Hreint means 'clean' and eldur means 'fire'. I got a review the other day about maybe translating the icelandic words so… helpful? Hopefully…? I had wanted to release this on Tom Hiddelston's birthday really bad! But I was late… I'm sorry. Hopefully this is a good chapter, I'm really in love with this and happy about some stuff I wrote! It sucks that it is a little short but the ending seemed like a good ending so… I'm gonna write a tony POV after this….I have a question I would love for ya'll to answer. Should I age Loki 5 years (for no reason) or just keep him 9 years old. I have two ways this story can go based on what you guys answer. I'll be polling for an hour when this is posted, and taking the votes from there. If there are no votes, I'm just gonna flip a coin. So I suggest yall say, plus the comments, follows, favorites are like catnip to me! I love seeing anything about my fanfic to you guys! I hope you guys are liking this now… On with the story!

-Cluelessreader

Chapter 11

Brunnhilde woke up pretty sore. Her neck was killing her. Why on Midgard was she sleeping on the couch!? Planning on getting up, she stopped. Feeling a small weight on her legs. Her arms were resting on the backrest. Her head was to, bending her neck horribly. Which explains the pain. Cringing while lowering her head she saw him. Little Loki was sleeping soundly, laying on her legs making them a little numb. Rolling her eyes, she couldn't help but smile a bit. She supposes she could let him sleep a bit longer. Not like she had anything to do. It was Saturday and taking up with the mortals view, that meant weekend and no work. Besides, letting Loki sleep seemed right. Yea, no reason to wake him u-

"LOKI!?"

Shit.

Thor's up.

"He's over here dumb ass. Now shut up." Brunnhilde whispered loudly, but really trying to let Loki sleep. He moved a bit but luckily didn't wake up.

"Valkyrie?" Thor came out looking panicked.

"He's here, now shhh. He's sleeping." He slowly walked over looking over her shoulder to see the sleeping child.

"Oh thank the Norms…" He muttered quietly.

"Make breakfast yea? I'm starving and I'm sure Loki here is hungry." Brunnhilde said a sly smile on her face. He just gaped at her. "What? You want me to move little Loki here? I think not."

"Since when have you cared about people's comfort." Thor retorted eyes narrowed but walked to the little kitchen anyway. Heh. Win for Brunnhilde.

"What do you mean? I'm a Valkyrie, and there is a prince sleeping on me, I can't move him. Would you?" Brunnhilde asked innocently.

"Alright Alright, you win. I'm only making eggs though."

"Fine by me, I'm sure that's the only thing you can manage yea?" Brunnhilde joked.

Thor laughed a bit but soon the room was filled with a pleasant silence. Well… not total silence. The TV was on and the news was playing. Soon the sounds of the stove clicking on filled her ears. The hesitant cracking of eggs. Then some offbeat whisking.

Brunnhilde felt Loki move around, clearly woken by the sounds of 'kind of' cooking.

"What's that?" Loki mumbled still half asleep.

"Your big brother's trying to make eggs. Heavy on the trying." Brunnhilde answered. Loki was wiping his eye with one arm and yawned a bit. Really he was adorable.

"Since when does he cook?" He asked. Wow! He's got jokes! Brunnhilde burst out laughing. Loki smiled oddly at her, as if confused as to why she was laughing at all.

"Very funny Loki!" Thor grumbled from the kitchen.

"I meant no offense but last I checked you can't even butter bread without stabbing your own hand." Loki retorted, making Brunnhilde laugh even harder.

"Loki!"

"What! It's true! You were banned from butter knives!"

"Valkyrie! Stop laughing, this isn't funny!"

Wiping away tears of joy. "Yea, it kind of is!" She laughed out.

"It is not, I am perfectly capable- '' Then nothing but the clatter of a bowl and shame could be heard. Loki rolled his eyes, sliding off the couch and walked to Thor.

"Move over." He ordered and Thor moved. Loki moved his arm out and the mess was gone, the bowl back a counter but empty. The mess of eggs, if it was even eggs, in the sink, and the whisk lay clean next to the bowl. Quickly, Loki pulled out the half gallon of milk, reading the label then nodding a bit to himself. Looked for salt but didn't find any. Huffing a bit in annoyance he held his hand out, closed his eyes then… poof! A small vial of white specks was in his hand. Brunnhilde really needed to buy food… if he's magic-ing in ingredients, there's a problem. Then taking the remaining 6 eggs he placed everything on the counter. Barley reaching said counter, he had to be on his tiptoes. "Hreint." He said quietly having both hands out in front of him. Then he moved back to the laid out ingredients. "Is there a preference to your eggs? Anyone?" He asked looking back to Thor and Her.

Both shook their heads.

"Then I'm making scrambled." He said to himself more than anyone else really. He cracked the eggs with culinary mastery. Added milk then salt. And expertly started whisking at a fast speed. The clicks of the whisk rhythmic to Brunnhilde. Thor looked impressed and definitely surprised. But not like Brunnhilde's own eyebrows weren't raised a bit. When she thought prince, she did not think chief.

He checked the eggs. The bowl was a lovely yellow and small fluffy bubbles visible to Brunnhilde. Loki poured the egg mix into the hot pan, a nice sound of liquid hitting heat rang in Brunnhilde ears. She watched as Loki set out in the kitchen, moving his finger in a circle every now and then, making the eggs not burn on the pan with magic. He pulled out… maybe half a loaf of bread and the last half a stick of butter. Placing the butter in a cup and holding said cup above his hand, he muttered "eldur." a small green flame erupted from the palm of his hand. Making the butter melt a bit. He quickly closed his palm snuffing out the flame.

He placed the cup down and went back to the eggs, checking on them with his own eyes before nodding in satisfaction. He turned off the stove, lucky the dials were right in front of him and not too high or far for him to reach like more modern stoves were. Moving back to the bread he pulled out six pieces and looked around, finally finding a toaster near the fridge. Placing them in for about 45 seconds they popped out a nice toasty brown. Then with a quick run over each piece of toast with a butter knife, they had a nice layer of golden deliciousness.

"Plates and glasses please." Loki said looking to Thor, who was still watching, his mouth agape. Shaking out of his stupor he went and quickly looked through the cabinets until finally finding four plates and four glasses. Pulling out three of each he handed them to Loki, who took them with his magic making each float in a pair of plate and glass. He served a large helping of eggs to each plate then two pieces of golden toast. Looking in the fridge again but frowning, he opened the rest of the milk on the counter and poured a good amount in each glass.

Have to buy more milk now.

Then floating the plates and glasses to a small dining table, they set themselves. Loki looked through a few drawers until finding some forks, then walked to the table himself.

When he realized no one was walking as well he turned a bit. "You guys weren't hungry?"

"Yep! I'm hungry alright!" Brunnhilde said quickly jumping up and heading toward the table. Thor following suit.

All three sat down, Thor and Brunnhilde looking at the basic but delicious looking meal.

"It's not a feast of Asgard but… I tried…" Loki said looking into his lap.

"Loki. I haven't had a feast from Asgard in years. I've been drinking and eating Norms know what. This. This right here is the best thing I think I've seen in years." Brunnhilde said proudly, not an ounce of a lie in her.

"Aye Brother! Nothing comes close to how great this looks! Thank you Loki, very much." Thor said with his own pride.

"Enough mushy! Let's eat!" Brunnhilde yelled quickly starting her meal. She heard as Thor agreed, eating his own food. And hearing Loki laugh a bit before starting his meal.

The eggs were warm and tasty, a nice soft texture but not too runny. The bread had an amazing crunch and a nice taste, but not too much over welling the taste of the warm butter. Washed down with a nice cold glass of milk, yep.

Definitely the best meal she's had in years.


Once the meal was finished Thor took the plates and went to the sink. Brunnhilde couldn't help but ask the question that had been lingering in her head.

"Loki, where did you learn to cook?" She asked before taking the last drink of cold milk.

Loki giggled a bit, wiping his mouth off even though there was nothing there. "Well, while Thor was off training and when I was too young to practice anything, I would often go down to the kitchens. Watch the cooks and some even taught me some things."

"When were you in the kitchens? I don't remember you ever being there." Thor said looking back to them from the sink, laughing a little when seeing Brunnhilde's face.

"You were always off with 'the warriors three and lady sif' so I just wondered around. If I stayed in the kitchens I could taste test their sweets. Sometimes I just started helping and learning I suppose." Loki shrugged. He looked at Brunnhilde and giggled again.

"Okay. Why is everyone laughing." Brunnhilde questioned narrowing her eyes at Loki.

"I don't know." He answered stifling a laugh. Thor on the other hand failed miserably.

"Love your mustache Valkyrie!" Thor laughed out, she was surprised he was still standing.

"Excuse me!?" Brunnhilde yelled standing up.

"Milk! A milk stash! That's what he meant!" Loki said quickly as he stood as well, placing himself between her and Thor. She blinked a few times before wiping her mouth.

"I'm still going to kill him." Brunnhilde said but wasn't advancing.

"Are we doing anything today?" Loki asked looking from Brunnhilde to Thor.

Thor thought for a moment but he just shook his head. "I don't know."

"Don't you still need to 'properly announce me' to everyone out there? I want to leave this place at some point." Loki said looking right at Thor. Kid was serious about walking around.

"Why not call a town meeting? Tell them what you told me. Share your theory and then bring Loki out. Let them see him. The people need to know the person who saved them is back. That both princes, well… both sons of Odin have returned to them. Seeing a somewhat complete royal family will make them feel better about the situation." Brunnhilde said, hopefully giving Thor an idea.

"I agree with Lady Br-"

"See Loki's in." Brunnhilde quickly interrupted. The last thing she wanted was Thor knowing her real name. That was something that she was only willing for Loki to know. He looked at her oddly, but she only looked back, a small plea in her look. He looked confused for a short moment but then his green eyes widened. He nodded and looked back to Thor.

"Yes. I agree with Lady Valkyrie. I think her idea is the best thing we can do." Loki said a small smile on his face. Thor looked between her and Loki. He sighed a bit but nodded.

"Alright. At 12 today we announce your return to the people."


He didn't know why he was nervous. He just was. Loki was used to big gatherings or royal events. More so than Thor in his opinion. But… at 12… that's 2 hours away now.

Thor and Lady Brunnhilde had gone off to prepare everything. Check the status of the village and everything else that needed to be done.

That left Loki alone with his thoughts. And when Loki was thinking, sometimes bad things happened. He would overthink things, worry over things that didn't need to be worried over.

"And I wonder what's gonna happen to you when you go wherever the others are."

What would his people do when they saw him? Maybe he should have listened to Stark a bit more. Well… not like everything Stark had said wasn't buzzing around in his head. Every little thing Stark said made him fearful.

What if the people reacted badly.

"Stop saying that! Your not Peter!"

He reacted badly after all. Why wouldn't everyone else. Clearly Stark wanted someone else and… and Loki wasn't him. What if everyone- what does he mean 'what if' he knows for a fact there are other people that they are gonna wish came back. And yet… and yet Loki was the one who returned.

"Considered one!? Wow! You sound so dumb. Your one or your not. Simple as that."

If he was the one that came back, how would his people act. Is he even a prince anymore? Maybe Stark was right, he wasn't one. Sure he was drunk when saying these things… but wasn't no filter just more honesty. Not like Loki could tell anything from what he said. He wasn't lying.

"Yeah well you thought wrong. That's not what I want. You can go now."

It had hurt. Really it did. He had hoped that Stark would say something other than that. He didn't want Stark resenting him, he never wanted to be a nuisance at all. He had liked Stark, he was nice and wasn't scary. He had cared. But it seems Loki ran that pool dry. He didn't really want to leave before, but now it seemed like the right thing to do.

"Last I checked, don't know if you were listening to everything, but I'm sure you were. Your parents are gone."

He had forgotten that. That he would never see his parents again. He knew they played a part in him returning from his death… but he still wouldn't see them. Not until Valhalla and he had a good feeling he would never make it there.

"All you have left is Thor, and even then he has the memories of you and him together. Grown up together. But now your a little kid. He has to help the people of assgard. Or the ones left anyway. And raise you."

Still, Stark wasn't wrong. Thor had everything from youth to adulthood. Memories and a fond life with 'him' but now it's all gone. Loki didn't remember anything. No fond life, no hunting trips, or first time traveling with father, or first set of armor on naming day. Loki was supposed to get his first set in a few weeks. He was close to that and now only Thor remembers that day. There is nothing that they share any longer.

"You have no home. No real family."

He knows. He knows that. He didn't need Stark saying it. Spelling out everything for him to hear. He didn't want it. Everything Stark had said was true and it hurt that it was true. His brother still thinks him dead for Norms sake!

When telling his people, he spoke of him as if still dead and he wasn't lying! He still thinks those thoughts true! And it hurts! Sure Loki was younger, but he was here! Not dead!

He-hes here...


Soon Lady Brunnhilde and Thor returned. Hearing the door open and close was a give away. Plus how hard Thor steps.

"Brother! Come! We must get you ready for everyone!" Thor said as Loki stepped out from the room. He pushed all the thoughts deep down, he may be reborn but he remembers how to do that, easily sliding on a fake smile. Make it look real and soon it should feel real right?

"What do you mean Brother?" Loki asked.

"Don't you have-" Thor stopped and seemed to reconsider his words. "Do you remember how to make pockets in space?"

Loki nodded, pushing that depressed feeling as far as it will go.

"Do you know what you have in it?" He asked, seeming more excited.

He thought for a second. He remembered having books, vials of spices and herbs, a few mementos that were best hidden from father, some things his mother had given him, and personal keepsakes. Anything Thor or his friends thought they could take for free or brake was hidden away in his portals.

"A few things If I recall correctly." Loki simply said.

Thor smiled triumphantly. Brunnhilde rolling her eyes but her own smile on her face. "You wouldn't have your crownlet would you?" He asked.

Loki only shrugged. "Maybe… I don't remember ever hiding- I mean, placing that in a space. I'll check for it."

Closing his eyes, he held his hands out. He already pulled salt from the pocket dimensions, maybe he would have his crownlet, though he highly doubts it. Feeling for the small circle of gold, he shifts through many different feeling objects. He didn't remember having so many things, let alone so much space, in his pocket dimensions before. He wouldn't still have his past lives dimensions… Would he?

Finally after fishing through what seemed like an ocean of odd objects and belonging he knew nothing of, he felt what he was looking for. A small bit of gold, his crest V placed in the center, two small golden wings on its sides. The wings seemed to be a family thing, so he had to have them, no matter how odd they looked on him.

Placing his hands one above the other, a small space in between them, he made a circle. Shifting his hands from their positions to the opposite of the other. The dimension he owns opening for the certain object to come through. In a flash the golden crownlet was in his hands.

"Perfect! You do have it!" Thor exclaimed rather happily. "I'm sure Valkyrie and I found some suitable clothes then what Stark gave you." He said Brunnhilde came from behind him with a plastic bag in her hand.

"Your brother has horrible taste by the way. I saved you from a whole mess of clothes." Brunnhilde said smirking. Loki couldn't help but giggle, the thought of Thor's first set of armor coming to his head. Definitely bad taste in clothes. She quickly laid out the outfit.

The first was a shirt, it was a deep green, duh, and had angel sleeves. The collar was a low-bless roll, showing a bit of the inside, which was a rich black. She then pulled out some pants and they were simple enough. Black leggings with a gold line running around the pants, under closer inspection a person would be able to tell its a snake. But since it runs around the right leg, it's hard to make out. The line of gold was thin but it shun brightly in the light. A small decoration but it looked lovely. Lastly some black boots that went up about half way the lower leg. The laces on the left boot were gold and the other were a beautiful green. Easily matching the shirt and pants. The mix and matched setting his mischief and 'god of chaos' title.

"The crownlet should finish this off perfectly! Valkyrie made the gold accents on everyt-'' He was quickly cut off with Brunnhilde pushing her elbow into his side. "I mean, umm… sorry." He said looking at her with a grimace, a secret blown.

"You made them?" Loki asked looking in awe of the clothes, appreciating them even more knowing Lady Brunnhilde put personal touches on them.

She shrugged on shoulder, trying to look as cool as possible. "Not the clothes itself. I saw the colors but nothing looked like you. So I added some things." She said, playing it off.

Loki only smiled gratefully. "I really do love them Lady Valkyrie. I couldn't have imagined better looking clothes. How did you make them?" He asked carefully.

"I had learned when I was a child. Didn't think it would be necessary in the future but happy I learned now. Especially with how many ideas I have going around." She said a sly smile on her face.

Loki laughed, remembering being his mom's model whenever she would make clothes. Saying his input on what he thought would look nice, or work together. He sewed himself but he was never as good as his mother. Or Brunnhilde apparently, who is able to make such intricate designs. "I'd be happy to help!"

"Okay Brother, you must change. We have everything prepared for your announcement. Some outside villagers even came. They say they're reporters, so the mortals will finally know our settlements name. Which you are going to announce little one." Thor said completely stunning Loki.

"Yo-you want me to tell the mortals our name? But… but how could I-"

"You'll be fine Loki. I know you can announce anything. Plus it's about time this land got a name. Something for everyone to look forward to." Brunnhilde interrupted, Thor nodding along.

Loki felt a small bundle of nerves build up. He was always at events but he was never one to speak. It was either his parents or Thor. No one ever wanted to hear from him. Now… he would be the one to name the land his people call home.

"What did the people decide?" Loki asked, he had some choices but he needed to know exactly what to say.

Thor only shook his head, a small smile on his face. "I will leave that to you. You were always the better one at naming things. You'll pick what fits best."

"You better get dressed Loki. Can't keep the people waiting. Especially the people who are reporting this to everywhere else." Brunnhilde said with a small laugh at Loki's face. He quickly grabbed the clothes and ran into Thor's room.

He slid on the clothes and it fit so well. The small angle sleeves sewn together with gold thread, the loose and flowing shirt, with the leggings and his boots, it all looked perfect. It looked regal and it looked like him. He combed his hair back, the small curls reaching a little past his shoulders. He placed the crownlet on his head. Letting the V rest perfectly on his forehead. It felt normal to have it on. Like a piece of him was missing. He missed having something of Asgard with him.

Now… It was a fusion of old and new.

A new beginning for him. And for the survivors.

He knew what name to use now.


The group of three walked to the town square, where everyone from the village was already present. Loki used the same invisibility spell as before and hid before Thor would announce him.

There was a small stage, more of an elevated walkway that people were in front of. Clearly that is where the message is meant to be said. There were some microphones with some news stations written on them. This really was a worldy message. Definitely not making Loki nervous.

There was a large group of people in front of the makeshift podium. Seriously… Loki was fine. He was used to royal feasts… but that was when he was ignored. Now he has to show up and be a good prince. But no ones ever listened to him before! This was really starting to freak him out. Especially Starks words. No! Nope! Just push those thoughts deep. He's done it before and he can keep a hold on it. It was about time he grew up a bit and didn't let his emotions run him!

Thor needs him to be a prince right now. Be the proper prince that father can be proud of.

Thor and Lady Brunnhilde, plus a hidden Loki, walked up. Thor taking position right behind the podium. Lady Brunnhilde stepped to his left and Loki in front of her. She wanted to make sure she knew where he was so she had her hands conveniently in front of her, one cupping the other. In reality Loki had one of his hands behind his back, holding onto her.

The people in the crowd quickly quieted once seeing Thor. He took a deep breath, was he nervous too? Loki couldn't tell, his big brother really did look like the king he was. He was wearing his black armor, cleaned up of course, and it made him look powerful. Truly the golden prince, finally fully raised and shining down. It really did make Loki proud, but also made him feel something else that didn't feel right. It felt bad and once more, like everything else, he pushed it down. Under lock and key.

"My people! It warms my heart to see everyone here together. To finally see my peoples faces after so long. I am sorry I have been gone. But I will no longer lie to you. I was afraid." Thor started. Saying he was afraid quickly got people's attention, he was the mighty Thor what have he to fear.

"I was afraid of facing all of you, as a failure. I lost the battle. Both with Hela and the mad titan. I lost our home and lost our people. Many died due to my incompetence. I know not if you have heard the truth about that day. But it wasn't my order for everyone to evacuate."

A few people looked shocked, others out right gasped.

"It was my brother. He was the one who knew the coming threat. He was the one that ordered the evacuation, using my name to help you all trust his word. Valkyrie told me everything that happened that day. The fierce determination in his eyes as he made sure our people made it to the pods. She also spoke of his fear. He was afraid during it. But he knew something bad was coming and he knew something bad was going to happen to him."

The reporters were quickly writing notes. Hanging on every word as the people listened in horror of the truth. Some seemed to refuse to believe it, but others eyes were tearing at their lost prince.

"My brother left the care of the last Asgaridans to Valkyrie. When he could have gone along you all. He placed charge in someone close and trust worthy, and came back to me. He came back to help me, to save me. He fought. He would not relent to the hands of the mad titan. Tooth and nail he fought. Saving me and giving time for us to escape."

Those few teary faces grew as he spoke. It was odd for Loki to see people crying for him. Well 'him' but not him. It didn't make sense but he knew it wasn't really for him, it was for the hero he was. Not the child he is now.

"Loki died a hero and that was the greatest pain of all. The pain of losing the only family I had left, it drove me away from all of you. I went and hunted the mad titan to avenge him, but failed. It wasn't until a few days ago when I and the Avengers learned of his hiding place, we went to him. I killed him, setting the world free him and his dark mind"

People cheered, loud and proud for their king having killed Thanos. Loki had a vague idea what he did, but he would have to ask later. He knew it was something bad to elicit this reaction out of mortals and Asgardians alike. Mortals because even some of the reporters cheered, others looked grimly happy.

"I killed him but was still lost. I didn't feel the hole fill. But it seems the Norms answered my prayers."

Uh oh. It's almost time. People looked from their ferrous satisfaction to hopeful confusion. What they were being hopeful for, Loki hoped he wouldn't disappoint.

"I no not how this happened. I believe it is the work of the All-father and All-mother. I feel their power through him. The savoir of us all, has returned to us."

Everyone looked between each other, looking up at Thor… and only Thor. Loki was still invisible. Thor looking back he looked to where Loki would be.

"Loki, brother, you can do this." He said quietly, holding his hand out. He smiled when he felt the light pressure of Loki gripping back. Thor walked, looking crazy holding nothing, but smiled nevertheless.

"I give you, people of my heart, mortals of Midgard, the savior of all Asgardians."

Loki felt the spell dissipate. Making him viable to the seeing eye. He kept his eyes low, refusing to look at anyone. He heard it. The grasps of the people. The confused murmurs from a before silent crowd. He knew he would disappoint. He knew they would be mad. Why had he done this at all! He knew they-

"He's returned." A woman from the crowd said in happy sadness. A few light crys made their way to his ears.

"He has returned to us!" A man from somewhere else yelled.

"He saved us!

"He saved us all!"

"The savior of us all!"

"By the will of the All-father and All-mother!"

Soon everyone was yelling, some chanting, Loki looked up slowly, really hoping what he was hearing wasn't a trick, an allusion or a dream.

"Prince Loki, my brother, has returned!" Thor said, loud over everyone else, beaming with pride. Cheers rang out, clapping echoing through the village. Brunnhilde cheered as well, clear to Loki since she was behind him.

He looked up to Thor, the microphones a little too high for him to reach. Let alone speak through. Thor got the hint, carefully taking one of the mic's off its pedestal. Everyone went quiet. Looking up to Thor and him. It was nerve wracking really. These were his first words to his people. How would they take them? So far they seemed rather happy, that on its own was odd. He was ready for 'burn him with fire!' or resentment because he was the one who came back and not someone's wife, or husband, or child, or friend or anything else but him.

He kicked those thoughts away. Really trying to keep every bad thing and everything Stark said away. Loki had to calm down. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Not a sound could be heard, not even the ocean which was odd. Releasing the breath. He spoke.

"I am Loki. Prince of New Asgard. And I am home."