Author's Note: Thanks to Nyruserra and roseusvortex for the excellent beta work.

Chapter 3: Rooted in Darkness

"'It's in the middle,' thanks," she muttered. "Thanks. Thanks for nothing. And really? Don't go anywhere? Where can I go?"

The short blast of light had blinded her making it impossible to get any clue as to the actual size of the room, or if there were any exits besides that opening. Putting her back directly against the wall, she sat for a moment. "So, it is in the middle. Great. How does one find the middle of a black room?"

Deciding it couldn't hurt, she decided to shout. "A little light wouldn't hurt, would it?" She waited a few minutes, but nothing happened. "Guess it might," she sighed. "Well, only way to find the food is to find the middle."

She debated standing then decided crawling was her best bet. Her insides still were roiling, and she did not want to trip over the food and water. She was thirsty. Her first goal was to figure out the midpoint of the wall, and then strike out towards the center.

She crawled to the corner, then retraced her path, counting her 'steps' that her hands took. Once she had figured out the approximate center point of the wall, she began to slowly crawl across the room, groping ahead with her fingertips in hopes of encountering the food and water. It seemed to take forever, but she knew the darkness was affecting her sense of time.

After one trip across the room with no success, another wave of nausea swept over her. What had they given her? When had they given it to her? She thought back, trying to remember what had happened. The last thing she clearly recalled was the wedding feast and heading to the wedding bedchambers. "Blast! This is not helping." She slapped her forehead, knowing more had happened after the wedding, but what?

When nothing else came to mind, she set out across the room again, determined to find the food and water. This time, she paused after every 'step' and swept her hands to the right and left as far as she could reach. This tactic paid off as her fingers touched a bowl. She scooted to the bowl and carefully reached around until she discovered what seemed to be a water bag. Unscrewing the top, she drank slowly, not wishing to upset her stomach any further. The liquid was warm but did not seem to have any after taste. The water stayed down and she patted the bowl, trying to figure out what was in it. It felt like bread. Picking it up, she sniffed and discovered she was correct - it was a small hunk of bread.

"Better than nothing." She started to chew on the food, washing it down periodically with another swig of water. Finishing off the meal, she set the bowl back on the floor and tried once more to remember what had happened following the wedding feast. A few more bits came back to her, but nothing that made sense. They had all arrived in the wedding bedchambers and preparations began for the arrival of the new husband. Wine and laughter… but nothing that jumped out at her, or anything following this event.

How had she been so careless to allow someone to drug her? And more importantly, when had it occurred?

•§•

"Let me get this straight, Thanos wanted Beythran's kid – fathered by an Elder, so he could raise it himself and basically rule the world… "

"Universe," Greiwaldt quickly corrected.

Stark's eyes flashed at the interruption. "Right, universe… using these Infinity Stones? But she didn't like his ugly face so he sent his brother to marry her instead."

"Correct," Greiwaldt nodded. "He was able to successfully convince her to marry him… surprisingly."

Thor's eyes narrowed. "Why do you say that?"

"Let's just say that Althanas has some strange preferences. Obviously, he was able to hide these from his prospective bride," Greiwaldt replied. A slight look of distaste crossed his face.

"But that doesn't explain how they convinced Beythran to have a child that wasn't her husband's. And you are really Katirya's father. Did Thanos know that?" Steve asked, bringing up a point that had bothered him during the explanation. "Or were you the Elder they picked to father this child?"

"Ah, no. I was not the chosen Elder as neither brother was unaware of the fact that I was an Elder. He simply asked me to run the errand for him. I had been…" he hesitated for several seconds before continuing. "I had been keeping an eye on them. I had suspected Thanos was up to something when I discovered he had the Infinity Gauntlet made, so I disguised myself and managed to find work within his army. I made sure I became extremely useful to him so that he would trust me. It is also how I know most of what I am telling you is the truth as I was often present and even consulted during the plotting between the brothers and their sister."

"Sister?" Loki asked, interest sparked by this additional revelation. "There is also a sister?"

"Yes, all three have the same father, but different mothers, which explains the differences in looks between each of them. The youngest, Thariana…" Greiwaldt broke off with a look of disgust.

"What about this sister?" Loki probed, seeing the look and curious as to what was behind it.

"Thariana and Althanas were, ah, lovers," Greiwaldt explained.

"That doesn't explain how he got her to even consider having a child with another man… or Elder, or whatever you want to call it," Stark argued. "I mean, unless you folks all have a different view on marriages."

Greiwaldt shook his head. "No, it does not; however, Althanas did not love her. His interests were with his sister – or half-sister actually. He only married her to secure her to his family for his brother. He was working with Thanos on this plan of theirs. And he never told her what he wanted her to do when he sent her to the Elder. He just hoped it would work out. It was my mission to see that it did. Thanos was rather firm on that part of the mission. If I were to fail, he promised I would pay for it."

"But… if you are really an Elder, could he follow through on that promise?" Thor asked.

"No," Greiwaldt quickly answered. "But remember, they were unaware of precisely who I was. Thanos thought I was simply one of his minions. I never gave them any reason to think otherwise."

"So… just out of curiosity, who did they pick to be the big daddy?" Fury asked.

"You're still here?" Stark glanced over at him. "I thought you left to go meet up with your friends. Speaking of friends, Jarvis?"

"Yes, sir?" the mechanical voice replied.

"Would you mind asking Clint and Natasha to join us? Bruce too if he's still in the house," Tony asked. "I think they need to learn about all this. It might help them to understand all the crap you got them involved in." He looked over at Greiwaldt. "If you don't mind waiting a few minutes for them to join us?"

"Not at all. If you don't mind," he held up his empty glass. Tony started to get up but Volstagg waved him off.

"I'll take care of it, I could use a refresher myself," Volstagg explained. "Anyone else?" A few others raised their glasses and Hogun and Fandral collected them. Volstagg moved behind the bar and rummaged around finding the necessary ingredients for each drink. By the time the drinks were refilled, Clint and Natasha had arrived.

"Bruce is busy in the lab. What's up?" Clint asked as he entered.

"We have company who is explaining a bit of the mess that Captain Obvious managed to ensnare us in," Tony answered. He quickly brought them up to date on what they had learned so far.

"So, Sif's dead… or not?" Natasha asked.

"We believe not dead, but someone is dead in her place," Thor answered. "Our enemy wishes us to believe she is dead so we will proceed as if that is the case. Fortunately, we do know she is alive thanks to Heimdall."

"And she is with your wife?" Clint asked, looking at Loki.

"Yes, on Knowhere," Loki replied.

"Great name – Knowhere," Clint laughed. "Are we sending Fury there? I mean, if that's where his buddy is?"

"He is not my buddy. I was only conducting a business transaction intended to save Earth," Fury shot back. "And I am not Captain Obvious. I wish you would quit calling me that."

"Sorry, I'll try to remember that, but it does seem to fit," Stark smirked. "Now… about who was supposed to be Katirya's father…?" He looked pointedly at Greiwaldt, indicating it was time to get back to the story.

"Taneleer Tivan was chosen, which is why Kiri thinks he really is her father," Greiwaldt answered. "She has been told this since she was old enough to know by her mother. Althanas basically avoided contact with the child after her birth. In fact, he pretty much avoided any contact with Beythran as well. He chose to live in the primary city of Cartherion, relegating mother and daughter to the country."

"Why him?" Loki asked. "Did they expect he would simply fall into the plan? I would think he would have been a bit smarter than that."

"Indeed, one would think. But, they selected Taneleer because he was half-mad."

"Only half?" Thor looked at Greiwaldt like he was crazy. "I would say he a bit more than half-mad."

"True…" Greiwaldt admitted, "but for good reason."

"Good reason? Do tell, what good reason does that insane idiot have to be… well, insane?" Volstagg asked. "I've met the man and he's just… just…" she broke off, lost for words to describe what she felt about him. "That collection of his is creepy."

Greiwaldt nodded sagely. "Creepy, that is a good term for his hobby."

"What does he collect?" Steve asked.

"Species, living species, almost like what you call a zoo. Only a lot of them are human," Volstagg told him. "And I would say he doesn't treat them all that well… at least from the looks of it when we visited him with the Aether."

"That's what he calls a 'hobby'?" Steve looked repulsed. "I would think there are better things to collect than humans."

"Well, he does collect other objects as well. A rather odd assortment if you ask me." Volstagg added. "Was rather pleased we asked him to take the Aether."

"That is one thing that does not make sense in this," Thor stated when the Aether was brought up. "At various times, Tivan has had one or more of the Infinity Gems in his possession. Yet he gave them all to Kiri. Why?"

"That is the question I do not have the answer for. Tivan has always believed Kiri to be his daughter…"

"Wait!" Loki broke in before Greiwaldt could finish. "You have said she isn't his child– that she is your daughter. How did that happen and why does Tivan believe she is his child?"

"Stop!" Stark shouted. "I want to know why the dude is insane. That sounds more interesting."

"Actually, all of this is relevant to this whole scenario," Greiwaldt agreed with each of the comments. "I believe as I explain how everything happened, it will all make sense. He was not always the way he currently is."

"Is anyone?" Steve asked.

"True, but once he was quite brilliant. He had a wife, and a daughter… life was good until his daughter was murdered. His wife died shortly after as a result – she lost the will to live. That is one thing about the Elders, we do not die unless we lose interest in life. Tivan's wife lost interest when her daughter Carina died."

"Carina?" Volstagg exclaimed. "We met Carina when we went to deliver the Aether."

Greiwaldt shook his head. "No, that was not his daughter Carina. Since the death of both his wife and daughter, Tivan determined to maintain his interest in life. He did that by beginning his famous collection. From that collection, he has selects one living specimen to serve as his slave… or servant as he calls them. He names each one Carina in memory of his daughter. Although they are not just servants, but serve him in all manner, including sexually."

"Okay, that is just creepy," Stark said. "He names the servant after his daughter and has sex with them?"

Greiwaldt shrugged. "Not my choice, but it is how he finds relevance in his life."

"Strange way to find relevance," Steve muttered. "Sleeping with your servant who you've named after your daughter."

"He became a bit mad after her death," Greiwaldt offered. "While I do not agree with his behaviors, it is what has kept him alive. It was also why he was selected as a potential father for this child Thanos desired. It was well known that Tivan will sleep with pretty much anyone, including his servant."

"Great choice," Thor stated with a heavy dose of sarcasm. "Pick a guy who'll sleep with anyone… oh, but he has to be an Elder. Good thing Tivan was around. Thanos didn't have anything to do with the murder of the daughter Carina, did he?"

"That I do not know, although it is quite possible. But to murder someone and hope that the parent becomes deranged?" Greiwaldt shrugged. "Difficult to predict. Be that as it may, although it does open up a train of inquiry if any care to investigate?" He looked pointedly at Fury.

"Me? Why would I want to bother investigating the death of a non-human?" Fury asked.

"Well, for one, you've aligned yourself with him," Loki stated baldly.

"Wait? You're saying this madman is the one who took your wife?" Fury asked. "His name wasn't Tivan, that I can assure you."

Loki's jaw dropped as he stared at the human. "Have you heard nothing that has been said?"

Fury stared back with his one good eye, not answering.

"If I may continue?" Greiwaldt paused. When no one said otherwise, he went on. "Tivan was the chosen one, and Beythran was sent off to travel to Knowhere. She was unaware when we left that her mission included seducing Tivan, and ensure she was with child before returning. She was given a token mission, bringing some plant species from Cartherion for his collection, as a reason for her visit." Greiwaldt stopped to clear his throat.

"Something to drink?" Stark asked.

"Water, please." Greiwaldt waited to continue until after he had finished a glass of water. "Not often I tell stories such as this. Anyways, during the voyage to Knowhere, I fell in love with her and she returned that love. I know that sounds… trite, but it is true. We spent many days in one another's company. During that time, she confided her fears. She had learned more than I had realized about her husband, including what his plans for her were. She was afraid of her husband, considered him a monster, but knew she could not leave him. He would find her and kill her. We developed a plan of sorts. She still was unaware of the fact I am an Elder. I do not believe she ever knew that. Obviously, she had no desire to sleep with Tivan, and we knew we could not return unless she was pregnant… so…" He shrugged. "Kiri was a result of our love."

"But you said Tivan thought he was the father?" Clint pointed out. "How the hell did you manage that?"

"A little bit of dishonesty, on our part. We did visit with Tivan, presenting him with the plant. He flirted with Beythran, and she feigned interest in him. I ensured he was drunk enough at least more than once and she would sneak into his bed after he passed out. So, it was a simple matter to convince him that he had slept with Beythran more than once during our visit. Once she discovered she was pregnant with our child, she told Tivan about the child – insinuating it was his and not mine. He believed her – why wouldn't he? Thus, our plan worked. We returned to Cartherion and Beythran delivered a lovely girl. Thanos was ecstatic that it was a girl – it played even better into his plans as could marry the child himself when she came of age. He had Althanas threaten Beythran about training the girl in the arts of magic, the intent be to keep her under total control. Obviously, she did not listen. But I knew that would be insufficient for the child. Given that Beythran was afraid of her husband and his brother, the simple magic she knew would not be enough. That is where I stepped in and began training her. I had decided to live near Beythran so we could meet as often as possible. It also gave me the opportunity to surreptitiously provide training to Katirya so that she would be able to stand up to Thanos and Althanas should the need arise."

"If I am understanding correctly, both Tivan and my wife have no knowledge about her true parentage?" Loki asked once Greiwaldt had finished.

"Correct. They both believe he is her true father," Greiwaldt answered. "As I saw Tivan's interest in the gems increase, I knew the last thing he needed to know was that she was not his daughter. He never developed much interest in her, nothing like his love for his wife and daughter, but he knew she was there. I think that is why he felt it was safe to allow her to keep the Infinity Stones, but there is much we do not know. His sudden interest in the gems again concerns me. The fact that he has manipulated your friend," he pointed to Fury.

"Not my friend," Stark corrected.

"He was not manipulating me. We had a deal. But that ain't his name," Fury shot back.

"Who did you meet with?" Greiwaldt asked.

Fury's eyes focused on the floor as he answered. "A man; said his name was Mike something… weird last name." He raised his gaze, daring anyone to contradict him, then shifted uncomfortably before continuing. "He promised if I worked with him to get the Infinity Stones, he would make sure Earth would not be destroyed when he got rid of the rest of you." He swept his arm in the direction of the assembled group. "You all obviously don't care, so I did what I had to."

"And we see how that has turned out," Steve's gaze wandered to where the body had been deposited earlier. All traces of it gone, thanks to Jarvis.

Loki considered that point. "We need to make sure we do not let on to Tivan that we know Sif is still alive. He wants us to believe she is dead, so we must move forward with that premise in mind. I am certain he expected us to know he is behind this as well and is anticipating a visit from us. Thor? Are you ready?"

Thor nodded.

"Well, whenever you're ready to go, I would be willing to help. I feel as if I need to redeem my previous associations." Steve shot a glance a Fury. "Had I known everything, I know I would not have acted as I did on Asgard."

"Count me in as well," Hawkeye added. Both Steve and Clint turned to Tony, wondering if he would join them or not.

Tony nodded. "May as well. Looks like you are going to need all the help you can get." He shot a look at Fury. "You are not invited to our party. Sorry, but you don't play well with others." Fury just glared in return.

Loki nodded. "We appreciate your help, but I think you should know we pretty much decided that this was most likely a suicide mission. The chances of survival are minimal at best so if you wish to back out, we would understand." He turned to look at his son. "It is why we left you and the other children back on Asgard. Your mother and I, along with my brother, wished to defeat this individual. We knew the risks when we set out and decided that if we were successful, we would at least be leaving a universe that was safe for you. I wish you would reconsider your decision."

Kai swallowed hard but returned his father's look. "I am aware of the odds… and the risks, father. Frigga begged me to stay, but I could not simply stand by and allow you and mother to die just to save us when I knew I could offer aid." A slight grin appeared. "Besides, the twins and Runa are still back on Asgard."

Hawkeye groaned at the mention of the twins. "The twins? Ruling Asgard? The universe is not ready for that."

Loki laughed, enjoying the moment of light-heartedness as they were preparing for a war against a being they were unsure if they could defeat. "That would be interesting. I think I that I am in agreement with you. The twins are a bit… much. If for no other reason than to prevent them from ruling Asgard, I believe we have incentive to ensure our mission is a success and we all survive."