Thor was only to eager to return to the camp.
He knew that all of his Midgardian friends only meant well wanting him to stay at the avengers tower, to give him room to recover. But Thor knew that his place was with his people.
He was no longer just a Prince, he was their king.
Maybe if Loki had been around to full-fill a kings duty for a few days Thor would have been more comfortable staying at the tower a while long.
Simple truth though was that he wasn't. Loki had been saving them over and over, even at the cost of his own health.
Now they wouldn't be able to just rely on Loki to pull another miracle, it was up to them to make their own way.
As Thor entered camp Asgardians were greeting him, respectfully standing on each their side and then quietly they all kneeled in respect.
Blue frost Giants were standing at the far end with Bylestir in front and then… Bylestir joined them in kneeling and as on Bylestirs command the rest followed suite following their kings example.
Thor sucked in a deep breath. "My friends." he spoke in a deep almost quiet voice and yet his words carried over the entire camp. "We just thought and won a war." he said. "The price I am afraid was severe. Six of our comrades has fallen." he said having deliberately included the two Jotunns together with the four Aisir he had told was gone. "And we will honour their names and their deeds. Everyone who fought battled honourable and won the day. Sadly at a steep price, our home." he said. "The ones proud halls of Asgard are no more, turned to dust. It was a price which had to be paid and I am glad we did. For we are still here, we are alive. And in time we shall return and we shall rebuild!" he stated. "We are the Asgardians, strong and proud. We can and shall rise ones more. Do not give in. I fear though, before that can happen another battle awaits us. Stand, let me speak to you as my equals." Thor asked.
And slowly people stood up, all of them as Thor looked seriously at him.
"You saw him… The Titan Thanos." Thor swallowed. "It is now clear what happened in the past. Thanos's domain is in the void beneath Asgard. Loki told me as much not that long ago. When Loki fell from the bridge bifrost, he fell into the clutches of Thanos. I cannot imagine what horror Loki lived through in the year he spend there in the darkness in Thanos's clutches. One thing I know is this, my brother does not scare easily. I have seen him face a dragon and he did not shake as he slayed that mighty beast…. As I was held up by the Titan, and then felt his foot upon my head. I shared Lokis terror, I now understand." he said. "Thanos truly believe that his mission is sacred, and because he believes his mission is sacred he also believes any and all actions he may do is justified. But I could also see in Thanos's eyes, he enjoyed his power. He relished in the fear within Lokis eyes. He enjoyed to witness the suffering he was spreading." he swallowed. "He may claim different but this is a lie… Thanos is coming. Thanos is coming to this very planet, Midgard which has offered us refuge. Food! Protection. He intends to kill half the planet in the search of infinity stones, and if he ever gathers all six infinity stones. He intends to kill half of all sentient life in the universe, with a single snap."
There was silence, dead silence as all looked at Thor.
"Loki how-ever, using his own body in recompense bought is the chance to stand up against Thanos! I say we'll stand with our comrades here on earth." Thor stated. "I say this enemy concerns all of us. We owe earth and its warriors, it would be dishonourable to turn our backs to them now!" he stated. "I know, we are already wounded and tired from battle. We have already lost much, our friends and our home." he stated. "Still, I ask you my people." he said. "Stand with me one more time, against this Titan. Let's show earth what Asgardian honour is made of."
"I am with you!" Sif shouted raising her hands. "Hail the king!"
And other Asgardians raised their hands as each shouted. "I am with you!" "We are with you!"
And then in a rhythm. "Hail the king! Hail the King! Hail the king!" louder and louder they shouted as Thor swallowed standing his ground.
Then suddenly, Bylestir started to walk, down the clear path which was made. Jotunns followed behind him. Quickly Thor realized that it was Helbindi at his right shoulder in his Jotunn form and Rygul the one armed Jotunn at his left.
People quieted as the Jotunns made their way to Thor and then Bylestir stood right in front of Thor.
The Asgardian king and the Jotunn king face to face. They looked at each other, right in the eye.
Bylestir looked stern, a frown over his face. "Looks like… We ones again have a common enemy. And it is in our best interest to join forces ones more." he stated. "Helbindi taught me that when Asgardians faces death together, they now consider each other brothers in arms. Or shield brothers." he said, then he offered Thor a hand. "Let's stand as equals. Shield brother!"
Thor lost his breath, he gasped. Then his one eye got misty as he reached forward and grabbed Bylestirs hand firmly. "Aye!" he stated. "From today and henceforth, we will stand as equals! Shield brother!" he exclaimed.
And a loud shout erupted as Asgardians cheered. Confused Jotunns looked around them, blinking astounded.
Helbindi was a big grin, looking like all his hopes and dreams had just come true. And Thor and Bylestir had not lot go of each others hands as they both smirked sternly.
Finally they let go. "King Bylestir, will you drink with me on our new status?" he asked.
"I will." Bylestir stated.
"HEAR ME!" Thor roared lifting his arms. "TONIGHT WE SHALL ALL DRINK TOGETHER!" he shouted. "TONIGHT WE WILL TREAT EACH OTHER AS BROTHERS AND SISTERS!" he stated. "We shall sing our songs of old and tell the tales of the past! We shall listen to each other, exchange! Tonight, we shall strengthen our bonds and tomorrow we will begin our work!" he stated. "As Thanos arrives we will be ready!" he stated. "His tyranny shall not be allowed to continue. When he arrives here, his dream and tyranny will end!" he exclaimed.
And everyone shouted as they raised their arms and screamed. Jotunn and Asgardian, everyone. Everyone in agreement.
They would not take this threat lying down! They were Asgardians and Jotunns, they were proud and they would stand up.
Together!
