Loki paced in his rooms, his boots clicking on the stone floor, his green train sweeping lightly behind him. His hand was at his lips contemplating the whole evening into morning. His other hand cupped his elbow. He hated feeling so vulnerable and things he did not know made him feel very vulnerable.

He knew he needed to do research but if he wanted to observe this, Ashera girl, it may mean doing Thor a favor and going to the other realm of Midgard. Why did things always end up involving him? His brow furrowed as he continued pacing.

In childhood Thor had been the favorite, the one involved in everything. His father had simply taken him as a trophy from Jotunheim, a pawn for a future game that never ended up being played. Even in his youth Loki had felt he wasn't a true son of Odin, so he had always tried to prove himself worthy and equal to Thor. His final attempt thwarted by his brother's return to Asgard led to his demise. Misguided as he was then he had truly hoped to die when he let go of the bifrost to fall into the abyss. To his own dismay he only found more corruption; or rather it had found him. Loki shuddered slightly at the thought of what he had endured at the hands of Thanos.

When a knock sounded at his door, Loki flinched, stopped, and quickly changed his posture to seem more indifferent as he said, "come."

Thor stepped inside.

"Brother," he paused bowing his head slightly, "thank you for your discretion with Jane this morning."

He was obviously sincere in his thanks but there was a hint of wariness.

Loki sighed, "So what is it you have come to ask of me brother? Do you wish for me to show you how to get to her realm without using the bifrost? Is this all you want of me? What will I get in return besides having to sneak about some more?" He said it with such malice Thor looked at him with disdain.

"Loki I am trying to trust you again; but after everything that has happened, I do not know what to think. I still hold hope that my brother is in there and that we can once more enjoy our time together. I…. I miss you by my side. We used to be so close and we fought so well together." He looked longingly toward Loki. He wanted for a reaction. "I see you trying but then I see you retreat again. It worries me." He paused a moment. "It worries mother too, she says she hasn't seen you in months."

Loki winced noticeably at the mention of their mother. He had been avoiding her. He knew she was on his side but the disappointment he would have to see on her face; worse yet the acceptance he might see, was too much for his already at war emotions. He was trying, until he remembered that he was the outcast the unworthy one. Thor in all his brute strength and glory got to be king someday and what would that leave him with? Nothing. The fallen prince who had endured so much would be cast aside with no one the wiser. If everyone was going to treat him as a criminal for a past he could not change or control perhaps he should keep acting like one. But as soon as this thought crossed his path he could not help but think of Frigga. The hope she still held for him, all of her kindness. If he betrayed that it would undoubtedly crush him and he would be lost forever.

Loki answered evenly "Well no one often visits these days."

"Father has allowed you more freedom, perhaps if you try using it…" Thor trailed off, clearly coming up with a less than brilliant plan to try and help Loki.

Loki moved to his chair sitting down lazily as Thor stood in contemplation. His brow furrowed his lips pursed together as if thoughts were difficult for him. The look on his face almost made Loki laugh. Almost. The fact that he was still there annulled the feeling quickly. Annoyance soon took over and Loki rolled his eyes as he finally saw Thor's face light up with an idea.

"Join me at the feast! It will be in a fort night!" Thor's excitement was evident, "We shall show all of Asgard that we stand together again! Father will have to permit it you have done nothing wrong, short of helping me." Thor added grinning. "I'm sure it would also please mother to see you."

Thor's joy alone at the outlook had Loki feeling a twinge of their past. The mischief they got into as children, Thor going along with Loki's schemes and the excitement they would both feel having gotten away with a small prank here or there. They had gotten along quite well in their youth. Back then they had never seen a future where their paths would be lead so astray from each other.

Loki sighed, perhaps feeling too nostalgic and wanting to please his mother he reluctantly agreed to the feast. "Very well Thor," he said exasperatedly "I shall attend your feast."

Thor left gleefully enough you would think it was his favorite holiday. Loki was left alone to remember the days when he would have gladly followed with just as much delight. He sighed heavily thinking about the library and the research that awaited him. He decided a distraction might do him some good.

*Midgard*

Ashera walked down the aisles of the local hardware store. It was not a glorious job but it paid her bills and kept her out of trouble. That is when she wasn't getting into trouble with Jane. It also allowed her to keep to herself. For the most part people shied away from her on their own, weather that was because they unknowingly sensed something dangerous or she just didn't look inviting she couldn't tell. It didn't matter since whatever it was worked fine for her.

Frank walked over head low, "What's wrong Frank?!" Ashera said with a slight baby voice bending over to scratch the old St Bernard behind the ear. He was the owner's dog and wandered the shop daily. He was the best part of the job if Ashera was honest with herself. She didn't always get along with people but animals were a cinch. She knew what they were thinking, knew their mannerisms, interacting with them was simple. He sat as though already tired and panted lightly. She smiled and moved back to stocking the shelves with bolts and screwdrivers.

Toward the end of her shift Ashera looked at her phone. Jane had texted several times with long paragraphs mostly about their adventure a few nights prior and all of her findings, which she had finally compiled. From what Ashera could gather Jane needed her to pick up a few things for a new project she was working on and drop them off that night. Somewhere along the way she also mentioned her equipment that was left behind and ended it with a friendly note to text her once she was on her way.

"Shit" Ashera mumbled, "I forgot the equipment on Asgard." Scrunching up her nose she looked down at Frank who looked up and gave a reassuring wag of his tail. "You're right, I'll figure something out." She smiled and turned back to the counter, as she did a feeling came over her. It was something she had felt recently and it sent chills up her spine making her hyper aware of her surroundings. Something or someone was nearby and they did not want to be seen. She calmly walked over to a corner shelf near the door and pretended to straighten it up while glancing around to gain as much information as she could from her surroundings.

Frank had perked up a bit too sensing the sudden tension in the air; he was looking to the left of the counter across from the front doors where Ashera had first felt the difference. Something must have gotten through from Asgard she thought. She took a deep breath trying to smell anything out of place. To her surprise she caught a whiff of leather and paper. All of this was too familiar. She had sensed this presence in the woods of Asgard, but the smells? It was too much of a coincidence. Loki. He must have been the one in the woods the whole time and then when he saw her in the palace, did he know? But how did he get here? And why was he following her? She decided to get out of there, it was the end of her shift anyway and if Loki was following her he would continue to do so. She could confront him once they were alone. She hastily pet Frank and clocked out saying a quick goodbye and dashing through the door.