"How do we tell Ava?" Frigga asked, knowing that telling her daughter-in-law the news of her father's death would be hard for the girl.
"I can go to Alfheim to deliver the news and bring them home." Thor offered. "I can be ready to leave in an hour."
"It would be good." Odin agreed.
"No." Frigga spoke up, after thinking a moment.
"What is it, my dear?" Odin asked.
"Let them have just this one last night of peace." Frigga answered. "I see no reason for them to have to know tonight."
"He needs a funeral." Odin replied.
"Which will be tomorrow night." Frigga countered. "Thor can go to Alfheim early tomorrow morning and let them know the news and bring them home. We need to just let them have one more night of peace and happiness."
Odin sighed. "You are right." He agreed after a moment. "You can go to them in the morning, Thor."
"Alright." Thor family discussed matters further before all going to bed.
Thor had a hard time sleeping. He hated to give anyone this kind of news, but he hated even more that it would be to a member of his own family. He also wasn't sure how exactly to deliver the news. He got up and wrapped up in his robe. He walked through the halls until he came to Eira's room. He knocked on the door.
"Just a moment." Eira called from inside. There were sounds of her moving about the room and then the door was opening. "Prince Thor...what brings you here? I hope you're not going to try and persuade me to help you prank Loki and Ava in return for their prank at the party?"
"I wish it were something such as that." He replied, his blue eyes containing sadness.
"What is it then?" She asked.
"May I come in?" Thor asked.
"Sure." Eira replied, stepping aside to allow his entrance. They walked over and took seats in front of a fire place. "What troubles you?"
"Lord Garth brought news to our lunch today...Ava's father drank himself to death." Thor answered.
"Oh my." Eira replied, though she didn't seem too sad about the news. "How is anyone going to tell Ava?"
"I am going to Alfheim tomorrow to give her the news." Thor answered. "Mother wanted to give her and Loki one more night of peace."
Eira nodded. "May I go with you?" She asked. "Ava is my friend...and I know that this news is going to be hard on her...though not for the reasons one might think."
"What exactly do you mean?" Thor asked.
"Ava's father...he...he was incredibly cruel to her. Mentally and physically abusive to her...as I am sure you figured out already." Eira began. "However, Ava never gave up the hope that he would one day turn it all around, stop drinking, and begin being a father to her and love her...well, she did give up that hope the day Hagar told her she would have to marry Lord Garth, but I do not believe completely."
"I still don't understand." Thor replied.
"She will grieve for him, but not for the loss of him." Eira replied. "She will grieve for the loss of the possibility that he could change."
"I see." Thor replied.
"Now, may I please go with you tomorrow?" Eira asked. "I want to be there for her."
"Of course." Thor answered. "Be ready to leave after breakfast."
"I will." Eira replied.
Thor returned to his chambers and had a fitful night of sleep. He woke in the morning and dressed for the day. He joined his family for a sombre breakfast. "Ava's hand maiden, Eira has asked to join me to help deliver the news." Thor told his mother.
"I believe that will be helpful." Frigga agreed.
Thor hugged his mother before going to get Eira, who was ready and waiting in the hall. "Are you sure you're ready?" Thor asked.
Eira nodded. "Yes, I need to be there for Ava."
They went to the stables and mounted horses that were ready for them. They rode to the bi-frost and Heimdall sent them to Alfheim. Thor led the way to the palace, Eira following on her horse. "Prince Thor." A stable attendant greeted. "We had no idea you were coming."
"It was an unplanned visit." Thor answered.
"Your grandparents are in the dining hall. I believe they have just finished breakfast." The attendant said.
"My brother and sister-in-law?" Thor inquired.
"I do not see why they would not be with them." The attendant answered.
Thor and Eira dismounted their horses and headed inside. Thor knew the way. They arrived at the dining hall. Frey and Gerd looked up. "Thor, it is good to see you." Frey greeted.
"You as well, Grandfather." Thor replied.
"And who is this beautiful young lady? Is she your betrothed?" Gerd asked.
"I have not yet chosen a bride." Thor answered.
Eira felt her cheeks heat up at such a suggestion. "I am Princess Ava's hand maiden." she explained.
"Oh...I see." Gerd replied.
"Where are Loki and Ava?" Thor asked.
"Shortly after breakfast they went exploring." Frey answered. "I believe they went to the Frozen Forest."
"They do seem to love it there." Gerd agreed.
"Why do you ask?" Frey inquired.
"Ava's father, Lord Hagar, has passed." Thor answered.
"Oh my, how terrible. The poor dear." Gerd said, referring to Ava. "If you are going to go and find them, at least dress warmer."
Servants then took Thor and Eira to get on some warmer clothes. They were then leaving the palace to search for Loki and Ava. They were soon coming to a clearing, where they could hear laughter. They walked closer and they could see Loki and Ava, having a snowball fight.
Ava had a huge smile on her face and was laughing. It was something Eira had never seen from Ava before. Her heart broke knowing the news that he and Thor carried would wipe that smile from Ava's face and silence her laughter.