Hi guys! I apologize for the delay in updating. I wanted to have this chapter all in one long huge one, but that would take about another 2 months. So, here you are with this portion! Happy Thanksgiving week, you guys!
Thor stood outside the palace, watching the crowd as they funneled through columns extending from the public throne. His friends were a short distance away. All of Asgard was celebrating the triumph over Thanos and the whole realm was abuzz. Each of the Nine Realm's representatives was coming as well as many of the outlying realms near Anaheim. Members of Valder and Svleiva's families were accompanying them as well. Though Earth technically did not have an official leader for them, Thor had invited his friends back to Asgard. Odin had given him permission to do so. They had arrived a little while ago and Thor could now seem them making their way up towards the palace.
For the first time in a long time, every one of them looked happy and relaxed. They were talking to one another as they observed the entire excited realm around them. Laura had accompanied Hawkeye this time as well as all of their children. Cooper and Nathaniel were pulling a large black bag with them every step of the way. Lila, much to Thor's dismay, was still looking very timid and unaware of her surroundings.
"It is so much more lively here this time." Tony said as they came within earshot.
"Well, there is much more to celebrate." Thor replied with a smile.
"This castle is even bigger than Mazi's." Nathaniel said, his voice full of disbelief. Hawkeye chuckled.
"How's Loki?" Laura asked, head tilted to the side. The others joined her with questioning looks. The last they'd seen of him, he'd been unconscious on board the Asgardian transport. Thor had updated them once several days ago, but other than that they had heard little.
"I actually haven't seen him since he woke up." Thor replied, eyes flicking over to his Asgardian friends coming over "But, if he is allowed to leave Eir's watch, he would have to be doing well."
"Good." Laura smiled. She looked down at her two boys, who were nearly bursting with excitement "Well, the boys have something to give everyone."
"We got everyone stuffed animals." Nathaniel blurted out, making Cooper scowl over at him for stealing his moment.
"We couldn't help it." Laura said, grinning almost sheepishly "They were too excited at the store. And, of course, stuffed animals were what they decided on."
"We picked them out for everybody." Cooper declared.
"I got the best one, sorry. Mine was a monkey." Tony told Thor smugly.
Hawkeye held back a laugh as Nathaniel gave the billionaire a scornful look, showing he disagreed with that statement.
"Yours is the lion." Cooper said, handing Thor the small animal. The God of Thunder accepted it with a raise of his eyebrows and then a smile.
"We also got them for Mazi and Hena too. Are they coming?" Nathaniel asked as his older brother proceeded to hand out stuffed animals to the Warriors.
"They arrived shortly after you. They should be nearly to the palace." Thor said, still looking at his new gift.
"I expect you to carry that around everywhere you go now, just like your hammer." Tony said with a nod.
"I'm sure that would only make me more intimidating." Thor responded. He glanced at his Asgardian friends, who were smiling just like him before he addressed another person in the group.
"It is good to see you...back to human form, Banner." he said.
The scientist, standing silently just behind Tony, grimly intoned in agreement.
"I don't remember a lot of what happened. Apparently we saved the universe in the space of a few days."
"The old man doesn't even remember anything past when Thanos came to Earth and invited everyone to his home." Tony said "So, despite him literally saving probably hundreds of billions of lives, he doesn't get to take credit for it."
"You just transformed back and had no idea that any of it happened?" Volstagg asked. He shrugged "Honestly, that could be for the best."
"I agree, I really didn't want to have to clear my mind of anything they might have been doing to me while I was unconscious. Though, the thought of Hulk being cloned is a bit..."
"I'm sure we'll be addressing that at some point." Captain America said.
"But today is for celebration, as Thor properly pointed out. And I brought the anti-depressants just in case." Tony reminded them.
"There's Mazi!" Cooper announced. Immediately, he went to dig in the bag and pulled out a stuffed Siamese cat.
Thor watched as the Anaheimien family approached. Behind him, of which he was unaware, Odin had made an appearance. He stopped beside his son. Gungnir was not in his grasp.
Mazi was several paces in front of her parents, eyes wide as she looked all around. When she had come there the week previous, her only concern had been for Loki. Now she was fully aware of her surroundings.
"Wow." she exclaimed.
"Stay close, please." Svleiva reminded her steadily.
"I am." Mazi protested "But I want to see Loki."
"He will be out shortly." Odin said to her and she switched her attention to him.
"I will be good in your realm." she said, giving him a overly proper raise of her chin.
The Asgardian king couldn't help but smile and with an amused intake of breath, he replied.
"I don't doubt it, little one."
As Hawkeye's boys ran over to Mazi, Thor couldn't help but stare at Hena. Her hair was partly done up in intricate braids and the rest of it left to lay over her back in wavy curls. The dress she wore was turquoise with short sleeves just barely reaching over the shoulders. Her face was beautifully decorated. And, she smiled as if she would never stop. Although she had always been elegant previously, Thor could see that she had dressed especially for this occasion.
"How is everything in Anaheim today?" Odin asked, stepping to greet Valder.
"Very well, actually. Most of what needs to be repaired is being tended to already. Our citizens have recovered well."
"That is good news." Odin said with a dip of his head.
"Mother, look!" Mazi said in a high-pitched squeal. She hurried over to show Svleiva her stuffed animal. The woman grinned and she momentarily held the toy.
"And this is for you." Nathaniel said, not to be outdone by Cooper. He held out a white wolf to Hena.
"Oh my goodness, thank you." she said with few surprised blinks.
"It is white like an angel. So I picked it for you." the boy explained.
Hena put a hand over her chest at the sweet words.
"Thank you, Nathaniel, that is so kind."
"How is Loki doing?" Svleiva asked the same question as Laura, but the query was directed at the king this time "Has he come out yet?"
"He recovering well, though the healers were not pleased at how quickly he broke out of the healing spell. He's doing further tests right now." he shook his head slightly in irritation "The poison is still there. No matter how often they remove it, it regrows. But, Eir should give him the clearance to leave soon."
Hena smiled without consciously meaning to do so.
"Hey, whoa, real cats too." Hawkeye said, edging one foot towards his sons' bag of gifts. A cat bigger than any of the stuffed animals was investigating near their feet and another small one was just a few yards away.
"Sorry, those are ours." Hena said. She grinned in humor "Mazi has been a bit more attached to them since the battle. And, if we let them, they'll just follow us anywhere. You're welcome to ignore them if you are not fond of cats."
"Are you worried they'll get lost?" Laura asked, watching as one of the animals began to walk away.
"No, they come when called. And, they usually do not go too far." Hena replied, still listening to the other conversation being had next to them.
"Did you tell Loki the council's decision?" Thor asked, realizing he didn't know.
"Well, if I talked to him for as long as I did and neglected to mention that, I'm certain you need to take over the role of king very quickly." Odin responded dryly.
"You had not said anything about it yet." Thor said in offense.
"So...what was the decision?" Captain America asked. Odin turned his raised eyebrow away from his son. He had already reached out to Hena and her parents about the subject.
"He will have one hundred years of confinement to Asgard and Jotunheim. There will be no travel elsewhere unless a dire situation arises. Nor will he have the powers or responsibilities of a prince."
Laura's eyes nearly popped out of her head.
"One hundred years?" she asked in shock.
"Well...you should probably remember that one hundred years is not as significant to him as it would be to you." Odin said mildly.
The woman's face immediately fell to realization "Right, right, you guys live longer and everything."
"It is little compared to what he had before." Odin continued, voice calm.
"Good, I'm happy for him." Laura said genuinely.
"Yes...I can say the same." Captain America added, nodding.
The king nodded appreciatively.
"If I may, Odin, I will speak with both you and your advisors soon regarding that." Svleiva spoke up, looking at him directly.
"You may, yes. But, be forewarned that they are very set on their decision. Any case you may make will likely not change their minds." Odin warned her.
"I am aware, but I may be the exception. Even without employing my motherly skills." Svleiva said, with vague amusement. It quickly faded "During the battle, I was able to look into the memories of many of Thanos' servants as well as Thanos himself. There are things that you should be aware of. And I will present them."
Odin's eyes flashed in recognition of what she was saying.
"Yes. Come tomorrow. We will convene prior to Loki's interrogation." he said. She nodded.
Thor was going to ask to be present as well, but Svleiva looked solemn enough that he stayed quiet.
"What happens during the interrogation?" Hena asked, interest piqued.
Odin drew in a silent breath and inclined his head in her direction "The council members will question him about every event in the past three years. Back until the few weeks prior to Thor's intended coronation. Loki must answer every question as truthfully as he can. If he cannot or will not answer a question, he must provide a reason for not doing do. It is a rather grueling session and can last for several hours. They question minor details to find discrepancies. Granting a pardon such as his requires this. While I do find this necessary and helpful generally, I think that having it follow so soon after his waking is rather callous."
"They will not delay it?" Svleiva asked.
"Not further. They wanted to have the meeting tonight, but I refused. It is understandable that they would like to complete it as soon as possible, though it will not serve them if he is not in well enough condition."
"Are others allowed to observe or be with him during it?" Hena queried.
"If I allow so, yes. But, observe is truly all they can do. I am not allowed to speak during the meeting other than to provide details when asked. I cannot help, accuse, nor defend him at any point."
"Would I be welcome?" Hena asked.
Odin didn't smile, but his expression suggested he doubted she would be able to do all that was required "If you believe you can maintain a strict silence the entire time. Any breakage of this and it would reflect poorly on the success of the interrogation."
"Are they unfair in their questioning?" Hena already sounded concerned.
"No, but they are thorough. And, where Loki tends to withhold, it may be difficult. It will be an ordeal. Loki has final say on who has entrance."
"When is he coming?" Mazi whined up at her father, leaning to hang on his arm.
"I don't know. As soon as my daughter learns to be patient." Valder replied smartly.
"I am very patient!" Mazi objected indignantly.
"I did not say which daughter I was referring to." Valder pointed out.
"Yes, but we all know Hena is patient." the little girl folded her arms.
"Maybe I was talking about her because I know you are very patient." Valder suggested, tilting his head.
"I'm not being patient at all right now." Hena added, excitedly shaking her mother's arm.
"Oh, so you must learn." Mazi said, looking at her sister pointedly.
Valder pressed his lips together to keep his laugh silent.
"Speaking of the council members, Thor." Odin said, his voice low to keep his words a bit more private "Have you completed your written report of the battle for them?"
After a war, particularly ones that included more than one realm of their side, the princes were expected to give a summary and written account of the events that happened in it. Ideally, it was done immediately after any needed medical treatment was provided to ensure that the details were as correct as possible. The king had repeatedly reminded him the first few days, knowing that the intensity of the battle might have thrown off routine.
Thor did not say anything right off, but his face answered the question.
"No...?" he said quietly.
His father's eyebrows furrowed into a scowl.
"Loki has been awake for less than four hours and his is already done. And his would have been more complex. What is your excuse?"
"How can Loki do one?" Thor asked in protest "I thought he couldn't act as prince yet."
"No, but he IS the representative of Jotunheim." Odin responded.
"Oh. Well...I'll...I'll go do it." Thor said, pointing in the general direction of the palace.
"As much as I enjoy your enthusiasm, Eir is here, which means Loki should be following." Odin said with a nod behind him.
Thor's eyebrows shot up. Hena brightened instantly as the healer made her way over.
"Eir." Odin greeted her "How is he?"
"Better for the moment." she said, her mellow tone making many of the people listening frown "The poison reacted poorly to the extraction this time. It was difficult to do. Each removal leaves him very exhausted and this time was no different. Fortunately, his recovery from it was quick. As of right now, I have to monitor it every few hours."
With a glance at her parents, Hena blinked in worry. From the sound of his condition, she wondered if they would even be able to see Loki at all today.
"May we analyze it? Perhaps we have someone who would know more details regarding it." Valder asked, concerned.
"Absolutely, I would be most grateful." Eir replied. Then she spoke to the group again "I came to speak to you all before he makes his way out here. He has experienced a severe amount of trauma over the past month, as you're all aware. And, unfortunately, that extended well beyond the physical side. Though he is doing far better than I expected, that does not negate any of the past few weeks. He will be reactive to sudden movements and sounds for a while." she sighed "I need him to rest so that he can recover, so I ask that you do your best to be sensitive. Be gentle with him. If he flinches, don't react to it. Be understanding, but yet, on the other side, do your best to act normal in his presence. He does not need to be patronized or coddled."
Thor listened, his unease growing by the second. She spoke as if Loki was going to collapse at any moment. Her words had come so easily before that it was odd to see her pause for a moment.
"Lastly, Loki needs to gain weight. He's lost a significant amount recently. I have a meal plan to have him do so. Frankly, after this ordeal, he should be craving food more than ever, but he has taken in little food since he woke. Partly, I imagine, because of the damage to his throat. That will continue to heal. I will need help in monitoring what he eats to make sure he actually does eat it. There are to be no fruits or vegetables in his diet right now. Nothing light or extremely filling without providing calories. And he should avoid anything that contains spice. I do not want to aggravate his throat any further. You may notice that his voice is a bit raspy right now, which is unfortunately just how it will be. Preferably anything he drinks needs to have calories, but I also want him to drink enough, so he may have water if he needs it. He needs to be taking in a minimum of six thousand calories a day."
"Six thousand?" Hawkeye checked, as if he misheard.
"Yes." Eir smiled slightly "You are mortal, so that amount may seem high. Loki will need that much simply to gain a few pounds a week. He has a lot of healing to do. And, especially as a Frost Giant, he needs to consume a lot of calories to maintain. Right now, this poison is sapping away energy every minute. Truthfully, I may even have to increase the amount. He is purely muscle, skin, and bone right now. He has always been slight, but not like this." she looked in between Valder, Odin, and Svleiva with a hint of a grin "I am saying this here because I need Loki to be accountable. I was not aware that he was close to this family in Anaheim, but that may be an advantage. He will definitely need a mother on watch. Not to offend the fathers here."
"I will be happy to help." Svleiva replied without a pause.
"Thank you. He was dressing when I left. He'll be out shortly." the healer dipped her head respectfully and left the group.
"Six thousand calories?" Hawkeye muttered once she was gone.
"Are you jealous, Barton?" Tony asked.
"It's definitely not something I would complain about." Hawkeye responded honestly.
"I think once you tried it, you may not be as eager." Svleiva said and he shrugged in disbelief.
"Now, Mazi, listen to me." the queen lowered herself down to her child's level "Loki was very injured during the battle. We need to be careful around him so we do not make it worse. No yelling or jumping at him. You need to be as calm as you can."
"Okay, I will not be rambunctious." Mazi said determinedly. Valder smiled.
Hena, on the other side of her father, was looking anxious after the healer's announcement. She was opening her mouth to say something, but kept rethinking it.
"Do not be worried; he is much more lively than Eir portrayed." Odin said, noticing her restlessness "She only wants us to be cautious because he will hide any fragility very well."
"Too well." Hena replied, sounding peeved.
"Did you hear Svleiva, boys?" Laura asked them. They both looked up, gazes blank.
"No rough-housing around Loki. At all. Got it? And don't go jumping at him from behind again."
"We don't catch him anyway." Nathaniel said, as if his mother didn't understand.
"Yes, but don't try." Hawkeye reiterated dryly.
"I'm giving him his stuffed animal." Cooper said and Nathaniel immediately protested.
"Nuh uh, that's not fair, Cooper!"
"You gave it to Hena."
"You got to give yours to Thor." Nathaniel countered.
"I picked Loki's out at the store." Cooper said, mouth open indignantly.
"Stoppppp." Hawkeye irritably pushed the two of them apart by putting one hand flat on each of their faces "You can give it to him at the same time. And Cooper, I do mean the same time."
The older son scowled in frustration at having already been caught in the plan he hadn't executed.
"Boys argue too much." Mazi commented.
"Mazi." Svleiva warned with a scolding look.
"Hena and I don't argue this much." Mazi pointed out honestly.
"Lila doesn't argue either. Girls never do." Cooper said scornfully.
"Wait till high school buddy." Tony said before glancing at Hawkeye "Do you homeschool them?"
"I don't." Hawkeye replied.
"But they're homeschooled. By the parent who is home. All the time." Tony finished.
Laura grinned slightly, trying not to laugh.
Hawkeye breathed out loudly in frustration "Thank you, Tony, you're a really supportive friend. Just so you know."
"How long have we known each other? It just gets better."
"I think I need a break from you."
"Too much testosterone?" Tony asked.
"No, just too much you."
Thor listened to them banter, rolling his eyes. He disliked their arguements here on Asgard. Particularly in front of his father, even though Odin largely ignored their comments. The king's attention was elsewhere at the moment. Thor realized that his brother had emerged from the palace, stopping to talk to Eir as she passed.
"He's here." he said, alerting the others.
Mazi immediately let out a long shrill shriek. Both of her parents looked at her, expressions exasperated and sharp, but the little girl had already covered her mouth in horror at having done the exact opposite of what they'd asked just moments before.
But, Loki just glanced over from his conversation with a small, laughing smile, not the least bit affected.
"Sorry." Mazi whispered to her parents, teeth pressed together uneasily.
"It's alright, just try not to do that." Svleiva said steadily, remaining patient.
"I am so happy to see him...walking." Hena's eyes were so excited, it was surprising she hadn't bolted over. Instead, she just stared in relief "He looks like he's doing well."
"My goodness, I was thinking the exact opposite. Oh dear, just look how thin he is." Svleiva said, her expression the exact opposite of her daughter's as she took in the view.
Hena pulled her head back in shock at her mother's words "Well, I mean, he does look thin, but..."
"No, no, sorry, I am not saying he doesn't look better." Svleiva assured her even though her face showed differently "He looks incredibly well after what he went through, I just...he is so very thin."
"Well, then we will get him to eat." Hena responded determinedly. Then she let out a small, nervous whimper as she finally ran forward.
Loki had finished speaking with Eir and only walked a few paces before she came to give him a hug. Mazi looked up at her parents for permission to do the same, but Valder gently held her back for a moment.
As soon as they pulled apart, Hena looked earnestly up at Loki's face.
"I'm sorry." she said breathlessly, trying to express a week's worth of withheld emotion all at once "I never meant to infer that you were weak or that your pain wasn't valid when I said there was a reason I didn't find you on a throne there on Midgard."
Loki's face, which had been completely distraught as she unexpectedly apologized, cleared to realization.
"I-"
"No, no, listen. All I meant is that I know you are a good person. I didn't mean to mock you or make you feel inferior. You need to know this. I shouldn't have said it the way I did and I'm sorry."
"You spent the last few weeks feeling guilty for that?" Loki asked, feeling remorseful himself at the moment.
"Yes, because I know that it hurt you and it was not meant that way. I would prefer to apologize if I hurt you."
Loki tilted his head, mouth pressing together at her tender words.
"Well, thank you." he said, smiling lightly "That is a very kind gesture."
"Good. It is supposed to be." Hena told him adamently, before smiling as well "Are you feeling alright? At least for how you could be?"
Loki nodded "Yes, although I am certain Eir won't be letting me out of her sight anytime soon."
"Definitely not. Nor should she."
"Loki!" Mazi said excitedly, doing her best to suppress her emotions just as her parents requested.
"Well, hello, Mazi." Loki replied.
She walked over swiftly and laughed as he picked her up.
"You have been sleeping for a long time."
"I know, nobody came to wake me up." Loki said with an incredulous shrug.
Mazi raised her chin suspiciously "Hmmm...you are trying to trick me. No one was supposed to wake you up."
"Maybe they were." Loki countered.
"No." she shook her head definitively. He laughed quietly before setting her down.
"I am glad to see that you are feeling better." she said properly. Loki nodded at her in amusement. Immediately, Cooper and Nathaniel went up to him together.
"This is for you." the younger brother had the privilege of announcing it for them.
"Oh my goodness, gifts?" Loki asked, eyebrows risen high as they handed him the stuffed animal of a black wolf.
"Yes, I picked it out. I picked a wolf because they are quiet and they can still do lots of things, but they also like to be alone and do what they want." Cooper said, doing his best to explain clearly.
"Oh...wow. I think this child knows me better than anyone else here." Loki said, with an impressed look at Hena.
"It sounds like it." Svleiva commented. She smiled mildly before embracing him as Hena had.
"I know that everyone will be asking, but how are you?" she asked, scrutinizing him.
"Considering I've been asleep for over a week, I should say I'm feeling marvelous." Loki responded, with just a hint of sarcasm.
"But, are you?" Svleiva pressed.
"Not quite marvelous I suppose. Far better than I was after the battle." he responded, amused.
"You look better too." Thor said honestly, examining him briefly. He could tell his brother was still weaker than normal.
"Oh, well, thank you." Loki replied, sounding as dry as Odin had a few moments ago.
"I'm being truthful." Thor immediately defended himself, though his tone smiled.
"Do you love it?" Nathaniel checked adamantly, returning the attention back to the present.
"Oh, yes, very much." Loki responded "I know right where I can put him."
"They protect you at night if you sleep with them." Nathaniel informed him. Then he turned to Cooper and Mazi as the princess spoke.
"Are we allowed to go explore?" she asked, looking at her parents quizzically.
"Stay nearby for now, but you may play." Svleiva answered. Mazi made a brief face, but she did as her mother asked.
Loki laughed under his breath. He reached over and gently placed his stuffed animal on Hena's head. She reached up to take hold of it with a smile as Captain America opened his mouth to speak.
"It's good to see you on your feet." he said, briefly giving a handshake to the God of Mischief.
"It's better up here." Loki responded.
"You stuck out that battle for a long time. And a few other things too." Captain America commented. He nodded appreciatively "Thank you for that."
Loki vaguely smiled at the ground and drew in a deep breath as he looked up.
"You know, I don't think you and I will ever be friends. But if someone like Red Skull shows up on Midgard again, let me know. I'll be the first one there."
Captain America's eyebrows went up and then he smiled knowingly at the one thing they could relate to "Will do."
Up close, Loki looked much more worse for wear, but his eyes were bright and alert. He continued to hold himself in his familiar upright and proper posture.
"Eight days in the healing room. I think that may be the record among all of us." Fandral said to him.
Loki sniffed in humor "Yes, I imagine it is. I don't recommend it very highly." he glanced at Valder and Svleiva "How is Anaheim?"
"Recovering and rebuilding well." Valder said "The extent of the damage looked far worse during the battle fortunately."
"Honestly, my memory of it is a bit...blurry, so I can't really gauge what the realm must look like."
"Your memory is blurry? How far beyond Thanos dying do you remember?" Thor asked, eyebrows up.
"Well...how long were we there after mother left?" Loki asked "That's about where it cuts off."
Thor's eyes shot open and he looked over at Odin in disbelief.
"We were there a good half of an hour following." the king responded, resisting the urge to shake his head in exasperation.
"Yes, I do not remember any of that ." Loki replied plainly.
Thor rolled his eyes "You collapsed a second time. And then we had to transport you here to Eir before you bled out."
"I collapsed a first time?" Loki asked.
"Oh my hell." Thor said and most of the people surrounding the God of Mischief just stared incredulously.
"I am joking." Loki responded in amusement, making Thor scowl "I remember everything else in the battle other than coming back here."
"Are you sure about that?" Thor asked.
"Yes, I clearly remember more than you, as you still haven't made your report to the council." Loki's eyebrow rose.
"And having yet another reminder will absolutely make it happen sooner." Thor sounded far more peeved than normal. He sent a resentful look toward Odin, whom he could tell was trying not to smile.
"Oh, pardon me, I didn't realize you were so overburdened." Loki shifted his attention pointedly.
"There has been more than enough for me to focus on. Pardon me if one of them isn't the unnecessary duty of telling my side of the battle to the council." Thor said.
Loki glanced over at Odin in dubious surprise. The king simply listened, one hand near his mouth.
"Not that it's unnecessary." Thor corrected, becoming flustered.
"No, no of course not." Loki agreed.
"Besides, if your memory is so blurry, how could you have written a report? I don't imagine it would be very accurate."
"It did coincide very well with every other recounts given thus far, so I must remember something." Loki retorted smugly.
"Oh, good for you. How wonderful it must be to have such perfect punctuality for the council." Thor came right back.
"Alright." Odin said. His voice was very tame but it still made the two men stop talking.
"As normal as this is, we should probably remember that we're among other realms." he continued mildly.
Loki looked around for a moment, making sure that everyone around them was from either Midgard, Anaheim, or Asgard.
"I actually think that all of the relationships here were created on the basis of Thor and I not getting along." he whispered loudly.
"No they weren't." Thor protested and Loki rolled his eyes this time as the older prince only continued to substantiate their father's words.
"I'm not concerned with that, just hush." Odin let a small warning enter his tone. Thor reluctantly fell silent.
"What instructions did Eir give you upon leaving?" Svleiva asked the God of Mischief.
"Oh far too many things." he replied "I'm honestly not certain how she expects me to do all of them."
Svleiva eyebrows furrowed at his flippant tone and Valder looked down to hide a smile.
"You do realize that you were lying on death's door-and still might be as a matter of fact-only a week ago?" she asked in shrill concern "You must listen to her. Until we find an antidote for whatever toxin is in your blood, you're still in danger."
"I'm well aware. I suppose Eir came and explained everything I was to do for my physical healing? I'm mildly offended by that." Loki replied.
"She was inclined to do so. Both I and the other healers reported how you acted during the battle." Odin said, referring to his Frost Giant son covering up the horrid wounds he had received prior to the war on Anaheim.
"We all know that I would have been withheld from the battle if I had revealed my condition." Loki retorted.
"Correct. As you should have." Odin replied.
"It should not worry you whether she told us if you intend to follow her directions." Svleiva added "Otherwise, I'm sure we are all here to help."
"How wonderful." Loki's sarcastic tone earned a 'mother-look' from the queen.
"Daddy!" Mazi voice called expectantly.
"Yes, Mazi?" Valder asked patiently. Loki had turned at the same moment as him, eyebrows up. He exhaled in a laugh and leaned towards Hena slightly.
"She accidently called me that once and I am forever trained."
She broke into a smile, glancing up at him. The little girl in question came hopping over to her father and mother.
"How far can I go without getting in trouble with you?" she asked candidly. Valder shut his mouth instantly, trying hard not to show humor at their daughter's genuinely serious question. Svleiva, on the other hand, only looked upset.
"Mazi, you're not going to be punished for going farther, I just would prefer that you stay nearby. Where I can see you."
"Yes, but how far?" the princess repeated.
"Someone sounds like they're up to something." Valder said dryly "Don't make us set that limit. Just go and play and we'll tell you when you need to come back."
"I want to explore, but I don't want to get in trouble." Mazi remained adamant.
Her father widened his eyes in irritation "Fine. Don't go past the stairs over there. And do your best to stay in sight."
Mazi turned to view her new territory and let out a deep breath.
"Okay." she agreed, beginning her return to the other children. Svleiva shook her head in exasperation.
"She is so consequence driven. I simply do not understand."
"It probably didn't help that Hena came first either." Valder said, giving a playful look at his older daughter before returning his attention to his queen "Mazi is very obedient, which is why she asked for a set rule."
Svleiva blinked in frustration.
"I can relate to what she wanted. She needs a boundary." Loki said in amusement "Then she knows exactly what she can categorize as good and bad. And...so she can test that boundary. She wants the restrictions clearly set.
"Yes, but if the rules aren't set, wouldn't you take advantage of that?" Svleiva asked honestly "I know I personally wouldn't have and I don't want her to, but that seems far more logical."
"But she doesn't want consequences, or to disappoint you, and she knows that there IS a unspoken rule somewhere in your mind." Loki paused before continuing "And she's eight."
Svleiva tilted her head at him and Valder winced.
"Oh, thank you for your superiority regarding raising my children. Would you like to do it for me?" the woman asked.
"No, no." Loki responded innocently. He held out both hands in a gesture towards Hena "Obviously I think you have done a fantastic job."
"Obviously." Svleiva replied, unconvinced by his attempt to redeem himself. Valder and Hena shared a familiar look regarding the near arguement, though the older princess was mildly blushing from Loki's comment.
"She is welcome to roam out here. I highly doubt she will get into anything. There are guards posted in most areas of the outer palace." Odin said, trying to assure the younger queen.
Svleiva nodded "I do not think she would create trouble, I would just prefer she stayed near for the next few days. She doesn't realize how great of danger she was in during the battle."
Odin dipped his head in agreement. Thor glanced down at the woman's stomach briefly. He had not thought of that when she arrived, but her pregnancy still appeared to be going well.
"That is for the best." Valder reminded his wife lightly.
"I know, but it does make it harder to explain to her."
"Cooper is in a similar phase in his life right now." Laura briefly commiserated with the queen "But he simply assumes the rules don't apply to him. Mazi was an angel at our house."
Svleiva smiled briefly "I am happy to hear that."
The group fell into a brief silence, other than the children talking and playing behind them. Mazi was dutifully a staying in view. Cooper had suggested tag and all of the children, including Volstagg's, were joining in.
"Volstagg, Fandral, Hogun, and Sif if you would excuse yourselves come with me, there is something we need to discuss." Odin said without warning, making the Warriors freeze. He inclined his head to the left.
The four of them then immediately responded with nods and began to walk in the direction he indicated. Thor frowned and then glanced at Loki as their father walked away. His brother shrugged.
"Don't look to me. I haven't any idea."
"He sounded serious." Thor commented, his own tone a bit worried.
"Yes, he did." Loki agreed, unconcerned. For a few moments, the God of Thunder just watched his friends depart. He blinked in irritation, hoping he would get answers later.
"How many realms border Anaheim?" he asked, now watching numerous realm leaders he did not recognize make their way to the larger gathering outside the right side of the palace.
"Well, very few, but there are many that are further away that we consider our allies." Valder responded "If you would like us to introduce you to each of them during the banquet, we would be more than happy to do so."
Thor nodded. It was best that he started getting to know the realms beyond the Nine. Odin already seemed to have a rapport.
"For now, I think that is where my wife and I should be." Valder continued "Hena, will you keep an eye on Mazi?"
Their older daughter nodded affirmatively and the king and queen excused themselves to go and greet the newcomers.
"Is Lila doing alright?" Hena spoke to Laura now, head tilted. Their little girl didn't look over at her name. She was busy playing tag with the others.
Laura hesitated and Hena's eyebrows creased. The child was noticeablely still subdued.
"I don't know. She wasn't physically hurt anywhere that we know of. The doctors on your planet couldn't find anything that would...cause this. She might just be recovering from whatever trauma happened. She kind of seemed to get better when we went home, but..." she sighed "It's like her whole personality changed."
As she spoke, Loki watched Lila, somber and contemplative.
"We can take her to Eir. She may be able to come up with a solution." Thor offered "She is our royal healer here. She has served in that position for a long time."
Laura nodded "That would be great. I feel bad bothering her though."
"I'm certain she will be out to check up on me sooner rather than later." Loki said "She'll gladly help."
"She seems to be enjoying herself playing with Mazi." Hena ventured, though she could see that the girl was not near as lively as she had been on Midgard "Hopefully Eir will offer something different." she looked down at the animals she held "This was very sweet of them to pick out these for everyone."
"Normally I don't like to spend so much money on stuff like that, but I thought it was a good chance for us all to be reminded of simpler things." Laura responded "The boys honestly look back on all of it as an adventure or a game. And I'm really grateful for that. They think they just made a whole new group of adult friends."
"THINK they did?" Tony asked "Damn, all of my games were for nothing then."
"I didn't mean that." Laura replied with a humored laugh.
"No, I get it, I wasn't allowed to know about you guys until a month ago, so I can see where my value lies." Tony said, waving a hand.
Though he was enjoying the company, Thor kept looking back over to Valder and Svleiva. Every king or queen they addressed responded with a great deal of respect, just as he always saw happen with Odin. In truth, he was beginning to feel worried that he wouldn't receive the same when he became king. Up until the past few years, he had rarely cared to hold long conversations with any of the leaders of the Nine Realms. Now he wished he had done so more frequently.
It was not long after he shook away the dreary thoughts that his friends reappeared with Odin. To his confusion, all of them appeared very disconcerted. His father came over, but he passed them, heading in the direction of Hena's parents. Thor watched him, waiting for an explanation, but the king merely nodded as he went by. So instead, he turned to the Warriors.
"What happened?"
Fandral sighed, ready to answer, but Volstagg shook his head at him.
"Was he angry?" Thor asked, confused.
"No, but he certainly was not happy." Fandral replied "We can talk more of it later. Now may not be the time."
"Too many people around for you?" Tony asked, his tone sarcastically sympathetic.
Fandral gave him a look, though he continued to look unsettled.
"Loki, is your wrist bleeding?" Hena asked, head tilted a bit to look. That pulled the group's attention away from the Warriors. Loki lifted up his wrist to see for himself. Just below his palm, there were several drops of red seeping from beneath the white bandage wrapped tightly around it.
"Yes." he replied simply, giving a light smile as he nodded once.
"Looks like Eir might be coming back sooner than you thought." Hena glanced towards the palace. But the God of Mischief shook his head. He pulled back his lower sleeve a bit more, revealing that the incision extended much further than was visible. Hena's mouth opened involuntarily.
"No, I wouldn't worry. This is where she pulled the poison from. It was not as easily done this past time. I imagine that is why it's taking longer to stop bleeding."
"Do you know why it was more difficult?" Hena asked, hardly comforted.
Loki shrugged "No, not particularly. She tried to ensure all of it was completely gone and perhaps searched deeper than necessary. I haven't the faintest idea of what it is and neither does she yet. It does seem to like me, whatever it is."
"Clearly not, if it is doing what it's doing to you." Hena replied dubiously.
Loki laughed under his breath "Well, it doesn't quite want to leave."
Hena tried to join him in the light hearted mood, but she couldn't. The fact that he had been forced to take poison because of their mistake filled her with guilt. Captain America thought along the same lines, though he hesitated before talking next.
"So, why didn't you let us in on it?" he asked finally, his tone changing the mood of the conversation.
Loki glanced up, eyebrows raised. He turned his head.
"In on what?"
"Why didn't you tell us what you were doing while we were in Thanos' prison? We still could have been there, but able to help you instead at the same time." Captain America said.
"True." Fandral added on the words, curious himself.
"And let you ruin the plan by not being able to hide what you knew?" Loki asked.
"What do you mean? We could have fooled them same as you did. That is what I do for my job every single day." Hawkeye responded in offense.
"Yes...with mortals." Loki corrected "I believe Hena and perhaps a few of you would have been able to...feign innocence, but any weak link would have been problematic." he drew in a breath with vague amusement "Which, of course, you managed to mess up your simple task anyway, so clearly I need not have bothered."
Hawkeye twisted his mouth at the ground at the comeback.
"We WERE kind of in a predicament." Captain America replied honestly, though he knew now that they had made a mistake "You were very convincing in your fake betrayal."
"Thank you, I tried." Loki said "Unfortunately, there was little room for error and you erred."
"Yes and all of the blame went to you for it." Fandral responded, sounding irritated "You needn't have gone through that hell."
"That wasn't the preferred result, but that was the risk." Loki said, almost avoiding the subject of that particular event "I knew that you had little chance of making your way out once I intercepted you the first time, but there was nothing else you could have changed at that point."
"Were you following along with us the entire time?" Hena asked.
"No. Only once I saw you were severely behind schedule. Shortly after I left, I heard the alarm raise and...said some choice words at that point. I knew it was a slim possibility Thanos wouldn't suspect me, given the circumstances."
"Wouldn't he have suspected you anyway?" Hawkeye asked.
"Eventually, yes. If you all of you were gone and Laura and the children remained, that would have appeared as more of a spontaneous opportunity to leave and made it more convincing. Which is why I approached Laura with the plan first. Trying to maintain favor with Thanos whilst freeing you was more difficult than you may think." he smiled wryly "Unfortunately, however, I did fall short on my own end as well."
"How?" Hena asked, echoing the thoughts of those around her.
"I...I did not stay calm as they went after you." Loki replied honestly "When Red Skull struck you, I let emotion drive my next actions and made my way over to him rather than trying to go for all four of Thanos' servants as I should have. I corrected myself, but I had already put myself in a very bad position."
"I was impressed you managed to kill two of them as quickly as you did, let alone attempting all four." Hena shook her head in disbelief.
"We would have stood a better chance if I had done so." Loki said.
"But if you had given us just a hint of what you were planning on doing, escaping would not have been as much of a...gamble." Hena pointed out, her voice a bit frustrated.
"There were hints. But they were subtle. You came close to suspecting when you realized the guards from both Anaheim and Asgard were unaccounted for." Loki responded "All of which are unharmed. However, I did not intend for you discover me. I needed to have Red Skull fully trust me and in order to have that, each one of you had to fully distrust me." he breathed out in amusement, addressing Hena "I was waiting for one person in particular to stop being their infinitely understanding selves. Once you finally expressed anger towards me, Red Skull appeared sufficiently convinced. That was all I needed to finally employ the escape plan." he sighed grimly, even with his smile "And even after he left, you still gave me the benefit of the doubt. It was quite touching, I must admit, Hena, despite how impatiently I was waiting for you to lose your temper."
"Was that the reason Red Skull kept returning?" Hena asked, eyebrows rising.
"No. Thanos sent him numerous times and other visits were of his own choice."
"Did he tell you what I said of you?" Hena asked, curious. She had worried over this for many days following her outburst to Red Skull.
"No, actually. But..." Loki laughed once as he thought back "You should all know you were being monitored daily in that cell. Little to nothing was kept private."
"You mean they heard everything we said?" Hawkeye asked, leaning forward.
"No, not them. Me."
"Then, you heard it." Hena's face turned a bit red.
Loki just smiled and her cheeks flushed even darker.
"I was not attempting to make friends through this process. Don't feel bad. Red Skull was trying to provoke you and I was, unfortunately, waiting for that to happen. Though, he went far beyond what he should have. Later that day, I promised him I would remember how he hit you in there."
"We saw you waiting for him when he left." Captain America said. Then paused, as if wondering if he should reveal that.
"Because of the bond I formed between the three of us." Hena explained, not worried at all "It allowed me to view you when I chose to do so."
"Yes, I know." Loki's eyes shone with amusement.
Hena's eyes widened "You knew? Each time?"
"One thing I can always sense is when someone is spying on me." Loki responded.
"You were looking at me then." Hena confirmed "I could not tell for certain."
He nodded. The princess of Anaheim then remembered something else. She lifted her chin, gaze curious.
"Just so you are aware, my powers do not become ineffective at any point, as you told Red Skull. Whether it is manipulation or if I am 'mindlessly coerced' into using them, they will work."
Thor pulled his head back in surprise that she was only now correcting that. He would have expected her to do it back in the prison cell when she first heard Loki say it.
"Yes, they do." his brother replied.
Hena scowled "No-"
"Yes." Loki put a finger to his lips to quiet her "They most certainly do. And make sure that anyone who is a threat to you believes that."
Hena stared a short moment longer before understanding flooded her gaze. Loki had lied on her behalf, also ensuring that he would not be put in the position of having to take control of her with the Mind Stone.
"Did they want you to use the Mind Stone for that purpose?"
"Yes. But Thanos never would have asked me to do so."
"Why would he not?"
Loki vaguely shrugged "It would never happen. He would lose more than he would gain."
Hena's hand flicked down to his wrist again, still monitoring it. She paused before responding, and then Banner spoke.
"I realize I missed an even larger portion of events than I thought." he said in resignation. However, now that Loki was with them, he brought up their previous topic regarding that. "I was not near where the rest of them were being held. My concern right now is that...they could have been pulling samples and doing tests to try and figure out...'the other guy,' if you understand what I mean. They could have gotten DNA to try and clone him. Or his abilities."
"No doubt." Loki replied flatly. Banner's eyebrows rose, taken aback by the God's seeming indifference.
"So they did then?" he asked "Do we need to do something about that? I'm sure we don't want an army of Hulks running around."
"Nebula will have that handled." Loki responded with a shrug.
"Neb..." Banner glanced around briefly "What?"
"Thanos's daughter." Loki said, then corrected "Estranged daughter."
"Why do you think Nebula will take care of that?" Hena asked skeptically "She left Anaheim shortly after we returned."
"Yes, I imagine she felt a bit out of place. If she isn't here, she'll be on Thanos' realm."
"I feel as though she is mad." Hena replied. Loki looked over, mouth curving up.
"Well...you are correct. But you can trust her."
"No, you cannot. She tried to kill you!" Hena demanded. If Frigga had not warned him in time, he could have very easily joined her in Valhalla.
"Nebula would never kill me." Loki laughed under his breath "No, if that was her intention, I would have been very dead. She caught me entirely by surprise."
"She cut you pretty badly, I don't think that was an accident." Hena shook her head "Why do you trust her so much?"
Loki paused, letting out a sigh as he thought "I mean...you have to understand that Nebula was my best ally when I was there. I could always rely on her. She practically hated every other member of the Black Order. Except perhaps one. If you can win her friendship, she'll be there for you."
"She wasn't there for you at the beginning." Hena replied bitterly, obviously remembering back to the confrontation in the battle.
"She could not come and ask to join us without losing face." Loki explained "I do think that some part of her also still wanted to get back in favor with Thanos. She finally realized she was beyond that. And then came to us, which was fortunate."
"Why is she not here then?" Fandral asked.
The younger brother glanced in the general direction of the Bifrost "When she needs a friend, she'll show up."
Hena exhaled, blinking in disbelief. She would trust him, but she had her doubts.
"Speaking of her, by the way, who is Gamora?" she asked, eyebrows rising.
Loki half-laughed and then let out a frustrated growl.
"Damn you, Nebula." he said under his breath as he shook his head slowly. Thor tilted his head. He had already been curious, but at his brother's reaction, he was now intrigued.
"I don't mean to pry, but...she did sound a bit interesting from the bits of conversation I overheard from just a few inches away." Hena continued before dropping the sarcasm "Honestly though, who is she?"
"Gamora...is Thanos' other daughter. Arguably the favorite of them all." Loki responded, each word coming with both resignation and humor "Her and I...played the parts of a charmed couple. Evidently we fooled more people than I thought."
"Played the part?" Hena asked.
"Yes." Loki laughed again as she checked "I hoped that would be one of the things that never came to the light of day, but here we are regardless. We were not in love, no matter what Nebula or anyone else says. Actually, quite the opposite. We rather despised each other. She is a very frigid...unkind person."
"Then why would you try to fool the others?" Hena asked.
Loki opened his mouth and then just paused in a smile.
"Gamora...came to me and asked what my intentions were. She'd begun to see the mad side of her father and no longer wanted to aid him in his lifelong ambition. She knew that the best way to get away from him was to act in a relationship with another person Thanos trusted. Then she could slowly create her defection plan and he would still believe she was all the more committed."
"And that was you. What did it benefit you?" Hena asked.
"An easy path right into his favor. Though being from Asgard already gave me that. You can imagine it would never be good to be on the lower end of the authority spectrum in the Black Order."
Hena blinked in grim agreement. Just from the small glimpse she had seen of them, she knew that they would tear apart anyone they thought was weak.
"The rumors that went around were clearly very accurate." Loki added sarcastically.
"Yes, but were they warranted?" Fandral asked, pointing one finger quizzically.
"No. But I wouldn't expect you to understand, Fandral. You interpret even the slightest things that women do as true love."
The Warrior opened his mouth in offense, though it eventually widened to a smile.
"No need to be so honest now." he responded.
"When I lie, they're hurt. When I'm honest, they're offended. I'm not sure how I should be." Loki shook his head with a sigh. He returned to the other subject for Hena "If you met Gamora, I am certain you would understand what I mean when I say the only feelings there were ones of loathing."
"I believe you." Hena assured him with a laugh "Besides it wasn't as though we were betrothed. I didn't have claim to you. It was just something interesting to hear."
"Are you certain you didn't have claim?" Loki asked "It did not seem that way when you first came to Midgard."
Hena instantly gaped at him, unconsciously rising to her toes. The God's eyes were very teasing, so she didn't try to retaliate. His eyes flicked to something behind them in surprise.
"Your cats? I certainly haven't seen them in a long time. You brought them here?" he asked.
"Yes, and you're wise to change the subject." Hena grunted and then leaned to see the animal too "Mazi didn't want to leave them and my parents were not in the mood to argue. My mother has been much more sick than usual."
Loki winced slightly but Hena shook her head, holding out her hands passively.
"No, no, it is actually positive news. She was never ill or nauseous when she had Mazi and me. Her lead nurse said that being sick is a sign that her hormones are properly changing this time and a better predictor of a healthy baby. Though, there was some abnormalities in her last visit. The only thing we can do is wait. She has definitely been less herself. More impatient. But I know that is because she doesn't feel well. Her body is going through a lot." she paused briefly, eyes growing warm "My father is absolutely wonderful. I honestly wish I could be as patient as him."
"I think you are. You are very similar to him. In fact, I think that you took the most positive parts from both of you parents and combined them into one. Somehow you managed to make them fit into a singular person." Loki said.
"Oh, definitely not." Hena replied "Someday I hope that can be true, but right now I have a great deal of work to do to be like them. Which, is probably the same for most children." she chuckled nervously.
The cat that Loki had spotted moments before was making its way towards them. It first went to Laura, sensing that she would be the one to like animals. The mortal responded accordingly by crouching down to pet her. The God of Mischief watched that for a second, amused at the animal's demand for attention.
"I think I am going to go and join my parents." Hena said, her tone unenthusiastic. She disliked interacting with the more distant neighboring realms they saw but once a century. There were a few that she had grown close with, but it was certainly not the one she had her eye on now. The king of this realm was extremely abrasive. It mattered little how kind or accommodating one was; he wanted to remind them that they were beneath him. Her face turned thoughtful.
"Loki, would you come with me?" she asked "The king of Medlore is here. I am not terribly fond of him, but I should speak with him."
Loki tilted his head curiously "Yes, I can come. How would you like me to introduce myself though?"
Hena narrowed her eyes as she pondered that. She had not had to consider that before this point. She realized it would likely come up in many conversations "However you would like. You're special enough without being tied to me. I don't need a reason to bring you over. Especially not with him."
Loki laughed, reaching to grab the bridge of his nose in the same moment "I'm special enough?"
"Yes." Hena responded with equal confidence "You could go up yourself at anytime and have a legitimate reason for doing so. King of Jotunheim, Prince of Asgard. He should want to talk to you more than me."
"I doubt it. He wants trade with Anaheim if I understand correctly. But, yes, I'll accompany you."
"Also, with him," Hena added "You do not need to worry about being charming. He is not the warmest person."
"So you want serious, quiet and reserved Loki, not self-assured and enthusiastic Loki?" the God maintained a mischievous face as he repeated the words she had said on Midgard.
"No, I definitely want you to be self-assured." she responded, catching his humor "This man is very confident. And...brash. We don't need to be on friendly terms, just...civil.
"Does he try to intimidate you?"
"Well, yes. He believes he is Valhalla's gift to the realms." Hena scoffed in disdain.
"Those are my favorite kind of people." Loki said and she scowled in disbelief.
"What does that mean?"
"Because I don't get intimidated. They're the most fun to lead around in circles until they say something they shouldn't. Especially when they're used to doing that to other people." he held out his hand to her "Let's go have some fun."
"We do still want him on our team." Hena reminded him in amusement, hesitantly taking it.
"Of course. We won't change that. We'll just have him be slightly kinder from now on. And laugh at him a little bit in the process." Loki assured her.
Hena smiled, though she was still vaguely nervous at the prospect. She trusted that he did not mean any harm.
"I suppose that is an advantage to courting a prince. You already have experience interacting with other leaders of the realms."
"Oh, far too much." Loki responded.
"Are you going to go and have that rewrapped?" Hena asked, looking at his wrist pointedly "Perhaps you should before we go over there. I don't want you bleeding out again."
"I promise you Eir will be out here very soon do to just that." Loki replied "Besides, I didn't bleed out. Otherwise I wouldn't be here."
"You had a little help." Thor said, folding his arms and raising one eyebrow.
"I'll be sure to thank Eir when she comes out then." Loki answered, sarcastically ignoring the fact that Thor was referring to himself.
"Well, yes you should. However, you should know that as she tried to clear the poison while you were in the trance, you were still losing blood. I heroically offered to be your donator. And do you know what that means?" Thor asked.
Loki gave him a condescending look as he waited for the answer.
"That means we really are brothers by blood now." Thor grinned proudly. His younger brother narrowed his eyes as the eldest prince simply beamed.
"Oh, absolutely. For about four months while all of your blood lasts." he shook his head with a partially playful sigh "I knew I didn't feel quite myself."
The words didn't temper Thor's smile, even as the Silvertongue turned away from him. Hena followed with a single laugh.