Chapter 6: God of Mischief
Thor first witnessed the methods and agents of SHIELD in 2010. He met Phil Coulson, a stoic man who knew the risks of the job, but somehow displayed consideration. After his interaction with the son of Coul, he inferred the reminder of the government agency was worthy of his trust.
Arriving two years later, a mission to locate his once-dead brother let Thor explore the base of SHIELD. Their leader, Nick Fury, more stoic than Coulson. His face reflected his many physical and emotional battles. Decades of experience at SHIELD gave him the proper authority to discover and analyze the irregularities of Earth. The destruction of a small town in New Mexico broadened Fury's plans. Earth was a treat to itself, but it had possible enemies beyond his own planetary system. The Tesseract contained the answer to dominate these traits, which Fury planned to manipulate.
Between his visits to Midgard, the Asgardian Royal Family observed the violence within the realms and acted accordingly. Destroying the Bifrost prevented Loki from succeeding, but it weakened the security of all the realms. As further lands learned of these unprotected planets, they planned invasions. The violence was quelled, but the threat lingered. If the other realms experienced coups, then what was the safety of Asgard itself?
Fear spread within the minds of the castle. Although the palace was well-protected, a sudden attack was not impossible. The likely targets had immense power, able to fend off threats by defending themselves. Yet despite her advanced knowledge of sorcery and combat, Eira could not effectively defend herself.
What would happen if an attack laid damage onto the princess?
After arriving at the Helicarrier, Thor requested a private meeting with Fury. The director assumed that Thor wanted to discuss his possible role in the Avengers. While the god was interested and had questions about the team, he had an invocation.
"Earlier, I mentioned my niece, Loki's daughter," began Thor.
Fury raised his eyebrow, confused as to what Thor would be further talking about. "I remember, but what does she have to do with our current situation?"
"This is about the future. As of now, Asgard is the most protected of the realm, but danger lurks. Loki's daughter, Eira, is only five. My family is concerned with her safety back home. I was wondering if your agency could let her live in Midgard?"
"You want us to watch over a little girl? No offense Thor, but this is a spy and military agency, not a babysitting service."
"I understand that, but Eira has already shown signs of great power. The amount of soldiers at your disposal could easily offer her protection. I will visit her and have someone teach her to control her powers. It is not certain that she will need to come to Midgard, but my family will perhaps be calmer if we have a plan of action."
Fury did not look at Thor. His gaze to a giant window, he stared at the blue sky. "I have a lot on my mind right now, many people and situations to manage. I will think about it, and I'll let you know my decision once we get our hands on the Tesseract."
Thor nodded. "That will be enough for now."
The god exited the room. As the door closed itself behind him, Thor failed to notice Captain America standing by the wall in the hallway, remembering every word of the conversation he overheard.
…
Securing the perimeter within Stark Tower, Steve saw the crumbling buildings and Chitari remains of Manhattan. The destruction of World War II was a casualty of the past, he was told in the past year after his lengthy nap. He wanted to separate himself with war as he adjusted to 21st century life and culture. Perhaps the world had not progressed as much as he thought.
"Rogers? Rogers, are you there?"
Steve pressed a finger against his ear piece, recognizing the voice of Fury.
"Hello, sir. I was wondering when you would call."
"Sorry about that; the stupid motherfuckers on the council thought nuking a populas city was a good idea. Glad to see that the team managed themselves. You're a better leader than I thought, Captain. This would have been harder without you."
"Thanks, sir. I'm securing Stark Tower. Making sure Loki doesn't have another plan of attack. I'm almost done, and everything appears fine."
"That's a relief. Contact me when you're done and meet the team at the main floor of the tower."
"Sir, before you leave, I think you should provide protection to Loki's daughter."
Silence. "You sneaky shit, you overheard that."
Steve smiled. "Accidentally. I realize we don't know much about her, but if she needs protection, I can provide it. She is a princess; better to secure our alliance with Asgard."
"I never mentioned that you needed to care for her."
"I know, but a group of soldiers constantly surrounding her might feel a bit awkward."
Fury laughed. "Well, alright then."
…
Five hours after the chaos, four hours after Thor and Loki returned to their homeland, Fury felt like shit. He finally assembled the team he spent twenty years finding members for and watched them successfully defeat a vast alien army, but the harsh words of the council remained in his mind.
He sat in his office, staring at the paperwork on his desk, hoping that if he waited long enough, then the piles of reports would disappear.
The knock on his door was a pleasant distraction. Without lifting his gaze, he commanded for the person behind the door to come in.
The Black Widow walked in, bandages on her face, the bruises uncovered. Fury looked up.
"Natasha, I thought that you would have been home by now."
"As much as I would like that, you look like you need some help. Although it is illegal, I have a talent at forging signatures."
Fury nodded and smiled, grabbing a pen and lifting it to Natasha. "Help would be nice."
Natasha removed the pen from his grasps, grabbing a chair and sitting down. Fury sighed, reaching for a pen of his own, finally starting his work.
"There's one thing I can't stop thinking about."
"Is it that Bruce and Tony are best friends after knowing one another for a few hours?"
"No, but that is rather interesting. I made an agreement with Thor earlier."
"Do I have the qualification to know about this?"
"You do, as someone I can trust. Thor wanted SHIELD to provide shelter for his niece in case Asgard is in danger."
"Did you agree?"
"I did, but I have no idea about how to arrange her living situation if she ever comes here."
Forgetting her spy exterior, Natasha's eyes widened and her lip slightly trembled, a rare glimpse of emotion.
"I can take care of her," she said.
His first of year imprisonment was better than Loki initially thought. He chatted with his mother every few weeks, she ordered the servants to give the cell furniture and books. A mix of literature and nonfiction, the books were entertaining and passed the time; Frigga knew her youngest son's tastes. Eira lightened the mood during her visits. Despite her pessimistic personality, the princess arrived cheerful, excited to see her father and describe recent events. Sometimes Loki told her tales and read the pages of his own books to her. He relished the time they spent together, glad that the rest of his life would not be completely spent noticing the gazes of guards and other prisoners.
Frigga sat in her chambers, letting her magic take over her body as she formed an apparition of herself. Her false body traveled to Loki's cell. As green streaks formed her figure and settled into their natural colors. Loki did not detect the new presence, his focus on the words of a book.
"Enjoying the books I sent?"
Loki looked up from his book, grabbing the spine and shutting its contents. "I am, but I fail to believe that is the reason for your sudden visit."
The All-Mother's stance stiffened. Loki stood up, moving away from his bed to approach his mother.
"Eira should be in your cell in a few hours. Before then, there is some information you should know, or at least I think is important for you."
"Did something happen to Eira?" asked a panicked Loki. His relaxed expression morphed into fear, the slightest thought of danger harming his little girl irked his nerves.
"Eira is fine, but me, the All-Father, and Thor have been discussing the future. I'm sure you are aware of the constant battles throughout the realms. No violence has occurred in Asgard, but we cannot eliminate an ensuing disturbance. To protect Eira, Thor thought it might be best to send her Midgard, where members of his human team would defend her."
"Thor wants to send my daughter into a realm foreign to her, without asking for my constant." Loki gripped the bars of the bed, a splinter entering his finger, but he did not budge. The thought of loosy Midgardians, his enemies, watching his daughter as he remained in his cell boiled his blood.
"He would need your constant if you were not a prisoner. But I do agree with you. Prisoner or not, Eira is still your daughter. You should be aware of the plan and understand."
"How can I trust them? The grudge they hold against me, how do I know if they will direct it toward Eira?"
"I was skeptical too, but Heimdall has made some interesting observations. Apparently, two members of Thor's team expressed immediate and genuine interest in sheltering her, a better situation then what I initially considered."
No answer came from Loki. His dark jade eyes darted to the side, he reflected his mother's words. The Avengers probably had nothing but hate for him. He destroyed a SHIELD base, killed more in Germany, sent chaos to a populous city. After his defeat, they offered no wit to his jokes, thoughtless to his actions, merely seeing him as a delivery.
Frigga sighed. "I'll leave you alone. Think this over, if not for me, then for Eira."
Behind his back, her figure turned transparent, specks of her illusion fading into the air.
If these Avengers were as virtuous as they boasted, then they would see Eira as an individual, ignoring the many, many faults and irredeemable actions of her father. Perhaps their care was truthful.
…
"I thought no one but me was supposed to visit you."
Eira, who entered his chamber mere minutes ago, bounced on her father's bed. Loki was arranging his various tales on a bookshelf, joining his daughter once everything was organized to his liking.
"Your grandmother is very sentimental," he said. "We were very close when I was younger and her maternal instinct is strong. I myself enjoy her visits, I cannot lie. The furniture she gifted me is quite comforting."
The cell was a stark contrast to his former royal lifestyle. His chamber once heavily embellished, clothes of the finest quality, cravings made by the finest craftsmen were replaced with nothing. In the beginning of his sentence, Loki slept and sat on a plain floor. His days spent staring at the orange-tinted, transparent walls, observing the new prisoners and transports, watching inmates earn their freedom while he remained in chains, his royal blood removed from his veins.
Frigga broke the terms of her son's imprisonment. Seeing him via apparition, she had simple conversations with him whenever she could. Servants conversed with the guards, who then moved various furniture and books into his cell. Fellow inmates glared in jealousy at his small luxuries. Loki remained disappointed; the quality of the craftsmanship far inferior to those of his princely years. Grateful for the continuing affection of his mother, but ego was not deterred. He supposed it was better than nothing; being ripped of his title and possessions should have humbled him.
"It's very nice," said Eira, discontinuing her bouncing once her father settled next to her. "This will make my visits easier. The floor wasn't that comfortable. I should be happy to see you, but still."
"You are a princess. It makes sense that you have become accustomed to various luxuries."
"Do you miss our room?" Eira looked up at her father, who smiled and lifted her into his lap.
"At times, but I don't care about it. These visits from you make everything better. If you were not here, then life would be much harder. Thank you, Eira."
Eira leaned her head against Loki's chest. One arm wrapped around her back, while his hand stroked her raven locks.
"I like these visits, too, Daddy, but I feel bad. These may have to end. Did grandma tell you about sending me to Midgard?"
Loki glanced down. "Did they tell you?"
"No, I overheard grandma and Thor talking about it one day." Her smile widened with each word, the mischievous excitements edging in ever so slightly, the tone both observant and vexatious.
Never in my life have I been proud and disappointed in tandem, Loki thought. I should not be surprised, she is my daughter. Oh gods, what would Runa think?
"Eira," he began to scold. "You should not make that a habit of yours. Could be dangerous."
The princess sighed. "I know, Daddy. I was just curious, but they planned to tell me soon. I wanted to know what you think. I was mad at first, but then I remembered the other stuff I overheard. It's pretty dangerous out there. I can protect myself, but I should listen to my family. Midgard is also the realm I'm most interested in. So much culture!"
Holy shit! It's even worse than I thought! Six years old and somehow so much like me. Why am I surprised? I am a single father; should have expected her to learn from me.
"Like you, I was angry. You are the best part of my life, being away from you for a single movement has caused me pain. But I do care about your safety. If Midgard is the safest place for you, then I can adapt, though I'm sure I can find ways to visit you. A simple prison cell cannot stop me."
Eira shrugged. "Well, if you think it's a good idea, then maybe it will be easier."
"Just do one thing for me." His daughter looked up with a serious expression. "Don't learn too much from those humans. Remember who you are."
"That I'm your daughter? Pretty easy to remember that. I look just like you!"
"So you taught yourself the art of the quip? Interesting, but you forgot one detail." Loki lightly grabbed a strand of her hair. "These curls, have you ever seen them on me."
Eira frowned. "Only I have the right to complain about my hair; I have to live with it every day. No one can handle it but you. I don't know how you handle brushing and braiding it."
"I can teach you, but only if you are able."
A silly moment, but in Loki's imprisonment, it offered a nice glimpse of tranquility.
Eira noticed the pink, puffy marks on the border of her grandmother's eyes. A brave decision to have lunch in the dining hall after a burst of raw emotion, but the room was not crowded like most days. Granddaughter and grandmother sat alone at the edge of the table, no words arising from their mouths. The princess could not think past Frigga's despair. The other thought was that of her father, but Eira had a slight suspicion that Loki was the cause.
She never interrupted the visits between Eira and Loki. The only biological family they had were each other, so their bond had the utmost importance, and a disruption could possibly reverse their love.
In the past year, when Eira walked by her grandparent's chamber, hoping to learn something new about her father or the current state of the Nine Realms, she saw Frigga striding and staring at nothing, talking to no one but referring to the nonexistent figure as her son. But Eira resided in the learning hall for the morning, amazing her teacher with her intelligence while annoying her with the occasional snarky comment.
A single word could not leave Eira's mouth. The moment she prepared herself to speak, a servant approached the All-Mother and whispered a message in her ear. The princess wanted to know, but in fear of being scolded she looked away, yet her ears remained perked.
"Excuse me, Eira," spoke Frigga as she stood up. "I have matters that need attention."
Eira nodded, stabbing the last piece of pork with her fork as she watched her grandmother leave the dining hall. Biting on the meat, Eira looked around the room, curious as to the emptiness of the room.
First uncle doesn't appear for lunch, then grandma has to leave, thought Eira. What is happening? And why won't anybody tell me? Who cares if I'm only six! I have a right to know.
Despite her royal status, no guard observed Eira leaving the dining hall unattended.
She strolled through the halls, hands behind her back, glancing at every entrance. Nothing sparked her interest, but determination motivated her. The winds from outside attracted her attention. The opening of the patio highlighted by the sunlight, Thor and an unknown figure stood beyond the archway.
Raising her eyebrow in curiosity, Eira tottered to the patio, leaning against the wall to listen.
"I believe you were in between worlds," Thor's bruly voice spoke. "The Nine Realms travel within Yggdrasil, orbiting Midgard in much the way your planet orbits the sun. Every five thousand years the worlds align perfectly, we call this the Convergence. During this time the borders between worlds become blurred. It's possible you found one of these points. We are lucky that it remained open. Once the worlds pass out of alignment, the connection is lost."
The Convergence? No one told me it would happen this year. Why is he explaining it like this? Is this person Asgardian?
Eira almost gasped when she saw Thor kiss the figure. It's that lady Thor won't stop talking about! I think her name is Jane. Why is she here?
"I liked the way you explained that," said Jane after ending the kiss. "What's gonna happen to me?"
The perfect chance to interrupt. Eira moved behind her uncle and his lover - maybe former lover was the better phrase - and spoke.
"You shouldn't worry. My uncle loves you too much to let anything happen to you."
Both turned around in confusion. Jane tilted her head while Thor squinted.
"Eira, what are you doing here?"
"Wait," Jane voiced her stupefaction. "She called you uncle. How is that possible?"
"She is Loki's daughter."
"Are you serious? He has a daughter?"
Eira frowned and stepped back. "Don't judge me because of my dad."
Jane shook her head. "I'm sorry. I should not have said that. Let me introduce myself: I am Jane Foster."
The princess was still unsure. "My name is Eira."
"That's a pretty name."
"You and Eira are somewhat similar," Thor broke his silence. "Even though she is almost seven, Eira is smart for her age and likes to independently, something you would appreciate."
Jane smiled in her direction. "I do. You will be a fine young lady when you grow up."
Though her uncertainty remained, Eira's cheeks went red.
"Eira, someone has given you a compliment, it is only appropriate that you give your thanks."
Frigga walked onto the balcony, eying her granddaughter while guards stood behind her. Eira straightened her stance, looking up at Jane as she gripped the folds of her teal jumpsuit.
"Thank you, Lady Jane."
Thor put his hand on her shoulder. "Jane Foster, please meet Frigga, the Queen of Asgard, my mother."
Jane held out her hand, which Frigga was planning to grip, but the ground and walls shook. A loud, high-pitched sound rang through the palace.
"The prisons," Frigga stated.
"Loki," Thor whispered, making Eira look at him in wonder.
The All-Mother kneeled and grabbed Eira's hand. "Go to your chambers, Eira. The guards will protect you. Thor, go to the prisons. I will look after Jane."
Eira was quickly escorted to her room before she could say goodbye to her family. Before the doors shut, she saw her grandmother leading Jane to safety.
The last time Eira ever saw Frigga.
The prisoners decided to start a riot from within the walls of their cells. Normally, the thrill of escape would excite Loki, but he took no part. Their plan appeared thoughtless, a spur of the moment decision with no positive consequences. He read a book as chaos ensued outside his walls, hearing the defeat of the prisoners as swords entered their bodies. Later discovering that Malekith the Accursed was the mastermind of the operation created no interest. Confused as to why Fandral was telling him about the resurrected Dark Elf, he feigned indifference but struggled to maintain his expression to the news about the few casualties, including Frigga.
Loki sat alone in the prison, the former jailed facing consequences while the guards healed their wounds. His eyes were focused on no particular object, his vision blurred, ignoring the destroyed furniture, their wooden remains sharply carved, and the piece of a bed-frame stabbed in his foot.
The patter of feet echoed through the room. He hated to seem weak to those inferior to him, but his current emotions overshadowed his lifelong traits. Creating the illusion of a clean cell was reasonable, but someone would eventually discover. Hiding never lasted forever. The barrier of his cell glitched, the malfunction traveling to Loki's ears, his vision still astrayed.
"Daddy?"
His stance stiffened. One panel of the barrier disappeared, Eira entering the room with tears in her eyes. She looked at her feet, observing the state of despair made by her father.
Loki stood up, lifting her into his embrace, not afraid of the tries dripping onto his cheeks.
"Oh, Eira," he sobbed. "I was so worried. I feared for your safety. How glad I am to see you unharmed. If you had been hurt, I don't know what I would do."
Eira cried against his shoulder. "Grandma's gone away. I thought something had happened to you. I know I broke the rules and that I'm here without the guards, but I wanted to see you."
"If you explain the truth to them, then they are sure to forgive you."
"I'm scared. I think Thor and Grandpa might send me to Midgard, but I don't want to go away from you."
"Let's not worry about that right now."
To calm himself and his daughter, Loki wanted to pace around his cell but he forgot about the splinter at the bottom of his foot. With one step he winced, his nerves shocked by the pain. Eira lifted her head from his shoulder.
"Daddy, what's wrong?" she asked innocently. Her gaze transitioned to the source of his pain. "What happened to your foot? I think I can fix it. I don't know much about healing magic, but I … I can …"
"Eira," interrupted Loki, sitting down at the corner. "Do not concern yourself with my problems. I can heal myself."
The princess continued her unsure expression. Loki stroked her chin as he adjusted her position on his lap. "I saw a bit of your mother in you. She always requested to quell my wounds. Even when she was carrying you in her belly, she would not rest until she knew I was alright."
"Really? I act like Mommy sometimes?"
Loki nodded. "I see so much of her in you. Her selfless nature is reflected in your actions. I loved that about her."
Eira leaned her head against his chest, protected by a thin shirt; the tips of his wavy strands of hair contacted her shoulders. "Is Grandma with Mommy in Valhalla?"
"Yes." The former prince held his tears back. "They will be at peace. I wish I could have said a proper goodbye."
"You were close with Grandma, right? That's why she visited you."
Loki hummed. "When I was your age, I struggled to interact with my family, probably because I was adopted. My mother taught me magic, and I began to trust her more and more."
"Why do you call her your mother but don't call Thor your brother?"
He sighed and twitched his head. "I did some things that he did not agree with. Our relationship has had its ups and downs, as all siblings do. But in recent years, our bond has had its complications. Do not let that ruin your relationship with him. He cares for you, remember that."
Relaxed breaths hit his chest. He looked down, observing a toddler struggling to stay awake. Her eyelids shut for long periods, the grip on his shirt gradually weakened. She shook her head against his chest, battling the fatigue.
"It's rather late Eira," he whispered. "You should be asleep. If you fall asleep in my arms, I can get a guard to carry you to your chambers."
Eira lost the fight against sleep before Loki could finish his statement. He smiled as he glanced at her relaxed body.
Loud, bruly footsteps echoed. Twitching his eyebrow in annoyance, Loki created an illusion opposite to the reality of the destruction in his cell.
After eighteen months, Thor finally decided to visit him.
Sentimental or political? Loki would discover soon.
Thor entered the prison, his grasp tight on Mjolnir, brown cloak covering his armor. Adjusting his well-kept clothes, he stared mockingly at his brother.
"Thor, after all this time and now you come to visit me," Loki gritted. "Why? Have you come to gloat? To mock?"
"Loki, enough," Thor intergetted "No more illusions" Despite being apart for almost two years, Thor had grown more perspective.
No longer empty, the floor contained broken pieces of furniture, one which decided to attack Loki's foot. Eira laid asleep in her arms, undisturbed by her father's anger.
"I thought everyone would be more alert after today. So tell me, how was my daughter able to reach the prisons without struggle?"
"I did not come here to lay defenseless at your harsh words. I offer you the chance of a far richer sacrament."
Interesting. "Go on," spoke Loki unemotionally.
"I know you seek vengeance as much as I do. You help me escape Asgard and I will grant it to you, vengeance. And afterward, this cell."
Loki chuckled. "You must be truly desperate to come to me for help. What makes you think you can trust me?"
"I don't. Mother did. You should know that when we fought each other in the past, I did so with a glimmer of hope that my brother was still in there somewhere. That hope no longer exists to protect you. You betray me and I will kill you."
Silence. Then, the hint of a smile.
"When do we start?"
…
The last time Loki stepped foot in his chambers was 2010. He turned to his daughter, instructing her to stay until he returned. She stayed alone, not expecting her father to fall purposely from the Bifrost. The room itself hardly succumbed to time. The main difference was the lack of presence of Eira's small bed. For three years, he slept on his bed, comforted by his scent lingering on his sheets. Big for her small frame, but it calmed her, so no one stood against it. His closet untouched; his green and gold armor returned to their confinements. It was exhilarating, switching from the cheap clothes to the luxury of royalty.
He walked out of the washroom, patting his hair to keep it down. His gaze fell on Eira, asleep on the giant bed. Such a deep sleeper, ever since she passed infancy.
Moving to her form, Loki poked her arm and called her name, hoping to speak with her before leaving for Svartalfheim. The princess grunted, leaning her head further into the pillow. Loki's voice registered to her ears, making her sit up.
"Daddy! You're back! Why are you here? Why are your clothes different?"
"I'm helping your Uncle. He requested my aid for a mission."
Her smile extended in hope. "Will you be free after this?"
Loki shook his head. "No, my little one. I'm afraid I will have to return to my cell."
Lips trembling, she gripped Hati, closing her eyes in frustration. His smile did not disappear, however.
"Eira, do not worry. I have a plan. For now, get some rest. Everything will be alright."
"I don't want you to leave me."
"I would never leave you. You are my world, a miracle that has given me the best motivation."
Her nose sniffled. "You promise?"
Loki smiled and pulled her into a hug. "I promise."
…
Based on his observations via Heimdall from three years ago, Loki considered Jane Foster a strong woman. Though human, she had a unique mentality and intelligence. As she lay unconscious on the ship, she was no more than a damsel. Quite a disappointment. Sure, she contained the compounds of an Infinity Stone, he expected her to do more than sleep.
"She's holding up alright, for now," commented Loki, deciding to hide his dismay.
"She's strong in ways you'd never even know," Thor responded, his eyes focus on the terrain of the land of the Dark Elves.
"Say goodbye."
"Not this day."
"This day, the next, a hundred years, it's nothing. It's a heartbeat. You'll never be ready. The only woman whose love you've prized will be snatched from you."
Thor turned to his younger brother. "And will that satisfy you?"
"Tis not satisfaction I desire, but rather a warning."
"Not jesting with me, Loki!"
"No. Not a jest, but a warning from experience. I prepared to stay with Runa for the rest of my life. To love her. Raise Eira with her. That was thrown away the moment your father decided to hide the truth of my blood, of my daughter's blood. They thought it was better to maintain a secret than to protect the life of my fiance."
"Fiance? You and Runa were never engaged."
"I proposed to her in secret when she was six months pregnant. I even gave her a ring. Our relationship was rushed, I'll admit that. We conceived a child within four months of dating, but I loved her. I wanted to demonstrate how much she meant to me. And now, she's gone. Runa will never see her daughter grow up. Your family made me be both parents instead giving Eira both a mother and a father."
Tears spilled, but Thor failed to notice.
"They are your family too!"
"Only Mother understood how I felt."
"You think you alone were loved of mother? You had her tricks, but I had her trust!"
"Trust. Was that her last expression? Trust? When you let her die!"
"What help were you in your cell?"
"Who put me there? Who put me there?!"
"You know damn well! You know damn well who!"
Thor raised his fist to punch Loki but stopped himself, sighing. "She wouldn't want us to fight."
Loki shrugged. "Well, she wouldn't exactly be shocked."
"I wish I could trust you."
"Trust my rage."
…
Thor could trust Loki's rage to remove the Ether from Jane, but not in the safety of their father.
Before Thor returned to Asgard, Loki killed the guard sent to Svartalfheim. He stabbed him and watched him bleed, making sure he was dead. Time was valuable afterward, no second could be wasted. Not bothering to clean the blood from his armor, he took the portal and faced Odin disguised as the living version of the guard. The All-Father expression of surprise was short, but Loki planned to remember it as he slept.
The time he spent in Svartalfheim was longer than he thought. Before sitting on the throne with tranquility, he wanted to see the smile on his daughter's face when she saw him alive and well.
But he was too late.
Eira was sent to Midgard.