The entire kingdom gathered to mourn the loss of their king and other fallen warriors. Ava stood beside Loki as they watched the boat with Odin's body float away on the water. It lit fire and Odin's spirit left his body. Then they started sending the other warriors off.

Ava couldn't help but to glance over at her mother-in-law. She stood there, stone still in her regal beauty, watching. She did not cry, but Ava could see the grief plain as day on her face. She couldn't even begin to fathom the grief that Frigga must be feeling.

Loki reached a hand over and gave Ava's a gentle squeeze. Ava looked up at him. She could see the grief he was trying so hard to hide. He was having to be strong and hold it in. He had to be strong for the people since he was king now. It was then that it hit Ava that she was now the queen. She and Loki had to present a united front and be strong.

After the funeral, everyone returned to their homes to mourn. Frigga locked herself in her chambers and refused to see anyone. Ava was tucking Astrid in bed with Rafe's help. "Mama?" Astrid asked in her timid little voice.

"What is it, darling?" Ava asked.

"Where did Gampa go?" She asked.

Ava swallowed past a lump that had formed in her throat. "He's gone to Valhalla."

"Is he gonna come back?" Astrid asked.

"No." Ava answered, trying to keep from crying.

"Will we ever see him again?"

"Someday." Ava replied. "Someday we'll all go to Valhalla and be together again."

"Okay." Astrid said, her little face falling into a look of sadness.

"Now, go to sleep." Ava told her daughter, kissing her forehead.

Astrid nodded and looked at her brother. "Will you read me story?"

"Sure." Rafe answered, picking up the book.

Ava knew that her son was fully aware of the truth behind her words. He knew full well that their grandfather was dead and it would be a very long time before they joined him in Valhalla. Rafe was being a good big brother, looking out for his sister.

Rafe looked up at her. "I'll stay with Astrid for a while."

Ava nodded and bent and kissed both their foreheads. "You're a good big brother." She whispered in her ear. "I love you both so very much."

"Love you, too Mom." Rafe replied.

"Love you, Mama." Astrid said.

Ava then left the room and headed to the chambers she shared with Loki. She found him standing out on the terrace, looking out over the garden. She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him. Loki wrapped an arm around her and hugged her close. "How are the children doing?" Loki asked.

"Astrid doesn't really know what's going on…she just knows her grandpa is gone and isn't coming back. Rafe knows what's going on…but he's staying strong…helping take care of Astrid." Ava answered. "How are you doing, my love?"

"I'm…alright." Loki answered, still not looking at her.

"No you're not." Ava countered.

"I know…but I have to be." Loki replied.

"Not right now." Ava said. "Not here. It is just the two of us."

"I have to come up with a plan." Loki said.

"For?" Ava asked.

"War." Loki answered. "This attack was an act of war."

"And just what do you plan to do?"

"I've already sent a copy of myself to Earth."

"You're bringing Thor back?"

Loki nodded. "He'll want to know…he'll want to help me avenge Father's death."

Thor…

Thor and Jane sat on the couch in their apartment, watching a movie and eating popcorn. Some things on Earth were still strange to him, even after three years. Of course none of that meant anything. He was with the woman he loved and she was six months pregnant with his child. He couldn't have been happier.

Thor looked at Jane, who was nestled in his arms. He kissed the top of her head. She looked up at him and smiled, but the smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "What troubles you?" Thor asked his wife.

"Nothing." She lied.

"Jane, what is troubling you?"

Jane let out a sigh. "I love you…and I love our life…and our baby, but I was just wondering…do you ever regret leaving Asgard and giving up your powers for me?"

"I do not." Thor answered. "You, our life, our child…that is what is most important to me. I've never been happier. Why would you ask?"

"Well, you were the crown prince." Jane replied. "You were the God of Thunder…and now you're just living here with me in this dull world."

"Our love is something far more precious and valuable than that." Thor told her. "Never doubt that."

They were surprised by a knock on their door. Thor got up and walked over to answer it, surprised to find his brother standing on the other side. "Loki? What are you doing here, Brother?"

"I need to speak with you." Loki answered. "May I come in?"

Thor stepped aside and allowed his brother's entrance. "Hey, Loki." Jane greeted, smiling at him.

"Hello." Loki replied, giving her a tight smile that did not quite reach his eyes.

"Where is Ava?" Thor asked. "And the children."

"They are still on Asgard." Loki answered. "As am I."

"Loki…what's wrong?" Thor asked.

"Father is dead." Loki answered.

"What…what happened?" Thor inquired, falling on the couch behind him.

"The Frost Giants attacked again…there were more of them this time than there were the last time…and we confirmed that it was on Laufey's orders." Loki explained. "Tonight everyone mourns…tomorrow, I am leading the army to the Jotunheim as this was an act of war."

"Thank you for telling me, Brother." Thor replied.

"I came here not just to tell you…but also for your aid." Loki said.

"There is nothing I can do. I am mortal now." Thor countered.

"As king I can restore your power." Loki replied. "Then once we have won the war, I will return you here."

"I can't leave Jane here, unprotected."

"Jane you are more than welcome to come back with us to Asgard and stay with Ava." Loki said to her. He then looked back at Thor. "Brother, please…please help me avenge our father and our world? If the Frost Giants ever get their casket back…all the nine realms will be in danger."

"Alright." Thor agreed.