It was a miserable afternoon in late February. It was cold, gray and either snowing or raining on and off all day. It was the kind of day you just wanted to snuggle up in a big blanket, eat comfort foods and binge watch a whole bunch of movies.
That's exactly what the Avengers planned on doing. Soup and chili simmered in the Avengers compound kitchen. It was a good thing at least Scott could cook.
Natasha sat on one of the couches, wrapped in a big quilt with a mug of hot cider. "Are you guys going to come to some sort of consensus here on what we are watching or do I just overrule all of you?" she called out in the common room. "Star Wars, Harry Potter, Rocky, Pirates of the Caribbean, Lord of the Rings, dorky 80s movies...pick something please."
"I've spent years just following what Tony wanted so I'm game for just about anything," Rhodey commented as he walked into the room and crashed into one of the armchairs before eyeing the bundle that Natasha is. "Aren't you from Russia? I would think you would be used to cold."
Natasha tucked her fuzzy socked feet in and pulled up the hood of her hoodie before sticking her tongue out at Rhodey. "I like being cozy."
"Isn't that Clint's hoodie?" Steve asked as he entered the room with a bowl of popcorn.
"I've stolen more of his clothes over the years than his wife has," Natasha laughed. "Now, time for some Jack Sparrow."
Halfway into the movie, the sky outside suddenly turned pitch black. Very unusual for one o'clock in the afternoon, even in winter in New York. Then, a huge bolt of lightning ripped across the sky from east to west before the sky returned to its previous gray color.
"What the hell was that?" Scott asked as he looked between the rest of the Avengers.
"Is Thor in town?" Steve asked.
Bruce shook his head. "Thor wouldn't leave Shuri right now unless he absolutely had to with her being so close to delivering the baby."
"Maybe we should give him a call anyways?" Natasha added. "He may have some insight if he felt it." She walked over to the desk and saw the hologram communicator blinking. Natasha clicked the button and Thor appeared in front of them. "We were just talking about calling you. We have a question for you."
"I guess I have impeccable timing. How can I be of assistance?" Thor said with a smile.
"We just had a rather remarkable bolt of lightning pass through here and it didn't exactly seem weather related. Would you be able to enlighten us about that?" Rhodey asked.
"I can tell you for absolute certainty that it wasn't me," Thor stated. Then he paused and a huge smile crossed his face. "It was my daughter."
It took mere seconds as what he had just said hit everyone and congratulations erupted from everyone.
"How's Shuri? Natasha asked.
"Who does the baby look like?" Bruce inquired.
"The baby is beautiful…brown hair and blue eyes," Thor started, trying to answer everyone's questions. "Shuri's doing well, exhausted especially because we weren't expecting the baby to arrive for another week and a half. She was amazing during delivery. I am so in awe of what she did. None of my victories in battle will ever compare to what Shuri did."
"What's her name?" Steve added.
"That's why I'm calling," Thor replied. "I want to invite all of you to her Naming Ceremony in nine days' time. Please, you may come as soon as you like. You are all my guests, anything you want you have but to ask." Thor paused, distracted by someone behind him. "I need to go. They are moving Shuri. Please extend my invitation to Stark and Barton as well as their families and anyone I may have forgotten."
"We'll be there as soon as we get everything together. Congratulations again and send our love to Shuri as well," Natasha said warmly.
"Thank you, my friends. I will see you all soon," Thor said before turning off the communication.
As the hologram went dark, Scott looked to the others. "What do you get a princess as a gift?"
A few days later, Stark's private jet and the quinjet touched down in Wakanda and then the Avengers were personally escorted by the Dora Milaje to New Asgard.
The exuberant joy among both the people of Wakanda and Asgard was visible at every turn. Ribbons, streamers, and flowers decorated everything. People sang and danced in the streets in celebration and the lingering smell of gunpowder in the air gave the clue of nighttime festivities as well.
The Dora dropped the Avengers in front of Asgard's palace under the watchful eyes of Asgard's sentinel.
"Do we knock?" Scott asked.
"Well, I'm certainly not standing around all day just waiting for someone," Tony spoke up as he stepped up and banged on the large wooden door. No sooner he moved his hand away from the door, there was a distinct sound of barking as the door opened. "What the hell was that?"
"I'm pretty sure it was a dog, Tony," Pepper laughed as they walked in.
"When the hell did they get a dog?" Tony questioned.
"Last winter solstice," a smooth voice chimed in. "A pair of them were a gift from the Emperor of Japan. Welcome back to New Asgard."
The Avengers had to hold back a bit of surprise when Loki greeted them instead of Thor.
"How's it going, Loki?" Bruce spoke up first as he offered his hand to Thor's brother.
Loki paused for only a moment before taking Bruce's hand as the dog, a Shiba inu, came around his legs. "Exhausting," he exclaimed.
"How are you exhausted? You're not the one who had the baby?" Natasha asked.
"Lady Natasha, that is true that I do not have to worry about the direct care of the child. It's more everything thing else," Loki explained. "The celebration has been going on endlessly since the night of her birth. I am not sure if the Wakandans or the Asgardians are celebrating more. They go on day and night. The fireworks at night were disturbing the baby, thus causing more lightning, so Thor and Shuri asked me to place spells around the palace to muffle the noise. It's quite tiresome to maintain them as well as take over for both Thor and Shuri for the time being," he stated as he scratched the dog's head. "Sorry Banzai. It is not Thor. He doesn't come through the door."
"Speaking of Thor and Shuri, where are they? We were expecting to see them when we arrived," Steve asked.
"Shuri and the baby are resting, and I have no wish to face my brother's wrath by disturbing them. Thor is off picking up the gifts he had commissioned for the baby. He assured me he would return by dinner," Loki explained as he started to guide everyone through the palace to where they would be staying. "Thor also mentioned that he had to speak with you all about something but I was not informed as to what it was."
"Where the hell did Thor go so soon after his child was born?" Rhodey asked.
"Given that it is tradition that the first gift to an Asgardian child, especially a royal one, is a weapon, I would assume he went to Nidavellir. As for the jewelry, probably Alfheim or Vanaheim," Loki commented dryly as if it were commonplace to jump to other realms. "My deepest apologies though. As much as I would like to stay and chat more, there are things I must attend to in my brother's absence. Your rooms have been prepared as our guests. You have need of anything, you have but to ask. I will see you all this evening," Loki stated as he excused himself.
The palace servants helped guide the Avengers to their rooms after Loki departed. Tony took a moment to process what had just happened. "Are we sure that was the same guy we had to kick his ass in New York?"
Bruce shook his head. "A lot has happened since then. That's the Loki Thor has always known and not the one we dealt with."
Later in the evening, the Avengers reconvened in the grand dining hall that Loki had directed them to. As they entered, they found Shuri already seated at the table.
"Welcome everyone, " Shuri greeted them warmly as she gestured for them all to sit down. "My apologies for not greeting all of you when you arrived. I hope Loki was pleasant enough."
"You have nothing to apologize for," Pepper chimed in first.
"You just gave birth so all you need to do is rest and heal," Laura added.
"Now, Thor on the other hand, we may need to take issue with him," Natasha teased.
"Don't you dare say anything to him," Shuri responded in her husband's defense. "He has been by my side through all of this. I may have actually injured him while giving birth. He denies it but I saw the bruises. He only left this morning because he had to retrieve several things for the baby's naming ceremony tomorrow. "
"Speaking of Thor," Steve interjected. "We haven't seen him yet. Where is he?"
"He's bringing the baby. It's still easier for him to carry her," Shuri explained.
Almost on cue, Loki enters the room with Thor right beside him. In Thor's arms was a tiny bundle wrapped up in a pink and silver blanket, which began almost instant gushing over the baby.
"Sorry we're late," Thor said apologetically as he set the baby down in the bassinet in between his and Shuri's chairs. "Someone decided to interject her opinion on her uncle's daily report."
"It still astounds me that something so small can create so much of something that disgusting, " Loki commented as he sat down.
"Keep talking like that and you can get the next one, " Thor shot back.
"So, what's her name?" Clint chimed in first.
"I don't even know it yet," Loki commented.
"Her name will be revealed tomorrow at her naming ceremony, " Thor replied. "That's why I wanted to talk to all of you. It is tradition on Asgard that a baby is formally welcomed into the family at their naming ceremony. Gifts are given to the child and guardians are recognized. What do you call them again?" Thor asked as he looked to Shuri.
"Godparents, my love," Shuri responded.
Thor laughed to himself at the term. "Shuri and I agreed that our daughter's guardians should reflect all of those who make up her family. Two of her guardians are Wakandan, two are Asgardian and at least two are Avengers." Thor paused for a moment as he met the gaze of each of his friends. "You are all family to me...just as much as Loki...and trying to choose among you proved to be an incredibly difficult decision to make. I wanted to say screw tradition and pick all of you but I was convinced that it would be better to adhere to what was done in the past." Thor paused again before looking over at Natasha. "Natasha, you are one of the bravest warriors that I have ever met. Had you been born on Asgard, the Valkyries would have been honored to have you. You keep all of us in line and do not put up with any of our antics. You would honor us if you would stand as one of the guardians."
Natasha was speechless at first. She was deeply touched that Thor would even consider her. She was already godmother to Clint's children but this seemed different. "I'm honored and of course I accept."
Thor then turned to Steve. "Steven, I've said it before, you are more than just Captain America. You are a warrior that a king will willingly follow into battle. Side by side, we stood taking on aliens, my brother, robots, and all of Thanos' army and the Mad Titan himself all while trying to prove we were more than just warriors. Mjolnir deemed you worthy and who am I to argue with that. Will you stand by me one more time?"
"Who said it would only be one?" Steve laughed. "And to quote Clint...it would be my genuine pleasure. "
Thor finally turned to Bruce. "Banner...Bruce...I owe you so much that I could never possibly repay. Both you and the Hulk."
"Thor, you don't owe me anything, " Bruce tried to protest.
Thor held up a hand to stop him. "Yes, I do. After the Hulk tried to kick my ass on Sakaar, you went along with my crazy plan to get off that planet, even going through the Devil's Anus. You fought bravely alongside us as we took on Hela. You helped my people get off Asgard as it burned. You tried to take on Thanos on your own to give the Valkyrie time to evacuate as many as we could. You delivered the message to Earth that Thanos was coming. I only hope this is enough."
"You would trust your daughter with the Hulk?" Bruce asked cautiously.
Thor smiled. "Absolutely. Just like I trusted him with my own life."
"Who am I to argue then? By the way...what do we need to do tomorrow?"
"Just stand up with Thor and Shuri during the ceremony, surrounded by royalty and swear to protect the child if anything happens to them," Loki replied.
"Oh...nothing stressful at all," Bruce laughed.
In the few hours before dawn, the palace was actually peaceful. The gentle sound of rain falling outside. Everyone asleep save for a few sentries to stand guard…and Loki. While the rest of the palace slumbered, Loki wandered through the silent halls. He thought he was the only one awake until he heard quiet singing. Loki rounded a corner to see Thor seated by the open doors to one of the balconies with the baby cradled in his arms. Loki hung back by the wall for a moment as he watched his brother.
Thor gently adjusted his daughter's blanket as he sang an ancient Asgardian lullaby to her.
"I haven't heard that lullaby in a very long time," Loki spoke up from the shadows.
Thor stopped singing as he felt his heart stop for a moment when he heard Loki's voice. "You scared the seven hells out of me."
"It was not my intent, brother," Loki apologized. "I wasn't aware that you could sing so well."
"Did you actually just compliment me or am I that tired that I don't recognize when you're mocking me now?" Thor asked.
"It was a compliment," Loki stated as he sat down next to Thor. "How long have you been here?"
"I'm not sure. What time is it?" Thor asked as he adjusted the now sleeping baby in his arms.
"It's nearly four by the last time I looked," Loki responded.
"Then I have been here for over four hours," Thor answered through a yawn. "She just would not go back down. I fed her, burped her, changed her, walked through the halls with her. I tried everything."
"It's looks like she's out now," Loki pointed out as he noticed the baby's closed eyes and soft breathing. "Looks like she liked that lullaby as much as we did."
"But I doubt I do it as much justice as Mother did," Thor sighed.
"Don't sell yourself so short, brother," Loki laughed. "I don't see her complaining. It seemed to have done the trick. I think you should follow your daughter's suggestion and head to bed yourself. We certainly can't have our king falling asleep during his daughter's naming ceremony."
"You should follow your own advice," Thor commented as he slowly got up from the chair he was in.
Loki stepped in behind Thor and closed the open balcony doors. "Are you planning on doing something about the rain? I doubt you want everything covered in mud."
"I didn't start this one," Thor replied before nodding his head down to the sleeping bundle in his arms.
"Oh dear," Loki sighed. "That could be problematic for a while."
"It's nothing we can't handle. Good night, brother," Thor called back as he headed down the hall.
By late morning, the throne room and great hall had been transformed. Rainbows of flowers cascaded from every wall. A long table with two bowls, three candles and a goblet had been set in the middle of the room with nine chairs set behind it. Long tables and chairs had been set in the great hall for the feast of celebration after the ceremony. The people of New Asgard and Wakanda started to fill the great hall and those who did not fit gathered outside the palace to honor their new princess.
As the ceremony started, the chosen guardians walked in first and took their places by the chairs. From one side of the room entered Loki, T'Challa, Steve and Bruce. From the other side entered the Valkyrie, Nakia and Natasha. The Avengers almost looked out of place standing next to royalty in their full regalia. Thor and Shuri came down from the center behind the thrones after the guardians were in place. It was an impressive sight to see in his black and gold armor now that he was King. Shuri was now every bit Asgard's Queen in a black dress with gold lace bodice and sheer cape flowing behind her. Last to come in was Ramonda, the Queen Mother, carrying the baby in her arms.
Ramonda handed the baby to Shuri and stepped forward. "We are gathered here today to praise the ancestors and welcome this child into our family by blessing her with her name. It is tradition for the chief of the tribe to perform the ceremony but in this case since it is the daughter of the King and Queen, they have asked me as the Elder to assist." Ramonda calls Shuri forward. "The strength and unity of our people comes through the bonds of family and friendship all gathered here to welcome our new princess. Please, present the child to her father."
Thor steps forward and Shuri places the baby in his left arm. Thor could not hide the smile as he wrapped part of his cloak around his daughter.
"The child's father will now perform the Ausa Vatni and give her name aloud," Ramonda explained.
Thor dipped his free hand into one of the bowls and pulled up a handful of water. He gently poured the water on the baby's forehead and down her hair, causing her to cry in surprise. "I sprinkle this child with water and give her the name Thyra Frigga Thorsdottir, Crown Princess of Asgard, named for her father and grandmother." Thor cradles his daughter close to calm her as he dips his thumb into the second bowl filled with ash. He draws the mark of Mjolnir on her forehead. "We welcome Thyra to our family and our people. May the gods and goddesses smile upon her. May her guardians watch over her and help her to life a life of strength and honor and may the Norns grant her a long life."
Shuri wiped a few tears of joy away as Thyra's name was finally said aloud for all to hear. She knew how much this moment had meant to Thor when they planned the ceremony. As Thor held Thyra, Shuri stepped forward and lit the first candle. "We light this candle to remember our ancestors. May they watch over us from Valhalla and the Ancestral Plain. We light the second candle to honor our family and friends. May they always fill your life with warmth and joy." Shuri picked up both candles to light the third. "We join these two flames together to light the way for your future. May it always guide you and you never know darkness."
Ramonda then turned to the guardians. "You have been chosen by Thyra's parents to help them raise this child. You were chosen to guide her, help her and protect her if her parents cannot. Loki Odinson, High Prince of Asgard, T'Challa, son of T'Chaka, King of Wakanda, Captain Steven Rogers, Dr. Bruce Banner, Brunhilde, Last Valkyrie of Asgard, Nakia, Queen of Wakanda, and Natasha Romanoff do you swear to help Thor and Shuri to guide and protect Thyra?"
"We do," They all said in unison.
Thor handed Thyra back to Shuri and picked up the goblet that was on the table. "Join us now in celebration and wishing my daughter a long life and happiness," he stated aloud before drinking down all the wine in the goblet. "Let the feasting begin!"
After all the guests had time to start enjoying all the fine food and drink presented to them, Thor called for everyone's attention. "As part of a child's naming day, it is a tradition to present the child with gifts." Thor brought out several packages of various sizes. "It is tradition for a child's first gift, especially if it is a royal child, to be a weapon." Thor picked up a long velvet bag and pulls out a beautiful sword with an engraved hilt. "I brought some of Wakanda's vibranium to Nidavellir where Eitri forged a sword fit for a future Queen."
"The sword is bigger than the baby," Shuri commented.
"She'll grow into it," Thor laughed as he pulled out the next two packages. "Now, I have been told that every princess needs jewelry. I had this crafted on Vanaheim." Thor pulls out a gold bracelet with two panther heads framing the tree of Yggdrasil that are both encrusted in gemstones. "The goddess Freyja was always in a chariot pulled by two cats. In this case, these cats protect the Tree of Life just like the Black Panther protects Wakanda." Thor pulls out the next bundle and reveals a gold tiara laden with amethysts and diamonds. "I was told that amethysts were the gem to commemorate a February birth, so it seemed fitting to have her future crown decorated with them."
"Is there anything she can actually use now?" Loki chimed in, which earned him a look from both Thor and Shuri.
"Yes, there is," Thor replied as he pulled out the last bundle. Inside was a patchwork quilt teddy bear, made with fabric from the capes of Thor, Loki, and the Valkyrie as well as all the colors of the tribes of Wakanda and the Avengers among the squares. Thor knelt before Shuri and Thyra and gazed up into Shuri's eyes. "I only wish that I could give her Asgard as well," he whispered with a hint of sadness.
Shuri placed her hand along the side of his face. "You have."
By the time night had fallen, the festivities had finally wound down. Many had retired for the evening, leaving only the Avengers in the Great Hall.
"So, where's the after party?" Tony asked with a smile as he leaned back in one of the chairs. "You've always boasted how the feasts on Asgard were legendary."
"I think ten days is a pretty good one," Thor laughed as he sipped from his drink.
"You know, you've changed Point Break," Tony commented as he raised his glass to him. "You're not the same guy we first met when your brother invaded New York."
Thor nodded. "I could say the same about you."
"I think we can all say that," Natasha chimed in.
"So, what's the plan now?" Bruce asked.
"You're all welcome to stay as long as you like," Thor offered.
"Might have to take you up on that," Steve stated. "It would be nice to be here without a battle going on."
"I can't necessarily guarantee that there won't be some sort of battle but it won't involve any bloodshed," Loki commented as he came into the room. "Thor, you may want to look outside."
"What's wrong?" Thor asked with concern as he was about to summon Stormbreaker.
Loki waved him off. "There's nothing wrong but you will want to see this," he urged again as he nudged his brother and his friends toward the balconies.
Thor wondered what Loki was talking about until he looked outside. All over New Asgard, there were small bonfires in burning under the bright stars in the sky. Through the sounds of the nighttime savanna, you could hear singing. The people were singing the songs that had been sung on Asgard at the end of a celebration. Thor smiled and looked up to the night sky where Asgard had once been. The space did not seem as empty as it once did. It seemed that six stars that shone brighter than ever had filled in the emptiness. Thor looked to Loki and then back to the stars and silently thanked the ancestors because he knew very well who those stars represented.