"Her blood, it's unlike anything I've ever seen. It doesn't match any creature that I have record of, not Light Elf, not Jotun…her blood isn't even Midgardian, I don't know how to explain this" Ava's voiced exuded curiosity and interest, laid out across the various tables in the healing room were books of Midgardian and Asgardian medicine paired with scrolls written in what appeared to be elfish. "The only creature we don't have record for is the elves of Svartalfheim, now granted it could be the Aether causing such an anomaly but I would not go as far as to think it would alter the genes of your cells that much…it's all fascinating really."

I looked down at my arm, tracing the veins which upon pressure emitted a red glow with energy pulsing through my bloodstream. "So what are you saying Ava? That I'm some kind of thing unknown to the Nine Realms?"

"No no no, what I saying is you are not any of the creatures we have record of, the Aether has either changed your blood so much that it cannot be recognized or from logical deduction and pure elimination you could possibly be Dark Elven."

"But, everyone has said that it's Valkyrie blood that I have within me." I stuttered, still trying to come to terms with the possibility that she presented that I could actually be Elven. I looked over my shoulder to see Loki thumbing through some of the old medical books as well.

"While I cannot confirm you are Elven, I can say that you are not Valkyrie, because the Aether would have killed you if you were that much is fact; some Dark Elves could control fire as the texts of old say."

Loki looked over at me and then back to Ava, running his fingers along a line of text. "The Dark Elves are dead, their race is extinct. Asgard's army defeated them millennia's ago; now they are nothing but stories to be read to children at night."

"I know! That's what makes Eira's case here all the more interesting! I can't wait to look more into this; perhaps your blood is what allows you to heal faster than most, but not at the rate of an Asgardian." Internally I was screaming at the top of my lungs, like a trapped little girl, but then Ava was overly excited about the new opportunity to research and study my blood and I was slowly shutting myself off as I did when SHIELD had first begun running tests on me.

"Thank you Ava, for telling me this." I sighed and turned around to face Loki, his face with an unbreakable expression that detailed a mixture of emotions that I couldn't even begin to distinguish, there was nothing I could do, I was just not normal. "But I think I'm going to lie down now."

The pestering ache in my head was returning at an alarming rate, I pushed the heavy door open and continued on the path back to our room, passing the gardens along the way, the birds chirping happily and the flowers bloomed out in vivid colors. "Eira? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I think I'll be okay." I stuttered out, nearly tripping over my own feet and almost immediately Loki had scooped me up in his arms, even though I insisted that I would be fine. "What's happening to me, Loki?" My voice was a weak whisper as I thought back to everything that had happened to me, and everything that Ava had just told me; and it was like I was falling apart.

"I don't know." He looked down and gave me a sad smile, but I only tucked my face further into the crook of his neck. "And that is what frightens me the most."

"Somewhere in the end of all this hate, there's a light ahead that shines into this grave, that's in the end of all this pain…" Quietly I sang along with the hushed music that played from my iPod as I readied myself for the celebration, it was exactly a year to the day that we had battled with the Frost Giants, and to honor the fallen and the victory Odin had announced, that there was going to be a feast and a dance afterwards.

"Would you stop fretting and chose a dress already?" Loki lamented, squinting at me in the reflection of the dressing mirror as I switched between holding up a silvery dress that held a periwinkle hue and a black and gold one.

"In the night ahead there's a light upon this house on a hill the living, living still their intention is to kill and they will, they will…" The black gown it was, relatively simple in design with added gold foiling in the midriff and bust. "Care to button me up?" I pulled my hair to the side, twirling it around my fingers as Loki strode over, from the lounger in front of the fireplace. His nimble fingers traced up my spine before he began to fasten the long line of buttons that run up the entity of my back. I watched his fluid motions intently in the mirror, and my eye caught the glimpse of the red tint returning to my veins, crawling up my arms.

"But the children are doing fine, I think about them all the time until they drink their wine and they will, they will, they will. Somewhere in the end we're all insane…" His hands lingered on my waist while I put a messy braid in my hair, and added a tinge of rose water to stain my lips when small feet pattered into the room. Aria proudly twirled around in her pale pink dress, the skirt flaring out.

"Look what Jane did to my hair!" She displayed the intricate braid in her hand, her round cheeks seemingly in a permanent smile with small dimples. "You know what Aria, I think tonight all three of us should stay up late, and sneak down to the kitchens for sweets, and just hang out. How does that sound?" I had an uneasy feeling that something, somewhere in the universe was at unrest, I could sense it, like some part deep down inside of me was reawakening.

"Amazing!"

I looked over at Loki who has fastening the last buckle that held his emerald green cape securely in place. Something's not right Loki, I can feel it. His eyes shot up to meet mine. I sense nothing, now come let us enjoy the evening.

"The time of the convergence comes in less than a week." Algrim dutifully reported to Malekith; "and the Aether, it calls out to us, stronger than ever."

Malekith nodded acknowledging his words but kept his mind focused on the girl, "We were once a strong race, thriving, numerous, now look at the numbers that remain. But this girl, this foolish child that possesses the Aether is our key. It has been many years since I have seen my family, Svana Malekithdottir; and now, it is time to visit and reclaim what is ours. Ready the others and prepare; we shall attack soon."

"I shall." And they departed, to prepare for what lay ahead, darkness, destruction and death.

"Let us toast to our victory, to our loved ones, and to the ones we lost, the Queen being one those noble people that fault against the Frost Giants that cold and dark night. But let us also recognize that soon Asgard will have a new King and Queen, for I, in my old, have found it time to pass on the throne…"

Odin's words became lost to me as I heard he was announcing that there would be a new king and queen soon, and though the gathered people of the realm knew not who would be ascending to the crown, I did. Loki nudged my hand under the table, ripping me from my contemplative thoughts and back to the crowded banquet hall. My eyes snapped back up to his and he smiled softly, looking down at the hands which were preoccupied twisting the napkin between my fingers.

"Eira, love, Odin is about to extend his invitation of citizenship to you; I suggest you do not look so flustered." He leaned over, whispering in my ear. I finally returned my attention to the festivities.

"Many acts of valor were displayed, but one caught my attention more than anyone else. To surge into the heart of a raging battle to protect the ones she loved, to avenge the fallen Queen and Fandral, her heart is larger than any and her stubbornness only attributes to her strength and bravery. But now I feel it is time to give her a proper welcoming to the realm eternal; as King I extend the honor of citizenship to Eira Taylor, wife of Loki, and future Queen of Asgard. Rise child."

Applause broke out in the hall and slowly I stood, clasping my hands in front of me and smiling, though it was forced, no one could tell, no but Loki. I nodded in thanks and acceptance of Odin's offer and returned to my seat, Thor and Jane grinning from across the table with Tyra and Alvis seated in each of their laps and Loki raised my hand to his lips. "You will be a Queen like no other."

"Oh hush, you and your flattery will be the death of me." I retorted, not allowing myself to bask too much in the glory that I was given. Once more Odin's voice rang out over the hall of people, his chalice raised in a toast. "To Eira, future Queen of Asgard; and to Loki, future King of Asgard."

"Shhhhhh, we don't want to wake the sleeping beauty." I whispered pointing at Loki as Aria and I stood from the mounds of blankets and piles of pillows strung out in front of the fireplace from our attempt to stay up late. We had succeeded, but Loki was snoring, loudly at that, his hair fallen into his face; an amusing sight as the two of us slid out of the bedroom and into the corridor lit by torch light.

Quietly we treaded down to the kitchen, hunting for left over dessert from the feast and Thor's stash of chocolate that I had stumbled upon before I met Loki. The oaf hadn't bothered to move it. Her and I giggled softly and turned the corner to walk down the last hall but I walked straight into what felt like a statue, shaking my head I looked up, it was Loki.

"Trying to sneak away are we?" He teased, wagging his finger in my face and scooping Aria onto his shoulders and together we made our way to the kitchen, which thankfully was empty at this ungodly hour.

"What do you want Aria? There's left over pudding, cake, or chocolate covered strawberries?" Excitedly she threw her hands in the air, a joyous grin on her lips. "All of them!"

"Very well, all of the above it is!" Loki looked slightly terrified at the idea of giving Aria so much sugar, probably because of her hyperactive nature as it is right now, but if there was anything to be frightened of it was me. Drunk Eira was overconfident and –drunk, there's no other way to put it, but get me on a sugar high and I'm off the walls, turns out the hydrocarbon chains in sugar don't interact very nicely with my blood, so the result is something like me being high; and Loki hasn't seen that yet.

I pulled out the remaining vat of chocolate pudding, and grabbed three pieces of cake and the platter of chocolate covered strawberries; handing them to Loki who poofed the stiff back up to our room, and lastly I grabbed the jar of milk to go along with everything. Let the fun begin

"She's out cold Loki. Maybe we should take her back to her room." Gently Loki picked Aria up, taking extreme caution not to wake her after our sugar spree, and much to our surprise the task went smoothly, and she did not even stir as we shut the door with a soft click before returning to our room, in front of the glowing embers of the fireplace.

"You know there's still a strawberry left." Loki goaded, waving the nearly empty platter in my face, I snatched the berry away and went to shove it in my mouth rather ungracefully, but Loki dragged me so I was straddling his legs. "Would you like a bite?" I teased, seductively raising my eyebrows as I sank my teeth in to the berry, biting off a small piece.

"Yes please." He whispered and I raised the rest of the berry to his lips, smiling at the way he made sure his lips brushed against my fingers while his eyes exuded pure innocence. There was a smidgen on chocolate left on the corner of his lip, and slowly I bent down just so our lips brushed. The taste of chocolate lingering on his tongue and lips. Loki slipped his hands to the back of my thighs, pulling me closer to him, almost as if he would move galaxies to have us be physically closer than we were know.

"You amaze me, love." His eyes pierced right through me, as if nothing I could conceal nothing from him, yet there was acceptance and unrequited love. They had never been greener, more alive, even in the dim lighting his eyes sparkled more so than the finest emeralds. It turns out that he is my greatest weakness, though he held strength like no other. His arms had become my home, his lips my drug, his eyes my weakness, and his existence the best kind of cocaine and I was hooked. And he had ruined me in the best kind of way.

"Loki." I whispered, brushing the backside of my hand against his cheek, sighing contentedly with the feeling of being so close, his usually cool skin emanating a warmth like nothing else. His hands slipped up past the hem of the tunic I wore, calloused fingers pressing into the curve of my back and he pressed his lips to mine, leaving me flushed and panting to regain my breath. He stood, wrapping my legs around his waist and carried me to the bed, gently laying me back. His lithe body covering mine, my arms draped around his neck as I lost myself in his touch, purely intoxicated.

"Okay Eira, I've done an extensive amount of research, both historical and medical, and all the result point to the same conclusion. Malekith, had a daughter, lost to the war but not killed, it is plausible that you could be royalty of another realm, another race." Ava scanned my face, gauging my reaction, which was nothing. I could feel nothing about this, I had been told so many times that I didn't belong, that I was a freak, so what was hearing it one more time? This time more eloquently said? "Dark Elves remain an enemy to Asgard, and for your own protection I shall not tell anyone of these discoveries."

I nodded, the sensation of disbelief and anger swelling inside of me. So I had never belonged. "Ava, thank you, truly; if you learn anything else please let me know." She gave a small smile in acknowledgement and then went about tending to the small pots of medicinal herbs. Solemnly I pushed the door open, taking the worn path to our room as the sun lowered in the sky. I didn't notice Loki standing behind a marble pillar until he stepped out, pulling me by the hand to some unspoken place, but I was in no mood to refute. We walked in silence; it became apparent we were headed for the Bifrost, one of our favorite places.

Loki and I sat perched on the bridge of the Bifrost the energy pulsating through the crystal below us in streams and burst of brilliant colors, matching those of a rainbow; I rested my head on his shoulder, my mind eased in peace, all troubles fading into the clear night sky. Maybe it was something about the cooler night air that was heavy with the scent of freshly bloomed flowers, or the peace and serenity that filled the land, or perhaps the clear night sky, filled with trillions of tiny stars that eased away my worries.

Reaching down the neck of the tunic I wore I pulled out the necklace that Loki had gifted me, made of a star, but compressed into a pristine diamond, crystal clear and inside was a swirling galaxy, millions of tiny specks of light hung around my neck on a delicate golden chain. Absentmindedly I rubbed my thumb across the smooth stone until my attention along with Loki's shifted to Heimdall as he approached us.

"Good Evening." I chirped, happily, my mood bright and carefree, though partly forced; Loki stood and pulled me to my feet as well. "They are certainly shining brighter tonight." Loki stated, lifting his chin to the sky.

"Yes, that they do, the convergence will be upon us within two days times, a marvel that the universe has not experienced since before my watch began; few can sense it, even fewer can see it." Heimdall replied smoothly his deep timbre voice resonating. Loki slipped his arm around my waist and pulled me to him, his skin radiating a coolness that contrasted the warm air and Heimdall continued, adding a foreboding and weary tone to his voice. "But the convergence can also present dangers, so we all must be on watch." An uneasy feeling returned and churned in my gut, even as I looked out on the stars peaceful and mystic, but something was off.

Moments later Loki and I were returning to the palace, the moon already high in the sky, even the tavern was hushed in passing. Blinking my eyes closed when they reopened everything was cast in a bloodshot red hue, the golden cobble streets crumbled beneath my feet, with a quick glance the bridge was no longer casted in colors but was consumed with darkness, slowly falling away into the sea, the stars and moon no longer shone. There was a searing pain that throbbed within my skull, I tugged on Loki's arms unable to find my voice, but my body met the street, my vision going completely black, but I could sense Loki gathering me into his arms, his color skin against mine, as the burning that nearly killed me returned in my stomach, but I was left with one name on my tongue.

"Malekith."

I woke cradled in Loki's arms; his eyes instantly appeared relieved when I cracked my eye open to be met with the blinding sunlight, and the golden glow that Asgard constantly radiated. "Hey." I croaked out, voice raspy with the first words of the day. "Why the worried look?" I reached up and pushed the fallen strands of hair from his face.

"You don't remember? Eira you fainted on the way back to the palace. You've been in a sleep for nearly an entire day, granted you were mumbling in a language I could not comprehend." Things came rushing back to me, a hard slap to the face, and for some reason I knew I what I was speaking. Elfish, I was speaking elfish.

"Loki, tell me what I was saying." I pleaded, sitting up and pulling away from his arms. "I need to hear what I was rambling on about." He scratched the back of his head, inhaling a deep breath.

"The only word I could truly make out was in fact not a word, but a name. Malekith, you repeated it quite a few times actually." My heart nearly stopped, and I bolted from the bed, Loki quickly following, his arms wrapping around my waist, it was only then that I noticed the trembling of my hands, the rapid beating of my heart. That name, I knew that name, like it was part of my past, a distant and far off memory.

"Asgard's in danger Loki, I can feel it. Darkness is approaching. We need to inform Thor and Jane, the kingdom must prepare." Loki slid in front of me, his hands resting on my shoulders.

"Prepare for what?"

"War." It was the simple truth; the Aether was acting up, as if it were warning me, like it was trying to protect me. Loki's expression fell and I was wrapped in his arms, my head pressed against his chest, and I was crying. Tear betrayed my eyes, I was trained to handle these situations but I could not hold it any longer. I was scared. A drop of water hit the top of my head and it was only then that I realized Loki was crying as well. May the Norns keep him safe.

"Thor we must convince the Allfather to prepare for the convergence. Something is happening I can feel it." I pleaded with him, trying to get him to see that this was the best thing to do.

"Eira, where is your proof? What makes your suspicions plausible?" He motioned to the clear skies, the happily chirping birds, the warrior and soldiers training in the courtyard. Nothing was out of place, it was a perfect day.

"Because Thor, no matter how hard you find this to believe I am an Elf, my blood; Ava's been running tests…you have to believe me Thor!"

"Eira..." He was interrupted by a siren, a siren that I had heard before, that I was once the cause of. The prisons. "Get out of here. Go Eira." He commanded. I raced through the halls until Loki ran into me, his hands cradling my face, forcing my eyes to meet his, which were swirling pools of concern and premeditated remorse.

"Go put your armor on, and go to Jane. I must go aid Thor. Tis a skirmish nothing more. Stay safe my love, I will come for you." Weakly I nodded and pushed myself up on tippy toes, stealing a lingering kiss from his lips, and then continued racing to my room. I pushed my door open with enough force that it slammed into the wall, tears clouded my vision as I raced into the closest, knocking over racks of unworn ball gowns and kicking sandals out of the way in order to reach the cabinet that held my armor, the glass of a window shattering in my room.

My hands shook as I pulled on the protective leather leggings and undershirt, pulling on the boots that accompanied the outfit. Loosely I tied the breast plate, irritated with the chain mail that refused to cooperate in such a rush. Vambraces were unimportant as I gripped the hilt of my sword, forgetting my shield and dashing out into the hallway to the room across from mine.

"Aria, come here child. Hurry, hurry." In one hand was her trembling hand and in the other was my sword. I looked out of a vast window in passing; our defense system was beginning to take over, a golden globe a protective sorcery that would encase the palace. An explosion ripped through the city, the ground quaking as I now made my way to Jane. I rounded the corner, but stilled and slipped back out of sight, pulling Aria back with me and motioning for her to remain quiet. It quickly became apparent that this was much more than just a skirmish.

The creature approaching our hiding position had to be a Dark Elf. With black, gaping, soulless eyes and a heavily armored body and small amount of ashy skin exposed. "Stay here, Aria. I'll be right back." Gripping my blade tightly I charged around the corner and threw a blast of fire from my hand, distracting the creature before I rammed my sword through its chest, black blood oozing down the metal. He fell, without a struggle, dead, I waved for Aria to come, and we dashed through the halls until Jane's door was in sight.

Unexpectedly Loki shoved the two of us into the room before I could open the door and slammed the door shut, a golden aurora cast over it, a protective enchantment. On the other side of the door I could hear the bodies falling to the floor, and then silence as I turned to face Jane.

"Jane, get the children and follow me." Timidly she gathered Tyra in her arms and Aria volunteered to hold Alvis as I lead them into the closet. "Eira what are we doing?"

"One of these panels is hollow behind it." Lightly knocking on the walls around the room I found the one where the knock echoed, and pushed in revealing a hidden corridor light by dim orbs of lights that floated at the ceiling. "You'll be safe in here, when it's clear we'll come for you." I told them as the four filed in.

"But what about you?!" Aria cried out, tugging my sleeve in to where she stood. I shook my head, shrugging off their concern, and hugged Aria and Jane, while placing a small kiss to the babies' heads. "I'll be fine, don't worry about me." I gave a weak smile before sealing the panel back and retreating to the main area of the room. A muffled explosion sounded in the distance caught my attention and from the balcony the golden sphere was failing, leaving us vulnerable.

The door flew off the hinges, and I whipped back around, gripping the sword tighter, more confident in the way I wielded it. "Stand down creature, and I may just allow you to survive this." I uttered, walking around the bathing pool that was positioned in the middle of the room, like a predatory sizing its prey. Or was it the other way around?

"I have survived worse girl." He snapped back, unamused by the confidence foolishly portrayed by my voice.

"Who are you?" I demanded, looking over his ashy colored skin and white hair, pulled back into what I can only assume is a war braid and his eyes, the eyes are the most unsettling, light blue and beady that don't seem to fit his appearance quiet right, but deep inside I know who he is. I just couldn't bring myself to say his name.

"I am Malekith and I will take back what is mine child." He steps towards me, and as a reaction I twirled around quickly, slicing him across the cheek with my sword. Taken back by my advance he stumbled back before drawing his own blade, each swing I was able to block, and I saw my opportunity as he reared back. With an elbow to the chest and I quick flick of my wrist his blade fell to the floor.

I could do, I could finishing him. With a few more precise movements I had Malekith pinned against the edge of the small pool, my metal pressed into his neck. I pulled one of my daggers and readied myself to drive it through his heart, but it was abruptly slapped away, clanking to the floor. I gasped and squirmed as something or someone pulled me away from Malekith, suspending me from my neck with my arms bound behind my back, the point of a sword pressed into my side.

"The Aether my child, give us the Aether and I will allow my daughter to survive." So Ava was right, I was Elven. My heart clenched with realization and then denial, I was my mother's daughter, not the daughter of the creature standing in front of me.

"I am not your daughter." It was the only response I could muster, why though I didn't know. help me.

"Oh, Svana, but you are, and now it is time for you to take your place among your people." My face twisted in anger, my fingers going numb, my brain screaming for oxygen.

"My name is Eira." I cried out in pain as the hand around my neck squeezed harder.

"Poor, misguided, pitiable, child of mine." He cooed, the gentleness of his voice unnerving, given the scene taking place.

"Fuck you." I growled through gritted teeth, black spots beginning to dot my vision. My neck snapped to the side, the sting of a handprint left behind on my cheek, and there was blood, I could taste the metallic tinge trickling into my mouth and onto my tongue.

"I will take the Aether, whether you are breathing, or lying lifeless upon this floor. So tell me, which will it be?" The point of the blade pressed harder into my side, the pressure making the edge of my armor cut into my side, the warm, slickening feel of blood collecting beneath the chain mail.

"Never." I wheezed out.

"The latter it is then." Thor stormed in, perfect timing, and leapt forward, lightening collecting as he wielded Mjolnir, the bolt hitting Malekith on the side of his face. I was dropped to the floor, the air rushing back into my lungs so quickly it burned. The disfigured elf aided Malekith, carrying him to the edge of the balcony; they jumped off, an airship flying off. Thor roared, throwing his hammer as hard and as far as he could manage.

I clutched at my side, attempting to pull the metal away that was hung in my skin; but failed to do so. Loki soon rushed in, a gash on his cheek and hair frazzled but otherwise unharmed, and almost immediately he was on his knees beside me, hands hovering on my body as if his touch would bring me pain.

"Where is my family?" Thor demanded, searching around the room that was empty aside from the three of us, I craned my neck to the side. "The secret panel in the closet." My voice was still a rasp, my side ached and my cheek stung, but I had fared worse injuries, that much was certain.

"Take me to my room Loki." I whispered and with a simple incantation the room faded away until it took on the appearance of mine. "Loki, you have to get this out of my side."

"We should let Ava…" He protested, clumps of hair falling into his face. "No, you can do it; Ava has more concerns than me at the moment. Now pull it out dammit."

I bit my knuckle and looked away, and with a sickening rip, my side was free of the metal, Loki hurried to remove the rest, my chest heaving unevenly as I writhed in pain, which only spurred on the bleeding. "Stay still." He growled, slamming my shoulders back to the ground. "I'm going to have to stitch this up, Eira." I nodded, still biting my knuckle, the faint beginning of blood filling my mouth. Loki waved his hand, a variety of medical supplies appearing. There was no warning except for the horrible stench of vinegar, as a saturated cloth was pressed to my skin, stinging the broken flesh as an antiseptic. Loki pulled the cloth away, the white stained a darkened color, nearly black; elven blood.

"Do you trust me?" He calmly inquired, a needle and thread in his hand; I nodded, unable to find my voice. "I need you to heat the needle." I snatched it away, gripping it in my hand, and when I presented it once more it was glowing red. The staunch scent of burning flesh invaded my nose as Loki pressed the needle through my skin, the skin searing in its path. I couldn't suppress the scream that was in my lungs and with a howl I let it out, the high pitched wail echoing off the walls as the needle broke skin once again. "Once more." Loki commented, his brow furrowed in concentration and then it was done, and he rubbed a salve over the area.

"They came for me Loki." I blinked away the tears, watching as he methodically wrapped a piece of gauze around my torso. "I –I'm a Dark Elf Loki. Svana Malekithdottir." Loki's hand remained splayed out across my stomach as he whispered the name back. "Svana, the lost child of Svartalfheim. Malekith's daughter." Thor knocked at the door, he actually knocked, "Loki, is Eira alright?"

"I'm fine!" I called back, the door creaking open. "Loki, Father wishes to speak to us, now, alone." Loki nodded and scooped me into his arms to carry me to the bed before turning and leaving with Thor. But I knew what I had to do. It had to be done, to save the one's I loved, to save the universe.

The sun had died down, slipping below the sea, bringing darkness and Loki still had not returned. Stumbling over to my closest and over broken glass I pulled down my set of training armor, not nearly as well-crafted as the battle regalia. In place of metal was hardened leather, no chain mail, the protection was only a fraction of what the damaged armor could provide but it would do.

I would go off-world, draw Malekith and the elves away from Asgard to prevent further damage and deaths, and after I got there that's where everything fell apart. Would I fight? Would I even stand a chance? And if I failed and they collected the remaining piece to Aether? There would be destruction, unprecedented destruction across all the realms, and it would be my fault. But if I did nothing it would still be my fault. How do I get myself into these situations.

Sliding my sword into its sheath I made my way to the door and opened it, two guards were posted at each side, their swords drawn and crossed blocking the pathway as I attempted to step out. "Under direct order from the King you are not to leave this room." One stated, looking my petite armor clad form up and down.

"Is that so? Am I a prisoner now?" I snapped, drawing my own blade and a gesture of rebellion and foolishness that would label me a traitor, committing treason against the crown, well it wouldn't be the first time.

"The King has forbidden your movement about the palace." I groaned and faked my retreat back into my room before whipping back around and I tossed one of the guards into the wall, leaving him unconscious from the blow, and faced the other one. Extending my arm towards him, my palm glowed with a flame. The remaining guard had a terrified look etched into his face as he turned and retreated back in the depths of the palace. Leaving me on my own, and with my thoughts and impulsive decisions.

"Stay here Jane, do not follow me. Keep the children safe, look after Aria please, and tell Loki I love him more than he'll ever know." I kept my voice low and commanding as the two of us stood in the middle of one of the room ravished by the onslaught that had occurred hours earlier. Jane protesting nonstop.

"But it's a suicide mission, you won't make it back! And you know that!" She protested, sadly I smiled at her observation. The odds weren't exactly in my favor, they never really were.

"I know. And that is why I am trusting you not to tell a soul. No one must know what I am planning to do until after the deed is done. If you should like to help, advance your studies to include gravimetric anomalies between realms." She sprung forward and wrapped her arms around me, squeezing tightly and pressing into the fresh stitches in a way that made me cringe and lose my breath, but nonetheless I returned the hug, and pulled away before I convinced myself to stay.

The small skiff waited by the shoreline, the water lapping at the boat as it rested in the water. Hesitantly I looked upon the small vessel and thought my plan through once more. I was fully aware that I probably would not be returning, alive, that is; but the fate of the universe was heavy as it rested upon my tired shoulders. It was a sacrifice.

A sacrifice I was willing to make.

My feet carried me one small step at a time towards the vessel when a hand that I knew all too well wrapped around my shaking wrist. Cool and calloused fingers still the shaking, and slowly tugged me backwards.

"I cannot let you go." It was a pleading statement that fell on determined ears, I had my mind set and that was what I was going to do. But it was the broken tone of his voice that made me turn around, and instantly I wished I hadn't. "I need you Eira." His green eyes were clouded with frustration, sadness, hope and love all at once, but the glassy appearance that screamed of unshed tears drew me in the most.

"I have to do this Loki. If I don't they will destroy us." My voice began to crack as I turned away from him, ripping my wrist away from his tender embrace. "I can save the universe, I can stop this. I have the ability and opportunity to save the people I love, including you. How do you expect me to stand by and watch? How will I be able to live with myself if more people die because of me? And I knew that I could prevent it?"

"Then don't go alone, let me accompany you." He took a step forward, and fell to his knees in front of me, wrapping his arms around my hips and resting his head on my stomach. I tilted his head so that he was looking back at me, and I cracked, falling to my knees as well. "I know what we must do, but you do not have to go alone, Thor and I will join you; but please for tonight come back to the palace with me." I fisted my hand in the lapel of his leather, burying my sniffling face into the crook of his neck, unable to hide the tears, and the fear of what my fate would be.

"Your bravery is admirable, but it is also stupid and foolish."

"On Earth we have a saying: One part brave, three parts fool. I was merely living up to that." I replied quietly, stripping off my armor and sitting on the bed before Loki. "If you were in my position, right now, what would you do Loki? If you knew you had the ability to save me, would you not do the same thing?"

Languidly he tugged my arms towards him, until I landed on his chest, one of his hands threaded into my hair, the other tracing misshaped designs on the center of my back. "I would, you must realize that I would move worlds to keep you safe, to keep you at my side; but you don't have to go alone, Eira. You'll never have to do anything alone again, because I'm here for you, and I don't ever want to let you go."

"I'm sorry Loki, it's just I'm scared, I know I was trained to fear nothing but I do, I'm terrified."

I rolled off his chest, so my head rested on the crook of his arm, tucked behind his head; his chest slowly rose and fell, rhythmically, in sync with mine. And for one more night, I tried to forget about the attack, what was going to happen tomorrow, whether the world would survive, whether I would survive, and if Loki would be okay. A saline drop of water stung as it trailed down my cheek, over the cuts and bruises and to the sheets beneath me. But I couldn't will myself to sleep, even when the room faded into the darkness of night, I could not find rest, because every time I shut my eyes there was death.

"What we must do is treason of the highest form; success will most likely result in our exile and failure will be nothing short of death. Malekith could and still can sense the Aether's presence, but if he were to come again it would be in far greater numbers and he will lay waste to Asgard." I confessed, knowing what I had in mind was a lot to ask, and that anybody in their right mind would not be helping, but even Heimdall stood present in the room, casually leaned against the wall, his golden armor dulled by the low light of the room.

"The Bifrost has been shut down by the orders of my father; there is no other ways to travel between the realms." Thor pressed as; we sat around the stone fire pit; voices kept just above a whisper, a legion of Einherjar were scattered about, and it was presumable to say that Odin was suspecting us to commit treachery.

"It's an impossible task; the Tesseract is locked away in the weapons vault. There's virtually no way to move off world." Sif tersely confessed, dropping her elbow to rest on her knees, her fingers lacing together beneath her chin.

"Ahhh, but that is where you are all wrong, there are numerous pathways between the realms that remain hidden from the ignorant eyes of some. Luckily I have stumbled upon most, and that includes the way to Svartalfheim." Loki confidently admitted a sly grin on his face as he glanced across the flames at me.

"If we make it that far then we improvise, because that's as far as I got, the hardest part will be escaping Asgard. Oh, and Jane, think about a way to use the weak spots in between worlds to our advantage if it becomes necessary. Other than that, our main goal is to survive. Sif and Volstagg all I ask of you is to hold off the guards in the palace long enough for our escape, and after that I hope to see you again dear friends." Sidelong glance were exchanged after I had finished speaking, somewhat awkward with the nature of the plans discussed but in the end we each nodded and moved quickly and precisely, execution was key.

Promptly and angrily marching across the last bit of the rainbow bridge, Odin strode into the Bifrost an incredulous look as a number of foot soldiers marched in beside him. "You called me in here for an urgent matter?" Odin's voice had once again taken on a harshness that was present with age and irritation. "What is it?"

Heimdall glanced down, gathering his words, gripping the hilt of his great-sword. "Treason, my Lord." He continued the uncertainty prevalent in his amber eyes.

"Whose?" Odin demanded, stepping forward momentarily to study the rigid feature of Heimdall. "Mine," Heimdall replied, withdrawing his sword from being sheathed in the center of the Bifrost, Odin's stare was unnerving and rooted in disbelief.

Breathlessly a lower ranking Einherjar ran into the golden sphere, drawing the attention away from the treacherous gatekeeper and to the newest arrival. "My King, tis Eira; she, along with Loki and Thor, they are gone." Odin glanced back to Heimdall, a knowing look on his face that it had all been an elaborate distraction, and then realization. "Stop them…" he paused and continued looking at the gatekeeper before taking a deep breath, "by any means necessary."

"Go! Go now before it's too late! I shall hold them off!" Sif shouted from the end of the hall, the sound of clanking metal was the signal that soldiers were approaching and that our plan had been made known, ducking behind the stone pillars the four of us raced through the halls and damaged streets to the water's edge where the skiff from the previous night still waited.

"Everybody in!" I shouted, hoping over the side, Loki following me along with Thor and Jane. I glanced at Loki, nodding at him to take control. "Take us to the secret pathway." The boat lifted from the water and into the air, skimming the surface. I continually looked back, checking to see if we were being followed, but there was nothing, yet. But out of nowhere a blast hit the back of the boat, nearing causing us to drop into the water below, but Loki steadied the skiff almost immediately, and now we had an Asgardian soldier hot on our tail.

Think I told myself, there has to be a way to stop them from following us without killing them. Lifting my hand I focused the energy within me and around me, may as well learn to use the Aether now. My palm glowed a weak shade of red, and with a flick of my wrist their power source failed, and the boat dropped to the water below, leaving them unharmed, granted they were without a paddle, and us on our way. We veered to the left, no longer headed to the edge of the endless sea, but instead to a lone mountain, a head on collision course with solid rock.

"Loki." Thor growled, pulling Jane into his arms, his voice announcing the lack of faith he had in Loki's plan, unconsciously I embraced myself for impact, the rocky mountainside becoming closer.

"Are you mad?" I exclaimed, bolting upright as a small hole appeared in the side. Great he's going to try some Captain Kirk shit. I glared at him but his face broke out into a large grin. "Possibly!" He snidely remarked revealing in the adrenaline the experience offered. We're going to die; we are all going to die at the hands of my crazed husband. It was a straight shot, the light of the sun was taken away as we jetted through the small opening, the skiff bumping on the close cavern walls, and scraping along until an array of colors surrounded us, much like those of the Bifrost.

With a harsh thud the bottom of the craft hit solid ground and bounced back up again, I exhaled, unknowing that I was previously holding my breath. "Ta-da." Loki remarked, satisfied that we didn't die, and that it was the right pathway to bring us to Svartalfheim.