A/N: Hey everyone!
So update on my life. Just found out I'm pregnant (yay!) but unfortunately that means this first trimester is kicking my butt. I'm so tired all the time. I am still aiming to try and get a chapter out every week or two but please bare with me. I have a structure for the story so I know where its all going and I certainly plan on finishing it.
As always, thank you so much for reading my story and please lemme know what you think. I cannot tell you how encouraging it is to hear from you guys. Until next time dears. :)

Chapter 5

"They are back from New York."

"Good." He scratched the red veins on the side of his neck. "Have you found a way past the barrier?"

"No, my lord. We dare not delve further or we fear of alerting the prince."

The glass of liquor in his hand flew across the room, crashing against the stone wall. Glass shards and amber liquid puddled on the floor but he paid no notice in his sudden rage. "Damn him! Damn them! Damn their souls to the icy depths of Helheim!" He yelled infuriated. His plan had been perfect. This changed everything now. How was he to bring his magic and troops to New Asgard? The arrogant prince was powerful in magic, more than he expected. The years since their last meeting had given him time to further his strength in seiðr. Gathering his own magic about him, he screamed his frustration as he swung a punch at the stone wall. When he retracted his hand, a crater left behind showed where his fist landed.

A magic barrier. The prince had erected an invisible magic barrier around their island, going out eighty feet. Nothing using magic could pass through. No one unless marked by the wretched king himself could pass through the barrier to set foot on the despicable island. It was wise. Those pathetic refugees had few warriors and soldiers left, most dying in the massacre fought against Hela and their Ragnarök.

He paced on the stone floor, his mind frantically trying to figure out a solution. His plan had involved using magic against those on the island. It would fold like a house of cards. Simple. Chaotically beautiful in its destruction. Now…how to step foot on the island? His men had witnessed some trade with those on the mainland and others going out fishing. The only way those citizens traveled was by boat on the ocean surrounding them. That vile king and miserable prince were the only ones to travel by that flying contraption of theirs. It was risky to go after that directly.

Time was not on his side. The one who restored him and encouraged his rage demanded results. He was not a patient man, nor generous without adequate results.

He scratched the enflamed skin, his anger boiling in his veins. How? How to reach them? They could not directly get to the island. Was there a way to indirectly get there? Perhaps he did not need to get onto the island itself to cause damage yet. If he ruled the waters around them…they were his prisoners. His to torture and starve as he wished. A malicious smile appeared. This may be even better than directly attacking the island. Spreading fear was such a pleasurable experience. He stopped pacing.

"My lord, your orders?"

He turned, countenance no longer of anger but of a sick joy. "Prepare transportation for us."

"Where do we go?"

"We are going to wake up my pet…and release him."

"So there we were on the side of the mountain, rivers of rain pouring down on us. We had lost the trail of the Lindwurm but knew its nest had to be nearby." Thor leaned forward, voice low as he recounted the story. The group of children before him on the floor sat enraptured, eyes wide and intent. "We continued on in the storm, for we had promised the good people of Alfheim to protect them from the monster. Hours we walked, trying to find anything to give up the location of the ugly dragon. Prince Loki complained the entire time about how dirty he was."

Said prince rolled his eyes, leaning against a pillar in the great hall, listening to his brother's exaggerated recounting. "I do believe it was Fandral who complained…and it was the damage to his hair."

"You are certain?" Thor smirked at his brother over the heads of his audience. "There must have been something you complained about."

"He and Volstagg grumbled about how hungry they were." Lady Sif interjected from her seat on a wooden bench nearby, an impish smile on her face.

Thor's booming laughter erupted. "Yes! You threatened to push them off the next cliff we came upon."

Sif just shrugged.

"Well, suddenly boulders began rolling down the mountain upon us. Huge stones, larger than a man crashed around us. There above us on a cliff was the Lindwurm, tail smashing the rock and sending it falling. A great battle ensued. I flew up and engaged the foul creature as the others clambered up the cliffs. Teeth as long as my arm protruded out of its face, snapping and biting. Claws like spears stabbed the ground as it tried to pin us down. Lindwurms are fearsome fighters but not overly intelligent. They use their senses of smell and hearing most. Unfortunately Volstagg had not bathed recently so that made him the greatest target since the creature could smell him best." The children laughed along with Thor at his old friend's plight. "We used that to our advantage. Volstagg danced around him, the red-headed giant of a man, unable to remain standing in one position for long otherwise he would be impaled with its claws or bit in two with its teeth! Fandral and Hogun tried to pierce its hide, but a Lindwurm's scaly hide is almost as thick as a bilgesnipe's. Our time was running out as the storm raged on and the mountain side became hazardous with the damage done to the cliffside. Finally, using my hammer, I sent a bolt of lightning and knocked it unconscious. It's body flung onto the ground, almost crushing Prince Loki, who fell down the cliffside to escape being crushed. Without waiting for it wake and renew its attack, our good Lady Sif chopped its head off with her mighty sword. Green blood spilled all over the ground, smelling of rotting eggs and fish. Worst smell I have ever experienced, truly. And thus we defeated the great Lindwurm, saving Alfheim from the dragon tormenting it." Thor concluded to bouts of smiles and clapping from the children.

"Another!"

"Another story, please!"

"No, that's enough for tonight." Tura bustled towards the children, her movements hampered by her large, pregnant belly. "Off to bed now. Thank his majesty for the story and you who aren't mine, off to your own homes now."

The children giggled and thanked Thor before heading out of the great hall to their respective homes and beds.

"Anything further you require of me tonight?" Tura asked, a pleasant smile highlighting her plump, rosy cheeks.

"No, thank you, Lady Tura." Thor nodded towards her, leaning back in his chair. "You do enough during the day of maintaining my home. Return to your children and husband. Rest. The hall will remain standing for you tomorrow."

She snorted, rubbing a hand over her protruding belly. "I hope so. I just cleaned the floors. A pleasant night to you my king, my prince, Lady Sif." She waddled away, following her children out of the great hall and leaving the three alone.

"It has been many years since that fight with the Lindwurm but I don't quite remember everything happening as you described it." Sif commented drily, looking at Thor.

"No? I described it perfectly."

"I recall the boulders being thrown at us when we fought the stone giants. Brutish creatures." Loki added, spinning a dagger casually in his right hand. "And I did not fall down a cliff."

The female warrior grinned. "I'm fairly certain you, my king, were almost impaled by its claws after it caught hold of your cape. You failed to mention that moment to the children. Loki had to jump onto the creature's back to distract it and let you get away."

"I have no recollection of that moment. Besides, as the story teller, I can weave the story as I want. Next time you tell the story in the way you see fit." Thor waved his hand as if blowing off their comments.

"I would never dare contradict a story told by the king himself." Sif rose, her movements lithe and eluding strength. An ode to her skills as a warrior and a woman. "I think I shall retire myself. Don't stay up too late you two." She placed a hand on Thor's shoulder and gave Loki a brief nod before heading towards her chambers.

"Rest well!" Thor called after her, his gaze following her retreating form. Once she disappeared, he returned his focus to his brother. "I forget the wonder and imagination of children. Everything is an adventure."

Loki just stood there watching, still spinning the knife. Something was bothering Thor, he could read it in the contemplative look on Thor's face. He had learned that eventually the problem or secret would spill out if given time. Thor always felt the need to verbalize his thoughts externally, seeking advice or just an listening ear. This time was no exception. After several silent minutes Thor spoke, his voice soft, a contradiction to his usual booming tone.

"Remember as children, the talks we would have. Of our futures, what they would hold. Who would be in them." He sighed, running a hand through his short hair. "I wanted to be the best warrior of Asgard. To protect our people…but I always hoped for children of my own. To train and teach my sons, to spoil my daughters. Teach them all to ride Asgardian horses."

"If I may point out…for children you typically need a woman."

Thor snorted, staring at the floorboards. "Yes. I thought I had that at one point."

Ah. There it was. Loki sighed, not wanting to have this conversation but not seeing a way to escape. A piece of him tried to convince himself to tease, make a joke, something to ignore the depth of conversation about to be had. But this was his brother, whom fought on Loki's behalf on more than one occasion. Swallowing thickly, he shoved down his flight response and looked to Thor, resigning himself to an awkward conversation. He hated talking about feelings. "Brother, you need to let Jane go. It would have not worked between you. You are a fool most of the time but in separating yourself from her, you were not wrong."

"I know. Her research work was too important for her to leave…and I could not abandon my people. I'm ready to have a woman by my side. Father was always a better man, better king because of Mother by his side. I find the idea of ruling alone..." His voice trailed off at the end.

"I highly doubt you will be alone for long."

Thor turned his eyes to Loki, curious. "What compels you to say so? Do you have a woman hidden away somewhere for me?"

"I am not the one who is blind if you cannot see what lies before you."

"What?"

Loki threw his dagger at Thor's chest annoyed. How was his brother so ignorant and blind?

Thor deflected it in the last second. Angered, he roared at Loki, lighting beginning to flare around his hands. "By the Norns, Loki! What in the Nine Realms was that for?"

"You are a complete fool!" Loki dropped his voice as he hissed. "Sif! She's been in love with you for years but you are too stupid to see it. Why anyone in their right mind would be attracted to you confounds me. You are nine kinds of foolish, stupid and reckless but she does."

"Sif?" Like a lightbulb suddenly alight, Thor's eyes brightened and he turned his head to look at the doorway she had passed through. "You are certain of this?"

Pushing off the pillar, Loki just shook his head and headed towards the door to escape into the cool night. Soon the thunderous footfalls followed him out of the great hall. Loki pretended annoyance but having his brother chase after him made him laugh internally. How many years had he spent in Thor's shadow? It was petty to hold onto that resentment but it was something he had held onto for so long. Would he ever be free of that pain fully? He could never equal up to the standard of his brother. There was too much pain, too much blood on his hands.

"What of you, Loki? You need a woman also."

"Do I?"

"Come on, brother!" Thor threw his arm around Loki's shoulders. "You need a strong woman who can handle your temper and tricks. Mother always said the woman to catch your heart would have to have the endurance and patience of a goddess."

"Thank you, brother. I sincerely feel much more optimistic suddenly."

"Is there no one here that has caught your eye?"

Loki kept walking, not evening bothering to respond. The effort would be pointless. He was not unobservant to the looks thrown his way by a select few here but none of these women…it did not matter. He was destined to be alone. It was better. It was safer.

"What of Audrey?"

Only because of sheer determination and his innate graceful stride, did Thor's flippant comment not make Loki stumble. "She has a lover already."

Thor stopped their movements to intently stare into Loki's face. "That has not stopped you in the past for pursuing someone. Audrey is a strong, beautiful woman. I admit, I usually prefer a bit more to the hips and chest of my women but with those lips and long legs I could see trying…"

Loki shoved Thor a step back before whirling around and planting a materialized dagger against Thor's throat. "Don't talk about her like that. EVER. Or you'll regret it." He hissed out, chest heaving. Red threatened his vision. He had to move before the welling anger exploded out of him. He stormed away, hands clenched at his sides, dagger vanished. It was irrational, this anger that consumed him so. She was not his. Would never be his. Yet the way Thor spoke of her so crudely, like she was just a simple Midgardian woman…maybe to Thor she was. But not to him. It was idiotic.

It was too soon when Thor returned to his side.

"My apologies, brother. My jest was ill-thought out. I see the way you look at her. I only seek your happiness. If you spoke to her…"

"Stop. Just stop."

"Loki, I…"

The raven-haired god rounded on his blond brother, a snarl to his lips. "It matters not. She has another. I would call her a friend. That is all. I do not need a woman."

Thor sighed. "As you wish, brother."

They walked in a tense, awkward silence past the wooden and stone homes and buildings of their people. New Asgard was a strange mixture of Asgardian designs and Midgardian building materials with certain objects and resources specifically from Stark Industries. Tony Stark had gifted them some technological resources but it seemed only a brave few were willing to explore the realm that opened up. Most, it seemed, preferred to live simply as they adjusted to a new home and new world.

"My king! My prince! I planned to send for you in the morning."

"What is it, Heimdall?" Thor asked as he skirted around Loki to join the Guardian's side on the platform.

The golden eyes peered across their island and the waters surrounding them. "Something moves in the deep. I cannot see it. Something keeps it hidden from my sight."

What animosity towards his brother Loki harbored drained out as he absorbed Heimdall's words. A prickling sensation flooded him. The hairs on his arms and the nape of his neck stood up. He could not help swiveling his head around from his position on the ground next to the platform.

Apparently the ominous words affected Thor as well for he immediately grounded his stance as if ready to swing his non-existent hammer and fight. "What do you suspect?"

"I am uncertain. If changes occurs, I will alert you. Prince Loki, may I request you strengthen the magic surrounding New Asgard?"

"Of course. Brother?"

Thor nodded. "Go, Loki."

With a quick nod towards Thor and Heimdall, Loki stepped away and immediately created a portal, transporting himself to the isolated cliffs that he preferred. Heimdall's words hung like a cord around his neck, tugging on him to search out the truth. As his lips moved, his seiðr flowed out of him. The wards around the island being renewed and strengthened. In a month the two royals planned on returning to the Tower for a week or so. To himself, Loki could not deny his interest in seeing a specific golden-haired beauty. She was the calm in the center of his hurricane. Someone safe. Someone who genuinely cared. However long he had fought it, it drew him like a moth to a flame. In New York City, she was physically safe. Here though, he needed to focus. Beads of sweat appeared on his brow as he poured more of his strength and magic into the barrier. Appeased, a smirk appeared as he pushed the tendrils of his magic out further. What would reside in the deep here in Midgard that frightened Heimdall so? Whales? Sharks? A kraken of old? There were no monsters here to be fearful of. But the draw pulled on the mischievous one. He pushed his tendrils further into the water around him. What could lurk in the seas of mortals?

The divine smell of coffee filled her nose, the decadent taste saturated her tongue and the delightful warmth of the ceramic mug in her hands satisfied like no other. In this moment was tranquility and joy. This was life.

Audrey wondered if her feelings about coffee were perhaps too strong but she did not care. It was just that incredible to her. She had at least four cups a day, usually in the morning to wake her up fully and with additional cups later as needed along with a few cups of tea intermittedly. Pepper threatened to buy her a hydration pack like those hard-core backpackers use to make sure Audrey was drinking something to actually hydrate her. Thus began the game of trying to hide the excessive amount of caffeine she drank from her boss. Even Tony had helped cover for her once or twice, stealing her mug and drinking from it when Pepper walked by.

"Wanda, stop fidgeting. It's fine."

The brunette averted her gaze from the front door of the coffee shop and took a deliberate sip from her ceramic mug. Although Wanda agreed to go get coffee, the Sokovian preferred hot cocoa surprisingly. Who knew she had such a sweet tooth?

"It's ok to get out. You don't have to stay at the Tower all the time." Audrey softly said.

Wanda adjusted the sunglasses she wore. "What would I do? I can't just walk down the streets. After the Sokovian Accords…people only see me as a weapon. Even if they don't say it out loud. It's true."

"Well those people don't have their heads on straight. Besides, I don't see you as a weapon. I'm pretty sure Vision doesn't see you as a weapon."

That earned Audrey a brilliant blush from the young woman.

"Nu uh. Spill, girlie. You don't give that kind of reaction without a reason."

"He wants to…talk…about us."

"Ok, is that a euphuism?"

"AH! NO! I don't know."

Audrey could sense the distress pouring off her friend. Gently she reached over and took her hand, giving it a squeeze. "It's fine. I'm here for you if you need someone to talk to. You got my cell number too."

"I think you, Steve and Clint are the only ones I feel completely comfortable talking to."

"Clint!" Audrey's face lit up at the mention. "How is he? When did you last talk to him?"

"Good, mostly happy. He misses the Tower and everyone but it's good to be there with Laura and the kids." She paused, toying with her mug for a moment. "He told me he still expects me to visit soon."

"I'm surprised you haven't gone. He's been saying that for months…why haven't you?"

Wanda shrugged, taking a sip of her cocoa.

"Take a quinjet and go. It doesn't have to be for long. A weekend. Something."

"Steve won't want me to go alone."

"Oh Steve. He is sweet and protective but can be overbearing. Alright, take Vision with you. I bet he's never seen a farm before. Maybe you can have your special "talk" there…"

Wanda covered her face as Audrey giggled.

"Could you come with? Clint would love to see you. You could bring those paints and canvases you got for Christmas. When was the last time you painted?"

Audrey groaned. "It's been awhile." Just another thing the busyness of life had taken from her. She had discovered her love of painting during her teenage years. Acrylics, watercolors, sometimes using pen and ink also. It always fascinated her, watching the visions in her head grow and form onto paper or canvas. In her later years, the subject of her paintings had become places she dreamt of. Places she literally could not find in this world but only in her mind. That notion sounded crazy even to her.

"So what happened between you and Loki?" Wanda asked innocently yet with a twinkle in her big, doe eyes.

"He's a friend, Wanda. I leant him some books and we've talked some. That's all."

"I saw you two laughing in the kitchen over coffee before they left…"

"Is that illegal to do?" Audrey could feel the hostility attempting to rise up. It was either that emotion or the warmth in her chest bloom when she thought of Loki. That morning, no one else was around yet, so they sipped on coffee together as he regaled to her a story from his childhood when he played a prank on Odin. He used his magic to place a snake on the throne, hoping to startle Odin and see him jump. Unfortunately, the one-eyed king was caught up in his own thoughts and sat down on the throne without looking. The snake, being squished, bit the king's ass causing Odin to jump and flail about in shock in a most un-kingly fashion. Loki was forced then to help muck out the royal stables for a month as punishment. As Loki told the story, Audrey practically had tears rolling down her cheeks as they laughed together.

Wanda hesitated, watching her with a critical eye. Obviously unsure of Audrey's strong reaction to her question. "I've just never seen him so relaxed before. He seemed…"

"Good morning, ladies. Fancy running into you here, Ms. Murphy."

Audrey audibly sighed as the man that approached their secluded table revealed himself. She did not even have to turn and look to recognize the nasal voice. "Dante, go away."

"I promise I'll only take a minute of your time, Drea. I swear. Just let me interview you." Dante Chen had been in her circle of friends back in university. He and her friend, De'Essence, had dated on and off. After graduating they lost touch, no reason to stay connected, especially once he took a job at an entertainment magazine as a writer for them. Once subtle word got around of Audrey's position and proximity to the Avengers, he had begun hounding her for the next big scoop and an exclusive interview. As of late, it had begun to feel more intense and relentless.

"I told you 'no' multiple times and if you try to contact me again, my boyfriend will help me get an order against you."

"Don't be like, Drea. We're friends." He rubbed the back of his neck, causing his satchel to tap against his hip. He always dressed smart, a nice button-down shirt, slacks and dress shoes, looking professional. Yet sometimes his mannerisms and personality did not match his external appearance. The evidence could be seen in his wide nose which looked like it had been broken once or twice and the small scar of his cheek bone from a fight he got into when interviewing someone back in university.

"No, we aren't. Now leave us alone." Audrey spat out at him.

He huffed before turning his attention to the silent Wanda. "And who do we have here? What's your name?"

A surge of protectiveness coursed through her and before she realized it, Audrey jumped to her feet to stand between the two. Dante was her height with her heels on but easily had 40 pounds on her if not more. He was slender but his physic clearly showed he went to the gym to build what muscles he had. That did not stop her from getting in his face. "You better get your ass moving before I call the cops for harassment and I doubt your editor would like that."

His professional demeanor abruptly dropped, a sneer lifting the corners of his thin lips. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're hiding something about them. Why else won't you talk to me? Or are you hiding something involving yourself? Huh? You wouldn't happen to be cheating on your dear Brandon with one or two superheroes…mmm? Let's be honest, how else would you have gotten an elite position without spreading those legs of yours? You're not that smart."

Wanda stood up beside her, hands surrounded by the red glow of her powers. If she was not wearing sunglasses, her red eyes would have been visible. She did not say anything but her presence alone was enough to make Dante take a step back. Eyes darting between the two women he opened his mouth to say something then shook his head and turned tail, storming out of the coffee shop, shoving past people to get out the door. Several heads turned their way and Audrey thought she could see one or two with phones out recording the interaction. Fury would be pissed if they made bad press, especially involving Wanda. They were still trying to get most of the world to see her in a positive light.

"Let's go." Audrey slipped her arm through Wanda's, leaving their mugs on the table to escape before something else happened. This was supposed to be a fun time. Getting Wanda out of the Tower and around others even if anonymously. Poor Wanda had no female friends besides Audrey and Natasha. But of course something from Audrey's life, her past, had to ruin it. As the two walked quickly down the street, back to the Tower, she could feel the slightest tremble in her movements. If Wanda sensed it, she thankfully kept it to herself and only tightened her grip on Audrey's arm. Whore. That's what Dante had implied. Most things she could brush off easily but not that word. Too many painful memories were tied to it. She tried to ignore the stirrings in her gut. This feud with Dante was not over. Hopefully Brandon would finally believe her and help her take action against him.