Thor has already declared the feast open when Darcy and Jane arrive. Fandral waits for them in the hall. He offers them both his arms.

"Thank you, Fandral, but Darcy really wants to make the girls jealous by being your only girl."

Fandral sighs and shakes his head, smiling, "Jane, Jane, Jane... There will be plenty of time for that later in the night. For the moment, take your victory. Your frying pan was critical in saving the All-Father. Your can of mace made it possible to kill Vithar. Your arrows saved our prince. This is something to honour."

"You know, I'm really not used to celebrating killing people. Usually, we try them for murder."

"This was in defence of our entire realm," he argues, "and so it is different."

Jane's hand lingers against the gems around her neck, "And it feels wrong to celebrate without him. I think I'll just go down to the dungeon, OK? You guys go ahead without me."

He takes her hands, "He will join us. Trust me."

"But he's a prisoner. Even though we would have never made it in time to save Odin from Vithar...I saw where his hands were when those bottles hit. It was a delay, but without Loki's dagger...he'd be dead."

"I know. And this is not the first time he has saved us- Thor has told us of Svartalfheim. Were it not for him, we would all be in darkness and our current king would also be dead."

"How is this fair?"

"It isn't, Jane. But this will change. Just have patience."

"Kinda short on that right now."

"Well then let us go play. I assure you, dear Jane, tonight will end well for you." They enter the hall together, Jane tensing as all eyes fall on her, "Relax, Sister. You are in good hands. And were I to not take care of you, your dear Darcy would likely do something unspeakable to me."

Darcy grins, head held high, more regal than Jane is used to seeing her, "You can bet your sweet ass I would." She smiles and waves to the cheering people.

Thor announces them, "Lord Fandral, escorting Lady Darcy and Lady Jane, victors of this day!"

Fandral brings them to the king's table and bows briefly, "My king. I present the sisters Lady Darcy and Lady Jane."

"Welcome, Ladies! Please, join my table."

It is all a formality, they know this is where they will sit, along with Sif and the Warriors Three, but it is an important one that establishes them as part of the king's inner circle. It is utterly clear that they are considered equal to Asgard's finest warriors.

Sif pats the open seat beside her, "Jane- would you care to sit beside me?"

"Um, sure."

"You are clearly uncomfortable."

"Well I kind of avoided the other feasts since I've been here. You know, given that they were all for things that kind of stung. So this is new. And there are a lot of people here. And it's fancy. I don't want to mess this up."

"In an hour or so, many will be drunk enough that they will not remember if you do."

"But not you."

Sif smirks, "No. Not me."

"Planning something?"

"Always."

The feast is busy enough that Jane cannot keep track of what is happening beyond her table. People eat, drink, laugh, dance, and tell raucous stories. After the plates are cleared, many of the attendees gather around the king's table for a recount of the victory and Thor does not disappoint.

"We had gathered the army at the appointed place, ready to face Vithar and his men, to defeat them for the honour of Asgard. It was a fierce fight, his people well organized. We fought ourselves to a stalemate. But Vithar was nowhere to be seen. We were unaware he had taken his generals with him to gather a second army, bringing havoc where he rode. We were alerted by the All-Father's ravens. Glorious they were as they descended on the battlefield, their talons extended, tearing the flesh of our foes. Knowing that he had run, and that his people were prepared to fight to the death, I brought it swiftly with the power of Mjolnir.

"But we could not ride fast enough to catch up to him with the army. The palace would have been defenceless had it not been for the quick thinking of Lady Darcy. The All-Father had prepared to recruit the dungeon wardens and their men, but she knew of a far fiercer fighting force- our kitchen staff. She rallied them to knives, to rolling pins, to whatever implements they could fight with. And brave Lady Jane knew that there was one man here who could bring some sort of evenness to the fight, so far outnumbered would they be.

"The All-Father ordered the men in the dungeon to ready themselves in the armoury and Lady Jane sought out our most clever brother, Loki. He did not hesitate to join them in defence of his home. With his knives in hand, he ascended to the armoury. Lady Darcy supplied Lady Jane with a frying pan, but knowing this would not be adequate, Loki gave her a bow and arrows. They would need eyes above. The All-Father rallied his men, and Lady Darcy did the same for hers in a manner most rousing. And then they opened the doors to the courtyard and waited as Vithar's men tore down the gate.

"Our forces were too far distant to help, and they were on their own. The fight should have been lost, the palace overrun, but they were cunning in their fighting and kept the men bottlenecked at the gate, limiting their numbers inside the wall. The fighting was fierce. Lady Jane kept watch from the wall, protecting our leaders. Lady Darcy, fury itself, fought close and fast with blades and broken glass. The All-Father fought with his ravens, but was tired, his Odinsleep long overdue.

"Vithar rode through the gates with his generals, sure he would win, but Lady Jane dropped one from her place on the wall as soon as he entered. The other man fired back and Lady Jane defended herself with her frying pan, a shield better than any other she could have hoped for. She kept her eyes on them, her entire goal to fell them and leave the army leaderless. Vithar himself disappeared, but his remaining man engaged Loki. The general was easily twice his size, but Loki was quick and cunning, his strikes fast and true. Despite the damage he dealt, the man did not fall. Lady Jane fired, her aim true, but he turned Loki into its path. Ever quick, ever clever, Loki snatched the arrow from the sky and used it to fell his opponent, delivering the strike where it was intended. It was a victory hard won. He gathered his weapons.

"But the All-Father was in peril- Vithar shot his horse and it threw him. There was a knife at the All-Father's throat in only moments. Munin attempted to tear Vithar's eyes from his head, was shot instead, falling to the ground. It was only by Lady Jane's quick thinking that the All-Father is still with us. She threw her frying pan and the noise was enough to startle. It gave the All-Father time to take his own shot, but Vithar regrouped too quickly and fired his crossbow haphazardly at him. He deflected, but there was no time for a shot of his own and it seemed as though he will be lost. But not so! Lady Darcy was nearby and she had bottles in hand. Two of them sailed through the air and met their target, shattering on Vithar's head. It was not enough, though, and Lady Jane could not find a clear shot- instead, she tossed her can of mace, a spray of hot pepper oil, to Lady Darcy. Lady Darcy had her taser, a miniature lightning device so powerful it can knock a warrior over in only a moment, and she struck Vithar with both of Midgard's weapons. He was felled to his knees, still living.

"Vithar bragged of his men's impending victory, convinced his death would change nothing. He did not see the knife sailing through the air that lodged itself firmly in his brain, dropping him dead. Loki ended him and continued to fight those who sought the All-Father's end. It was then that we arrived, an army ready to destroy all those still waiting outside the wall and to save those within. We feared we would find only death, our friends unable to hold the invading forces. How wrong we were! Those of Vithar's men in the courtyard knew they could not win and tried to flee with the others, but our forces stopped them, capturing them to secure our home. The battle done, the kitchen staff began to care for our wounded. Lady Darcy took prisoners. And Lady Jane found Munin, keeping him safe until Loki could heal him and deliver him to the All-Father.

"Without the bravery of our kitchen staff, who returned to the palace as soon as our healers could take over, and who prepared this feast for us immediately thereafter, Asgard would have been lost to Vithar's forces. Without the bravery of our dungeon wardens and guards, we would not have had soldiers enough. And without our brave warriors, Lady Darcy, Lady Jane, Loki, and the All-Father, we would have lost the battle most certain. We owe them this day, this kingdom, and our gratitude."

There is a roar from the assembled listeners; Thor raises his glass, "To Lady Darcy!" Fandral lifts Darcy on his shoulder, her own glass raised high, and every one drinks to her. "To Lady Jane!" Jane tries to protest as Thor lifts her, but she laughs even though she does not feel heroic. "To the All-Father!" They raise a glass in his absence. "To Loki!" And they do the same.

Fandral calls, "Bring him forth, that he may celebrate with us, for he has served Asgard well and deserves this honour!" Thor laughs, not entirely sure he is serious.

"Yes, Thor! Bring forth our brother, Loki, for he shares our victory!" Volstagg adds.

And then Hogun, "Loki has paid his debt to Asgard!"

Sif turns to her husband, "So will you?"

Thor nearly chokes on his drink, "But he is-"

"One of us. And what trouble could he cause here? He is surrounded by warriors. At least give him this moment."

Thor thinks for a moment, then nods, "Very well. Retrieve him."

Sif rises, "Jane, would you like to come with me?"

Jane scrambles to her feet, tugging her shawl around her shoulders, "Oh my god, yes." She tries to look a little dignified as they leave for the dungeon, but knows she doesn't. She's far too excited. She can hardly contain herself as she practically skips beside Sif.

"Perhaps you should dance down the hallway so everyone might know how happy you are," Sif teases.

"You would be too, if you were me."

"I know. And that is why I asked you. You would not be able to bear the wait. Nor would I. But you do understand that, at least for now, he is going to return to the dungeon after tonight?"

"Yeah, I know. But I hope that's not forever."

"I do not think it will be, but I cannot tell Thor's mind. And given what I must tell him sooner, rather than later, I do not know how closely he will consider his brother's future. But I will urge him to do so."

"Thanks."

They walk in silence for a little while before Sif speaks again, "I hope you know that I did not approve of his plans for Loki. I did not want him to consider death, but I did not know of Vithar until after Odin told Loki of Thor's ill-conceived plans."

"Yeah, I know. I figured when you went to Odin, you were sticking your neck out."

"I did what I could."

"Well it was good. And Thor says he's not going to kill us now, so... But I think it's shitty to keep Loki in the dungeon after today. Without him, Odin would have died. He wasn't looking too hot when Munin went down. Darcy was close, but Vithar was tough. He was still upright when she tased and maced him. On his knees, but upright...that's not easy."

"Thor has been tased, correct? Did he stay upright?"

"Nope. You should ask him about it sometime."

"I do not need to- he has told that story multiple times."

"I bet. We kinda surprised him by hitting him with a truck then zapping him."

Sif snorts, "I wish I could have seen it."

"We had no idea what he was rambling about- something about a hammer and yelling about his father...it was pretty weird. We thought he was really really drunk."

"And so you struck him with the vehicle?"

"No, that was an accident. He fell right in front of it. Then when he was wandering around babbling, Darcy tased him. Twice."

"We heard of her lightning device- Thor told the story of the maiden who felled him with his own element quite enthusiastically. Many of us were well humoured by it and were eager to some day meet her."

"Awww, that's sweet."

"He says he adapted well to your world."

"Eh...he adapted tolerably. I don't think it was all that well. Now by the time he was living with me in London, he was better, but we still had a lot of work to do."

"You will have to tell some of those stories another day. We are almost to the dungeon and I fear there would not be enough time."

They descend the steps, stopping only briefly to talk to the chief warden. Loki sits on the bed, cloth in hand, detailing leather. Sif drops the barrier and he looks up.

Jane waves, "Hi."

"So soon? I was certain Thor would not allow a visit for another week." He smiles and sets his work aside.

"Yeah, well...you want to come upstairs? I mean, it's only for the feast, but Sif and Friends were pretty insistent that you come up to celebrate with us. Your victory too, and all."

He shakes his head, "I'm afraid I haven't anything here fine enough to wear to a feast. And I rather desperately need a shower."

"Then take one. I will have clothes delivered to Jane's chambers. Can you think of no better excuse?"

"I can think of many. Greatest being that I am a prisoner and those who wish me kept here are unlikely to make my time on the surface very enjoyable."

"Thor will behave," Sif states. "He will have no other option."

He looks from Sif to Jane, "You are certain?"

"Wouldn't be here if I wasn't. Thor said to get you. Here we are."

He rises and takes her hands, "You are stunningly beautiful tonight, Doctor Foster."

She blushes, "And here I almost didn't go...Darcy gave me a choice of this or my bathrobe."

"I see you made the better decision."

"Well certainly the more elegant one. But it's one comfy bathrobe..."

He laughs and offers her his arm, "It will be an honour to escort you, dear Jane."

Sif allows them to pass and then snaps the barrier back in place. She walks them to Jane's chamber door and bows, promising to send clothes before leaving them alone.

Jane pushes open her door, "Well. It's not like I've done a whole lot of fancy decorating, but this is our place- Darcy and me."

The door shuts behind them and he pulls her close, "I do not need elaborate scenery when I have someone as delightful as you before me. You are indescribably beautiful, my lady."

"Really?"

"Yes. Has no one told you this before?"

"No...I mean, Thor did a little...but not like this."

He kisses her, then grins, "I ought to bathe, lest we never make it to the hall."

"Tease. Go get clean. I'll be here."

"I hope you are. With or without my clothes. Either would be acceptable."

She shoves him toward the bathroom, playful, "Get in there!"

He lightly resists, "Oh, why do you not persuade me a little?"

"Because I actually want to get to the feast."

He darts in to kiss her cheek and skips back when she goes to push him, both laughing, "Have I started something you'd like to finish?"

"Shut up, Loki, and get your ass in the shower."

"Would you like to personally assure it gets there?"

"LOKI!" she giggles, taking a swing at him. He dashes to the bathroom, closes the door quickly, then peeks around it to blow her a kiss, "You cheeky bastard." She shakes her head, amused and flattered.

While he bathes, there is a knock at her door; a few young men bring clothes, "For Prince Loki, my lady. The queen requested a small selection, as well as both his ceremonial armour and his battle armour." She directs them to set them on the table. They place his horned helmet on one of the piles and bow to her before leaving. She nods in return, unsure if she will ever be used to people bowing to her. She sits at the table and touches the pile of fine linens and silks. They are softer than most of what she owns.

She hears him turn off the shower. He leaves the bathroom only a few moments later, his hair ruffled, but mostly dry, a towel around his waist. He walks to the table, the last of the evening light warm on his skin.

"They brought you some stuff. And how is your hair not dripping everywhere? There's no way that towel did all that."

"Just a little household sorcery."

"But you couldn't untangle it, too?"

"Oh, I could. But I was planning to ask you if you would brush it."

"Why?"

"You do not wish to?"

"No, no, I like to. I'm just curious."

"I like it when you brush my hair. We sit close, and you are gentle." He sits and rests his hand over hers, "Have you looked through what they brought? What does my lady bid me wear?"

"Wait, you want me to dress you, too?"

"Well I'd prefer you undress me, but given that we have some place to be and I am wearing very little already...yes."

She smiles, "I haven't looked through it. I thought you'd want to."

He nods and picks up the pile of textiles, "A formal tunic. Sage. Silk. Linen trousers. Black. Fine wool stockings, also black. Another formal tunic. Lavender. Linen. Leather long vest. Olive. And the underthings for my armour." He sets them aside and rests his hand on one set of armour, glittering and gold, "I have not worn this in years- since Thor's coronation. It feels like a lifetime ago..." He gently pushes it aside with the helmet. He pauses for a moment. She turns her hand over, lacing her fingers through his. He squeezes; she waits. "And my battle armour. Nearly fully polished, but there are a few details I have not yet finished. And I am not sure that Thor would appreciate me appearing the warrior."

"Then wear this," she picks out the lavender linen tunic and black trousers.

"As my lady bids, I shall do." He stands and tugs her up. She hands him the tunic and he shakes his head, "No, my dear...more intimate than simply handing me clothes." She slips the tunic over his head and closes the tiny mother of pearl buttons up the chest. He steps into trousers, she fastens the fly and waist. He tugs on his socks and shoes while she finds a hair brush. She takes time with his hair and it falls in gentle waves once she finishes. She ties it back with a black velvet ribbon. He stands and she tries to step away, but he catches her arms and pulls her in for a long, lingering kiss, "Might we skip the feast?"

"Nope. This is my first feast. I'd like to actually be there."

"But you have been in Asgard long enough-"

"Yeah. And the big feasts have all been for things like, gee, Thor's wedding. Or kinging. And I really didn't want to be a part of those. So...I just never went."

He offers her his arm, "I am deeply honoured to escort you. Shall we?" She accepts and they walk to the hall together. He is beaming as they enter, proud to have her beside him. It is not the cheering that delights him most as he is greeted by Sif and the Warriors Three, but the warmth of Jane's body as she stands close to him, an unwavering companion.