Alright. Hello. I'm back.I am so sorry for the long wait for this chapter. There is more to come and I am very excited still. Please enjoy. I would love a review if you could. :)
"Lila, can you tell me how old you are?" Eir asked gently as she did her examination. She manipulated the transparent images that hovered behind the child. This was not work she was accustomed to performing. Other than Thor's woman, she had not worked with mortals in the past. Their systems were more fragile and less complex than Asgardians. The simplicity meant that illness traveled more quickly. It made it difficult to be thorough in her examinations. Yet, she could see that something was seriously wrong with the child.
"Seven." the girl replied. Laura nodded at her encouragingly.
"What are your brothers' names?" Eir asked, voice distant as she focused on her task. As Lila thought, different portions of the image would move more quickly as expected. The healer observed it optimistically.
She had come to get Hawkeye and Laura the moment the guard came to her. The mortals had been caught off guard. Odin had said nothing to them previously, but his attention must have been grabbed by how Lila was acting. Unfortunately, Eir agreed.
"Will you stand up from the chair?" she asked, stepping back expectantly for the girl to do so. Lila stayed where she was, eyes on the floor.
"Lila?" Laura prompted, but Eir shook her head at the woman to stop her from speaking. The images showed that Lila's neuroactivity had paused and the girl's expression mirrored that.
"What's wrong? Why is she doing that?" Hawkeye asked, eyes clicking up to the healer "This is what she keeps doing at home."
Eir stepped around to get in front of the child, but, more importantly, in front of the parents watching.
"Lila. Can you see me?" she asked mildly.
Laura did not notice she was holding her breath until her daughter roused herself from her stupor and looked at Eir.
"Yes."
"Wonderful. You're doing well." the healer told her, hiding her concern. She returned to her work without speaking to Hawkeye or Laura. They looked at each other for a moment.
"You're taking on this challenge quite well." Svleiva commented to Loki.
Eir's aid had arrived with the meal for him not long after the healer left. Though he certainly was not enjoying it, Loki was eating without further complaint. The plate was only now partially full with rice, chicken, and potatoes cooked together in a sauce with bread on the side. As expected, it was devoid of anything low in calories. Loki's initial reaction to it had made Hena laugh and Svleiva cringe.
The incision on his wrist had yet to begin bleeding again. The skin surrounding it was slowly becoming less and less red after removing the bandage. His hypothesis for leaving it alone appeared to be holding.
"Not willingly." the God of Mischief responded to Anaheim's queen.
Hena laughed under her breath, walking to sit beside him now.
"They are going out of their way to make it more enjoyable." she said "It looks delicious."
"Here." Loki pushed a forkful of food towards her and she ducked with a scowl at him.
"Someone has to help me." he set the utensil back down with an amused exhale.
Mazi had come up several times to her mother to ask where Lila had gone and when she was coming back. Svlieva told her the truth as far as she could, but the princess was blissfully unaware that anything was seriously wrong with her friend. The princess was there now; approaching both of her parents. Her eyes showed impatience.
Nearby them, Thor still held the papers for the council in his hands. Valder and Odin were talking and he had not had the chance to show them to his father yet. The altercation between the kings on Earth seemed a thousand years ago. The two of them were enjoying each other's company as they discussed quite ordinary topics.
The other mortals, particularly Tony and Dr. Banner, explored the palace grounds. Currently, the Warriors were chuckling at how easily impressed they were.
Hena tentatively took the fork from Loki's again extended hand, somehow worried Eir would appear out of thin air and chastise her. The woman had said that there was more food than he needed on the plate, which made her feel more comfortable trying it. She took a bite and her eyebrows went up.
"Oh my, it is delicious." she said, pleasantly surprised.
"I'm so glad. You can have it." Loki replied. His appetite was still quite suppressed. In fact, he didn't have a desire to eat at all.
"Do not share with him, Hena." Svleiva disagreed with an eyebrow furrow at him.
"I am certain to get plenty, don't worry." he said, leaving the smallest amount of insolence in his tone. With a mother's patience, Svleiva managed to ignore him. Her energy had decreased significantly the past week and she did not feel like engaging in an argument merely for the sake of it.
Once finished, Loki set the plate to the side. He let out a deep breath.
"Wonderful. Now I can look forward to eating again in a few hours."
"Or less." Hena couldn't resist adding. She glanced at the Asgardian men approaching. Their focus was on Odin. As they got closer, the kings stepped apart so he could speak.
"I am bored." Mazi complained to her parents, tilting her head back dramatically.
"Bored?" Svleiva asked, raising one eyebrow. She scowled at her daughter with a hint of playfulness "You were begging to come to Asgard all day and now you're bored? Perhaps we should return home to where you have duties to attend."
"No!" Mazi backed up from her mother with a groan "Lila is gone and Cooper and Nathaniel are looking at things."
"They'll be back in a moment." Svleiva assured her, brushing her hair back with a gentle hand "Wait with me for now. I'm sure we'll do more exciting things."
Mazi frowned. Instead, seeing as how Loki had finished eating, she marched over to him. Svlieva watched her warily, but she did not reprimand the girl.
"The Jotuns have arrived." one of the guards near the kings said, before glancing at Loki "Where shall we send them?"
Odin's eyebrows rose. He paused to contemplate briefly. It had been centuries since Frost Giants had come to Asgard as welcome guests. After the Great Battle, they had enacted a treaty, but only Laufey had been allowed. The king knew that the feelings in his realm toward Jotunheim were less angry now, but there would be shocked stares.
"Have them come here. They'll want to speak with Loki first. If they want to do that in private, they may, but, for here is best." he responded.
"The rest of of the Anaheim family has also arrived." the man added, now addressing Valder.
"Wonderful, thank you." Anaheim's king dipped his head.
The guards nodded and left to complete the task assigned by Odin. Loki was not close enough to have heard so they stopped to tell him as well. He stared briefly, having forgotten that he had such responsibilities, before nodding. Mazi's eyebrows descended to a scowl as she realized his attention would be elsewhere.
"Leah is here." Svleiva called over to Hena, knowing her daughter had asked earlier.
"Oh, yay!" Hena grinned in excitement "She is going to want the grand tour, I will forewarn you. And, her being here means my uncle is as well. He'll want to meet you."
Loki just gave a small smile in return. The Frost Giants could already be seen in the distance approaching, meaning the guards must have brought them across the Bifrost before informing Odin. Their leaders were the same warriors that had relentlessly protected him in the battle.
Rather than wait for them, the God of Mischief went over first. Hena watched him without following.
"I know it is a good thing." Fandral began, making sure that everyone around him understood before continuing "But, it is still very odd to see them make an appearance on Asgard."
Volstagg glanced at their king, wondering his thoughts on the subject.
"It will be for some time." Odin replied honestly. He did not sound concerned "The adjustment period will be hard for many, but peace between our realms is more than worth it."
"Perhaps we will manage to pull the Frost Giants from their self-imposed isolation." Hena commented.
Odin's gaze flicked over to her and Thor could have sworn he saw his father's mouth curve up. With that look upon his face, the God of Thunder gathered the confidence to walk up to him.
"Here you are." he handed him the report that had been in his hand for the last hour "Would you like it now or shall I take it to the council room?"
Odin reached to take it from him with raised eyebrows.
"Well good. I'll take it now. And remind you that they won't appreciate this lateness when you're king."
"Don't worry, I'm well aware." Thor replied with a sigh. To his delight, Odin remained in good humor. He gestured with an incline of his chin.
"Go welcome Jotunheim. They should start hearing you more than me." He held up the papers "I'll see these to the council."
"What shall I say?" Thor asked, eyes a bit wide.
Odin's brow furrowed once before the God amended himself.
"I know how to welcome a realm, but this is Jotunheim. I would prefer not to say the wrong thing for their first time returning here. Nor make Loki feel as though I'm monitoring him."
"You can acknowledge that the circumstances are unprecedented. They will not fault you for that. They see it as well. Loki is still closer to us than he is to them, but don't let that be your focus." Odin advised, patiently giving the guidance "Don't think too deeply about it. If anything, Loki being there should make it easier. He is more than aware you haven't taken the throne yet. Don't condescend to them and they will accept what you say. They're a sovereign realm. It may seem odd to interact with them rather than their king, but for now, until things are better established, Loki, you, and I will work with their interim leaders. You'll do well. Go on."
Thor was scowling thoughtfully, but he nodded.
"We'll be following shortly." Svleiva added, hoping to make him feel a bit more at ease. Odin watched him as he left, gaze thoughtful.
"Oh, Laura and Hawkeye are back from the examination." Hena spoke, voice hopeful. She deflated a bit as she reached out to their emotions. Though there was hope, she could sense severe anxiety underneath. Lila was still with them, as tentative as before they left.
"Lila!" Mazi was delighted and she quickly headed over.
"I fear it didn't do much." Valder said grimly.
Odin gazed over with narrowed, thoughtful eyes "Eir rarely works with mortals. It may take time for her to find the solution."
"It is a very peculiar issue." Svleiva told him without turning her focus "There is not damage to her mind near as I can tell. Nothing like that."
"The Power Stone has many abilities I am unfamiliar with." Odin agreed with her.
Black Widow first approached Hawkeye, instigating the other mortals to follow.
"Mazi!" Svleiva called her daughter lightly, not wanting her to intrude on what was likely to be a serious conversation. The girl looked over, frowning noticeablely.
"She will be alright there." Valder said amiably. He held up a hand to his daughter to signal that it was alright she stay there before putting an arm around his wife. Mazi waited a moment cautiously, ensuring that she had permission. Lila had left her parents side to approach her friend, despite her blank stare.
"She reacts to other children better than adults." Volstagg noticed.
"I agree, perhaps they can use that to have her speak to what she is feeling." Svleiva agreed. She watched the Midgardians gather together sympathetically, though she was not certain what she could do.
"How did it go?" Captain America asked, sensing the same defeat Hena had.
Hawkeye glanced after his daughter, who was eagerly playing with Mazi for the moment.
"She didn't say anything new. I'm not sure what she could say. There is no damage to her brain or anything else. It isn't physical. It's just the trauma."
"She gave us medicine to have her try." Laura glanced down at the freshly made tincture Eir had given them. It was light blue, which had originally concerned the parents, but the healer had shown them the source. It came from a blue gem used for healing, but applying the stone to a mortal could be hazardous. Rather than risk it, she gave it to them in a diluted liquid form.
Banner awkwardly migrated over to their conversation, leaving Tony to continue dissecting the in's and out's of Asgard. He came across the levitating ball that the children had abandoned now. With no shame, he picked it up from the ground and tossed it upward.
"Not to be drastric, but do we know where the thing Thanos used on her is?" Hawkeye asked "That should be able to reverse it in someway."
"Use it again?" Captain America asked, briefly sounding scornful even though he could understand the reasoning.
"I know it seems ridiculous, but Steve, there is literally nothing wrong with her. What else can we do?" Hawkeye asked.
"Just give it time." his friend replied "She has already gotten a bit better."
"Around Mazi. That's about it." Hawkeye said and Laura looked after her daughter with a scowl then. She tilted her head in thought.
"Maybe it's because of her powers?"
"Mazi's?" Hawkeye asked. His face mirrored hers "Well...I don't have any explanation on why it would. I guess that's something we can ask."
Laura shook the bottle she held "And try this."
Their other children were approaching now, so they stopped the conversation there. Instead, they continued their walk in the direction of the kings and queen. Hawkeye noticed the Frost Giants and did a double take.
"They've come to much better terms with those things than when we first met them." he said, reaching to scratch his neck. He very clearly remembered the burning sensation on his arm when they touched him.
"It would have been better had I negotiated with them after Laufey died." Odin replied, overhearing. He had not fulfilled his responsibilities are far as Jotunheim was concerned and it was fortunate that they had been able to join together over a common enemy.
Hawkeye opened his mouth in uneasiness. He hadn't expected anyone other than his friends nearby to hear. He felt awkward, having said his opinion so crudely. But Hena spoke after and carried on the conversation.
"Do you belive they would have appointed someone to lead them eventually? They seemed structured even without a king. I have a hard time seeing them descend to anarchy."
"They would have, I imagine, yes. They lost Laufey in a peculiar way. It would have been hard to decide who to take the throne if they had no closure for the king's death." Odin responded.
"I suppose that is true." Hena agreed. She then spoke to her parents "When will you go and speak to Jotunheim?"
Valder smiled "Now. We'll go now."
"I wasn't telling you to go now, I was simply wondering." Hena objected indignantly.
"It is convenient." her father's voice, though teasing, was sincere now "We'll be back shortly."
Odin blinked in acknowledgement. Hena was curious as to why Asgard's king did not follow them. But he was watching Thor and Loki from this distance, keeping an eye on his evolving sons. The God of Mischief was more suited for these situations; whether or not he was genuine, he knew how to be diplomatic. Thor had to opposite problem. He was genuine nearly to a fault, yet he lacked diplomacy. He still appeared to be doing well. It was odd to see him struggle at all. He had never worried for himself when speaking to other realms in the past. Odin took that as a sign of increased caring rather than discouragement. Thor's underlying confidence was still present; he merely needed to learn how to allow it to mingle with his newfound humility.
Having left the levitating ball behind now, Tony arrived beside his friends.
"So, how goes the healer hunting?" he asked, taking note of Lila.
"We have something new to try." Hawkeye pointed at the liquid that Laura held. Tony tilted his head to see it.
"Blue raspberry?" he asked.
"That would be nice." Laura responded, not giving Hawkeye a chance to react.
"Barton, she'll be fine." Tony put a hand on his shoulder and then roughly patted it "There are thousands of realms out there with a cure just waiting to be found."
"That's true. There are a lot of people out there." Laura replied "And, everyone's right, it could just be time that changes it."
Captain America nodded. Everyone allowed the topic to drop and Hena felt the mother's short-lived relief. The parents had only been searching for a remedy for a few weeks. There was certainly time.
Odin chuckled slightly and Hena half-smiled, despite not knowing why he was amused. She was grateful for the distraction. Although she was nearest, she couldn't see what he was reading.
"What?" she asked, lifting her chin to view it.
"Well, Thor's report is done." Odin responded, lifting one hand to rub his chin "This certainly isn't his verbiage."
Hena paused, mouth open as she tried to come up with something to say. She glanced over at the Warriors and mortals nearby. Odin watched her, smiling at her unwillingness to tattle. He returned his attention to the paper.
"I thought he might go to Loki sooner or later."
Hena's eyebrows rose instantly.
"Then, you knew...?"
"That Thor had not the faintest idea how to complete one of these? Yes, I gathered that. Otherwise I would have been pressing him for it much more than I was." he laughed softly in his throat as he continued to read over the report. There were spots that were obviously Thor's, others that were obviously Loki's, and some that were Loki's trying to be Thor's.
Hena stared at him, loving his subtly. He'd intentionally had Thor seek out his younger brother.
"I'm glad that Loki was willing to help." she said honestly.
"And that both of them saw that too." Odin nodded. He inclined his head towards her "I'll take these in. They've been eagerly awaited."
Hena nodded at him. She was glad to see such a different side of the king than the one heard in stories across the realms. Asgard had always been so vague and mysterious compared to the other Nine Realms. Many had heard stories but never met the leaders themselves. Until now. She smiled to herself about one in particular.
"How was it?" Volstagg's voice was genuinely curious and she turned to see he was speaking to Thor. Their prince was returning but his face did not give off any particular emotion.
"It went well. I...it is an odd experience to speak to them on friendly terms. And Loki as one of them."
"They're nicer than you imagined." Hena said, openly reading his mind. Her parents had also finished speaking with the Frost Giants, but they had been quickly caught up in another conversation.
Thor glanced at her, shocked for a moment before he remembered "Yes, they are. I suppose I always expected them to be...cruel to other people. If you can understand that. But, they are easy to converse with. I still doubt we will be friends in the long-term."
"You don't need to be friends. Just allies. Besides, their king is your brother that you have reconciled with. How terrible of a relationship can you have with Jotunheim from here on out?" Hena asked with a kind smile. Her eyes flicked to something past him and lit with excitement.
"I'm hoping it will be that simple." he replied as he followed her gaze uncertainly.
"Sorry, those are my cousins." Hena said, quickly sliding past him "I'll be back."
"I am sure we would all love to meet more people from Anaheim if you want to have them come over." Fandral offered and she nodded.
"They will all love to meet you too. Give me one moment."
All of the Warriors gave him a raised eyebrow once she left.
"Yes?" he asked innocently.
"Hush." Volstagg said and Fandral grinned ever so slightly. The boyish soldier had a long and entertaining history of maidens he had courted. Or, rather, pursued. The women from Anaheim he currently beheld were quite beautiful.
Hena hugged each of them excitedly before briefly explaining and then inviting them to come over. Two of them bore a surprising resemblance to Valder, though one of them had blonde hair unlike most of the royal family. The other one looked familiar, but Thor couldn't think of where he had seen her before.
Hena smiled as she came back up. With one hand held towards them, she introduced introduced three women "This is Leah, Evera, and Adeline."
Each of them waved in turn. Leah was the most animated out of all of them and Adeline the most reserved. However, all of them were friendly. Thor introduced himself and then moved on to his friends. His eyes wandered back to Leah multiple times as he did so. It was easy to see that her and Hena were related, though Leah was taller and looked less fragile than her cousin. She smiled at each person as their name was said.
Near the end, Evera, the one with blonde hair, frowned. She examined them all once before looking at Hena.
"Where is this Loki?"
"Oh." Hena's voice laughed as she turned to look for her prince. The Jotuns were standing just in front of him now so he was hidden from view "He is talking with the Frost Giants at the moment, but I will bring him over soon."
"Have you not met him?" Adeline asked questioningly to her. Evera shook her head.
"No. I was not on Anaheim when he came and certainly haven't seen him the last few years. All I know is that he is one of the Princes of Asgard. The younger one." she glanced at Thor briefly. She was Valder's niece from his older brother. He spent most of his time off Anaheim studying magic and his family went with him the majority of the time.
"Yes, indeed." Hena confirmed and her cousin leaned to look.
"Well, what is he like Is? Is he tall?"
"Quite." Leah responded first "He needs room for his sarcasm."
Hena grinned at her without saying anything. She knew her cousin would take any chance to throw an insult Loki's way, however good natured. Thor stood in silence as he listened. The girls were speaking amongst themselves, but there was no other conversation to pay attention to.
"I would like to see more of Asgard." Leah said, looking at her surroundings as she repeated what Hena had predicted. She had not stopped taking in the view.
"Oh, yes. Loki will be over here soon. I'm sure he will be more than happy." Hena replied and Volstagg spoke up as well.
"And explore all of which you want to see. We can show you around as you like."
Leah nodded at him enthusiastically "Oh wonderful, thank you."
"Leah!" Mazi had only just noticed her cousins there and she made quick work of coming over. Then she gaped "Evera, you're here? I haven't seen you in forever!"
"Excuse me?" Adeline held out her hands in offense at not being mentioned. Mazi smiled cheekily.
"I see you a lot."
Hena huffed out one amused breath, near rolling her eyes.
"Well, fine. I suppose I'll join Evera next time. I'll leave for a few years." Adeline replied.
"No, you can't all leave. My mother needs you." Mazi protested.
"Then you have to make me feel like I'm welcome!" Adeline grinned to show her she was teasing and Thor suddenly remembered where he had seen her. She was one of the healers who had helped Loki on Anaheim. The one who had first arrived beside him when he collapsed.
"Don't worry, I'll keep looking after your mother. She'll be fine." the woman continued, tapping Mazi lightly on the head. The princess then went over to Evera to hug her.
"I heard a rumor you're going to get an older brother soon." Evera said and Mazi nodded enthusiastically. Adeline looked at Hena with with a hint of surprise.
"He is King of Jotunheim, so he will be quite busy." Mazi informed her properly.
"Oh." Evera looked at Hena for a brief moment, taken aback "That would be busy."
"Yes, you will have to meet him when he is done. He is my favorite." Mazi continued. She abruptly switched her attention back to Lila, who was standing with her mother now.
"Do you want to walk around the palace?" she asked kindly. Hena was proud to see her sensitivity. Everyone kept telling the young princess that Lila was alright, but she could sense otherwise. However, Hena wasn't sure what she meant by 'around the palace.' Going inside would certainly violate their parent's boundaries. Meanwhile, Evera was mouthing something to Leah.
Laura intended to decline for her daughter, but Lila nodded mildly. So, the mother let her go, though her gaze was more than uncertain. Mazi led her friend carefully, very different from her usual excitement.
"He's King of Jotunheim?" Evera asked immediately after the girls were gone. She looked absolutely dumbfounded.
"Yes." Hena nodded, watching where her sister was going carefully.
"So, he's a Frost Giant? My goodness, how did he make it all the way to Anaheim to meet you?" Evera asked honestly.
"It is quite a long story. But he did and I am extremely thankful to Valhalla for that." Hena replied, smiling warmly.
"So, he is not a Prince of Asgard? Or is he?" Evera asked.
"He is. They adopted him from Jotunheim during their war." Hena explained.
"During the war?"
"Well, right as it ended."
Evera stared still, uncertain of what to think. She was not one to be prejudiced against any race; she had traveled to many realms with her parents in her lifetime. But, the Frost Giants were widely known as an enemy to Asgard, the strongest realm among them. It was strange to imagine their inhabitants, their king no less, as someone Hena would marry.
"Let me go and speak to them. I want them all to come over. I've only had good experiences thus far." Hena was clearly
reading her cousin's mind regarding the Frost Giants.
"Go right ahead." Evera replied. The princess left, doing a small excited skip on her way over. The Frost Giants surrounding Loki noticed her from many meters away and preemptively moved aside for her.
"There he is!" Evera's eyebrows went up in surprise "Oh."
Thor tilted his head at her reaction. He couldn't tell whether she was disappointed or impressed.
"What?" Leah scowled and smiled at the same time, wondering the same as Thor.
"I just...not what I...expected."
"Then what did you expect?" Adeline asked.
"Well, I haven't heard that much about him. But from what I can see, I will say she picked someone who encompasses all the necessary attributes." the Anaheimien woman stared for a second as Loki greeted Hena with a small smile. Leah scowled further, completely unaware of what she was referring to.
"Which are?" Adeline asked, wondering the same.
"Brains...brawn...and beauty." Evera dramatically widened her eyes and Leah exhaled in a sharp laugh. Adeline rolled her eyes as her cousin teasingly grinned at her own joke.
"What? He does!"
"You're ridiculous."
"Why?"
"He is going to be your king eventually." Adeline reminded her with one eyebrow raised.
Evera paused and then frowned "And? Does that matter?"
"I would call it odd."
"Why? I think that Valder is handsome and he's my father's brother." Evera responded with a grin. She looked back over at the God of Mischief "Though, I was under the impression that Hena wasn't attracted to Adden because he was so serious. I'm surprised she went after someone similar."
Leah followed her gaze to Loki. He stood across from several Frost Giants. He wasn't smiling anymore and he stood erectly, as he aways did. From their vantage point, he looked quite stern. She couldn't help but laugh.
"Well, he can be serious, but...I'm not sure that is the only description of him. He and Adden don't get along very well if I am perfectly honest."
"You think Loki can be serious?" Adeline asked in disbelief. The attention switched to her.
"I get the feeling you're not enamored of him." Leah said. She waved a hand slightly "Where is this coming from?"
Adeline lowered her chin at her as if she couldn't comprehend the words.
"Are you jesting? Did you see him in that battle?"
"No, actually." Leah responded.
"Well, I did. I was trying to keep the man alive. And do you know what he did? He hid the fact that he was quite literally dying and went back to fight. He wouldn't wait even a few minutes for us to help him before he was running away again." Adeline growled in frustration and Leah blinked in concerned amusement. They could tell that Adeline was a very serious, yet gentle woman. Hearing her irritation was rare.
"From what I hear, it was a very personal fight for him." Leah said "But, I understand. I do think you may find he is not always like that."
"He's too chaotic." Adeline replied, unconvinced "I didn't realize he and Hena were as close as they apparently are. Yes, I admit maybe I...maybe I did not get a good impression. But I could not marry him."
"Really?" Leah asked, curious as to the woman's passion. She forgot for a moment that while Adeline had known Loki as long as she had, their interactions had been far fewer. Her cousin also did not connect the fact that Thor was his brother, but the God of Thunder took no personal offense.
"No. He's too unpredictable. I could not handle it. I would be so worried about him all the time. Leah, I was so scared in that battle. I was trying to stop him from bleeding out and...and...he wouldn't let me help him for more than a few moments. It was so foolhardy and reckless!"
"Oh Adeline, I'm sorry." Leah looked sympathetic, but she was also holding back a laugh "But, he also...is not like that. I mean, Hena couldn't marry him if he wasn't responsible. She is Svleiva's daughter after all." she shrugged.
"It sounds like you need to marry him." Evera commented, not missing a word from their conversation.
"Are you being serious? Definitely not; he and I are too similar. We would kill each other." Leah shook her head with heavy exhale "He is a smart-mouthed jackass. Whom I do love, I suppose. In a sibling, playful way. Besides, he is absolutely smitten with Hena."
"I agree." Adeline sighed "I don't mean to complain. I really don't. But, what I saw of him scared me. My words come from worry. They truly do. He saved Anaheim-and Hena-and I thought he was going to die before...I realize that it was a serious battle. But...even still.
"Don't worry. That smile of his will change your mind very quickly." Leah promised cheekily, but she gave her cousin a gentle rub on her shoulder.
Thor's brow furrowed slightly, but he didn't make the comment he was thinking. For a moment, when Leah looked at him, he was worried that she could read minds like her cousin. He tried to come up with something to say about Loki, but nothing came.
"How soon are they getting married?" Evera asked. She briefly consulted the others' faces as well, but quickly looked back at Leah as she shrugged.
"I am not certain they are yet. I have not asked them. Nor heard anything."
Thor saw his brother dip his head in farewell to the Jotuns and turn around with Hena. The two largest of the Frost Giants followed at a distance. The rest remained where they were and he wasn't certain if any others would interact with them.
"Hi, Loki." Leah welcomed him with a wave.
"Leah, how are you?" Loki asked in a similar tone.
"I'm wonderful. It's nice to see you again."
"This is Evera." Hena introduced the newest cousin with an arm held out to her as Loki nodded at Leah "She hasn't been on Anaheim in a few years. She's the daughter of my uncle I've told you about."
"Yes, we're the magic seekers in the family." Evera said as she politely curtsied to him "As you apparently are as well."
"Oh, yes, I've dabbled in it here and there." Loki bowed back slightly and Evera's eyebrows went up in surprise at his chilvalry.
"And, you know Adeline." Hena smiled at her cousin, knowing she was still mildly peeved by him.
"Loki. Glad to see you again. And in...better condition." Adeline's tone had returned to its normal mildness. She meant no harm by her words; they were honest.
"Thank you, I definitely feel better. You were there on Anaheim with the rest of the Asgardian healers, correct?" Loki's calm and mildly curious gaze remained on her as he thought back to the moments he'd been with them. He hadn't taken the time to look at those helping him.
"Yes. Amidst the chaos." she did allow him a raise of her eyebrows and the faintest hint of a smile.
"Forgive me if I was a bit brash at the time. I had no desire to be taken care of." Loki continued with apologetic, yet insolent shrug "Or stopped, quite honestly."
Leah pulled back her lips and pressed them together as he instantly brought up the topic. In apology, no less.
"That much I remember." Adeline replied "Hopefully, you were more cooperative here? Normally we like blood in the body, not out."
"And I appreciate that." Loki couldn't hold back from a chuckle.
"He was unconscious here. He didn't have a choice." Hena interrupted. He gave her an indignant look.
"Well, I hear from Eira that the eight days were quite helpful, but that you should have stayed in the trance longer." Adeline replied. The Asgardian healer was as young as she and they had formed a quick bond on Anaheim "You look far better. I hope you'll not take that as an excuse to do something risky again. But, it is good to see you walking."
"Thank you. I'll try not to scare everyone next time. Just collapse in private instead." Loki said.
Hena grunted, rolling her eyes in exasperation. Adeline held in a burdened breath.
"So, what do you know about my father?" Evera asked curiously "Or, rather, what has Hena told you?"
"Not much. But it is very intriguing that he travels to different realms on the outer rims. Something I am interested in hearing about." Loki replied.
"And, he will have little problem sharing that with you." Evera told him "He's very well known amidst the outer rim. We were surprised and impressed to hear about your break through with teleportation."
"Not a break through." Loki replied "Just relearning what our ancestors stopped doing."
"How modest. I'm sure you had a teacher for it then?" Evera asked pointedly, well aware that he had not.
"Well, no. That was purely intuition." he responded cheekily.
"He'll want to learn of that intuition then." Evera nodded.
Loki nodded, appreciating that she could understand his sarcasm without being offended.
"And I would like to see Asgard." Leah said. She looked at Loki in particular "May we have the grand tour if you're not too important to leave?"
"You are welcome to enter the palace any time you wish." Loki responded, waving a hand.
"Oh really? There isn't a strict rule for visitors entering?" Leah sounded surprised.
"Well, we don't like citizens waltzing in and out each day, but on days like this with many new people, we leave most areas accessible."
"Just like that?" the Anaheimien woman quietly snapped her fingers. Loki laughed under this breath.
"Yes, just like that."
She looked at Hena with a mildly annoyed expression "I could have come to Asgard centuries ago. I didn't have to wait for your all-access prince."
Hena pulled her head back and grinned. She doubted this was true; her parents had hardly been able to contact Asgard let alone travel there. But it made her smile nonetheless. Loki, on the other hand, was not impressed.
"If we were wise, we wouldn't have let you in today, let alone centuries ago." he replied.
Evera cut off a laugh and Leah shot her a betrayed look. Then she looked back to Loki with a scowl. He waited in anticipation for her response but she stayed silent. After several long moments, she simply stuck out her tongue and turned around to the palace.
Loki exhaled sharply in amusement, nearly rolling his eyes.
"Would you like a guide?"
"Yes." Leah replied simply and he nodded sarcastically as though he had figured as much.
"I'll join you." Evera said, eyes curious. She glanced at Adeline.
"I may just go to your healing chamber. I assume Eira will be there." Adeline responded, giving Loki a glance to confirm.
"More than likely." he said.
Hena gave an excited twiddle of her fingers. Though she had always been excited to see Asgard like Leah, she now had a different reason for wanting to explore.
"I need to go and speak with my parents before I go." she said "So that they will keep an eye on Mazi."
"Okay, we'll wait for you at the front." Leah said, turning. Evera and Adeline followed her. Hena waited a moment to walk over to her parents and looked at Loki.
"We can go later just you and I, yes?" she asked.
Loki raised his eyebrows and then nodded "Of course. We can look as much as you like."
"Good. Because I want to see EVERYTHING." Hena responded "Your rooms, the library, the courtyards, the gardens, ALL of it."
Loki smiled, eyes quite warm as he looked at her "Alright."
She nodded definitively and turned to her task of finding her parents. The God of Mischief remained where he was, intending to wait for her. Thor tried to read his face, but couldn't tell what was going through his brother's head. He wanted to make small talk for a moment, whether with Loki or his friends, but he couldn't shake his thoughts.
"So, when is the wedding?" he asked as soon as the women disappeared on either side. His voice was vaguely grumpy.
"What wedding?" Loki asked immediately and his brother lifted his eyebrows. The Silvertongue sounded so convincing that he questioned himself, but then scowled accordingly.
"You know what I'm talking about."
"No, I haven't the faintest idea." Loki remained stoic.
"Is there some particular reason you will never discuss Hena with me?" Thor asked abruptly, suddenly more irritated and exasperated than he could stand. He definitely gained his younger brother's attention with his tone "Granted, before, there was not much to talk about, nor would we have cared to discuss it even if so. But, why do you immediately close off when I bring her up?"
Loki tilted his head at him, allowing the silence that had been created to hover. To his credit, he didn't look overly peeved.
"First of all...I'm not a conversationalist as far as this topic is concerned. If you take that personally, that's your problem to solve. Second, why do you want to know details so badly?"
Thor put out his hands out to gesture his offense. He couldn't place it, but he could tell there was something deeper from which Loki's words originated "I asked when you were getting married. That is hardly considered 'details'."
Loki stood silently, giving him a neutral look.
"I haven't the faintest idea yet." he finally answered purposefully keeping his response vague.
"Was that so difficult?" Thor asked "Why are you so prickly about it?"
Loki waited a moment and then took a step towards him with clear purpose "Thor, you should remember you were monitored in that cell." he materialized a small piece of paper and pushed it to Thor's chest firmly "If you hold her like that again, I truly will throw you off the Bifrost."
He removed his hand roughly and stepped past his brother to leave. Still in shock, Thor fumbled to grab the paper. He opened it and discovered it was the picture of Jane that Red Skull had offered the God of Mischief. Finally, he understood what Loki meant and paused a moment to gather his thoughts before turning after him.
"If you were watching, I hope you realize I was comforting her because we were concerned for you."
Loki looked back with a patient, yet mildly threatening look "I'm flattered. Your taking care of her in my absence was appreciated. But, no longer required. Therefore," he leaned forward slightly "Don't."
He didn't give his older brother the chance for a rebuttal as he continued walking away. To his own surprise, Thor didn't feel offended by the words. He thought over them for a moment. Both his mortal and Asgardian friends stood in a confused silence and waited curiously for him to respond.
"He thinks I like her." Thor said finally.
"Jealous." Fandral corrected "Which...I might say...is not necessarily unwarranted."
Thor looked over at him in offense and the Warrior immediately held up his hands.
"Thor, he's been jealous of you his entire life." he defended himself "If I had been watching you with Hena when we were all together, I would be wary too."
"Yes, but I didn't do anything, I merely held her when she was upset." Thor objected.
"And there's nothing wrong with that, I think it is just how Loki interpreted it." Volstagg stepped in to reassert his friend's previous statement "He seemed to be teasing you...to a degree."
"What did he hand you?" Captain America gestured at the paper in Thor's hand. The God of Thunder glanced down at it, having already forgotten it was there. He held it up for them to see. Hawkeye squinted at it, recognizing her after a brief moment.
"That's the one Red Skull gave to him back on Thanos' planet." the soldier looked back at Thor's face. He didn't know much about Jane firsthand and she had not come up in many conversations.
"She's from Midgard. Her and I were..." Thor scowled down at the photo. His thoughts were not centered on Jane, but rather the meaning behind the picture.
"So in essence, he didn't go after your girl, so don't go after his." Tony concluded for them. Fandral looked at him with raised eyebrows, impressed with the compact-and accurate-analysis. However, Tony read his look differently.
"It's a classic thing that happens on Earth when two guys go after the same girl." he explained to them condescendingly "The whole "who saw her first" thing, you know."
"Thank you, I'm...familiar." Fandral gave him a small squint.
"Did Loki go in?" as if they summoned her, Hena spoke from behind the group. All of them should have been able to see her but their attention was elsewhere. Her face was offended as she came up. Thor hid the picture instinctively, unsure why he didn't want her to see it.
"Yes, he did. He was waiting for you. Then...we argued." he replied openly.
"Oh." a laugh caught in her throat. She shook her head and refrained from rolling her eyes "What could you have found to argue about in the thirty seconds I was gone speaking with my parents?"
Thor took a breath and decided it wasn't worth the effort of coming up with an excuse "You."
"Me?" Hena reacted accordingly. She furrowed her brow "In what manner?"
"He's jealous." Thor answered.
Her expression didn't change "Of...of you?" she blinked.
"Yes. Supposedly he was watching us the whole time we were in that cell. I think he was partially joking, but even still."
"Really?" Hena tried to think back "I mean, I suppose I do understand his perspective, but I also think it may just be because it was you in particular. And, being fair, we were both very concerned for him."
"Yes, that is what I said." Thor agreed.
"It is quite sweet that he's jealous. Or at least protective. But he doesn't need to be." she grinned just to herself and then quickly amended herself as she looked at Thor "I mean, not to offend you. I do love you as a friend and future family member...but I am only attracted to Loki in that way."
"I am glad you are." Thor responded. The last thing he needed was for his brother to hate him for unintentionally taking the girl he loved. He wanted to make it very plain that he had no interest in going after Hena.
"I should probably go and join him. He already offered to come back and walk with me." the princess' face returned to a smile "I'll try to make it obvious that he needn't worry about you."
Thor nodded, holding back a roll of his eyes. She was still chuckling as she left and Volstagg eyed his friend suspiciously.
"I suspect there is more to this than what you're saying."
"No." Thor shook his head absentmindedly "Well, yes. It simply feels odd to be where we are. How in all of Valhalla did we come to meet and know Hena? It is the most unlikely situation. Loki being jealous brings it all around to what started our conflict in the first place."
Odin passed Hena on his return to the courtyard. He nodded at her respectfully. The members of the council were not gathered, but he had spoken with a few of them as he turned in Thor's long awaited report. Truthfully, he could have waited as long he deemed appropriate, but he did not want his son getting into the habit of being late for his duties as king.
"And how was it?" he asked his son as he approached. For a moment, Thor stared at him, uncertain of what the king meant. Then he realized they had parted ways just after he had expressed worry about speaking with the Frost Giants.
"It went well. I don't think I gained friends, but they were easy to speak with." he responded.
"Good. And it will become easier as we hopefully lower the barriers between our realms. What did Loki say?"
Thor shrugged slightly "He didn't mention it. He was friendly with me the entire time. Or...I suppose, not unfriendly."
"He undoubtedly kept it formal. It is a wise thing to do right now." Odin looked over at the Jotuns. Loki's guards had not followed him into the palace. Looking at them more closely, however, Thor could tell that fact made them unhappy.
"Do you suppose they'll get married?" he asked, thinking out loud.
Odin glanced at him, pausing a moment "Loki and Hena?"
"Yes."
"Yes, I do. Perhaps not right away, but yes. Why?"
Thor shrugged "I'm just wondering. Loki is not very...forthcoming about it all."
Odin partly smiled at the ground, making his son frown in return. That was the last reaction he expected.
"What?" he asked with a hint of indignance.
Odin sighed warmly "Your mother had many insights into these things. I find it funny to see them so clearly now. I have definitely observed for a long while that Loki does not like to give information when pryed. He grows very stubborn for you and me. Frigga could easily break through that and I hope to begin to learn how as well."
"Then how shall I get important information from him?" Thor asked with an annoyed snort. His brother had always been this way, but it had made a dramatic increase in frequency once Thor found his humility.
"That is the question. I would suggest being very sincere and not accepting a refusal. That has worked thus far in our conversations. Though, I believe if you need to know anything important, he would oblige without issue." Odin held his half smile "He relishes getting the better of you, Thor. Once you fail to give him reactions, conversations will be far easier."
"I've never been very skilled in controlling my reactions." Thor countered irritably.
"You have plenty of time to learn." the king looked away "But to answer your question, yes, Loki intends to marry her."
"Did he tell you that? Or do you gather that from his subtle, near nonexistent hints?"
"Not subtle in the least. He has your mother's ring for it."
Thor blinked and then his eyebrows rose as he looked at his father in shock.
"What?" he asked quickly and then in anger "Why was that decided?"
"It was decided millenia ago." Odin reminded him calmly "He asked your mother when he was younger if he could have it to give to his future wife. She said yes, but only if he spoke to you and both of you agreed. I do recall him bringing it up over dinner one day, asking your thoughts. You agreed without issue."
"Yes, but I wasn't..." Thor cut off his protest and he deflated "I wasn't as smart as I am now. I didn't worry about the future then. And, I did not believe it would..."
"End up being his?" Odin raised his eyebrow. Though he did understand this, he was largely unsympathetic "That is quite presumptuous of you. He had as much right as you. He came today and asked if he might still have it and I told him yes.
Thor frowned and his face fell to a scowl.
"Please don't fight him on this." Odin said, wanting to warn his son before any potential conflict could arise.
"I won't." Thor assured him grumpily "This may be fair, but I don't have to like it. I did not expect her to join Valhalla before I was married."
"No one did." Odin agreed "But she would have still given it to him if she were here. I never realized the need to say this before, but I should have and I'll say it now. Being older entitles you to some things, but not most."
"He can have it." Thor said, making sure the king understood "I won't bring it up. It isn't as if I have someone to marry at this moment."
"Then perhaps...find a wife." Odin responded. He could see that this was one of the main differences between his son's youth and his own. Though Thor had many female friends and had dabbled on and off with several, it was opposite Odin's complete certainty over Frigga. The king had always had a gaggle of young girls chasing after him, but he had never taken his sights from her. If he had not had a likely prospect, he would have married another out of necessity. On the other hand, Thor's focus had never been on marriage and companionship until now.
The God of Thunder gave him an irritated look, which Odin caught and held. When his son said nothing, he tilted his head questioningly. So, Thor began to speak.
"Everyone is expecting me to find a wife and I would like to as much as anyone. But it will be much more difficult now that Loki has found someone as perfect as Hena."
Odin blinked several times. His surprise was echoed by the rest of the group standing across from him. While Laura was clearly sympathetic, many of the Warriors were struggling not look at Sif for her reaction.
"I am not saying I would like to marry her." Thor corrected himself, holding up his hands slightly even though had not see the exchanged looks. He continued bitterly "But look at who she is and who her family is. I went and found a mortal and of course he went and found a princess."
Odin's gaze almost went to Sif as well but he switched it back to Thor within seconds.
"I don't expect you to marry another member of royalty, Thor. Least of all if they are heir to their own throne. I do suggest you avoid marrying a mortal."
"I did." Thor replied "But don't you see how high of a standard he set?"
"I think that a lot of this is perceived and not reality." Odin said.
"No, I am entirely serious." Thor admonished. He knew it was arrogant but he couldn't help wishing that he was marrying a princess and not Loki. And, despite himself, he did find himself very attracted to Hena.
"For Valhalla's sake, can each of you lay your insecurities aside and simply be happy for each other?" the sharp reprimand came from Anaheim's queen.
Thor turned immediately and Odin glanced down, mouth curved up. Her and Valder had finished mingling with the other realms and were approaching behind him. Svlieva looked deeply irritated as she stopped just a few feet from him.
"You and Loki need to stop comparing with one another." she said, waving a pointed finger "That is what started your entire feud. You are both amazing men. Let it go at that. You have different strengths and different weaknesses. Some may overlap. But you and him are always going to fight unless you realize that you are not going to be like each other." her eyebrows rose as she continued "If you want a woman like Hena, then find one. You'll realize it's much easier once you stop worrying what Loki will think. Or anyone else for that matter."
Thor stood for a moment, unable to come up with words.
"If you were Loki, you would have already come up with a response and I would have to continue chastising." Svleiva followed his line of thinking "Be grateful you're not."
Valder pressed his lips together and then, with a smile, held out a hand to Thor.
"All said in love."
"Of course." Svleiva agreed.
"But..." Thor planned to object but he wasn't sure to what.
"Thor." Odin interrupted him "Listen to her. She's right."
"Then perhaps Loki should learn to do the same." Thor replied sulkily.
"Oh, you're worried I haven't given this same lecture to him? I most certainly have." Svleiva responded "Besides, he seems to have pulled himself from comparing more than you have. In fact, I believe your phase is just starting."
Thor scowled now, feeling the truthful sting of her words. He had felt more inferior to Loki in the past few months than he had during his entire life.
"Excuse me." Adden approached his leaders now. He looked at Thor, ensuring he wasn't still speaking. He wanted to hear the conversation as well if there was anything else to be said "The guards are ready to transfer the prisoners to Asgard if authorized."
Thor perked, realizing that meant Proxima and Corvus. The thoughts of Loki and Hena quickly left.
Valder glanced at Odin, who nodded.
"We should start. There are many to deliver."
To be continued, don't worry. This is an abrupt ending, but the rest is not finished and I hate making you wait for so long. Sorry!Please leave a review if you wouldn't mind :)