Hello! Please enjoy the chapter!
Hena was being much more cautious since the incident with the scepter. So, most of the time, if her little sister was outside, her or Loki were also out. Right now, she was inside coloring with Lila on the living room floor. She was surprisingly talented for a child of her age. Then again, Hena was occasionally directing her with where to put certain colors.
Today was the day Odin and Valder were supposed to meet, so Thor was currently outside speaking with the guards and communicating through Heimdall. Hena was watching him, smiling as if thinking of something funny. Tony's board was lit up with several different live camera feeds from his suits flying around.
Mazi took long strokes with her pencils, almost as if with a brush.
"That makes it very smooth, well done." Hena told her as she observed. Her little sister glanced up at her.
"Smooth?"
"You know. It looks very continuous." Hena reiterated.
"But, this is on parchment." Mazi replied.
"Yes, so, it is..." Hena thought for a moment before turning to Loki "What is a comparable word for smooth?"
Loki looked up from his book at her. He waited a moment before responding.
"Legato?" he shrugged slightly.
Hena smiled, eyes lighting up immediately. She shook just a little bit as she contained laughter.
"I mean, I don't know how you can get much more simple than smooth." Loki replied with a hint of uncertainty even with his small smile "Not rough?"
"Oh that's good. But I like how you say legato." Hena said.
"Legato." Loki repeated for her slowly, lifting up his book.
Hena grinned and returned her gaze to Mazi "It does not look rough."
"Good, I am trying to be careful." the little girl said. Hena nodded, stepping back as Lila stood up to walk over to her parents in the kitchen. Captain America watched her for a moment, although he was not focused on that.
"Okay, I am hopeful you will not take what I am about to say the wrong way." Hena said, eyes still on Loki.
He looked up from his book again, tilting his head. He raised one eyebrow.
"Alright." he said evenly.
"It is surprising to think that you and Thor were raised by the same parents and not for the reason you think. There are several things that are generally due to upbringing. Your posture is almost always perfect and his is...not."
The comment made Loki look down at himself, although Hena didn't stop.
"He stomps while you walk very quietly." she said "And you have a very proper and tactful way of speaking. Thor still has that, but it's less prominent."
"Well, we did spend unequal time with different parents." Loki replied.
"I know, but they still reared both of you."
"To be quite honest, Thor spoke more similarly to me when he did not spend as much of his time with mortals." Loki commented.
Sif actually nodded in agreement with that, although not within the view of Loki and Hena.
"My mother says that formal speaking is the first impression people get of you, so it is very important." Mazi said from the floor, without looking at them.
Hena smiled at her briefly "That is correct."
"When are they coming?" Mazi asked, coloring in an outline of a flower very carefully.
"Sometime this afternoon, I believe. I can ask the guards for certain." Hena replied "I'll actually do that right now. When is Odin coming, Loki?"
"I haven't the faintest idea. You can ask Thor, he should know." Loki replied, pointing at his brother heading back towards the house.
"Alright, I will do so." Hena said, turning. She left the house, first walking towards Thor before her trip to the guards.
Mazi looked up at Loki with a vaguely suspicious expression, but he didn't notice because he was looking after Hena.
"It will be interesting to see what Valder and Odin come to an agreement on." Fandral said to the general people in the room.
"I don't think they have anything to disagree on. Would they?" Captain America said slowly, looking at him questioningly.
"No, but they have fairly different personalities. They may want to go about things in different ways." Fandral replied with a shrug.
Loki listened to the conversation silently, keeping his eyes on the little girl in front of him.
Thor stepped into the house with a deep breath, walking over to the Warriors. Mazi looked up at Loki again, her face mischievous.
"Are you going to marry Hena?" she asked.
Loki's gaze flicked down to her, his eyebrows going up amusement. Thor heard, but, unlike the Warriors, he didn't glance over. He just waited for a response.
"Why, would you like me too?" Loki asked, leaning towards her slightly. Those words broke an awkward tension in the room.
"Yes. Yes, that would be nice." Mazi replied "Then you would be my real older brother. My father also said that would be nice, because then you would be able to play with me more often."
"Well, that is true." Loki replied, the side of his mouth curving up.
"But you never came back when you left. You said you were going to, but then you didn't." Mazi said, her voice sad.
"Yes, I know I didn't. I'm sorry about that." Loki responded with a genuine apology that wasn't filtered out.
"It's okay. But when you propose to Hena, you have to use me because Hena and I are best friends."
Loki paused as he thought and then nodded with a contemplative expression "Alright, I think I could manage that."
"Anyone that Hena likes has to go through me. And they must pass my evaluation." Mazi replied importantly.
"Ah, I see." Loki said, raising his chin "Do I qualify?"
"Mhm." Mazi nodded.
"That's a relief." then Loki smiled and looked back down at his book "Does Adden?"
Mazi paused, looking down as if she was ashamed "Well, Adden is nice, but he is not very fun most days. You are fun and Hena is fun, but Adden is very serious."
Loki nodded in understanding "Yes, he is."
"I also really like him because he is kind. But he doesn't let me do things that I like to do."
"Such as?"
"Things like running in the palace halls." Mazi replied "But my mom even let's me do that sometimes. I tell him that, but he is very bad at listening to children."
Loki smirked a bit, holding back a laugh.
"Shame on him." he said instead.
"Yes, very shameful." Mazi said. Her eyes brightened as Hena came walking back up the porch. She scurried over to greet her.
"When are they coming?" she demanded.
"This afternoon." Hena replied, her expression very distracted. Mazi clapped and then ducked past her to go outside.
"What's wrong?" Loki asked, eyebrows up as he sensed something was not quite right.
"Guess who's out there?" Hena asked, eyes incredulous.
He frowned, eyebrows furrowing "Um, well, Mazi and guards. Frost giants perhaps? Hopefully you didn't just leave them out there to be discovered by someone else. I don't know. Tell me."
"You were correct when you said guards." Hena peered out the window "Adden is out there. My father sent Adden."
Loki leaned to follow her gaze out the window with a small smile. How convenient that him and Mazi should be talking of him. He looked back at her, far more amused than she felt.
"It is not funny, why would he send him here?" Hena said, sounding dismayed.
"I don't know, ask him." Loki replied. He gestured out the window "Better still, go ask Adden."
"No. That would be unkind." Hena said "But I have not gone out and greeted them as I should yet. I interrupted my father to ask when they were coming instead of asking Adden. He is going to get an earful when he arrives. I have been subtly avoiding Adden for the past year and now he's thrown right into my pathway. My father is not this ignorant. There is most certainly a reason behind it."
"I do imagine so." Loki replied with a laughing breath. Hena folded her arms.
"There are three of them this time instead of two which makes it even more suspicious."
"Hena!" Mazi appeared in the doorway again, hopping up and down a few times. Her sister turned to her with exaggerated eagerness to match.
"What?"
"Adden, Samor and Lady Koreina are here!" Mazi replied with wide eyes "At the same time!"
"Oh my!" Hena said, actually impressed herself. She glanced at Loki thoughtfully "You are familiar with every one of them. We could go and greet them together."
The God of Mischief pursed his lips and took in a deep breath "Might we just wave?"
Thor scoffed quietly in amusement, knowing all too well of these moments with his brother.
"No." Hena said, smiling "I definitely have to go out to them and they all know and like you."
"Adden? Me?" Loki asked, eyebrow up in disbelief "You are making a jest, correct?"
"He has every reason in the world to like you now." Hena replied honestly, hands resting at her waist "Please?"
Loki shook his head "No, thank you."
"You have to come with me." she reached to pull on his arm "Do not be quiet and reserved Loki. I need you to be self-assured and enthusiastic Loki."
"No, quiet and reserved Loki is fully present right now." he pulled back with a scowl, not allowing her to take him with her. Hena let go with a deep breath.
"It's been a long time since you've spoken to Koreina. That should be appealing."
Loki's scowl lifted as his eyes flicked back and forth "What, are you trying to tempt me? I don't even remember that name."
"You did meet her." Hena replied "You don't recall that?"
"No."
Hena's mouth curved up "Well, that's alright. I wouldn't worry about it."
With that, she left to return back outside again. Mazi stepped further into the house to allow her sister through. Then she walked over to Loki quizzically.
"You do remember her, don't you?" she asked, her voice accusatory and mischievous.
"Yes, of course I do." Loki replied with a knowing glance down at the intuitive little girl "But it may not have served me well to say so."
Fandral blinked, bringing his head back in surprise as Thor and him shared a glance.
Mazi opened her mouth at him "You lied right through your teeth!" Her eyes gleamed "Teach me."
Loki laughed once, reaching to pinch the bridge of his nose "Your mother is going to hate me."
"I won't tell her. I promise." Mazi said, licking her hand and holding it up. Loki stared, surprised by this uncharacteristic ritual.
"What is that for?" he asked.
"Cooper showed me. It means a really really strong promise." Mazi replied.
Hawkeye bobbed his eyebrows, glancing away pointedly. The mortals would understand and may even think it was funny, but the Asgardians were not familiar with anything of the sort.
"I see." Loki said, without looking over at the others "I am fairly certain you won't need to keep anything from her. She already knows."
"Then, you can teach me." Mazi repeated.
He smiled and his gaze went to the ground as he held back another laugh.
"Hey." she folded her arms at him indignantly "You are not listening."
"I am listening." Loki corrected her.
"But you're not answering how I want." Mazi replied pointedly, tilting her head forward at him.
"Yes, that happens sometimes." he told her.
Now, the little girl scowled "That's not very kind."
"Well, it's not very rude either." Loki said, eyebrows up as he smiled "Do as I say, not as I do."
"No." Mazi unfolded her arms and put them on her hips "No, because that is holding me to a higher standard than you hold yourself. And that is not okay."
Loki paused, both impressed, surprised, and amused as he stared at her.
"You are far too young to be so quick-thinking. I really can't outsmart you, can I?" he asked finally.
"Nope. You cannot tell me one thing and then do another. My father knows that." Mazi replied proudly, earning a smile from several others "What if I followed you around and did everything you did?"
"Then you would be in very big trouble." Loki informed her. Then he shrugged "Although, if you were to pick a random day from my life, you'd most likely find me standing around reading."
"That sounds nice. My mother would like that." Mazi replied thoughtfully.
"Oh, and insulting Thor." Loki added "That is usually present now."
Mazi looked right over at the God of Thunder, eyes wide. He rolled his eyes.
"Likely just trying to break even with all the times he did it to me when we were younger." Loki said.
"I never had a chance to insult you." Thor replied, knowing that wasn't true "You were always reading."
"Well, at least, I don't fall in love with things in my books because I know they're not...real." Loki said slowly, the hidden meaning becoming clear.
Thor let out a deep breath as his brother brought up his longest standing trick. Elainya. However, he didn't say anything, keeping his face neutral.
"Oh, my, look at that patience and self-control." Loki said, examining him in fascination "It's not nearly as fun when you don't react."
"It won't be fun in a moment if you keep talking." Thor warned.
"Hm." Loki nodded upward "Better. It's misleading to portray yourself with such a calm personality."
Sif narrowed her eyes at him, but became uncomfortable when the God of Mischief drew pointed attention to that. He stared her down for a bit of spiteful entertainment, wanting Thor to notice her silent defense of him. She looked away just as the older son glanced in her direction. Loki smirked a little bit, but didn't attempt to unsettle her anymore.
"I've changed." Thor said, repeating what he had said during their fight before Loki had fallen from the Bifrost. Or, let himself fall. The God of Thunder still shunned away from the memory.
"Partly. No one changes their entire temperament. No matter what that woman said or did." Loki replied.
"Seems unkind to tell me everything about myself needed to be changed." Thor challenged.
"Oh, well, perhaps I shouldn't dare, Prince Thor." Loki responded.
"I'm not going to oversee your speech. Prince Loki." Thor said.
"Ah, a quick retort. A remarkable feat from you." Loki looked at him with narrowed, humored eyes "Don't call me that when the Allfather comes. You ought not to displease him."
"Your title was never withdrawn." Thor pointed out.
"I don't think you understand what doesn't need to be said during a sentencing." the contempt was completely unmasked.
"I wouldn't really know. It was private. And Odin did not divulge any details." Thor replied "He never declared anything publically either, just so you are aware. About your sentencing or the reasons for your sentencing."
Loki looked up, as if thinking deeply "Hmm. My reputation or his. My reputation or his. I couldn't possibly imagine which one it could be."
"I know you know he is not that selfish." Thor responded sternly.
"As you pointed out, you were not there to see the edict, so you truly have no idea." Loki said. He waved his hand toward the door, eyebrows up "But, please, have Hena show you the memory. Her powers are convenient in times like these."
"When?" Hena asked from the porch.
"When trying to prove a point." Loki responded to the woman not in view. She stepped in, obviously curious.
"I suppose that is true." she replied.
The familiar light and crash of the Bifrost caused her to turned around to look. Her eyes widened.
"Oh, it's him, it's him." she said, gently hitting Loki to get his attention. He glanced at her the same time as Thor and then leaned to follow her gaze. Odin was indeed standing in the field, already being approached by both of the Asgardian soldiers.
"That is correct." he replied, sounding uninterested.
"Alright, I am going out." Hena said "Are you coming out?"
"No, thank you." Loki replied. Volstagg's eyebrows furrowed.
"Are you being serious?" Hena asked, her voice suggesting she didn't believe him.
"Yes."
"You're not going to be there the first time I meet him?" Hena asked, her mouth open.
"I'd rather not." Loki responded.
"Please?"
"If you need saving, I will come out then."
"Oh my, I won't need saving." Hena said with a scolding tone in her voice. She shook her hand at him before turning to walk out the door. Loki kept one eye on her as she left. Once she was out, he turned towards the window to continue watching her.
Thor grinned ever so slightly. He followed her footsteps, but stopped beside Loki for a moment.
"Do you want me to watch and report?" he asked quietly.
Loki narrowed his eyes at him immediately and Thor quietly laughed once before heading outside. The God of Mischief ignored the rest of the Warriors as they followed him. Captain America still stood in the kitchen, unlike the other members of the Avengers team. Everyone else was up and close to the door.
Odin looked out at the house as a woman came out and then Thor and the Warriors. He began to walk forward, but was intercepted by a little girl running up to him excitedly.
"Hi!" Mazi said, staring at him with bright eyes.
"Hello." Odin replied with a nod.
"Are you Loki's dad?" she asked, tilting her head.
He blinked at her, surprised that she should say Loki rather than Thor. It took him a moment to respond.
"Yes." he said, with a nod down at her.
Thor watched, sighing internally that Loki wasn't out to hear him say that.
"And, who are you, young lady?" Odin asked, still looking at Mazi. Her clothes were nothing like Midgardian clothing, so it was safe to assume she wasn't from there.
"My name is Mazi. I am from Anaheim." she informed him happily.
Odin nodded again, gaze rising as Hena approached him.
Loki had slipped out of the house, but remained on the porch as he watched the two interact. Hena dipped her head down at the king respectfully, following Anaheim's tradition, and Odin inclined his as well.
"I'm Hena Anaheim." she said, smiling.
Odin appeared surprised for a moment "Daughter of Valder and Svleiva." he realized, nodding "Are you here to represent your realm?"
"At this time, yes, but my parents will come here today." Hena replied. She put a hand on the little girl's shoulder "Mazi is my little sister."
Her little sister's eyes widened at the mention of her name and then she turned around and ran towards the house. Loki walked down the steps for her and she hopped up into his arms.
"I can communicate with my father from here, so I will let you know when they are coming." Hena said as Thor arrived beside them. Odin nodded at him and then Hena, so she also turned and walked over to Loki. The king stared at them, eyebrows furrowing, as Mazi climbed up onto his shoulders and then stood up, balancing precariously. She said something with obvious bravado, smiling.
"Have each of the realms been prepared for attack?" Thor asked, peering at him as if wondering if he was listening.
Hena said something to Loki, making him smile. He shrugged and she shook another finger at him. Mazi reached down and said something, so Loki lifted up his hands to help her down.
"Yes." Odin replied, now breaking Thor from watching them "But they have been ordered to keep it subtle as those who have armies ready them."
Thor just nodded this time because after a split second, his father spoke again.
"How long has Hena been here?" he asked, not knowing that this question was going to bring on a larger explanation.
"She came several days ago. And she's been helpful speaking with her parents." Thor replied "As well as many other things. One being that she is able to get Loki to speak more openly about a few more things. It's been useful."
Odin looked over at him, now demanding that more be said. Thor held out a hand towards the woods, very ready to tell him the whole story.
"How long was he there?" the King of Asgard asked, still gazing back after the direction of the house, even though it wasn't very visible from where they were. He was referring to Loki.
"Around 7 months." Thor said, trying very hard to read the emotion on his father's face. But Odin wasn't showing much.
"Are you surprised Valder didn't say anything to you?" Thor asked. If they'd known each other in the past, it seemed only natural that the kings would be courteous enough to let one another know about such things.
"No." Odin replied calmly "Valder and I have not spoken in a long time. We had an agreement not to interfere with each other unless it was dire."
"Why?" Thor asked, curious and confused at the same time.
"Asgard quarreled with them before Valder's rule. The crown was from Svleiva's family and her parents did not have a favorable view of Asgard. Her and Valder have since let go of the grudges, but we don't collaborate as we used to and Heimdall does not look to Anaheim." Odin turned back to him "Now, that is not to say that they shouldn't have sent word that my son was there for seven months. And warn me that someone who betrayed Asgard was still alive and roaming the universe. I doubt they had ill-will behind it, after all, Loki was far old enough to lead his own life. But things could have been different if he had not gone to the dark beings."
"Hena said that Loki was not always the author of his actions." Thor replied.
Odin fell silent after that, eyes narrowed as he stared out at the trees. Thor waited, wondering what he was contemplating.
"Father?" he prompted.
Odin's head turned to him slightly, still quiet.
"What are your thoughts on that?" Thor asked finally. The father and son were close, but the king still held emotional reservations. His complete openness had only been for Frigga and it had been retracted some for others when she died.
Either way, Odin, drew in a deep breath, extending the wait.
"I can't confirm it for myself, but several of the things he did speak to that. It is what I suspected. And I am unsure whether that news should be welcomed or shunned."
The God of Thunder tilted his head, surprised. He would have questioned further into the matter, but Odin spoke again.
"What do you know of their daughter Hena?"
Thor slowly set his hammer on the ground "From what I have seen, she is very kind. She is skilled in magic, but slightly different than the way Loki practices."
"Their family is magical through and through. Genetic, not taught." Odin said. He looked at his son again, searching for more than that.
"Alright, now, focus a little bit more on the cube underneath it, not too much on the sphere you see." Loki said, guiding Hena's arm up gently.
"You mean try to sense that it's still there?" the woman asked, eyes squinted in concentration.
"Correct." Loki replied "Or you'll start to lose the image."
"I see." Hena said. She was staring at a silver sphere that was sitting on the picnic table. It was really a cube, but she was maintaining an illusion over it.
"Good. Good." Loki said, nodding slowly.
They could see Thor and Odin returning from a long way off because the trees were staggered around them. Loki didn't look in their direction, but Mazi waved over excitedly.
"Hena is learning how to make illusions." she called to them.
"Yes, learning." Hena said, her voice strained "I don't think I will ever be able to make a full illusion of myself. Or anything else for that matter."
"You'll be able to, but I will help you until you can." Loki replied.
Odin and Thor continued by, although they were entirely aware of Hena and others next to him.
All of the Warriors were waiting for them closer to the house and that was where the king stopped. Everyone but Banner and Laura had come out to see if Odin would have any immediate words to say. He was giving a long look back at Loki, but it wasn't obvious if he was concerned about the God of Mischief's very relaxed boundaries or something else.
Hena was still holding the illusion steady, although Mazi's excitement seemed to be distracting her. Then, she let it fall entirely and lowered her arm.
"You are very talented." her little sister told her, repeating what Loki had told her several times.
"Thank you." Hena replied. She took the comment seriously, even though her sister was so young "But I could definitely be doing better. I don't know how you taught yourself any of this."
"Not all of it." Loki corrected "And I started with it a lot younger. Besides, you should be happy. You have a magical skill that can never be taught."
"Well." Hena smiled "That is true. Although, there are certainly ways you could read minds for a short time."
Many yards away, there were indeed three Anaheimien guards watching over them. The tallest one, presumably Adden, kept a clear eye on the princess'. Thor had been surprised to see that Adden was even larger than him, although Hena had informed that he did not possess the raw Asgardian strength, let alone the strength that the royal Odin family held.
Mazi ran in his direction and then leaped to slide on the ice. She went several feet before twirling around several times.
"Careful." Hena said it right before the little girl slipped onto her knees. Her older sister winced, but Mazi just carefully stood back up. She looked up at Hena, a bit uneasily, before continuing when she saw that her sister was only concerned, not angry. She ran and raised a foot so she was only gliding on one. Luckily, that didn't cause her to fall like before, but that must have been on her mind because she hopped off a moment later.
"We need more ice on Anaheim." she said, even as she rubbed her arms.
"You do realize that ice is really cold, right?" Hena asked.
"Yes, but Anaheim is warm. We could have both." Mazi argued "Frost giant ice doesn't melt fast."
"You are correct on that." Hena admitted "But I don't think you would like having ice all around. You get cold very easily." she gestured at the little girl, who was beginning to shake from touching the ice. Then her brow creased thoughtfully and she turned to Loki "I have never thought about that. Do you ever get hot? Uncomfortably hot in the sun or warmth? I've never asked you. I feel very selfish. "
Loki shook his head "No. Asgard was nearly always warm. Anaheim isn't much different in that regard."
"Well, I'm glad." Hena said with relief "Seems silly that I didn't think of it before. You never would have told me if you were hot anyway."
"Probably not."
"Oh, Loki...please don't suffer in silence. Ever." Hena put a hand on her forehead anxiously "Always tell me when you don't like something. I can't stand the guilt when I find out later."
"Don't feel guilty. I'm sure I'll survive whatever it is I don't like." Loki replied in amusement.
"No! Not alright. I can't stand it. And I won't." Hena said, shaking her head "Ah! You always have to tell me." she turned away with a deep breath as if already feeling guilty for something she hadn't done. She looked back at Mazi with a sigh "I'm going to go get her shawl."
Loki watched with a hint of surprise, yet still laughter, in his eyes as she left. Mazi was shivering as she stared. She reached up to take Loki's hand as she stepped closer.
"Oh my goodness, Mazi." he said, looking down at her with wide eyes "Your hands are very cold."
"I know, they hurt." she said.
Loki took both her hands and carefully rubbed them between his, trying to get some blood back into them. Mazi huddled in next to him. It wasn't cold out today, but the ice seemed to have gotten to her.
"You are always warm." she said to Loki "Even when it is cold, you are warm."
"Well, I'm glad." he responded.
Thor opened his mouth to call Loki over to their conversation, but stopped when Mazi stepped back from him.
"I am going to move around now." she said. She lifted up her hand to inspect it suddenly, head tilted a bit to the side.
1"Oh, you are bleeding." Loki said in realization. Mazi looked up from where a thin cut seeped just a little bit of blood in between her thumb and pointer finger.
"Yes, it happened on the ice." she said, obviously distracted by the small injury.
"Here." Loki lowered himself down to her height and took her hand again. Carefully, he turned it to the side so that the cut was exposed and let his hand hover above.
"One." he waved his finger lightly across it "Two. Three."
Mazi watched in amazement as the scratch closed, leaving no trace of it behind.
"There." Loki partially smiled at her.
"I didn't know you could do that!" Mazi exclaimed.
"Well, if you were stabbed it might have been a little harder, but things like that I can take care of pretty quickly." Loki said.
"I want to learn that too." Mazi checked. He nodded in return.
As they watched, Thor suddenly realized he hadn't looked at Loki's burn from Red Skull in a while. The blue had mostly faded from his skin, but a lightly red scar remained. Asgardians didn't usually scar from wounds so small. Deep and large wounds would leave a mark behind, but not something like this. Loki hadn't scarred anymore than any other Aesir as a child. It wasn't very noticeable and that made Thor fully aware that there could be other scars he hadn't seen when they first reunited.
"I am going to the trees." Mazi turned around, now fully healed.
"Don't go beyond them." Loki said.
"I won't." she promised "But you need to watch for things anyway."
Loki's eyebrows rose and then fell "Alright. Just scream if something is coming to get you and I can come running."
Mazi nodded affirmatively in his direction, walking closer to the treeline where Red Skull and Loki had fought.
"But don't scream unless you actually need help because then I probably won't come when something actually does happen." Loki said after her with a hint of amusment.
Thor took the chance to call over to his brother. He doubted Loki would join in their discussion, particularly with Odin there, but the hidden frost giant should be there when they made decisions regarding future actions.
The God of Mischief looked back at Mazi for a moment before heading in their direction. He looked a bit reluctant and just as Thor predicted, he stayed about a foot out from his allotted space in the group.
"Loki, you have to make sure no bad people are coming." Mazi said over to him, obviously worried he was shirking his duty. She was waiting expectantly.
"I will watch your back, don't worry." Loki replied. He was partially turned towards her to do just that. Apparently satisfied, the little girl finally began to play.
Hena was just returning as Odin began to speak. She held up the coat to Mazi, but her little sister wasn't watching her now. So she turned to the group to listen. She stood by Loki, although her face was much more attentive.
"Heimdall hasn't seen any foreign beings entering Asgard, but, in reality, others have not either." the Odin said, answering a question from Volstagg "If it were just Midgard, I don't know how much confidence I would have in it. But since it is Anaheim as well, there is cause to be concerned."
Tony blinked at him, his face leaning down as if he couldn't possibly believe that the subject of 'inferior' technology was being brought up again. Hawkeye glanced in his direction, hiding a smile.
"Anaheim has relatively open access to light beings, so we have a way to monitor who comes in and out." Hena said, speaking up without hesitation "Asgard only allows in people through the Bifrost, which my saying is not meant to offend anyone. Because of that, you may have a harder time knowing who is coming and going. You don't have a strictly magical barrier. At least, as far as I know."
"While that is true, we do rely on magic for many of our defenses. It has been sufficient for a long time and I suspect it may be still." Odin replied "Portals opening without a direct energy source is not common, nor easy. As this is not an ordinary enemy, I would not expect their tactics to be ordinary either. Unfortunately, no realm is prepared for something nearly thought to be impossible."
Hena simply nodded in agreement. Without her parents here, she had equal representation with Odin, but she still respectfully listened nevertheless. After all, he'd ruled for a very long time now and she had not at all.
"And, as Asgard does not allow people but through the Bifrost, that could explain why we have not felt any disturbances. But, that may not be the case at all either." Odin continued.
"That is a fair point." Hena replied. She caught Mazi looking over and held up the coat with a beckon.
"It wouldn't explain the reason we are not able to see 'them.'" Thor pointed out.
"That is also true." Odin responded "I am curious to hear Valder's potential explanation."
"He will likely have one now. He doesn't settle on anything he doesn't understand." Hena said.
"I remember." Odin replied with a small dip of his head "I find sorcery would be the best fit."
It was then that Mazi came running towards them, likely to grab her wrap from Hena.
"Watch out! Coming through!" she howled, causing both Odin and Captain America to step back as she ran past.
"Mazi!" Hena hissed sharply after her, one fist swinging down to her side in frustration. The little girl turned back, stopping dead as she stared at her sister nervously.
"She's alright." Odin said calmly, turning back to Thor and the Warriors.
Hena continued looking at her sister for a moment, shaking her head slightly. Mazi beckoned her over with a wave of one hand and Hena sighed.
"I'm sorry, I'll be back. Once again." she said to the others.
Odin looked over with partially narrowed eyes. They weren't cold, but very contemplative. He watched as Hena left and waited until she was far out of earshot before he spoke.
"She's been cursed."
Thor immediately looked at his father, shocked at those words. The others followed suit, but they stayed silent. Then the older son of Odin looked at Loki.
His younger brother didn't say anything for several moments, but it was obvious that Odin was speaking to him and waiting for an answer.
"No." he said finally, his voice flat "Her mother was. But the curse moves on to each person in their family when they are born."
Odin's eyes moved to him, even though Loki wasn't facing his direction. It was suddenly made clear why Hena and Mazi were both so small and fragile. Their diet didn't have anything to do with it. Svleiva was slight, but not in the way that her daughters were.
"Does it still reside in the younger one?" Odin asked.
"No." Loki said again, letting out an almost inaudible bitter breath at speaking to the king "Valder found a way to remove it."
"At great personal cost, I assume." Odin deduced.
"Yes." Loki kept his answers short. Captain America shared a look with Banner, who was the closest to him.
"That is why they only bore two children." Asgard's king continued.
"Then there must be a reason you only ever had one son, right, Allfather?" Loki asked, looking at him coldly "Don't suddenly decide to be concerned with Anaheim. They've done very well without you."
Thor scowled at him. Having just heard a brief lesson on the history of the two realms, he found it very hard not to chastise his brother. Then he realized from the way Loki worded his sentence, he could very well be aware of the existing animosity.
"Valder and I may not associate ordinarily, but you know nothing of the pacts made between our realms." Odin replied, giving him a stern look without acknowledging the invitation to argue.
"They didn't seem to have a need for Asgard's help, now did they?" Loki queried.
"Did not need or did not request?" Odin asked pointedly, ending his sentence an emphasis on the last word.
"Obviously both." Loki replied, eyebrows up as if ready to argue his point further "Valder took care of his own family. That's what he does."
"You seem to be very familiar with him. Perhaps that is not something you should display quite as proudly. Considering the circumstances in which you met him." Odin said, seriously.
"Then don't ask me to explain anything about their children." Loki replied, leaning forward briefly, eyes cold. He took a few steps back, gaze still on his adopted father, before turning all of the way to leave.
"Loki." Odin said, his tone commanding.
The God of Mischief slowed, more out of habit than desire. He didn't turn back to face the king, but spoke from there.
"If you're so concerned about protecting your precious realms, I suggest you speak to Hena about when her parents are arriving. Not me. And, although you're blatantly unobservant, she did go this way. I don't think I need to guide you any further, do I?"
Clearly not caring about any further objection, he continued on his way. Odin watched him with a grave expression.
"How are you aware that she was cursed?" Thor asked him, eyes wandering between the two family members.
"That is something you will learn how to sense in time. They have a different aspect to their persona." Odin replied "Despite Loki's reluctance, that is good knowledge for me to have before I meet with Anaheim's leaders." he nodded towards the house "Follow him. He is correct in saying that Hena's involvement will be important."
Thor didn't understand what he meant by that particularly. Perhaps the fact that Anaheim and Asgard had not always been on good terms was encouraging him to seek out a better relationship with their future queen. Odin waited a moment, allowing Hawkeye to lead the way back up to his home. Him and Thor fell in step behind the mortal.
Hena had confirmed that her parents were coming within the hour. Both Valder and Svleiva were wary of leaving the realm as the unseeable invasions had increased the past few days. But there still had not been any attacks. And, even though everyone doubted the technology's ability to detect these, it helped validate what was happening on both Midgard and Anaheim.
Mazi was currently drinking more lemonade, each cup a bit sweeter than the last. She wasn't shy, but when it came to asking for more of it, she seemed to want Hena by her side.
Her older sister looked outside, both anticipating her parent's arrival as well as watching the guards. She'd relayed Valder's words to Odin, making several of them wish for the simplicity of her way of contacting someone.
Mazi had her cup filled up one more time and she carried it out to the living room carefully. Copper had invited her to a game of hide and seek, although he'd had to explain the rules for her.
"More already?" Hena asked her sister as she approached them.
The little girl nodded earnestly "I love it. Did you try it?"
"I tried a bit. I would probably drink water instead, but I'm glad you like it."
Now Mazi shifted her attention to Loki "Have you tried it?"
He shook his head "No, but that's alright."
"No, try it."
Loki gave another shake of his head, but with less conviction this time.
"Please?" Mazi asked, unhappy with his response.
"I'd rather not." Loki replied, eyebrows furrowed in an uncertain scowl.
"Please, please, please, please?" Mazi begged, holding the cup up to him.
"Oh alright." Loki finally accepted the glass from her. He took one quick sip before returning it to her grasp.
"Good?" Mazi asked eagerly.
He nodded once at her and she took that as a positive response by the look on her face. Her good mood maintained, she spun around to join the three other children by the door.
Loki turned away, his face immediately clenching in disgust. Hena smiled widely at him.
"Obviously not as enjoyable as you indicated."
"Why are you both of you always trying to get me to eat ridiculous things?" Loki asked testily as he rubbed his lips together.
"We aren't. We are just sharing joy." Hena replied lightly. She watched Mazi leave, unsure whether or not one of them should follow her. But all of the kids stopped right at the bottom of the porch.
Cooper started giving instructions for their game, allowing Hena to relax slightly. It appeared that he was going to be the seeker first as he walked around the side of the house, counting loudly under his breath. That would keep Mazi distracted.
"They're taking her back with them to Anaheim today." Hena said. It was said in Loki's direction, but loud enough for the others to overhear.
The God of Mischief glanced over at her "I don't need to ask why, do I?"
"Well, it is partially because of that, but if Asgard and Anaheim collaborate to take action, they want her to be home." Hena replied, which diverted Odin's gaze over to them.
Loki nodded at her, head tilting up as he looked back away.
"And you know my mother," Hena continued, with a shrug "She is most assuredly a mother."
"I do know." Loki said, eyebrows going up even as he faced forward.
At the tone of his voice, Hena let her eyes trail over to scan his face for a hidden meaning "Based on the way you said that, me and my father were correct." she asked.
"Concerning what?" Loki asked a return question.
"You and my mother are going to have a grand altercation someday." Hena's eyes shone as she grinned. Loki looked briefly surprised, but he didn't deny it.
"Elaborate, please." he said.
"I'm not sure there is much more to say. The two of you are both very headstrong, but it's not always prominent. My father has always said that those who are the quietest have the most time to think." Hena replied "Every single time we could sense contention growing between you two, we were ready for a dispute, but neither of you ever acted on it."
"A dispute over what?" Loki asked, wanting a more specific answer as his amusement grew.
"Just a dispute." Hena replied in exasperation "For pride. I warn you, Loki, you may need to let her in on your thoughts. She doesn't appreciate secrecy."
At that, a small smirk appeared on his face, signifying that there was no way that was going to occur.
"I'm serious." Hena said, staring him down "Listen, you can be as sarcastic and witty and stubborn as you want. She will not let that pass. She can be extremely fierce at times. And she will win at any argument." then she backtracked, rethinking her words "But you should not be scared of her either. You should love her. She is one of the kindest people I know."
Loki made no comment on that for a moment, but his face showed that he was fully entertained.
"You do realize we've never even come close to an argument?" he said.
"I know and I don't actually know if it would harm your relationship if you did." Hena laughed under her breath "You're both strong-willed under the skin. With very clever tongues. But it still makes me wary. Please don't seek out confrontation with her now just because I said this."
The edge of Loki's mouth curved up. Now that it was off limits, the likelihood had undoubtedly increased.
"Please?" Hena asked intently. She waited a moment expectantly as he came up with a response. Instead, Loki lowered himself in a deep bow to her, sweeping a hand in front respectfully. She smiled and briefly shook her head as she turned away. She sighed.
"I need to go find Mazi. Have her play closer to the house. Preferably inside."
"I can do that." Loki said, stepping a bit closer to the door "I believe I saw where she went."
"Oh no, don't do that for me." Hena said in dismay. Then she turned all the way after him "But, if you do, then will you tell her that our mother and father will be here fairly soon?"
Loki glanced back at her, eyes full of amusement as he continued on his way. Volstagg did manage to suppress his laugh at her words, but she caught it and looked over. She shrugged in good humor, not embarrassed in the least.
It had been a good fifteen minutes since Cooper had started looking for Mazi. They'd already played several rounds since coming inside and it was already back around to the older boy. He was upstairs now, searching in cupboards, drawers, under beds, but the little girl had hidden well.
Lila and Nathaniel were waiting by Hawkeye, rather bored from following Cooper around. They'd helped for a bit, but become disinterested very quickly.
While they waited, Odin and Thor brought the guards in for reports as well as to brief them. The king had also spoken to the soldiers from Anaheim, namely Adden. Hena had listened rather than interfered, likely because a particular man was only a few feet away. Surprisingly, Loki didn't appear the least bit uncomfortable. He was back to reading his book, standing nearby.
Cooper called for Mazi a few times, telling her to make a sound. When she did, it sounded like she was downstairs, so he came trotting down. He scowled, as he had already looked every place he could think of here.
"Alright, Mazi, I can't find you. You should come out now." he said, looking all around to make sure he saw where she came from.
It was then that Loki gave a very small wave of his hand, eyes never leaving his book. Mazi appeared in the corner of the kitchen, the image of the empty room fading away. Cooper stared in disbelief as she stood up from her huddled position, eyes lit with laughter.
"What?" he demanded. He turned to Loki indignantly, although he was still unsure if it was him or not. He also looked at Hena, but she shook her head.
"That's cheating!" he said, now focusing on Loki.
The God of Mishief raised his eyebrows "There were no rules against it. You should have specified."
"Are you kidding? I didn't know!" Cooper replied, mouth open. He was too young to sense that the God of Mischief was partly being sarcastic.
"Well, I'm not kidding." Loki said, emphasizing the last word as it was phrased differently than Asgardians would have done.
"Why didn't you do that for me when I was hiding?" Cooper asked, now getting a little belligerent.
"You didn't ask me to." Loki replied
"Well, I am now." Cooper said firmly as he stared at the God expectantly.
"No, it won't work now. The secret's out. A trick only works the first time." Loki responded "Unless you're doing it to Thor. Then it works multiple times."
His older brother looked over slightly at the sound of his name, frowning because he didn't hear the context. He'd been talking, so Odin was the one who heard.
"Okay, well, I'm hiding this time." Cooper declared, turning to the other children "Who wants to be 'it'?"
"I don't wanna play anymore. I don't really like hide and seek that much." Lila said with a shrug. Nathaniel looked at her, then his older brother, unsure if it was okay to agree.
"We could play later." he ventured.
Cooper rolled his eyes a bit at them, but silently consented as he walked away. Mazi just went over to Loki and Hena. She still had a big smile on her face, which was rewarded with a small laugh from the God of Mischief.
"I stayed really still." she told him.
"You did. Maybe even more than necessary. I'm impressed." Loki replied.
"I know, I am very good." Mazi said with complete honesty. Hena twisted her mouth slightly at her.
"What are you reading?" the little girl asked, looking at Loki with interest. He leaned the book back to look at the cover even though he already knew.
"The potential thresholds of magical capacity." he said, nodding at her a few times.
"Sounds very nice." Mazi replied "But I wouldn't understand it."
"Not yet, anyway." Loki said.
"Like how much power you can exert before you die?" she asked. He blinked in surprise at her quick understanding.
"That would be a good summary, yes." he said, leaning his head back and forth.
"Interesting. I think my mom would enjoy that as well." Mazi said.
"She would." Hena agreed "But I am assuming that many of those theories could be broken by our family's powers."
"Some. Not all." Loki replied. Mazi took a few steps to her left and then went out the front door, leaning to see something.
Seeing that, Adden excused himself from the conversation to accompany the little girl out. Hena thanked him as he went by and the man nodded kindly at her. For the first time, he and Loki met gazes, but it didn't last long before the soldier was gone. Hena waited, almost holding her breath, when Loki just laughed, looking over at her.
"What?" she asked, voice trembling in unsure amusement.
"Watch him just skulk by." Loki replied, smile still broad.
"He didn't skulk!" Hena protested in shock "But he's not going to stir up any conflict. He handled that very well."
"What was there to handle? He just walked by. Even I could sense the emotions and that's not my talent!" Loki replied.
"Be kind." Hena said sheepishly.
The God of Mischief just glanced down to contain his laughter. Hena watched him warily for a moment, wondering if he could continue, but he didn't.
"Dad?" that was Mazi calling now.
Hena's eyebrows went up "They're not here yet. At least, I didn't think they were."
Similar to Earth, Anaheim used the term 'dad' occasionally, rather than 'father'. It almost seemed to make their speech less severe than Asgard's.
"Dad?" Mazi sounded more impatient this time as she came back towards the house "Dad! Oh...I mean...Loki!"
Hena breathed out quickly and Mazi appeared in the door. Loki glanced up.
"Sorry, I meant you." she said, eyes on the God of Mischief.
He nodded "Yes. I've not been trained to respond to that name."
"I know." Mazi replied "But mother-" she put her hands on her head with a frustrated growl "I mean Hena. Nevermind." she just turned to her sister instead "Will you come play on the ice?"
Not expecting that, Hena's face immediately lost enthusiasm.
"Oh. Well. Not right now if that's alright."
Mazi scowled intently at her, leaning forward to dramatize it.
"Mother and Father are coming soon. I need to be ready." Hena explained.
"For what?" her little sister countered "You don't play as much anymore. You don't help me get away with things either."
"Yes I do." Hena said indignantly, even though that may not have been something that warranted pride.
"But you don't do them with me anymore." Mazi held her furrowed look and went back outside.
"It's easier to get away with things with one!" Loki called after to remind her.
Hena cocked her head at him pointedly and he shrugged.
"We must be great parents." she said "Mother, Father."
"I know." Loki nodded in agreement.
A light on the screen near Tony blinked on and he glanced over.
"Another one?" Hawkeye asked, head tilted.
"Yes, you don't mind if I step out to see this one, do you?" Tony asked, backing up towards the door.
"Is it outside?" Captain America asked.
"Outside, yes. Right outside this house, no." Tony replied "Taking a peek at these things while they're happening might not be such a bad thing."
"You're going to fly out to see it?" Captain America glanced back at Thor "Don't you think that's dangerous? We don't really know what they are."
"I'm sorry, are shimmering lines too scary for you?" Tony held out a hand in his direction "That's all that we're seeing here."
"Then why go see it?" Captain America asked "You said yourself that your machines are very accurate in their readings. There must be something there to watch out for."
"Well, I'm self-centered, right?" Tony asked, fingers pressing on his chest "Might as well act on that and do what I want."
"I've never called you self-centered." Hawkeye pointed out casually "Not to your face."
"It's a whole mind reading process, which, I'm sure only Hena understands." Tony said, circling a finger near his head and pressing his lips together in mock disappointment "Either, way, heading out."
"You might not be happy you went alone if you discover it actually is something." Thor cautioned.
"Oh, I feel you'll be there in spirit, don't you worry." Tony grunted, clicking the screen to zoom in on the spot. A tab opened up with the current live recording that he likely opened up for them to see. Captain America slowly walked out behind him, arms folded.
"Ready to see a party trick?" Tony asked, walking past Mazi. She peered after him curiously, and then turned her attention to the others coming outside. Hena had come, so Loki wasn't far behind. He had a very thoughtful expression right now.
Tony clicked a few buttons on the pad encircled around his wrist and then a full-fledged Ironman suit enveloped him.
"Yep. That's magic." he muttered. He flexed his hands and feet to lift off into the air. He climbed a few feet before the suit stalled and he jerked in place for a moment, the power fading in and out.
"Well, I need a return this and get a refund." he said, struggling to balance.
Hena grabbed one of Loki's hands and kept a firm hold.
"Stop it." she said under her breath, shaking it. The God of Mischief let up his jinx and suddenly Tony had full control of his suit again. He hovered for a moment, briefly untrusting of his own technology, before taking off into the air.
Loki couldn't contain the smile that came over his face. Hena let go of him, sensing his magic was docile again. Odin observed that without comment, but he definitely saw it.
"Hm." Mazi said, thoughtfully "Where is he going?"
"To check on something a distance away." Hena replied, dipping her head.
"I would like to fly. But not in something like that." the little girl informed them.
"I agree." Hena said.
"Wings would be most desirable." Mazi's formal tone suggested she was copying another person's line. Then Volstagg spoke.
"I just feel as though that mortal is going to have a severely shortened life." he said.
Although that was serious all of the other Asgardians, Hawkeye and Black Widow chuckled.
Mazi continued to stare after the machine for a moment and then into the forest. Her eyes lit up and then she hurried over to Hena. She beckoned her down. Her older sister crouched to listen as Mazi whispered into her ear. Several seconds later, Hena scowled. She looked out at the trees, confused.
"Where?" she asked.
Mazi pointed out in the field and Hena squinted.
"I don't see anyone." she said curiously to her.
Those words gained Loki's attention immediately, along with several others. They glanced up as another Ironman suit flew near the house, scanning the area as it did every half hour or so.
"What does she see?" Loki asked, looking out warily at the forest area.
"Are you talking about that?" Hena asked, still very lighthearted as she gestured at the suit in the air.
"No, the girl." Mazi said, glancing up at her sister in irritated confusion.
"Mazi, there's no one there." Hena replied, getting slightly uneasy herself. Unless the little girl was making a joke, this was very unlike her. Odin's head was turned to the side, still peering at them.
Then there was a sudden intense beeping from inside the house. They all turned except for Loki, who was gazing where Mazi had been before.
Banner was only one left in the house and he appeared suddenly in the doorway with a tablet in his hands.
"Guys," he said, glancing up from it slowly and looking past them "One of the surveillance cameras is showing something just a bit outside the house."
"Where?" Captain America asked him, taking a few steps in his direction.
"Out there." Banner pointed just beyond Mazi.
Hena blinked, heading turning immediately back the other direction.
"She is smiling at me." Mazi said, ready to walk out there to investigate. Loki grabbed her arm and carefully pulled her back towards them.
"What are you doing?" Hena asked nervously as Thor and Odin joined the three of them. The Warriors lingered behind.
"Just because we don't see anything does not mean that she cannot." Loki said seriously.
"Is there something there?" Captain America asked lowly.
"Has a portal been opened?" Thor's question overshadowed the soldier's almost instantly and the others waited for an answer to it. Loki just briefly shook his head, grudgingly giving that information as he kept his eyes forward.
"Let me check something." Hena replied, placing a hand on her little sister's shoulder to see her mind more easily. The girl waited silently, a small scowl on her face.
"Would you describe her, Mazi?" Loki asked, his stance suggesting he was prepared to move quickly if he needed to do so.
"She's tall. And she looks kind of like my mother." she responded "Her hair is blonde, but a dark blonde."
"Oh my goodness." Hena said quietly, eyes shocked "Loki. It's your mother."
Odin looked over at her immediately. Thor recognized the same weary expression from when the king had come to Jotunheim to save them. Loki's jaw tightened a little bit. Surprisingly, he did look over at his adopted brother and father, eyes asking a reluctant question.
"What do you mean?" Odin asked, voice tight.
"That is who Mazi can see standing there." Hena replied, breathing slowly as she peered at what she could only see in her sister's mind.
"She's waving." Mazi said and raised her own hand to wave enthusiastically in return.
The Ironman suit that was patrolling around the house came to land on the ground not far from where they were standing. It was facing where Frigga would have been if she were visible.
"This could be the answer to the unknown beings entering the realms." Thor said, taking a few steps forward.
"Thor," Odin began firmly, but Mazi cut him off.
"She says stop." the little girl said quickly "She is holding up a hand."
Thor blinked and looked back at Odin, completely bewildered.
Mazi looked up at Hena questioningly "How come you can't see her?"
"I don't know." Hena replied, distracted.
"She still looks happy." Mazi said, tilting her head "But she doesn't want you to come closer. She is telling you to stay where you are."
"What does that mean?" Thor asked. It was to Odin or Loki, whomever could answer the question. His brother's face was pulled back in a reserved expression. He was still in a vaguely protective position.
The beeping still hadn't stopped from inside the house, indicating that the alarm was still being triggered by something.
"She's white and partially transparent." Hena said slowly "She does not look like an ordinary person." She could see the woman clear as day in Mazi's mind, just not with her own eyes. Frigga was beautiful. Her dress was light blue with silver armor across the chest and back and she was smiling as if she would never stop. Then, she lifted a hand and pressed it to her lips before extending it back out to them in a gesture of respect.
"She is saying goodbye now." Mazi said, sounding slightly disappointed "She's waving to everyone." then the little girl herself smiled "I think she thinks I am funny. She is laughing."
Nobody cracked a smiled, least of all the former queen's immediate family. Mazi waved back at the empty field again.
"Now she is gone." she said. She looked up at Hena and Loki, eyes blinking innocently "I did see her."
"I don't doubt it." Loki said, voice hushed.
Hena silently motioned for Adden to take Mazi closer to the house and he did so without interfering in the conversation.
"But this is to our advantage, is it not?" Thor demanded, unsure as to why the mood was quite so solemn.
Loki slowly looked at him with narrowed eyes.
"What in the hell makes you think that this is actually her?" he asked with quiet anger "Did our experience retrieving the scepter teach you anything?"
Thor looked at him, obviously recalling the moment where Loki had brutally prevented him from soaring right into Thanos' hands.
"And you think this could be the same?" he asked.
"Unless she's come to you before." Loki replied with a hint of bitterness "They will use her against you. Do not put faith in everything you see." he nodded towards the field "Or what others see."
"What occurred when you recovered the scepter?" Odin spoke now, his adament voice making Loki tense. He refused to look over.
"Let Thor tell you." he growled.
"Perhaps you should." Odin replied.
Loki shot him a glare and then Hena interjected.
"The beings that attacked tried to entice Thor and the scepter into a portal." she said, knowing perfectly well what had happened "They replicated Frigga's voice to do so."
Loki added nothing to that, although Odin's gaze still hovered on him. Hena's eyes shifted between the two of them for a moment, letting out a small breath.
"Loki saw through it and I did not." Thor said, which was considerate, given the circumstances "But this doesn't seem to be quite the same. She wasn't visible. To anyone."
Loki sniffed in scornful amusement as he shook his head ever so slightly. He tilted his head to look at Thor "I realize this will affix me to the line of suspects, but creating and maintaining an image as such is not a difficult thing to do."
"But she was only visible to one person." Thor said.
"And with a slightly different incantation, I could do the same." Loki replied definitively.
"I saw something similar to this not long ago." Thor said slowly "One of mother. I believe it was truly her."
"When?" Loki asked the question as if it didn't matter because the fact simply wasn't true.
"Not long after we came here." Thor said.
"It is very easy to manipulate what just passed." Loki replied.
"Then what do you suggest?" Odin asked with a hint of reprimand in his tone, but also openness to an answer. Hena peered at the God of Mischief.
"This is dark magic at work." she said.
"Darkness has a distinctive mark. This did not." Odin replied.
"Respectfully, if our sense of sight is blinded, others maybe too." Hena said. Loki eyes remained on the ground, jaw moved to the side.
"I acknowledge that." Odin responded gravely.
Hena glanced back where the woman had been, but differently this time.
"Avert your eyes." she said, raising a hand as if to block something "My parents are here."
I am SO excited for this next chapter! SO SO excited! I hope that you liked this one! PLEASE review! :D