Wide-eyed Fandral, Sif and Volstagg were standing. They were just standing there gawking.
As a crown prince of Asgard right in front of them, was pulling a massive cart full of stone for the bridge.
It was impressive of course. Thor was doing the job of two horses just pulling. And this was the fourth cart of stones.
As a result. Thor was completely covered in dirt and mud, he was covered in sweat even though his torso was bare showcasing all of his impressive rippling muscles.
The big question here was obvious though… Why? Why was Thor. Prince and future king of Asgard doing manual labour?
Why was he doing the work of horses?
It was good seeing Thor out and about though. He had spend an awfully long time at the observatory after Lokis fall. It was basically all of Thors day he spend out there. But more recently, Thor had started to engage with Asgard itself again. He would still go to the observatory. But now it was only every second day or so.
His behaviour ones he was back was weird though. Thor walking around in the city asking where he could help. And helped people raising up walls for houses. Carrying pots for them. Allowing children to ride on his broad shoulders and now this… Pulling massive carts of stones.
Finally Fandral lifted a hand. "Do you need help with that?" he asked.
"Finally you ask." Thor laughed as he pulled. "Yes indeed. This cart needs to be unloaded ones I reach the foot of the bridge. And then more stones must be gathered!"
Fandrals face paled. Already he was clearly regretting asking.
"Why are you doing this?" Sif finally asked. "Are all the horses sick?"
Thor laughed. "None of the sort. How-ever as it stands, I was the one who destroyed the bridge and it needs to be fixed. Sadly I am not smart enough to help with any of the technical stuff."
"You don't have to do this." Fandral pointed out. "There are servants who…"
"A true leader should lead by example!" Thor stated. "He should never view himself above the labour his people are going through to keep the land running! Every day our people are doing backbreaking labour. It is only right I do so to when there is nothing else to do!" he stated.
Everyone was stunned quiet… Was this Thor saying this? He had servants and warriors at his fingertips to order around. There had never been a point in him doing anything like this. And he had always found a way to get out of it even when Odin tried to make him do chores.
Sif's eyes were on Thors bare torso, sweat shining and glistening as it ran down his hard stomach and the heat rose in Sif's cheek.
"I think it's great." Hogunn stated. "It's great to see our Prince smiling again."
"It feels good! To help I mean." Thor stated. "So, were you going to help? I bet that if we all give a hand we can get ten carts of stone delivered today!"
Fandrals eyes widened, then he backed away holding up his hands. "That's erhm.. I'm sorry. I have an engagement."
Sif looked at him. "Weren't you the one to offer?"
"I was just being polite." Fandral stated, then he silenced. "I… I should go." he stepped backwards. "It was nice seeing you Thor!" he waved and ran of. He was actually running and they all looked after the blond who quickly vanished.
Thor blinked as he looked after him then returned. "How about you two? This is also good for training of muscles!"
Sif frowned. "Are you asking a warrior maiden of Asgard to carry stones?" she asked. "I am a warrior, my sacred duty is to defend."
"But we're cut off, who would you defend us against?" Thor asked and Sif halted. "Hey I got an idea!" Thor beamed. "Let's go for a hunt one of these days. It's been a while."
"Yes it has." Hogunn agreed. "It would be an honor my prince."
"And this time when we slay a prey, let's not let it go to waste." Thor commented. "Did you know the eyes are perfectly eatable? I wonder what they taste like."
Both Sif and Hogunn halted, their eyes widened.
"The tongue is quite the delicacy many places." Thor continued. Now Sif was growing slightly green. "I read a bit, how to use all the different body parts. I want to try it myself."
"Why?" Sif couldn't help but blurt. "We don't lack anything. Some cultures use the bones to make weapons but we have the best steel. And we can commission from the best forges in the nine realms."
"Well, someday it might be useful." Thor pointed out. "It'll be a good learning experience I think. Excuse me, I promised to have at least five carts done today! I talk to you later!" he grinned and continued to push his cart of stones leaving the two Asgardian warriors looking after him.
Hogunn smiled. "It is good to see him smile again." he pointed out.
"Also it's just nice he isn't spending the entire day at the observatory any more." Sif sighed deeply. "I started getting afraid he would never stop."
"We each deal with hardship in our own way." Hogunn pointed out. "Now Thor is pushing through. I'm glad."
Now Sif smiled as well, her eyes growing soft. "Aye… He is getting better. And truthfully that's all that matters."
Loki hissed, his entire body twitching. For how long had he been in this hole? It felt like an eternity.
His poor abused body showed bones sticking through the skin, he was covered in a thin layer of grease his hair now hanging in long greasy chunks around his face.
This was Thors fault! This was all Thors fault. He would kill Thor. Kill him!
Thor was looking nonchalant as he was holding Gungnir, his eyes dull as if he couldn't even care less. "You can stop this game now." he sighed deeply. "It's not like you have the guts to let go."
Loki hissed as he held unto Gungnir while dangling across the abyss. So you think I am weak Thor? Look at you, hoping you can just be rid of me.
"Maybe I'll should just let you hang for a little longer till you learn your lesson. What do you say Loki?" Thor asked.
Loki hissed. Don't toy with me Thor! I am not what you think I am.
Thor looked at Loki then his eyes lithe up, a grin spread across his face. "Perhaps I should just let go." he stated.
You wouldn't even dare Thor! The throne was my right! Now you want to get rid of your competition? You coward.
Thors grin only grow as he looked down at Loki. "It would solve all my problems." he breathed. "Yes… Why hold on?" The thundergod asked and then Thor… Thor let go. And Loki fell. The darkness consuming him.
Lokis eyes opened wide and he sneered. "I'll kill you… I'LL KILL YOU!" he screamed as he sat up. "Even if it'll take me to the end of time! I'll kill you Thor! I'll kill you. The All Father. Everyone!"
Ebony grinned as he turned to Nebula. "Told you we would get him in the end." he commented. "And just in time to! 36 days?" he asked then whistled. "That's honestly impressive."
"Is it?" Nebula asked.
"Yes. That's an infinity stone we left him with." Ebony stated. "Any normal person would be under its power in less than a second."
"Fine then." Nebula sighed. "Is he ready though? Tomorrow will be 42 days since Father last demanded his presence."
"Oh… I think he is quite ready." Ebony grinned. "Just look at him." he looked towards Lokis cell. "An animal ready to be unleashed."
And Loki was sitting on his knees, seething as his hands were tied behind his back. His green eyes shining with burning hatred and anger.
Ebony and Nebula both grinned.
"Welcome to the family." Ebony spoke in a pleasant tone. "Loki No ones son."