that Odin expected from the Dark Elves. She also said that she remembered briefly in her visions of the past that this race played a large part in making the infinity sisters become infinity stones with no consciousness.

"You said that you were told to keep a look out on the council. I know some of them better than you can imagine, I can help you identify if any of them are not who they say they are." He was determined to protect her at all costs. If they were going to be together, it was going to be forever. She wouldn't leave his thoughts, his sight for even a moment.

"Alright, I'll attempt to have a conversation with each of them." Her voice was much clearer than it had been the first time they met. He smiled at how much she had learned since then. It had been many moons since then and yet he could remember it like it was yesterday. Through her eyes he saw her gaze turn down the table from his Uncle to the Jotunn at the end.

"You can cross the Jotunn off the list. They would require too much magick to maintain such a form. You'd be able to feel it and there is no recreating that chill." She seemed to understand, sharing with him just how cold she felt being in the vicinity of the giants.

"I doubt it's any of my friends, I would have noticed." Loki agreed. That left Thalion, Adwin, Sigyn, Freya, Balder, and yes even Odin. It wasn't Thor, if anything a dark elf wouldn't stoop so low. They thought he was a simpleton. Naiira shared her distaste at the thought of talking to Sigyn. They'd have to figure out a plan to trap her in a situation where she would react uniquely.

"Is Freya into torture?" She asked. Loki found himself fighting not to laugh.

"She is against violence but yes she does tend to enjoy suffering as some experience pleasure with pain. It's just her nature I guess you could say." He could practically hear her shiver even though she was so far away. He'd been surprised too, such a beautiful woman was actually somewhat of a sadist. It was probably the reason Sigyn hung around her all the time. Desperate and dependent people needed those they could follow and he suspected they were more than just simple associates…

"I can hear you Loki. If they are lovers then we can just prove if Freya is a fake or not. Then she can tell me whether the Sigyn with her is false." Well that made things a bit simpler. Yes, they were probably lovers with all the time they spent together in Freya's chambers. The woman took many back to her rooms but none more than her apprentice Sigyn.

"This could help you, helping me find the imposter I mean." She spoke. He nodded.

"Good, then I'll prove my worth and do what I can. I want you to know though that I do this to protect us, not them." He muttered.

"I can live with that."