Chapter 33-Movement to contact

Asrior sat by the window again, staring down at the activity below her window. Soldiers milled about, several of them whose dress was distinct to Jerriks' house, but other Asgardians were there, outfitted in armor that she did not recognize.

There were dark elves outside as well, mingling freely with the men. Watching them, Asrior knew that Gyla's prediction was correct.

Something was about to happen.

She could feel it in her skin, for it tingled. A feeling close to anticipation filled her—just as Jerrik's men were prepared to battle, Asrior was ready for events to move forward, for she knew she would see Loki again. But anxiety lived within her too; the few plans she'd made, feeble as they were, had to be put into action immediately, which meant she needed to see the little maid who tended to her needs.

But Gyla had been gone only a few hours, and if she kept to her usual schedule, it would be several more until she entered the room again.

Sighing, Asrior moved to the bed, climbed upon it, and tried to think. There were not many options available to her. She could bang on the door and ask for more food, but it was nowhere near time to eat, so the guards would not be amenable… And her wound's ache had faded over the course of the day…

But the guard wouldn't know that, and Gyla had complained nonstop about Jerrik's instructions and the state of Asrior's back when she'd last visited. She also used the more odorous medicine in an attempt for privacy.

There really was no other option.

Asrior knocked over a pitcher of water that sat on the table next to her bed and then flopped onto the covers, tearing at them as she began to scream. She tried to sound as she had when the cursed arrow had hit her, wailing desperately as though in extreme pain and then curling her body into a ball.

After a moment, there was movement outside and someone hastily jangled keys. Then a thud as the door hit the wall it was so forcefully opened.

A rough voice said something and then shouted, but Asrior, concentrating on her shrieks, didn't understand all the words, yet she heard enough to know that Gyla was being sent for.

Within minutes, the maid came running into the room, her voice clearly filled with fear at what she'd find. It was only when she stood beside the bed and saw the look of triumph on Asrior's face, even as she shrieked, that the girl realized it was a ruse.

Gyla did nothing to give it away, putting the items in her hand onto the bed and grumbling, "Hush now, and roll over. It can't be that bad," as she gently pushed Asrior onto her stomach and began undoing the back of the gown.

When the cold of the salve touched Asrior's back, she allowed her cries to quieten and watched the maid as she worked. Gyla appeared to be concentrating on her task, though she kept one eye on the guard who paced just outside the door.

After a moment, Asrior spoke, her voice hoarse from her screaming. "Ulvgeir?" she whispered. "Have you seen him?"

The guard's armor rattled, and Gyla, glancing at him quickly, muttered, "It is as I thought. So many more elves have arrived that the palace walls are likely to burst, and the work is overwhelming. I've already been ordered to help bring supper to men in the lower and outer baileys later."

There was the sound of hurried footsteps in the hallway as someone approached the guard, and then murmuring as two men spoke.

"You must help him escape," Asrior urged, wanting to say more, but one of the men called out, "Be quick in there, girl! Some fool discharged one of those damned elf weapons by mistake and hit themselves in the foot. They need tending to as well."

Gyla answered him, irritation lacing her voice. "All right! There's only so much of me to go around. And I'll need to come back here soon. The master'll have my head if she's still like this when he returns." She began to close the back of Asrior's gown then, rasping, "It is a madhouse all over the palace. But I'll try to talk to him. I promise, my lady."

With that, the maid gathered the jar and cloth she used and moved quickly toward the door. One of the men began speaking, shutting the door behind her as they left, and Asrior was alone once again.

…

After Cadeyrn's pronouncement as to his hatred for Asgard, Noula simply sighed, ignoring him as she waved a hand. The cave grew even brighter, and its entrance was closed off once more.

Stone benches that looked carved from the limestone appeared too, near to where Loki stood, and the woman gestured to one. "Sit, please. You look exhausted."

Loki merely grunted, unwilling to show his appreciation as he sat despite his weariness. Cadeyrn lowered himself onto the bench next to him, leaning forward so that his elbows were on his knees, his dark eyes on his sister.

"Why do you want me to go to that damned realm, Noula?" He sounded petulant, like a child. "You know how I feel about it."

The look she gave Cadeyrn was far from sympathetic. "It's your mistake that endangers his wife, a woman who is related to our kind through her father. And Valtur… I do not like the thought of someone so closely tied to us abusing our magic, or the elves of Svartalfheim suffering because of it, and they will suffer if he pursues his current course of action."

"But why not just teach Mischief here, instead of sending me? " Cadeyrn asked, looking at Loki.

"You know that it would take time to teach him everything he might need. He would have to learn our language, memorize a great catalogue of spells, understand how to combine them… just to begin." Noula narrowed her eyes, glancing at Loki as she added, "And I am not yet convinced of his worth in learning our magic, either."

Loki bit back his resentment. He did not understand—after all he'd just endured—what more could be done to convince the woman he was capable of holding such knowledge. But instead of arguing, tempted though he was, he prodded, "But you will teach me to undo the curse that binds knowledge of Asrior's abuse? You said you would."

He could see, out of the corner of his eye, that his comment annoyed Cadeyrn, who sputtered, "But if you're teaching him that much… Come on, Noula."

She frowned at her brother and explained, "You've felt his thoughts. You know he's still learning to accept much of himself. But you also know if there's one thing Loki of Asgard is certain of, it's the injustice done to his wife and his willingness to take the burden instead. I simply think he's capable of that particular piece of magic."

The irritation in Cadeyrn's gaze remained but speculation was there as well when he turned to Loki. "I felt something like that, but I wasn't entirely sure. It was hard for me to see. There's just so... so much going on in him."

"Someone once described his mind as a 'bag full of cats.' Thor remains very amused by it." Noula said, smirking; and at the look of affront that crossed Loki's face, she scoffed, "There's no need to be offended. You know it's true. but if it's any consolation, you're much less tangled inside than you once were."

Cadeyrn snorted. "And you still want me to show him how to break the spell on his wife?"

"Yes, I do." She sounded decisive.

With a quick sigh, Cadeyrn grumbled an assent, still looking displeased. He began scratching the back of his head, as though he needed to find the right words to form.

But the fairie's dawdling was vexing, and it took everything in Loki to keep a polite look on his face when he said, "I'm ready to learn, if you're ready to teach me."

"Sorry," Cadeyrn said, his face scrunching. "I'm just trying to figure out how to start. It's been so long…" He paused for a few more moments before lowering his hand and asking, "Do you know anything about fae magic? Or about the magic the Celts attempted?"

"I know that the Celts' attempts to copy the otherworld sorcery they witnessed were feeble, which is no surprise, for magical abilities are rare in mortals. But your people are very powerful. And like the gods on Olympus, your use of magic is driven by a connection to the four elements..."

"Air, fire, water, and earth." Cadeyrn listed with a nod, before expounding further, "The otherworlders who live here, though, are particularly tied to the love of earth, or land, if you prefer, and all that makes it. Metal, rocks. You understand."

"Yes, I know that much," Loki began. "But I fail to see why that-"

Cadeyrn lifted a hand. "I'm getting to my point. You need context, because this magic of ours… it goes even further, into the elements that make up conscious beings. By that I mean awareness of self. Your will, your motivations, who you are, here." He tapped his chest hard. "The more you know your elemental self, the stronger our particular kind of sorcery becomes, and the easier it is for you to learn."

Remembering the tattoo on Cadeyrn's wrist, Loki murmured, "Enlightenment."

"Of a sort," the other male said, pursing his lips. "It's being self-aware, but you don't have to be fully enlightened to wield it, which is what makes it dangerous if it's in the wrong hands. Like Valtur, who's obsessed with gaining power—and not only cognizant of that need within himself but willing to do anything to gain it—that's enough to wield our magic with great force."

Loki frowned, muttering, "So this kind of sorcery is more powerful simply because someone really wants something, no matter what that something is. You'd think it would discriminate better than that."

"Oh, come off it," Cadeyrn scoffed. "It's magic. It's not sentient, it's not going to judge the wielder's morals before it's used. Ironic that you, of everyone, would want it to work that way."

Loki was about to retort, when Noula warned, "Don't start bickering, either of you. There are more important matters at hand than the ethical proproperties of our magic."

Cadeyrn looked like he wanted to argue more, but instead said, "Right. Sorry. Where was I?"

"Self-awareness," Loki bit out.

"Ok then," Cadeyrn took in a quick breath and began explaining again, "Beyond self-awareness, our magic must be tied to tangible items… tools that have a specific connection to the earth element. I'll be anything your wife's father uses enchanted objects made with metal or stone when he uses our magic. Amulets. Chalices. Weapons."

Loki's voice was grim. "I know he used a knife in his cloaking spell on Asrior and the dwarf that was her protector. He has a cursed whip as well, that he uses to punish with."

"A whip?" Cadeyrn looked troubled.

Noula spoke up, looking thoughtful. "It likely has metal components to it. On the handle… on the cracker."

Blanching at the prospect of metal tips being placed at the end of a whip, Cadeyrn seemed to shiver slightly. And as though he wanted to move past those particular details, he quickly added, "So there's knowledge of self and tools with an earth connection, but you also can't cast our magic without sound."

Loki's eyes narrowed as he remembered all the annals he'd studied. "I know the Celts used chants and songs along with objects in their attempts at sorcery. You're saying the otherworlders here do the same?"

"Fae magic, as it's developed on Midgard at least, has always included these elements—both tools and sound." Cadeyrn paused for a moment before he expounded, "And our specific magic… we use those as well, but our magic is, well, it's just been adapted a bit further."

When he paused, Loki prodded, "I don't fully understand. When you say adapted, do you mean the bit about self knowledge?"

"That's the first part of it. Our magic uses objects, sound, and a sense of self. But those are just the starting points. You have to know about regular otherworld sorcery to… well, to see how our magic kind of flips the regular stuff on its head. Are you with me so far?"

"Yes. Go on," Loki urged.

Taking in another breath, Cadeyrn continued, "You see, otherworlders here use objects, and they imbue those objects—tools of the trade, if you will—with magical benefits. The tool can be anything, really, but it's usually amulets and weapons and the like, and the magical benefits are things like protection or physical power. And that benefit is given to whoever holds the object. An amulet, for example, that offers protection will protect anyone who wears it."

He paused and looked at Loki, making sure he was following his explanation before adding, "In our specific sorcery, such tools are enchanted with magical benefits as well—usually power—but the benefit is only given if whoever wields the object uses the tool to cast another spell, and the benefit is given to the spell, not to the person. It boosts the power of the magic. It's complicated, but…"

Loki interrupted him, saying, "I think I understand. You're talking about objects enchanted with spells that enhance other spells."

"Yes, you're getting it," Cadeyrn said approvingly. "So, if someone using our magic has an amulet that's made of metal or has a stone it, and they enchant it to provide strength, and then use the amulet as part of the spell when cursing someone…"

He paused and eyed Loki expectantly, looking pleased when the god surmised, "...then the curse is given an extra layer of strength. It's stronger and more difficult to break than it would be on its own. The amulet isn't actually making the person who holds it stronger."

"Exactly. And if the spell is cast with the proper incantation and is also truly connected to the sorcerer's sense of identity or purpose…" Cadeyrn fluttered his fingers. "More layers. So the curse you seek to break is quite thick with protection, you'd say."

Noula, who had moved to stare at an area of the cave filled with small runes, spoke up again. "The basic spells are written here… the ones otherworlders created when they first came to this realm. The incantations Valtur uses can likely be found here."

She glanced over her shoulder at the pair on the benches before turning her gaze back to the wall and raised her arm to point at a specific set of drawings. "The cloaking magic he uses on the Asgardian palace is, I believe, adapted from our feth fiada. The Celts called it a magic mist, for it hides people or things from the sight of others. He's likely layered others on top of it."

"And the one tied to Asrior's scars?" Loki asked."It's similar?"

"Somewhat." She looked at Loki again. "It binds the words of someone who has seen her injuries, correct? Those who know about her scars can only speak of them to others who know?" At his nod, she moved to point to other sets of runes. "He likely used a combination—an airismech, which can freeze words or actions. But he also uses a form of the airbe druad, which is like a hedge that a foe cannot break through."

"A hedge?"

She turned once more as she explained, "Imagine a wall. If you know of her scars, you're inside of the wall. Anyone who doesn't know is outside, and breaking through it so they can see is almost impossible."

Loki's voice was eager. "Almost impossible, but not fully?"

"Not fully," she agreed. "With proper counterspells, with your complete willingness to take on whatever the spell is protecting, and with the right magical object, I believe you can break this wall that surrounds her."

"Right then," Loki said, leaning toward her. "You know the extent of my willingness, and you can teach me the counterspell. But the object?"

Cadeyrn began to chuckle at the question, and when Loki swiveled to look at him, the fairie king explained, "Tattoo ink's got metal in it. Not iron like some inks are made of; that shit's lethal to us. But the one I used on you is made with nickel and a bit of soot, so your tie to the earth element is in your skin." He thumped a finger to his chest. "You can carry it on you."

"But…" Loki began, taken aback at the knowledge. "It has to be enchanted to work, correct? You didn't do that when you gave it to me. Did you?"

"Not then, no." Noula said, walking to the middle of the cave and waving a hand so that a third bench appeared, facing theirs. "Cadeyrn wouldn't have done that before talking to me." She lowered herself to sit, adding, "And he wouldn't be able to look like he does, either."

"What do-"

Before Loki could complete the sentence forming on his lips, Noula looked at her brother and said, "You know what we have to do."

Cadeyrn grimaced. "I know."

In the blink of an eye, both Noula and Cadeyrn changed, and the male and female Loki had been speaking to were gone. In their place were what appeared to be two ancient otherworld fairies.

They were both taller than him, but for all their great height, the two fairies were now stooped with age. Their faces were similar, but creased with wrinkles, and the light purple of Noula's hair was streaked with silver, while Cadeyrn's muddy curls had turned completely white. Their clothing changed too. Noula wore a short purple gown and matching leather shoes that reached her ankles; and Cadeyrn's chest was bare above dark, metal-studded pants tucked into tall black boots, though his stomach was still paunchy.

There was something akin to a glow about them, and they also each bore silvery-hued wings on their back that fluttered and shimmered in the light.

But Noula's voice, when she spoke, was the same as before—smooth and smoke-filled.

"It will be easier for us if we can concentrate on the task at hand rather than on cloaking our appearance," she explained. "So you will see us as we truly are for now."

"Funny, isn't it, because Mischief here is still disguised as a fucking Asgardian."

Cadeyrn's attitude, it seemed, had not changed with his appearance.

"Do you need me to be in my Jotun form for this?" Loki asked, scowling. "It does not bother me. I am just so accustomed to this appearance now that it…"

"You're fine as you are." Noula waved his words off. "Do not let my brother's disdain for your adopted home needle you."

Loki shifted on the bench. "Fine. But what do I need to do? What happens now?"

Cadeyrn looked at his sister. "Should we both do it?"

"Yes, I believe it will make it stronger," she agreed.

Noula tapped the bench she sat on, then, saying, "Come sit here beside me, Loki Laufeyson."

He stood, as did Cadeyrn, and when the pair neared the place she sat, Noula eyed Loki, warning, "We're going to need to touch you to do this."

Raising a brow at the words, he muttered, "Fine," and lowered himself to sit next to her, his body tense. "You may touch me if you need to."

Cadeyrn had moved to stand beside his sister, and Noula, looking amused, told Loki, "We need to touch the tattoo itself… touch your chest. The marking should be healed now."

Loki shrugged, magicking the leather and metal encasing his torso away, and when he tugged at the clear material covering the tattoo, he saw that she was correct. The skin was no longer red and appeared normal, outside of the ink coloring his skin.

"You need to touch here?" he asked, raising a brow as he looked from the small black tattoo on his sternum to the fairie that sat beside him.

"Yes, there. As Cadeyrn said, your tattoo will become the magical tool you'll use with our magic." Her voice grew softer then, and her eyes appeared almost mawkish as she stared at him. "And you hate that I see it and will feel it before she does. That is such a sweet sentiment."

Embarrassed, for what she said was true—it was meant to be private and for Asrior's eyes only—Loki gritted his teeth. "Get on with it, then."

"You're sure? We need to know before this step is taken," she said instead of moving. "You would bear every beating? Every scar?"

"Yes."

The word barely left his mouth before said something under her breath, and then her hand was on his chest. Cadeyrn made a humming sound and touched there as well. The touch of their fingers was so hot that it seemed to sear through him, as though his body was made of metal and it turned molten. In the same instant, a pain unlike anything he'd ever experienced pierced the spot where the tattoo lay. It was excruciating… scalding and tearing at once, rippling out from his center to cover his back and a leg. He realized that he screamed, too, and the sound was unlike any he'd made or heard before, even when he'd languished in the abyss.

Almost as soon as it started it ended. The pain ceased, and the fairies lowered their hands.

Before he could stop himself, Loki was shouting one of the Midgardian curses Noula so loathed. His chest heaved and he had trouble forming words, even though the pain was gone.

"That's… that's it?" He panted when he finally managed to speak. "The tattoo… it's enchanted now?"

"That's it, Mischief." Cadeyrn sounded amused.

Loki braced his hands on his thighs, pressing hard into his muscle there as he struggled to calm his body's reaction. "And that… that was all…"

"All of her pain, all at once," Noula murmured. "You bore it well."

The physical feeling had left him, but the memory of it was torturous, and Loki squeezed his eyes shut. He wanted to shout at them, to ask why they seemed so intent on making him hurt. Instead, he remembered the streaks of fire on his back and managed to ask, "Do I have the scars now? Instead of Asrior?"

He felt Noula move on the bench beside him. "No. Dark magic leaves scars that last forever. That cannot be changed. But you might find that things are different for your wife now. Just as that is different."

Opening his eyes at the tone of her voice, Loki saw that both of the otherworlders were staring at his chest, and he looked down as well to find that his tattoo was outlined in a gold so bright it almost glowed, much as the fairies did.

His eyes widened slightly as he took in the sight, but he looked up and pressed on, his breathing finally slowing. "And the rest? The incantation?"

Noula tapped a finger against her mouth and looked to be deep in thought.

After a moment, when she didn't speak, Cadeyrn said, "If Valtur combined the airbe druad with the airismech, you'll want to combine at least two counterspells to break them."

"Yes, but which two?" Her finger kept tapping her lip.

"Dolbaid doinniste and brúcht." Cadeyrn sounded sure. "Trust me. It's what I'd use."

"Very well," she agreed. "But you should teach him. Your knowledge of the incantations runs much deeper than mine."

When Cadeyrn saw Loki take another quick look at the tattoo on his chest, he grinned. "Don't worry, I won't have to touch you again. You just need to learn a few phrases. Or, well, you can hum a bit instead, if you'd like. You can do that too."

Loki's brows shot up for a moment, but quickly drew together as he muttered, "That's why you hummed just now. And when you were tattooing me… Jesse was humming when he drove us."

"You're certainly not stupid, despite your wife liking to tweak you about that." Cadeyrn grinned. "You can chant or hum. I find that humming is easier, but some of the airs for incantations can take longer to master."

"And what kind of spell are you teaching me?" Loki asked, magicking the top of his armor back into place and standing to face the fairie king.

"A combination of a few incantations. Dolbaid doinniste, well, that one makes something 'beyond expression by means of magic' basically. Making something more powerful than imaginable using magic. The other is a breaking spell, a very ancient one."

"I see." Loki muttered. "Teach me the incantation, then, if that is quickest. I don't want to waste any more time."

Cadeyrn smirked. "Don't you worry about that." Then he clapped his hands together. "Now… listen carefully and copy what I do. This won't take long, and then we can go back out and try it on your brother."

...

When the trio walked back into the field where the others waited, Noula and Cadeyrn looked as they did before, as though they were mortals.

Loki followed them as they exited, finding the bright outdoor light blinding after the walk through the cave's murky pathway. Spots danced in front of his eyes because of it, and he blinked as he tried to see, muttering, "How long were we in there? I thought it would be dark by now."

Thor's voice sounded to his left. "You only just went inside, brother."

After Loki's eyes adjusted to the sunlight, he saw that the others were still standing much as they'd been when he'd entered the cave.

Cian, who stood near Thor, sniffed elegantly. "You know we can manipulate perception of time."

Both Loki and Thor opened their mouths to comment, but it was Fandral who answered, "Yes, but it's usually different. I once was a part of an Asgardian entourage at a peace conference in Alfheim and spent a few hours in my chambers with a delightful otherworlder who was visiting as well—Adelina, I believe her name was. I later discovered over two of our months passed while we were… ahem, getting to know one another. She admitted later if we'd been in Avalon, those two hours would have been closer to two hundred of our years."

Cadeyrn laughed, and Thor shook his head, muttering, "Loki must have warned you a thousand times about creatures from other realms, yet all thought but one flies out your head the minute you meet a female."

As his brother spoke, Loki saw that Noula's eyes darted between them, an expectant shine in them.

The others were looking at him with great curiosity as well. Hlin looked excited. Both Jesse and Cian appeared thoughtful, while Rogers seemed concerned.

And Stark… he stared at Loki, hard, as though trying to read his thoughts.

An odd silence stretched out among them all for a moment, and Thor, turning from the golden-haired warrior to his brother, asked, "So… what happened in there, Loki?"

It was time to tell him about Asrior, if he could. Loki had tried to break the spell for so long, had hoped for this to happen for what seemed like eons—he just never imagined the opportunity would come from a muddy Midgardian field while he was surrounded by otherworlder fairies and two of the damned Avengers.

Breathing in deeply, Loki gathered his thoughts and tried to ignore the overwhelming exhaustion that filled him. Everything in him focused on how vital it was to reveal the truth of Asrior's scarring, and after a moment, his chest began to tingle, a warmth filling it that was centered on the spot where he was marked. Then, under his breath, he muttered the incantations he'd learned—something that made the spot on his chest almost twitch—and it felt as if a great surge of power flowed through himt.

And looking his brother in the eye, Loki finally broke through the wall that had hidden Asrior's dark secret for so long.

"When Asrior was a child, she refused an order to hit Kagoq. As a punishment, Valtur beat her with a whip enchanted with dark magic, and then cut off the dwarf's tongue as part of a curse to keep the abuse secret. She still bears the scars from that attack."

It felt as though the air around him burst as he spoke.

"He continued to use the whip on her, for years Thor, even in Asgard before she escaped. She is scarred all over the back of her body, for you…" Loki had to pause, for his voice shook. "You can imagine what she endured. But the curse her father used… she could only speak of her injuries to those who saw them, and Valtur was careful to keep them where they could be hidden. The curse kept her from revealing the truth to outsiders, you see, for the only one who knew was Kagoq, who cannot speak. And she lived like this, for so long..."

Everyone stood as though frozen, even Stark and Hlin, who had known about her injuries, and the otherworlders, who had seen Loki's thoughts.

"When I knew the truth, after the attack in the forest, I tried to break the curse so that I could tell others and failed," Loki admitted. "I failed, over and over again. I could only talk of the abuse to those who had seen the proof of it. And I tried to tell you, brother. so many times. But the magic Valtur uses is connected to the fae, and it is only because of what they taught me that I can now speak to you of this."

Thor looked as though he'd been hit with a poleax. His mouth gaped open in a search for words, and after a moment he sputtered and managed, "When she ran from the palace… she was…"

"She was running from Valtur… from the marriage he tried to arrange. And she searched for Kagoq, for she hoped to reunite with him and hide near iron mines, as Birgitta hid her when she was a child. She sees the dwarf as her family, you see. They protected the other when they lived in Svartalfheim. And I have promised to bring him to her."

The look on Thor's face was heartbreaking. "I did not realize. I did not even consider what it was like… that he would do such to his daughter."

"None of us did. You are very aware of what I thought of her." Loki's voice was gruff, and he swallowed hard before biting, "And you understand now why I have vowed to kill Valtur."

Thor's shock and remorse swiftly turned to concern. "Loki…"

"What would you do, if this was Jane we spoke of?" His voice was scorching. "You are insane if you think I will allow him to live out his life even in a prison cell after what he has done to her. Asrior is my wife, Thor."

Something clicked in Thor's eyes, and the realization that it was not just honor that drove Loki's actions, but something far more personal, had him muttering, "Yes, I understand now. But this puts me in a damned difficult position, Loki, for I have a peace to maintain…"

Stark had moved to stand next to them, and he clapped a hand on Thor's shoulder. "Come on, Point Break. You know there's no way we attack and Valtur stays alive."

Thor's brow lifted. "We?"

"I saw her scars, just a few inches, but it was enough. You're not going to attack that palace she's hidden in without me."

Thor sighed deeply, eyeing Loki. "You will need to tell all of this to Alflyse. You can speak openly of her injuries now? The curse is broken?"

"Yes, I'll speak to the queen, and as for the curse…" A thin smile slid across Loki's face. "It's not an issue for me, not anymore."

It looked as though pride blossomed within Thor at the words, and Loki, remembering all he'd felt from his brother while in the cave, felt his throat tighten. He wanted to thank Thor for believing in him for so long, for never giving up on him… to admit that as much as he loved him, he admired him as well, that he was a good king, and...

But Stark had moved closer to Loki and was elbowing him as he said, "So… you know kung fu?"

Before he could react, Fandral was saying, "Kung fu? I do not understand."

"I get the reference." Cadeyrn smirked as he answered, "It's from a Midgardian movie, The Matrix… a performance of sorts, like a play," he explained at Fandral's confused look, then his eyes swiveled to Stark. "And no, he doesn't know it, not fully. But he's bringing a kung fu master with him to Assgard."

"You mean… One of you..." Stark began, even as Hlin, standing nearby, muttered, "It's pronounced Asgard."

Loki, annoyed again at their lack of movement now that the truth was known by Thor, gritted, "Cadeyrn's coming back with us, for he can break the magic that protects Jerrik's palace, and anything else Valtur tosses our way. So we should be leaving, should we not?"

"Yes," Thor agreed briskly, turning to where the other fairies stood, just beyond the circle that had formed around Loki. "Time is of the essence for us, and our party cannot linger."

Everyone parted as Noula began to walk forward, Cian and Jesse trailing slightly behind her. She seemed to glide as she moved, stopping in front of Thor, where she smiled and offered her hand. When he bent over it in the Asgardian custom, she breathed, "It had been lovely meeting you, God of Thunder and King of Asgard. And your warriors."

Her black eyes slid over Rogers with appreciation, lingering again on his arms, and she smirked when he shifted and nodded stiffly, saying, "It's been an interesting experience, ma'am."

When turned her gaze to Fandral, her smile widened. "And you… I regret that you cannot stay longer, fair Asgardian, for I would not mind spending a few hours in your company, either. You really are quite dashing."

Fandral gave her a courtly bow along with his most smoldering look. "Thank you, my la-"

The sound Caderyn made startled him into silence, and Thor's voice was thunderous. "Did you not take in one thing Loki has ever said to you? Your name should be Fandral the Dim."

A look of dismay washed over the blond warrior's face, and Rogers, who looked perplexed, said, "I don't understand. What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong," Noula purred, and she moved closer to Fandral, reaching out to place a hand on his shoulder, stroking the soft material of his shirt. "It is just that Fandral the Dashing is now in my debt."

"Never, ever say 'thank you' to a member of the fae," Cadeyrn explained, shaking his head at his sister so that his curls bounced. "Some of them will see it as a great insult, but most will take it to mean a favor has been given and now one is owed. And Noula will hold him to it, so your warrior friend's truly fucked now."

Noula turned to glare at her brother. "There's no need to be crude." Then she smiled again, looking back at Fandral, who stood as though in shock. "There's also no need to look so scared, my sweet warrior. I'll not hold you to your debt just yet, and when I do… You will enjoy returning the favor."

Loki's hands twitched impatiently, and Cadeyrn, noticing, grumbled, "Enough. We need to leave."

With a long sigh, Noula moved away from Fandral and turned to Loki. She did not offer her hand or smile, but instead was grave when she said, "You will have more questions, but Cadeyrn will be able to answer them. And in time, I may decide you are worthy to know more of our magic, Loki of two fathers. I find you most interesting." She glanced at Hlin. "You as well. I would like to know more about your lives."

"Maybe one day," Loki agreed, just as solemn. "Today has been most… instructive. I would not be averse to learning more from you."

Noula simply nodded, and then was gone.

After a heartbeat, Rogers blinked and said, "Wow."

Stark took off his sunglasses and rubbed his eyes briefly. "You have a lot to tell us, Caligula."

And Jesse, who had stood in silence, moved to the center of the group. "Right then. Same cars as before. Let's go."

He turned, and the others followed silently on his heels.

…

Within a few hours, Jesse and Cian had waved everyone off as they boarded Stark's plane, and the group was crossing the ocean once again, headed back to New York.

Cadeyrn, who had joined them, looked around with interest from his spot at the plane's conference table, which had been put into place by the flight crew just after take off. Hlin, sitting beside him, quietly pointed out some of the aircraft's more interesting features.

And Stark, who sat at the head of the long table, flipped open one of his metal tablets and said, "Jarvis?"

The disembodied voice of his virtual assistant filled the plane.

"Ready to go, sir. What can I assist you with?"

"Just be on standby," Stark said, and began typing on a keyboard before looking around at the group.. "So… what's the plan?"

Everyone's eyes turned to Loki.

"Obviously, Cadeyrn must break the magic hiding Jerrik's palace before we can do anything. We need to be sure that Asrior is held there before anything," he outlined. "But we also need to do a reconnaissance of the compound—which I can do myself once the spell is broken, but it would be much better to know as much as we can beforehand, so that we can attack as quickly as possible. We do not want to give Valtur or Jerrik any time to react."

Thor leaned his elbows on the table, reassuring him, "We have spies in the area, and you know that Volstagg has been working with them to pin down those specific details. We'll know more when we're back in Asgard."

"There's no reason to wait," Loki said, and despite the tiredness that still held him in its grips, offered, "I can project to him as soon as we're done here."

"And once we have a reconnaissance report?" Rogers asked. "How long will it take to complete the plan of attack?"

Thor's brow shot up. "You will take part along with Tony?"

"I don't think you can keep any of us away," the soldier said, his voice grim. "Not now."

"I'm glad to hear that." Thor smiled briefly before turning to Fandral with a quick, "And the planning, Fandral?"

"That's already underway." Fandral looked at the Midgardians as he explained, "As Thor said, Volstagg is working on a scouting report—the composition of Jerrik's forces, their disposition and strength. We should have a rough idea of his numbers, but given the magic protecting his palace and the involvement of dark elves, that intelligence will obviously not be entirely accurate. But a preliminary plan for a raid is ready. How quickly we can adjust depends on the quality of the information Volstagg is able to provide us."

Cadeyrn grunted. "I think it's obvious that Mischief and I will need to attempt a zone reconnaissance mission before the raid. Even if your spies get a handle on the size of the force and all of that, we will still need to know where the lass is being held… the palace's layout, how many guard her, how many guard Jerrik. Have you any of that kind of information?"

Thor frowned. "Unfortunately, no, other than the general layout of the palace when it was built, from the archives. Though Volstagg may learn more."

"There's also the issue of our movement to contact," Fandral said. "Given Valtur is involved and the nature of his magic, we will need a large force. But we also want an element of surprise, and moving an army across Asgard to establish…"

Stark spoke up then. "I think I can help with that." Everyone turned to him, and he paused his typing as he spoke. "The work I've had Bruce doing… it's on portal technology. Like we planned on using before, when we wanted to lure Valtur to Okershall while Loki was away. Portable devices that can be used within Asgard and between realms."

Frowning at the memory, Loki nodded. "You said then it was tricky."

"Yes, and not to get too technical, it gets really tricky if you need a portal big enough to transport an army. But after Asrior was attacked, well, Bruce and I thought that you might need to use them for something like this. So he went to work."

"And is it working?" Thor asked.

"Once we figured it was easier to create portals for smaller numbers and just make more of them, yes. They're working."

Jarvis's disembodied voice spoke at that, saying, "Remember the second Rogers incident, sir."

"Let me rephrase that… they're mostly working." Stark glanced at the soldier. "Sorry about that, Steve."

The other Midgardian lifted a shoulder. "It grew back."

"Tony…" Thor began, but Stark pushed on, saying, "There was an issue of synchronization among multiple portals, but we made corrections. It'll work. Trust me. Bruce and some interns have been testing them out in the desert. I'd have heard from him if they ran into issues."

Thor asked him another question, and when Stark leaned over to show him something on his tablet, Caderyn turned to the soldier and began speaking. A low murmur began to fill the plane.

Loki sighed after a moment and looked across the table, catching Hlin's eye. When he had his attention, he said, "Come with me," and stood, glancing at Stark as he interrupted him to ask, "Your office? You will allow me to use it? I need to project to Volstagg and do not need distractions."

When the Midgardian nodded, he motioned for Hlin to follow him and began walking toward the back of the plane. Once they were near the office door, Loki pulled a packet of herbs from inside his coat and handed them to the boy.

"I'm afraid that the effects of the fae magic I experienced in Oweynagat are still with me," he said, pushing the door open. "I need to bolster my strength before I project. If you could put together a concoction that can be taken with water, I would appreciate it."

Hlin shut the door behind him as he entered the office, looking surprised. "You cannot do it?"

Loki fell onto the chair that stood behind the room's little desk and closed his eyes, admitting, "I do not trust myself just yet. And I need to rest. Even for a few minutes."

"You did not act so tired in front of the others," Hlin said, then, sounding sage, added, "You did not want to appear weak in front of the Midgardians or the otherworlder."

Loki simply grunted. "Mix the herbs, Hlin."

There was the sound of paper rattling for a bit, and then the boy quietly asked, "It was difficult, what you experienced in the cave?"

"Yes. Very much so, though I'll turn you into a frog if you tell anyone."

Cracking an eye open, Loki saw that Hlin smirked in response. But then, even as his hands moved on the desk, where he was crushing together a small pile of herbs, the boy frowned. "Do you think this will work? The attack?"

Loki turned his pale green eyes to the little window looking out into the sky. "It has to."

He closed his eyes again then, murmuring for Hlin to tell him when he was ready, and thought, if he had time, he'd project to Jerrik's after meeting with Volstagg. Even if he couldn't yet get inside of the palace, standing inside its gates, knowing Asrior was near, would offer comfort. And after everything he'd gone through that day, he needed it.

…

Asrior's earlier ruse—all of the screaming and moaning—worked very well, for Gyla was able to enter her room more often throughout the day, though the poor girl looked more and more harried each time she visited.

Her reports were concerning, for it seemed as though far more dark elves had transported to the palace than expected and were continuing to arrive. A large portion of the Jerriks' soldiers, as well as Asgardians from other houses who were supporting him, were of the same mind as Ulvgeir—they hated those of Svartalfheim, and while they were willing to ally themselves with them to achieve their own ends, did not like doing so. And they did not trust their motives, and the unexpected show of force by the dark elves was concerning.

Fear struck Asrior at the news, for she knew it meant her father would not be far behind.

And when Gyla entered to check on her during the evening, Asrior immediately asked about Ulvgeir.

As always, the maid kept an eye on the guard. The man stood outside the door yet again, but was speaking to another soldier, likely grumbling about the recent movements by the elves.

"He's very unhappy," Gyla whispered, glancing over her shoulder at the room's door. She was guiding Asrior to a table, where she'd placed a bit of food and drink. "Your coachman is convinced that the elves mean to conquer Asgard, not just assist Lord Jerrik in doing so. He's being very vocal about it too. So are others… one of them even tried to attack one of the elves."

Asrior, lowering herself slowly onto the chair as though her back still pained her greatly, muttered, "He is right to be worried. Even if my father's plan is to have Jerrik on the throne, it would be as his puppet."

Gyla's hands moved on the tray she'd set on the table, and she spoke louder as she said, "At least have some bread. You must eat something today!"

Both women peeked at the door, but the men who stood beyond it were not paying attention to what happened in the room. Instead, the guards continued to speak among themselves, their voices low and rushed.

"Listen to me carefully," Asrior began, keeping an eye on the door, "You must help Ulvgeir escape and it must happen soon. And tell him everything you know about what is going on inside of here. Where the elves are, how many of them are here… where Jerrik's rooms are and mine. Everything you can think of."

A third voice joined the ones in the hall, the man's voice louder as he complained about his master's absence from the palace.

"I mean it." Asrior reached out to grasp Gyla's hand, speaking more quickly. "Something is happening soon. Ulvgeir must get out, and he must find a way to the royal palace. Thor's men will need to know what to expect when they attack here…"

Gyla looked terrified. "Do you think they will attack? Before… before the master can move?"

"Even if Jerrik moves first, Thor must know how many of Svartalfheim are here," Asrior hissed. "His forces must be prepared for what they will face. You must help."

Nodding, Gyla glanced again at the door, then whispered, "I will try."

Hoping with all of her heart that the maid would have the courage to do so, Asrior gave the girl's hand a tight squeeze and then let it loose, and motioned toward the bedside table.

"In the drawer… There is a bracelet I wore when I arrived. Give it to Ulvgeir. He will need it as proof of his intentions."

She moaned a little then, in case the guards were listening. Gyla immediately took her arm, and Asrior rose from the chair, allowing the girl to guide her back toward the bed.

As they slowly made their way across the carpet, Asrior whispered, "When he gives the bracelet to Thor, he must remind the king that he chose 'kinship.' And..." she paused, tears pricking her eyes even as she smiled, "And he should tell him the man of iron could not find a rune for Loki."

"I don't understand."

They were at the bed, and as Asrior climbed onto it she quickly explained, "To prove that the bracelet was not just taken from me. It was a gift and it has meaning, but Ulvgeir would not know that meaning if it did not come directly from me. Remember… Thor chose 'kinship,' and the man of iron could not find a rune for Loki."

The maid gave her a quick nod, softly repeating the words. Then she threw a quick glance at the door, and opened the desk's draw to fish out the leather bracelet, shoving it into her pocket.

"Remember," Asrior urged again.

Gyla looked across at the door and took in a deep breath, as though trying to bolster herself.

"You're sure?" The eyes the maid turned back to Asrior held deep concern within them. "The king will attack? Your husband…"

Asrior's answer was emphatic. "I am sure."

She did not tell the maid why she was so certain… that the lingering ache from Valtur's most recent beating had suddenly stopped earlier… that the tightness there from old injuries had been a constant presence, but she could feel it no longer… that the scar on her wrist from the first time Valtur had used dark magic on her still lay upon her skin, but it had faded to a dull pink…

Loki had found a way to break Valtur's magic.

"Once you have helped Ulvgeir, find the woman that was kidnapped with me… Find Saldis and stay close to her. Those who come to find me will look for her as well."

"Hey, girl!"

One of the guard's voices boomed, and Gyla looked up at him, startled.

"Are you finished? Some of us haven't yet had our supper. If you can feed that damned elf, you can get food for us," the man snarled.

Gyla nodded and huffed at the same time. "I'm doing as much as I can," she grouched, and reached to pull the covers over Asrior, saying, "Try to rest, my lady, for I'll not be able to return until morning, not with the mouths left to feed around here."

Asrior moaned again for the guard's benefit, and when Gyla gave her a last, worried glance, she whispered, "Be brave. It will be over soon. Loki is coming."

Notes:

All my thanks to labellafigura for being beta! Her help with fae lore has been enormous (though Fandral might not agree, lol). I've tried to combine otherworld details from Marvel with Celtic myths and Irish legends to make my own canon here. I had on idea labellafigura knew so much about this particular subject when she climbed aboard TET2.0 as beta... I hadn't even published much of anything that hinted about Ireland or the Celts. So her being such a resource has been a very happy coincidence.

Look for updates every 4 (or 5) days at this point. I'm being careful with the end here, and I also am dealing with a few home/work issues that has me busier than normal.

Thanks to everyone for reading and commenting! I hope you're enjoying the new stuff!

Ending with the usual plug for my tumblr (tiger dash mcqueen period tumbler period com). If anything comes up where an update will take longer than I expect, I'll post about it there.