Chapter 36

ALFHEIM

"I am slimy cat."

Loki slapped a hand over his face as he burst out laughing. Indel frowned in confusion, looking from one adult to the next. "How did you get slimy?"

Jane yelped. "What?"

Continuing to talk, confusion genuine. "And you're not a cat now, are you going to turn into one?"

Loki doubled over while Jane sighed. "I take it I wasn't even close to saying 'I feel fine today'."

Talia solemnly shook her head, grinning. Both she and Indel were sitting on the floor, sharing a book.

G'dath's dry tone from the doorway interrupted Indel's response. "I never thought of laughter as a weapon but it seems to be his greatest weakness."

Both ladies eyed Loki thoughtfully who was reduced to silently laughing, arms wrapped around his middle and slowly sliding out of his chair. Jane sighed again. "I'm trying to learn All-speak."

The healer nodded with a pleased expression. "Ah, an ambitious endeavor. Remind him it normally takes an AEsir 300 years to master if he becomes too difficult."

Grumbling under her breath. "I'll keep that in mind." Jane jumped up and carefully lifted the family grimoire. "Oh, since he's out of commission I'll ask…there was a spell here that puzzled him." She carefully navigated the pages. "Aha! This one."

G'dath glanced at it before her expression turned grim. "Source spell."

The tone broke through Loki's mirth and he picked himself up. "What…is a source spell?"

Giving him a quick glance, well aware all eyes were on her. "It has been reduced to a legend it was so long ago but it did happen." She moved to sit down at the work table and got comfortable, the other adults mirroring her as the children went back to their book. "A war on Alfheim soil involving a species no one remembers the name of. Alfheim was defeated, our numbers steadily dwindling. Their goal wasn't just to conquer us, they meant to eradicate us to make Alfheim truly theirs."

Loki was frowning thoughtfully. He'd read every book in Asgard and had made an impressive dent in Alfheim's library. "I've never heard of this."

G'dath looked down at her hands folded together on the work table. "We never wanted to give anyone any ideas about repeating the past."

Loki nodded. "Pragmatic."

The healer nodded, thinking of the story passed down to her through her family since one of the five had been one of her ancestors. "Desperation leads to inspiration. Five elves. Two of them kings, the other three powerful mages. They created this spell. If they were wrong it could kill them. Or all life on the planet. Or the planet itself. It was a chance they were willing to take."

Jane frowned at the book. "What does it do?"

G'dath slowly shook her head, brow furrowed. "I wish it were so easy to verbalize. It forms a connection to the heart of the planet, channeled through the four to be focused by the fifth."

Jane glanced at Loki. "The heart of the planet?"

Loki's voice lowered respectfully. "Every planet is connected to its people. And vice versa."

Shaking her head in confusion. "How?"

G'dath picked up the conversation. "It is beyond your science but the magic that breathes life into all of us rests at the core of every planet. It is a reflection of its inhabitants and very protective of them."

Vaguely remembering something she'd read once. "Are-…you mean like earth's mother?"

The elf tilted her head a little in consideration. "In a way."

Book abandoned, Loki looked down as Talia crawled into his lap. He tickled her side, the child giggling as she turned and reached for his hair, loosely braiding strands of his ebony locks. Indel was cradled in Jane's arms, his curious fingers smoothing over the AEsir locket always around her neck.

Loki glanced at Jane. "Think of it this way. The planet is comprised of precious gems, crystals, and has hosted billions of lives over thousands of years. Your kind have a dormant ability, but some of you have overcome that limitation. Each new life, each new magician, the effect is cumulative. Each of you leaving behind an echo of yourselves until the result is a consciousness that can be interacted with."

"…because magic eventually develops a mind of its own."

G'dath straightened in her seat. "Who told you that?"

"Azni."

"Ah." The healer rolled her eyes, well used to the elder elf knowing a lot about a lot of things. "Alfheim's mother is a reflection of her people, fierce and strong, but proud."

Muttering under his breath. "…to say the least…"

Jane tilted her head curiously, not hearing Loki. "What did the spell do?"

G'dath seemed almost grim now. "Much more than anticipated. It forms a storm as a reflection of the caster. With five mages involved, its lightning struck down enemies. Gale force winds to scoop them up and hailstones the size of houses. The destruction was un-imaginable, yet there was no elf-kind casualties. But there was another effect. When Alfheim gives, she give everything. There was an excess of power that had to go somewhere."

Loki blinked with realization. "A channeled focus…that created this moon?"

"Which is still a part of Alfheim, but suspended in its own time."

Loki looked around with new eyes. "A pocket universe, with its own set of rules, but accessible to the nine realms, even as their time curves around it."

Jane's expression was of complete delight. "Oh my God! So you're saying this moon is its own universe, its own time, but it runs in parallel to my universe, just at an accelerated rate and the only tie to this world is the under-forest."

"Essentially, yes. Or at least, that is the current theory."

Loki smiled slightly as he watched Jane and G'dath get into a heated debate, watching as quantum physics and magic collided. He didn't participate because the dots had just connected in his mind. Jane was too brilliant to get her calculations wrong, or to allow anyone else to make a mistake. She hadn't made one, yet she was here because someone had interfered. There was a less than 1.28% probability of her survival if the destination had been random. Which meant that someone had sent her to him.

There were only three people in the realms capable of magical manipulation from that kind of distance with that much precision. He hadn't done it. He didn't believe Hela had either. Which left just one. What he didn't understand was why.

Why was he still permitted to hide here? How long had he known he was here? Did he not want him to return to Asgard or was he going to allow Loki to announce himself alive when he was ready? He didn't know, and the unknown made him nervous. Not nervous enough to flee, but nervous enough that he would be looking over his shoulder every so often.

One thing above all else was absolutely clear. For whatever the reason, Odin approved of Jane Foster at his side.

ASGARD

The Past

Two figures stood next to one another on a balcony overlooking Asgard. Both of them were dressed well, obviously of the noble class. She was a few inches shorter than her companion, beautiful, with long chestnut hair and green eyes. She smiled at nothing, seemingly serene, but there was a strange greediness in her gaze. Her companion seemed to be oblivious, all of his attention focused on toying nervously with the ring in his pocket.

"Larnvidia…" She turned, the smile still on her face but there was an almost hidden coldness to it. Loki stiffened his spine a little more severely, gathering his courage. "My coming of age ceremony is but a few weeks from now."

She nodded slowly, gracefully, the perfect poise of a young queen. She wasn't born noble, but she'd quickly risen in popularity until it had been a given for her election to the role on Vanaheim. "Yes, I do believe your entire realm will be present to celebrate the second prince's first steps into recognized adulthood."

Loki mentally scowled, not believing that for a minute. The AEsir hated him and delighted in his failures. Even though she visited him often she wasn't from Asgard, so it was understandable she wouldn't be aware. "I was hoping you would be able to attend."

Her hands were crossed before her demurely. "My duties always come first, my prince, but affairs can be moved for such an important occasion."

Struggling to keep the nervousness out of his voice. "I was also hoping to present us before my father that night."

Her brow furrowed just slightly in confusion. "Present us before Odin…for what?"

The palms of his hands started to sweat and he started to fumble for the ring before catching something in her expression he hadn't before. Her body was going through all of the motions correctly, but there was something contradictory in her expression. Staring at her face intently, ring now forgotten. "To ask his permission for the intent to marry you."

She almost managed to hide it from him, but it was a look he was very familiar with. It was a look many of the courtiers had perfected over the centuries. Veiled contempt.

Not since he'd started attending court as a young prince had he left himself emotionally vulnerable. His thoughts spun round and round but his heart was strangely quiet. He'd been a fool. A complete and utter fool to believe that anyone would fall in love with him. He was the AEsir that couldn't fight, except to use a woman's weapons. Women and men alike came to his bed because of his family. Because of his title. Not because he was wanted. He was too strange, too skinny, ugly and that would never change.

His expression blanked, a strange feral coldness filling his veins as she started to speak. Her tone turned mocking. "You believe that I would actually marry you, the second prince, when the prize will be held by your brother?"

Loki almost took a step back, even though he truly felt like running away. But he was Loki and that wasn't an option. Slowly crossing his arms over his chest and hiding behind the trickster. "You used me to be here, to be noticed by Thor."

Her lip curled slightly as if she found him an amusing child. No, it was worse than that. Now that she was officially his enemy he allowed any random thought from her treacherous mind to wash over him. He was prey to her. A step on her way to the rise in power she desired. He was nothing to her.

"Our time together was an agreeable diversion, the conversation interesting and your only gift beneath satin sheets, but there is only one prize that I want…and only one man who can give it to me."

As if he weren't a man. He felt hollowed out and his eyes flashed green. "Do you truly believe that Thor has any interest in you?"

Malicious amusement now on her face. "Did you have interest before I convinced you? I seduced you, the forked tongued prince, your rather dim-witted brother should be of no consequence."

Heartbreak and protective rage collided. His brother was an oblivious idiot who would be easy prey for Larnvidia if the queen could so easily fool him. He wanted to kill Thor for being the son and the prince that everyone wanted. He wanted to kill her for destroying the illusion he'd held for much too long that he would ever find anyone who put him first.

But it wasn't Thor's fault. His brother didn't purposefully overshadow him, it was simply the card he was dealt. He may hate his brother for it, but he also loved him. Voice cold. "Allow me to escort you to the Bi-frost."

She turned her back to him. "Actually, I thought to seek your brother out tonight, now that our time together has ended so abruptly. I am certain I can persuade him to console me." His arm snaked out, hand wrapping painfully around her bicep as he yanked her back around and stepped closer. She hissed in pained surprise and tugged. "You would dare to touch me without invitation you disgusting leech? You are nothing before Asgard's eyes!"

Unknown to him, his grey-green eyes flashed red, his voice holding a deadly purr. "I wouldn't recommend spending any more time in Asgard if you value your continued existence."

Larnvidia paled slightly, eyes flitting from his eyes to his face. "I-…"

He bared his teeth, normally smooth in appearance, for the first time they were shark-like. "And as I will be sharing this moment with my daughter, I would highly encourage you to tread lightly through life."

Larnvidia felt her breath freeze in her throat. His daughter, Queen Hela of Helheim. She hadn't said another word, following Loki back to the Bi-frost site. After her departure he gave the ring back to Frigga and refused to speak on the matter, taking the golden roads to Helheim.

VANAHEIM

Hela moved slowly, black dress pooling to the floor. The wind rustled the material, displaying the emerald lining up the slit. The silver, armored bodice cinched at her waist, the fabric along her arms falling to her wrists. No one in the Vanir court could see a weapon, but then the goddess of the underworld didn't need one.

Queen Larnvidia nodded from her throne, caution in her body language. "Queen Hela."

Hela paused and drew in a slow breath, closing her eyes and tilting her head back as if in ecstasy. Depending on her mood, sometimes fear was such a delicious scent. "Queen Larnvidia…" Hela circled around the dark passage that linked Vanaheim to Asgard. It was distinctly marked and guarded since dark passages worked both ways. Smirking. "My, my…you are a foolish one."

Hissing, leaning forward. "What?"

Turning, green eyes amused. "Foolish. Either that or your guards are incompetent." Shrugging easily and glancing at them. "Either is possible but I am more inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt."

Larnvidia sputtered from her seat. "This is outrageous, Queen Hela!"

Amusement dropped from her face. "You're right, the attempted assassination of an ally is outrageous." Silence descended over the court, eyes flitting back and forth between the two queens. Hela grinned nastily. "Where is your false indignation now?" A vial appeared in her hand and she threw it at the passage. An explosion of green mist outlined the ugly tear between realms before dissipating. The guards jerked, weapons in their hands as they looked from the passage to the Queen of Helheim and back again several times. Brushing her palms together. "One problem solved…" Turning her gaze to the nervous queen. "One left."

Larnvidia lifted her chin in false authority. No one had dominion over Hela anymore. "As delightful as your visits are, Queen Hela, perhaps it is time you left."

Smiling and showing too many teeth, growling. "Pleasantries aside, then." She moved too fast to be followed, the Vanir queen slamming into a pillar and Hela snarling with impressively sharp teeth. "I warned you never to gain my notice my fine little royal bitch or you might not live to regret it."

A male voice almost shrieked as he stepped away from the rest of the courtiers. "You cannot threaten a Vanaheim queen!"

Turning her head slightly to look at the outraged uncle who had been acting as the guide behind Larnvidia's rise in power since her parents had died. "I am the Queen of the dead, you twat, I can do whatever in Hel I want." Turning back to her captive who struggled futilely. Larnvidia had just a little bit of magical power for making persuasive items like the necklace she gifted Thor, but she was no match for Hela's power. "Did you truly think that just because I am barred from Asgard that I care not what happens to my grandfather?" Everyone in the room froze. "Odin has many things coming to him, and I will not allow your petty desires for a throne in the golden realm to spare him from a single one of my plans."

Larnvidia's uncle took a hesitant step closer. "What do you accuse us of, Queen Hela?"

Looking at him with slight amusement. "I accuse the creatures who attempted to slay King Odin utilized the dark passage before you to slip in secret into Asgard."

His voice almost even, except for a fearful tremor. "Your grievance seems too personal for actions not her own."

A small smile now painted on Hela's face. "Perhaps, except she is the queen of the region, the responsibility of assassins slipping past her watch is hers to bare. Besides, I have been watching for an excuse to rip her throat out for over a century."

His eyes widened. "You-…"

Hela made a scoffing sound, cutting him off. "Cannot? Wouldn't dare? Please, I have killed greater people with less cause."

Larnvidia squirmed, her hands wrapped around and tugging at Hela's restraining wrist. "I have never even insulted you, let alone harmed you!"

Hela growled. "No, you harmed my father, more than even he knows." Another silence descended that had shifted from wary interest to fear. Even to those that were not aware of their relationship, it was widely accepted on Vanaheim that Loki the Liesmith held sway over Lady Death. "It is bad enough you broke his heart with words designed to gut a lesser man…it is even worse what you did behind closed doors."

"I did nothing."

A smile graced Hela's face that held no amusement. It was a smile of the Queen of the dead. A smile that revealed too much wisdom and horrors witnessed in too short of a life. "I am Queen of Helheim. All the dead who do not die in battle but who are not to be punished for a wicked life wash onto my shores. What do you think happens to the children you murder?"

There were gasps from the court and Larnvidia paled. The uncle sputtered indignantly. "Larnvidia has never married so she was never with child!"

Smiling evilly. "I see, so she is a virgin?"

Boots thumped across the stone, Thor pausing at the threshold before continuing forward. His normally happy, easy expression was set in battle ready stone. "I will dispute that falsehood for she was touched before she entered my bed."

Hela crooned softly. "You killed a child of the royal Asgardian bloodline without consent."

Larnvidia hissed. "I am Queen, I require no consent."

Thor scowled. "My brother was a prince of Asgard, actions such as yours are valid grounds for war."

Hela continued Thor's thought. "Which means you required his or his family's consent if you wish to maintain peace."

"He-…"

Squeezing her throat to cut off her words. "No lies. He would have raised the child if he'd known."

Desperately trying to pry Hela's fingers from her neck. "Odin cast him out as a prince and a son!"

Thor scowled. "I did neither. Loki will always be recognized by me as my brother and my family, just as Hela will always be my niece."

Hissing. "The child was a monster, beget by a monster. It was half JÖTUNN!"

Thor's roar was instantaneous. "My brother was not a monster!"

Hela turned to fully face Larnvidia as an ugly silence filled the throne room. The Vanir Queen tried desperately to argue. "He was a frost giant, an enemy to most of the nine realms-…"

Thunder rolled, a dark storm racing across the skies. Lightening seemed to flash in Thor's eyes as he took a step, his words snarled with protective fury. "He was my brother, I care not where he was birthed. He was raised the second son of Asgard and I will challenge any who dare to speak against him." He looked around the room, remembering what Hela had asked of him. "I demand compensation for the murder of a member of my family, as prince and future king of Asgard."

Larnvidia's uncle stepped towards the AEsir prince, licking his lips greedily. "Perhaps a union of-…"

Thor held up a hand, looking disgusted. "I will not sully my home nor my bed further with her presence."

Hela grinned. "As I require compensation as well perhaps you will allow me to punish her."

Something in her eyes told everyone exactly what she had in mind. Nodding easily to his niece, knowing that whatever punishment she had in mind will well satisfy his need for justice. "Aye."

Hela didn't look back at Larnvidia, her cold voice touched with sadistic glee. She said the words mind to mind, so that none but Larnvidia would hear them. "I am going to have such fun with you, my little bitch-queen. I won't kill you…but you will wish I would before I am done with you. Whether for power or politics I care not your reason, for no reason will ever satisfy me. You show no regret in stealing the life from my darling little sister, so I will force regret upon you. You will pay penance for every year stolen from her and the demons will feast in delight upon your screams…welcome to Niflheim."

Hela turned to clap in delight, Larnvidia screaming as she fell down a black pit that opened at her feet. The blackness faded from the floor, leaving behind the stone floor whole and unblemished. Larnvidia's uncle broke out in a cold sweat as her expression turned evil, she and Thor standing side by side. "Now that she's out of the way, we three need to talk about your new Skrull allies and how unfortunate it would be if Asgard and Helheim were forced to go to war with Vanaheim."

ALFHEIM

Usually in terms of relaxation this was the best time of day. Both Indel and Talia were down for their nap and would remain that way for at least another half of an hour. This would be the perfect time for the pair of them to get in a make-out session but she didn't foresee that happening today. Jane slowly lifted an eyebrow as she watched Loki rap his head against his work table over and over again. His hands moved to his hair as he leaned back in his chair and growled at the ceiling. "Why won't she shut up?"

The second eyebrow shot into her hairline. "Who?"

Because she certainly wasn't hearing anything. Her boyfriend was eccentric and at times he joked in creative ways but he was much too agitated to be teasing. He shoved himself impatiently to his feet. "I mentioned once how some m-humans have potential, like yourself."

Speaking slowly, vaguely remembering that. "…yes…"

Gesturing at nothing. "She's been saying my name, over and over again, for hours and it's bleeding over so that I can't ignore her anymore. For this much feedback she's been at this for days."

Thought was that powerful? That…was an interesting thought, a possibility that actually sounded a little scary. And obsessive. Frowning. "Should I be jealous?"

He smirked. "Maybe."

Picking up an empty skillet and waving it in a gesture that was clearly not a threat. "Don't force me to smite you with cooking ware."

He grinned toothily and she grinned in return. "I can weave a spell once I locate her to block her from annoying me further." He sighed softly, staring forlornly at the couch where they could be otherwise entertaining themselves. "Give me a moment while I scare her into submission."

MIDGARD

Virginia 'Pepper' Potts was not a stupid woman. You couldn't be and keep up with Tony Stark. Was she as brilliant as he is, no. But then no one was so it wasn't an insult. Still, that he thought he could keep her in the dark about Jane's mysterious disappearance forever was insulting. And at the moment she wasn't insulted, she was livid. She had an arrangement with JARVIS about secrets, who bowed quickly to her whims…much like his inventor. Currently she was going through the files that Tony had pulled together and it was all coming down to one word in her opinion. One name.

Loki.

Her talks with Jane hadn't been just a one-time occurrence. Neither had her friend's dreams and even though Jane had refrained from bringing them up, Pepper hadn't. Weeks and more of talking with Jane had given her an uneasy feeling that maybe, just maybe, they weren't dreams. After all, Jane hadn't even had a couple of days of interactions with the trickster. This was a very big hunch, but if it worked it was worth it.

Pepper took a sip of her tea. "Alright, tell me something I don't know."

Jane blinked in confusion at her friend from the relative safety of the couch. "What?"

Grinning, not about to be sidetracked. "You heard me. Your dream Loki, tell me something I don't know."

Blushing and refusing to let the thought of the possessive descriptor to settle into her disturbed mind. "Um…come on, Pepper."

Shaking her head, sitting primly less than three feet away and focused. "Forget it. You spend more time with him than me lately, tell me something."

The project had all of Jane's focus and she looked up at Pepper guiltily before sighing in defeat. She thought carefully before shrugging. "He can read my mind." Pepper slowly raised that eyebrow and Jane shook her head slightly, remembering that Star Trek movie Darcy had dragged her to. "I'm not talking Spock-like or anything but he'll sort of glean a random thought once in a while."

She'd seen the video feed of Tony talking to thin air. Nothing was recorded on the other side and there was no audio but the inventor wasn't that crazy. Wherever Loki was, if he could crawl into Jane's dreams and apparently have conversations at will with the eccentric inventor, she might be able to drive him crazy enough to confront her. Crossing her arms, Pepper leaned back in her chair, and started thinking the word, over and over. She was stubborn enough. She would do it every day. Tony would call her crazy. Not to her face, of course, but he would behind her back. She didn't care, he'd been grumbling worse about her for years.

Loki. Loki. Loki. Loki. Loki. Loki. Loki. Loki.

She hoped she gave the trickster a headache. She hoped she drove him absolutely nuts. Honestly she didn't care if he popped back here just to threaten her life, as long as she was satisfied with his answer concerning Jane she really didn't care. Morning, noon, and night. Whenever she wasn't in a meeting or sleeping, she kept up her chant.

It was late afternoon and Pepper sighed softly, filing the final contract. Keeping this up was more difficult than she liked to admit and she was pretty sure she was giving herself a headache but some naproxen would take care of that.

"By the Norns SHUT UP!"

She almost choked on her water but managed to just give him a cool look over her glass. Raising an eyebrow. "Will you go away if I do?"

Loki stood in front of her with a comically exasperated expression on his face, fists clenched at his sides. "Dear lady at this moment I will grant you any wish in the heavens if you will leave me in peace."

Putting down her glass, pushing herself to her feet and stalking the distance. "If you answer my questions."

Narrowing his eyes with a glare, his tone snappish. "Or I could kill you to silence you."

She narrowed her own eyes, refusing to allow herself to feel fear, and noticed his flare with respect. Much like Tony apparently, who respected a woman unafraid to boss him around. But it gave her a normal basis to work from. "Then you already would have done so, Mr. Odinson."

Grimacing. "Do not call me that."

"Then you prefer Loki?"

He sighed and crossed his arms over his chest. "Yes."

Nodding slowly before jumping to the most important question. "Where's Jane?"

His eyes narrowed again in consideration before growling softly in irritation. "Of course you made friends with her."

Eyebrow lifting. "That's not an answer."

"If I give you an answer will you keep my presence to yourself?"

Her eyes narrowed again. "If you don't I'll tell everyone until…I think his name is Heimdall, notices."

Loki paling didn't give her the satisfaction she thought it might and she found herself regretting saying it. Pepper couldn't stop herself from visibly flinching when she heard his voice. No one so proud and commanding should sound so small. "She appeared where I am, yes." Strangely he seemed to rally himself instantly and she was relieved…and surprised she was relieved. "And I won't tell you where no matter what you threaten."

She could almost picture him sticking out his tongue just then. She had a feeling if he knew her better he might have. This was the man that had attacked New York?

"Is she alright?"

He smirked and reached out his hand, Pepper's eyes widening as Jane appeared by holding his hand. The physicist immediately grinned and waved, trying to talk, then turning to frown at Loki when no sound came out. "I'm still working on that." Lifting an eyebrow at Jane. "My communicating between realms is impressive enough."

She stuck her tongue out at him and he smirked. Pepper felt a swell of satisfaction and felt like dancing. She knew it. The frequency of Jane's dreams and the way her eyes unconsciously softened with warmth when she spoke of them left Pepper with the silent impression that her friend was in love. And the way that they were so vivid and detailed left a suspicion that they weren't just dreams. And they were so cute together. They were still in the beginning stage…she couldn't wait until she could get some real 'girl time' with Jane.

"Then you can answer for her."

Loki moved back to glaring at Pepper. "I am not going to act as interpreter for your 'girl time' session."

Pepper almost visibly startled before realizing he'd picked up that phrase from her own thoughts. It was unnerving. She just stared at him for several seconds before glancing at Jane, silently waiting. Jane's lips moved and Loki turned to snarl down at her. "I am not doing this!"

Pepper's voice was dry. "I wasn't expecting the God of Mischief to be so insecure with his masculinity." Loki turned a vicious glare in Pepper's direction, expecting her to wilt and impressed when she didn't.

His voice purred of dark threats. "How would you enjoy being a canary for a month?" Jane elbowed him and he glanced down at her, amused. "You are correct of course. She would hardly notice the difference."

Pepper blinked twice before looking back at Jane. "Are you alright?"

Jane mouthed a few words before looking up at Loki expectantly. Loki's eyebrow quirked. "I find it amusing that you actually think I will bow to your every whim."

The physicist glanced back at Pepper with a very specific look in her eyes, who buried a grin. But Pepper picked up a conversation smoothly. "Not to worry, Jane. I know you're miserable but I'm sure I can inspire Tony and Bruce to rescue you." Jane said something, flipping her hair to the side as if she were a teenage girl and Pepper nodded. "I agree, green is definitely his color." Loki's head jerked, staring from one to the other. He tried to jerk his hand out of Jane's grip but the scientist refused to let go. "Oh! I almost forgot to tell you about the latest fashion trends. I gained extensive knowledge-…"

Loki waved his free hand. "Alright, alright, ALRIGHT!"

Jane's lips quirked, looking back up Loki expectantly.

Sighing. "She wants to know if Erik and Darcy were worried about her."

Pepper smiled at her friend. "I will reassure them personally. There were some concerns about where you were but we've kept almost everyone in the dark. We weren't sure where you were but I think Tony has known you were safe for a while now."

Loki smirked, glancing back at Jane and listening to her. "Was the damage wrought by the Midgardian Bi-frost…are you truly calling it that?" Jane scowled up at him. "Was there extensive damage when it accidentally activated?"

Pepper shook her head. "The aliens Tony has been unable to identify caused the damage, not the arch."

Loki frowned. "What aliens?"

Retrieving a folder from her desk, pulling out a physical image of the three and showing him. "They used guns that didn't fire bullets."

His head tilted a little. "Could they not simply be humans in disguise?"

Pepper showed the label on the folder, dubbed 'alien dudes'. "Tony seems to think no."

Loki hid his reaction, but he had a feeling they had been Skrull, which reminded him that something needed to be done about them. He didn't like loose ends.

Crossing her arms sternly. "When are you bringing her back?"

His hand unconsciously tightened a little on Jane's hand, whose eyes shot to his face. "As of now I make no promises."

Pepper noticed Jane didn't seem surprised or disturbed by that. "You had better do everything in your power and then some to keep her safe, Loki."

He almost smiled at her and she blinked in surprise. "Now that I can promise." Tilting his head slightly towards her. "Farewell."

He disappeared and she sighed. Then froze and tried again. Nothing came out. Turning red, she would have screamed his name if she could have, and no matter how much of a headache she gave herself screaming his name in her head he didn't reappear. She didn't regain her voice for two days and even after she did, she still couldn't say his name.

ALFHEIM

"Thank you." Loki turned his head and raised an eyebrow at Jane, suppressing a grin that she had yet to release his hand. "For letting me see Pepper. Thank you."

He inclined his head towards her. "You're welcome."

Grinning. "What did you do to her?"

Looking innocent. "Me? I have no idea what you mean." Jane just gave him a look. His grin a few seconds later held absolutely no remorse. "She'll regain her voice in a few days, but not the ability to say my name."

Which explained why he'd paled so severely. She didn't know for sure but the spell sounded impressive.

Shrugging loosely. "Would it be so bad for the AEsir to know you're alive?" His lips thinned and she gave him a thoughtful look. "You don't really want to go back to Asgard, do you?"

He glanced away and considered her question before sighing softly. "It was where I grew up, my mother's people. But she isn't there anymore, and Asgard has little use for a second prince who doesn't fight like an AEsir warrior."

She easily read between the lines. "You were disrespected."

His tone turned snappish, ringing with frustration. "I was ridiculed and tormented until I started making examples out of anyone who dared. But I couldn't win in an honorable way, I couldn't meet my tormentor in a combat ring, because magic isn't allowed in an honor fight. So I hurt them. Some severely. I made them regret every word uttered. But it didn't gain me any honor, only contempt."

Jane shook her head, befuddled. "Talk about a rigged game. What about your father? Doesn't he use magic?"

Loki caught himself before he snorted. Yes, his father used magic and he was the most powerful AEsir capable of doing so. "He is very powerful, but he is just as capable with sword and shield as he is with seidr." Tone dripping with self-mockery. "My father is a true AEsir warrior who is probably thankful to no longer have a trickster son to be shamed by."

She didn't hesitate anymore, wrapping her arms around him as she stepped to him. Jane leaned the side of her face into his chest, hoping to chase away painful memories. It shouldn't be like this. And silently she promised herself that if she ever had the opportunity she would voice that opinion. Needing to distract him, having figured out long ago that Loki and negative emotions didn't mix well, "So this is your home now."

His arms came around her in return, his chin resting lightly on her head. As he contemplated his thoughts shifted and his tone eased of frustration. "You have to admit, I could do a lot worse."

From the sound of things, he had done a lot worse for a long time. "Are you going to stay here or build a house on Alfheim?"

Loki considered that for a moment. As often as he planned each day, he honestly hadn't given that part of his future a lot of thought. "Here for now. After Thanos' defeat I wouldn't be opposed to settling down here." There were other matters to consider. He hadn't forgotten. There wouldn't even be a moon for much longer but he wasn't opposed to settling on Alfheim. Quite the contrary. He sighed. "Though Asgard may take exception. I may be a citizen of Alfheim but I am their escaped prisoner. Short of faking my death again, I may have no choice in where I live."

Murmuring into his chest. "We'll think of something. You shouldn't have to live where you feel unwelcome."

Rubbing her back. "You'd be welcome on Asgard." He bit back a grin. She may not even be aware of it, but he now knew just from her questions she wanted to stay. "Women who utilize magic are respected. Talia would integrate well as well."

Frowning lightly. "But not Indel?"

Sighing softly with regret. He wasn't disappointed in his boy. He doubted he ever could be. "He takes after me. He might one day be a warrior if he chooses, for beyond defending himself I shall not force it upon him, but I doubt he will be an AEsir warrior."

Jane huffed. "Then why would I want to live where you two would be miserable? That's unacceptable to me. If Asgard can't get over themselves, as Darcy would say, they can suck it."

Loki choked on a laugh. "Suck it?"

Shrugging, grinning with pleasure that she could get a laugh out of him. "Yep. I'm not exactly sure what 'it' is, but they can."

His expression turned serious. "And if my father decides I have not yet paid for my crimes?"

Jane scowled. "Then you'll fake your death and I'll play the part of the grieving girlfriend and we'll meet you on Alfheim." Such a silly word, in his opinion. But so long as she didn't label him 'boyfriend' he wouldn't object.

Continuing with his thought, surprised to find talking to her about his plans pleasurable. Never before had he done so, with anyone. He enjoyed hearing her responses and was shocked that he did. "They may not let you leave with Indel. He is my first born son and Odin regards tradition highly. Traditionally the immediate family would raise any male citizen in the event of death. Alfheim has claim over Talia and Asgard won't fight for her. Most probably they will fight for Indel."

"Then we should modify those plans for the two of you to 'die'."

He kissed the back of her hand.

Jane threaded her fingers through his, frowning thoughtfully. "Would the fact that he is a dark elf be a problem for them?"

Loki grimaced. "Possibly. They would have more issue with Talia being adopted than that I would think."

Jane wasn't sure if he was even aware of the small slip he'd just made, that Talia was adopted but apparently Indel wasn't. But then again he probably knew and was offering her small amounts of trust as he was comfortable. She filed it away for later. "Do children not get adopted on Asgard?"

"Some do."

There was a tone in his voice, dark and fragile. A sense of foreboding washed over her. "I feel like I walked into something."

He hesitated, both verbally and physically. Jane found herself holding her breath, almost afraid she'd pushed him too hard. "I discovered recently that…I was adopted."

That certainly explained why he looked so different compared to his family. He'd verified he was relatively young for an AEsir, but not so young that he couldn't have been told the truth centuries ago. "Recently?"

His reply was slow, the words reluctant. "A few years ago."

Pulling back enough to look up at his face. "I take it you were surprised." There was no mistaking the expression that passed over his face this time. A rage so deep and raw it was frightening. "What happened?"

Meeting her eyes evenly. "New Mexico happened."

Jane's eyes widened.

Thor's banishment…and Loki sending the Destroyer.

There was that feeling again, just on the edge of her fingertips. It was almost a feeling of contradiction. As if the person before learning this truth would never have tried to kill Thor and after had become someone else. But there was something else in his eyes. Something wild and wounded before he hid it. There was something he wasn't saying. It was like she was staring at a physical wound that was still bleeding and infected.

Now he looked away, head turned to the side and almost physically withdrawing. She leaned up and kissed him gently on the jaw before snuggling back into his chest and hugging him again. Slowly he relaxed against her, holding her, when she didn't ask anything else of him.

She wouldn't press, not yet. She wasn't sure what it was that he wasn't saying, but she had a feeling whatever it was had truly been what started New Mexico.

ASGARD

Anya was rather focused in her task, this particular mirror in Prince Loki's rooms always collecting an inordinate amount of dust. It was a beautiful day as always in Asgard, the servants finishing up the last of their chores before they would slip down to the village for a few hours of casual relaxation. She glanced up at her own reflection, freezing as a woman with her face who looked back slowly smiled. Anya's eyes widened, touching her own face as her reflection winked.

Hold on tight.

Squealing, hands that reached out to her with the shape and form of glass tugged her through the mirror. Like stepping through a doorway, the journey was instantaneous. She landed on what would have been hard marble, her fall cushioned by a dozen conjured pillows. Looking up slowly, eyes widening. "Milady Hela?"

Hela smirked, sprawling backwards into a lounge that appeared behind her. "I remember you."

Anya hastily scrambled to her feet. Curtseying in respect, expression sad. "And I you, milady." But then she truly noticed her surroundings, her eyes flitting this way and that to take it all in. Hela just watched her indulgently, knowing that as a servant Anya had never set foot outside of Asgard.

Only speaking once Anya's initial curiosity had been satisfied and deciding that she was going to give the AEsir a tour of Helheim. "I gather you faithfully toil away, cleaning Loki's rooms."

Anya held herself a little taller. "It is my duty and I perform the task faithfully." Hela lolled her head to one side and crossed her eyes. Anya giggled, her posture relaxing. "Apologies."

Lip quirking. "I've always liked you, Anya, don't disappoint me now."

Her tone held a hint of formality. "I gather you have a task for me."

Hela sighed in irritation. Things would be so easy if her uncle was clever. They had parted ways after subduing the Vanir with fear. From his agitated state, he'd probably gone back to Asgard to hunt trolls with his friends. "I need you to sit on Thor." Anya's eyes widened exponentially and Hela growled. "It is a mortal turn of phrase that doesn't mean what you think it does. Babysit. Watch over, not sex."

Blushing and looking relieved. "Oh."

Hela narrowed her eyes a little. Was there a hint of longing there? Interesting. She wasn't going to address it now and it could be nothing, but it was something to think about for later. "Larnvidia managed to sink her claws into him, I want to ensure that cannot happen again."

Distaste flashed in Anya's eyes though she hid it from her face. None of the servants cared for the Vanir Queen, the woman impossible and two-faced. "Is she to return to Asgard soon?"

Malice curled Hela's lips. "No. She will be playing with my demons until I am satisfied and even when I return her…" Chuckling darkly. "…she will never set foot in Asgard again."

Anya looked relieved. "Until when?"

Hela's lips thinned a little. The commoners would know nothing until an official announcement but there was so much needed to prepare the palace properly that the servants always knew weeks in advance of an event like that occurring. "Has Odin announced Thor's coronation yet?"

Anya looked shocked. "No, milady."

She nodded in satisfaction. If the opportunity presented itself she'd confirm that with Odin but it left her with a glimmer of hope that he wasn't a complete idiot. "I want you to watch Thor, to ensure no other attempts to coax a marriage vow out of him until Loki comes to Asgard."

Squealing excitedly, smiling. "The prince is returning?"

Hela couldn't help smiling. There was a reason Loki and she liked Anya as much as they did and it had everything to do with the type of woman she was. A fascinating combination of perception along with a complete lack of guile. Her one weakness was she had no ambition nor aspiration to be more than she was. "If all goes according to my design, before a year has passed. And do be sure to warn me if Odin does do something stupid like announce Thor's coronation."

Nodding her head quickly. "Of course. If I may be so bold?" Hela nodded slightly. "Do you not trust the prince in matters of love?"

Looking away from the servant for a moment. "I trust my uncle to know his own heart. But he has yet to convince me he knows how to protect Asgard from that heart." Anya looked slightly confused. "It is no secret he holds a deep affection for Sif. She is a respected warrior but she wouldn't make a very good queen as she is. She doesn't balance him with much needed restraint as she should. But beyond that, there were courtiers and other realms who held a great interest in Thor since it was obvious to all he was who Odin would one day crown. Loki knew his unspoken duty to Asgard and acted as the buffer, subtly and not so subtly warning off those that would use Thor and Asgard for their own selfish ambition."

Anya slowly nodded in understanding. "You wish for me to be that buffer until Prince Loki can return to take my place."

"Exactly."

Frowning now. "How do you expect me to fend off courtiers?"

Hela's smile was sly as she stood and held out the crook of her arm for the other woman to take before leading her on a tour. "You know subtlety, Anya. There are subtle ways to make a woman miserable enough that even a prince isn't worth the discomfort of courting him…and if not I will provide you a few ideas."

ALFHEIM

"I have another question."

G'dath's lip quirked, setting aside a completed healing stone she was inspecting for Loki. Today was a normal hunting day, Talia staying with Jane to paint. Slowly but surely, the healer was starting to like Jane. It was so refreshing to discover how curious the mortal was. "Hopefully I can answer."

"Loki's eyes." The healer turned, watching the mortal put away a few books. Jane was frowning at the remaining tomes in her hand. "The celebration before winter started. When we were dancing, his eyes changed right in front of me."

The elf tilted her head slightly with a frown. "They do that from time to time."

With the last book put away, Jane turned around. "But they never changed back. Even now they're still green."

G'dath blinked twice before realizing the petite human before her was correct. Considering her words carefully before responding. "Perhaps what you saw was them changing back." Talia appeared and held up a small bottle of paint. Jane carefully unscrewed the top before handing it back. The little girl ran back to her drawing, even as G'dath's voice pulled Jane's focus. "I have a theory, and perhaps I am wrong but I suspect I'm not." Jane made a small gesture for the elf to continue. "Almost a thousand years ago I met a very young Loki on Asgard."

Jane grinned in delight. "Was he cute?"

The other woman's face filled with nostalgia. "Adorable. A smidgen taller than Indel and dressed in formal princely attire." Jane smiled brightly, easily able to imagine such a sight. "His eyes were a similar color to Indel's. Mages are very curious creatures. They are so filled with magic it reflects in their eyes. And magic is ruled by emotion over intellect. Even those with lesser magical strength like you and I will sometimes show a little power in our gaze." Jane swallowed quickly. Loki had mentioned once he knew how to unlock her magic but the topic hadn't been brought up again. She had a feeling he was waiting for the right time to offer and her feelings on the possibility were a strange combination of excited and nervous. "I was told that the day Hela was accidentally created was the last time she remembered seeing his eyes that color."

She?

Jane didn't say it, guessing it must be an AEsir friend of G'dath's and deciding not to press the issue.

"Because a spell didn't work?"

G'dath opened her mouth to respond but a male voice replied. "Because I knew it was time to give up." Both ladies turned to see Loki standing against the closed front door, his hunting supplies set aside on the work table for cleaning. Neither of them had heard him come inside. Indel was sleeping in his arms, worn out, and Talia had already wrapped herself around his leg in greeting. His expression solemn, his eyes weary. "I spent hundreds of years fighting for my father's attention. Trying to find some way to make him proud, to distinguish myself from Thor. I thought, in my naiveté, that making myself more powerful would gain his notice. When I woke, realizing I failed, I knew in my heart I'd never succeed. I still tried, but I accepted what took my head centuries to realize."

Jane closed the distance between them, Indel rousing himself just enough to yawn and stretch out for Jane, who took him easily. He yawned into her neck, snoring softly seconds later. She thought about putting the boy to bed, but she wanted-no needed Loki to answer this one question before anything else. "Why have they changed back?"

Were anyone else to ask such a question he would never answer it. He knew his vulnerability was his heart. He hid behind logic and slyness and witty quips but just as his mother once held his heart, now Jane did. She could do more damage to him with a few well-chosen words than Thanos ever could, but he wanted to trust her. No. This was the woman he loved. This was a woman who hopefully would love him. He had no one else. He needed to trust her. "This will, perhaps, sound incredibly sentimental, but I've found someone new I want to make proud…and newfound hope I can succeed."

Jane didn't even attempt to suppress the sappy smile aching to spread. A soft need to feel his lips against her own soared through her and she didn't even try to resist. She just stood up on her toes, free hand tugging on his jacket until he bent towards her and shared a sweet kiss.

Indel yawned and mumbled quietly. "…icky…"

G'dath slapped a hand over her mouth to muffle her giggles. Talia looked up, still wrapped firmly around Loki's leg and grinned. Jane and Loki both sighed, he resting his forehead lightly against hers.

NOTES:

Not to worry, I have plans for Larnvidia's suffering so this isn't the last you've heard of her.

So that I don't leave you wondering I haven't forgotten about Amora, I promise.

Also I've seen several comments about a Christmas type gathering with the family and yes, there is going to be something like that in a future chapter so not to worry. Warning: much fluffiness in that section.

NEXT:

Hela finds the Other; Talia's mother wanders through her life; Loki and Tony exchange pleasantries; Fandral makes a mistake; Odin can't resist visiting