Chapter 7: Goodbye Asgard, Hello Midgard

Steve first learned about the girl a year and a half ago. According to Thor, her intelligence was advanced, her curiosity constantly active, and a deep love for her father. He requested to watch her if she ever needed protection on Earth, and apparently Natasha did as well. Awaking to his Washington D.C. apartment with a ring of his phone, he received an order to come to the SHIELD base. Now he sat in a room with Natasha, eyeing the document she handed him.

Name: Eira Sylene Lokisdóttir

Date of Birth: December 16th, 2006

Gender: Female

Height: 123.1 cm (48.46 in)

Eyes: Green

Hair: Black

Parents: Loki Laufeyson (father; formally Odinson) / Runa (mother; last name unknown)

Citizenship: Asgardian and Jötunn half-breed

Unusual Features: Black, feather-shaped birthmark on her upper-right back; Ambidextrous

Removing his thumb from the edge of the paper, he looked at a picture of Eira. Thor was right: she was Loki's female clone. The raven hair, jade irises, and sharp nose were identical to his. Even the smile also served as a reminder of the conqueror. But the facial-shape and curls were unfamiliar.

Steve decided to break the silence. "Did Thor mention anything about her personality?"

The Russian looked up from the document. "Well, like her father, she has a mischievous streak, but she is very selfless; very interested in royal politics. She likes to read and practice her magic. A tough cookie, according to Thor. Doesn't cry or whine whenever she is injured, though she does get distressed in social situations. She has difficulty talking to new people. Loki is her favorite person; she tries to visit him everyday in his prison cell."

"It's going to be difficult for her to be separated from her father," he said after sighing. "We will be complete strangers to her."

"She requested stories from Thor about Earth, so she probably knows about us."

"Loki probably told her stories about us, too."

"Then that will complicate things."

"From Thor described a year ago, Loki is a very good father. He quickly adapted to becoming a single parent. He loves his daughter more than anything. Even villains have morals."

Natasha released a light smile. "Loki is more complicated than we thought. I spoke to him while he was on the helicarrier, and he was terrifying. He tried to mess with my mind, even described how he would kill Barton in front of me. But the way he acts toward Eira is the opposite of the man I saw."

"We can't judge her for what her father did," Steve turned his head toward the door. "When can we meet her?"

"Anytime you're ready. But first, let me ask you a question. Why did you want to watch Eira?"

"I was going to ask you the same question. I know I slept for seventy years, but I'm pretty sure spies don't watch over little girls."

Steve remembered when Thor said that Loki was a single father. The man he fought was vicious and fearless, not the characteristics he associated with single parents. Steve would know, as he was raised by a single mother. His father died before he was even born. Stories were all he knew of Joseph Rogers. Sarah Rogers raised her son on her salary to her nurse. She took on the role of both parents until her date of death. He never imagined that a villainous conqueror such as Loki would have similar circumstances as his mother. Eira was essentially him: she never knew her mother and was raised solely by her father. He knew the feelings of being raised by a single parent. He felt the guilt of taking away his mother's free time and the wonder about the whereabouts of his father. Though she was almost seven, Eira probably had the same feelings.

Natasha stood up. "If we have the same question, then we probably have the same answer that we don't want to reveal. I've known you for a year, but I don't trust you with my secrets. I'm sure that you feel the same."

"You're right about that. I don't mean any offense, but I do not know you well enough."

Natasha nodded. "Let's go meet Eira."

She followed Steve as he walked out the door. Their reasons for caring for Eira were not similar, she knew. Steve wasn't raised by a heartless organization, bred to kill without sympathies, told not to cry when failures were discarded. All she recognized was death, and despite her reservations, she agreed to remove her womb of possible life.

My dearest little one,

Sorry to leave you again while you were sleeping, but your uncle needed my help against the Dark Elves. This will work out for the both of us, as I plan to fake my disappearance. No longer will we have to meet in that prison cell with a lack of privacy.

I must further apologize for making you wait. Thor will surely defeat Malekeith but not suspect my rise to the crown. For this to succeed, we must both retain our silence. I will once again pretend that I am gone, this way I can visit you whenever I can. There is a possibility that you can visit Asgard for a few days at a time. I can travel with you to various locations without the guards watching our every move.

Perhaps this will be too much. I apologize for making you keep secrets for me. I wished we could live a peaceful life, but the current circumstances limit our flexibility. We must navigate through our situation, which is not ideal. The more I think about my plan, the more guilt fills my soul. I do not wish you any pain through my actions. If you are angry with me, I do not blame you.

Regardless, I love you more than anything. I covet for your safe travels to Midgard.

Wherever you are on Midgard, I hope for your safety. I clashed with the people who will care for you, but they should not direct those feelings toward you. Whatever happens, you will always be my little girl.

-Your Father

The letter once laid by Eira's bedside. She awoke in the morning, Hati in her grasp, and Loki nowhere in sight. Comfort was provided by the note, detailing his plans for their future. Instructing her to stay quiet was not completely necessary, as she would say nothing if it meant she could continue to see her father. The physical contents hidden with her magic, she feigned ignorance of Loki's whereabouts.

The guards escorted her to the Bifröst, and she traveled through the rainbow lights for the first time. Her first sight of Midgard was the halls of SHIELD base in Washington D.C. Eira had fearless traits, but the grim, indifferent expressions of the agents. A red-haired woman approached her with a warm smile, kneeling to her height and extending a hand.

"Hello, Eira," she had said. "My name is Natasha. Your uncle has told me a lot about you. Me and my friend Steve will be caring for you while you're on Earth."

Eira had a history of feeling uncomfortable when conversing with strangers. Their motives unknown, personalities mysterious, and traits untrustworthy. A high difficulty in acknowledging the unknown came naturally to Eira; even talking with those her age was a struggle. Only her family and their close friends were worthy certitude, Loki being the one most deserving of her confidence.

Descriptions of Natasha harmonized with Thor's tales of the Avengers, so Eira saw her as an expectation to her timid mindset. She shook her hand and followed her to the empty room, adorned with two chairs and a table, where she now sat.

When is Natasha coming back? I don't know how long I've been in here. I miss Daddy, but he can't visit me now. I don't want him to get caught.

The door opened, a strong-muscled man with dirty blonde hair entering the room. Her shoulders tensed and she glanced at the side of the wall, her shy demeanor controlling her curiosity about the man. Fingers grasped the fabric of her teal jumpsuit (she had not changed from her attire from the previous day). She heard the footsteps of the man and the shriek of the chair as he moved it.

"Hello, my name is Steve Rogers," he greeted. "What's your name?"

Lady Saga taught her ladylike manners and the proper greeting. Her princess duties instructed her to start the conversation with kindness. The voice of her father echoed through her mind: Did this stranger deserve her respect?

"You already know my name, right?"

The man was not deterred. "I do, but I thought our first meeting should be proper. Your uncle told great things about you. Did he say anything about me?"

Eira tilted her head as she thought. The name Rogers was familiar. Loki mentioned a man was the same surname. A soldier, she remembered, with superhuman abilities. Frozen in ice for almost seventy years, he awoke to a world far advanced from his time. Despite his lengthy slumber, his powers remained intact.

"You're the man out of time," she finally looked into her bright blue eyes. "Captain America! Daddy and uncle told me about you!"

"That's me. Hopefully they told you good things."

"Thor said you are a brave warrior. Daddy said similar things, but I think he's mad that you defeated him."

Steve huffed a laugh. "I don't blame him."

"I know he did some bad things here. Do you dislike me for what he did?"

"Of course not. I can't blame you for something you didn't do."

Eira, still unsure of the man, nodded. Steve sighed.

"I'm not here to replace your father. He cares about you, and I don't want to disappoint him. I want to offer you protection, as does my friend Natasha. I work with her on missions. Sometimes we go together, sometimes it's separate. The arrangement is slightly awkward, but we'll get used to it. You'll stay with me one week, and Natasha the next."

"That is strange," Eira said, squinting her eyes.

"I know, but with our missions, we thought it would be best for you not to remain in one place. Our apartments are smaller than your home, but we will make it comfortable for you."

The situation felt skeptically peculiar. These strangers were kind to her, were familiar with her uncle, but she wondered if she could adapt to this land. The books she read did not prepare her for the various lifestyles contained in Midgard.

Thoughts made her ignore the tension building in her body; arms coming closer together and eyebrows creasing. Steve noticed, however.

"Hey, it's alright. Your nerves are completely understandable. We only know each other through stories. How about we leave this room? Natasha had to talk to someone and she's probably bored by now. Let's help her escape and get lunch at my place. We can tell one another a bit about ourselves. How does that sound?"

Eira's body slightly relaxed. "I guess it's okay. Will it be crowded where we're going?"

"Not at all," Steve stood up and went around the table, kneeling while holding at his hand. "It will just be you, me, and Nat."

The princess looked at his hand and then back into his eyes. She shrugged and nodded.

"You seem nice, Steve."

Steve nodded. "And so do you."

She grabbed his hand as she slid off the chair. Letting go of his hold, she looked up for guidance.

"Follow me," he instructed. "Nat should be out here."

Eira walked behind the soldier, seeing behind his leg for any dangers. Thin legs moved in front of him, the heels of the boots clicking on the floor.

"I hope your meeting went well," said the womanly voice. Eira tilted her body and saw Natasha. Steve giggled.

"I thought it was alright, but we'll have more to talk about during lunch."

"Eira, you can tell me the truth later. I don't think Steve has kissed someone since the 1940s."

The redhead's jest reminded Eira of her father. For the first time since she landed on Midgard, Eira smiled and laughed. Steve was about to scold Natasha, but he turned to Eira once he heard the high-pitched giggle.

Natasha forgot her spy demeanor and laughed with the princess. "Looks like Eira agrees with me."

"Great, now you're encouraged." Despite his scolding tone, Steve had a grin on his face.

The Russian gaze went to Eira. "I'm sure you will agree with this as well, Eira. It's a bit crowded in here. Steve has some food at his place. We can get more familiar with one another."

Eira finally spoke. "Do you mind if we go now? I'm pretty hungry. And I don't know if Thor told you this, but my species eats a lot of food. I hope you have enough."

Steve put on a hand on her shoulder. Eira did not retract. "That's fine by me. I still haven't gotten used to the idea of leftovers."

Spending three years outside of Asgard and confining within his cell did not deter Loki from forgetting the feeling of sitting on the royal throne. A struggle occurred within himself to not slyly grin as he spoke to Thor, proud of his triumph of securing the role of King without the neverending sight of Heimdall noticing. His grasp firm on the handle of the golden spear, his mind translated his achievement into a sense of indescribable power. He imagined seeing his daughter's excited face when she saw him perched on his rightful seat.

Thor's burly footsteps terminated their echoing. He knew that the guards against the walls outside the throne room. His magic powerfully flowed in his vein, prepared to hide the truth from Heimdall's eyes. No one would know that he was alive and watching his daughter.

He closed his eyes and attempted to sense her presence. As he felt her seidr, he configured her surroundings. His eyes narrowed upon perceiving two other figures. Her location alien to his sensibility, but the beings strangely recognizable. His hand twisted, commanding his magic to create the scenery of Eira's whereabouts.

A screen-like apparition appeared out of green smoke. Eira formed on the partition, sitting at a table with an empty plate in front of her. By her side: Steven Grant Rogers.

"Uncle said you two were in New York a year ago. When do you move to Washington D.C?"

Eira sat on a stool, looking up at the previously frozen man. Her outfit was different then the one she left in. Instead of a teal jumpsuit with embroidered silver, she wore black pants, an olive green sweater, and white sneakers. Her braid remained the same, but she looked like a typical Midgard. Loki almost sneered. His daughter was much better than those foolish Earthlings. She deserved to be treated like the princess she was everywhere she went. He recognized the danger in not hiding her true self. Appearing as a human was needed for her safety, but his ego was always arduous to dissuade.

"SHIELD gave me an apartment back in Brooklyn when I woke up. It was shortly after the Avengers formed. Fury transferred us to Washington D.C. The SHIELD base is located nearby, so it's easier to report missions to us."

"From all the stories I read about Midgard, everything happens in New York City. I don't think many have mentioned the capital of America."

Natasha finally entered the frame. "A lot has happened in New York, so it's a common setting for stories. It's very populated, making it difficult to travel for missions."

"The city is nice. A lot of tall buildings. I never saw so many of them gathered together in Asgard."

"Most major cities in America are like that, but we won't take you to the city now. You'll stay in our apartments for a bit. There is a park and some stores nearby. We were planning to get you more clothes and toys that suit you."

"Not a lot of toys," Steve added. "We don't want to spoil you. We do want to know what you like."

Eira put a finger on chin. Loki could never hide his smile whenever his daughter acted unintentionally cute.

"I like to read. I think I get it from my Daddy; he would always read me bedtime stories. The library at the palace has many books, but I don't think it has many current Midgardian books."

"It's nice to see kids have a passion for reading," spoke Natasha. "Is there anything else? Do you like to play with toys?"

"Are there stuffed animals on Earth? I have a plush wolf named Hati, but I feel I'm too old for toys. I brought him with me. Please don't make fun of me."

Eira slightly stretched her arm and held her hand palm up. A viridescent mist arose as she formed Hati. A rush of pride burst in Loki's chest. Damn, she is incredibly advanced in her magic, he thought. She will probably become more powerful than me.

The spy and soldier were also amazed, but it was more a consequence of their bewilderment. This little girl hid her stuffed animal into… an abyss, and returned it to reality without a struggle. Loki guessed that was what they thought. Their Midgardian brains could not comprehend the nature of seidr and his daughter's skill.

The princess glanced back and forth at their astonied faces. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done magic without permission. I know magic is not common on Midgard."

"Don't apologize," Steve responded as his shoulders relaxed. "You like to do magic, it's a part of your culture. We'll allow you to stop your magic here, but nothing dangerous and not in public."

Eira swiftly nodded. "That sounds fair."

Her fingers tightly held the plush toy. The self-appointed king's heart nearly melted at the sight. The toy her mother had gifted to her before she was born, the object beloved by Eira since her birth.

"Oh," Eira jumped. "I forget to answer your question, Natasha. I like to play with things that boys like. I don't know why, but I don't like toys that girls like. I like to play with them, though. Is that bad?"

"Not at all," Natasha responded without hesitation. "You can like whatever you want, as long as it doesn't hurt people. You don't have to restrict yourself to gender norms."

The girl grinned. "Thank you! I hope other kids my age will understand. Wait, will I be going to school?"

"Not initially," comforted Steve. "We're getting a tutor arranged for you. I know that you're very smart, but we need to make sure you can blend in with other students when we eventually send you to school."

The smile disappeared from her face. Her other hand grabbed Hati and clutched the toy close to her chest. Petite lips trembled as she looked at her lap.

"I have to be with other kids, without my family or you guys? I don't know if I can..."

Natasha placed her hand on Eira's back and moved it up and down. "Don't worry," she whispered, rubbing the young girl's curly raven locks. "This won't happen until a couple months into your stay. Your uncle told us that you're socially anxious. We want to protect you, and that also means making sure that you are comfortable. Plus whatever school you goto will be checked by SHIELD sources. We'll take precautions to secure your safety and protect your secrets from others."

Loki's face softened as the spy and soldier consoled his only child. He felt largely responsible for Eira's social anxiety and lack of female role models. As a single father, he raised his daughter with his morals and played with her in activities informal to him. Their time together was spent doing ventures normally associated with males. His traits were noticed by her and she was his hero, so Eira developed similarly to him, albeit with some differences. She had female role models such as Sif and Frigga, but they encouraged her to pursue her passions. Perhaps if Runa was alive, then Eira's would have a different personality, but he could not imagine his daughter any other way and he knew Runa would have been proud. He mainly felt guilty for causing timidness to arise in Eira. His daughter was accidentally conceived, which he did not care for, as she gave him indescribable joy, but all the royal children were older than her. Always the youngest in any social gathering, she awkwardly spoke to kids while suppressing the urge to hide behind her father's leg. Siri and Daven were close with the princess, but their age difference occasionally showed itself.

He wanted Eira to learn how to talk with other children, yet these Midgardian children were not worthy of her presence. Such simple-minded creatures were less than inferior to his daughter, too incompatent and pathetic to have the attention of a demi-goddess. Her potential neverending power compared their puny value jackknifed his blood, engaged his urge to stab and kill. How dare these feeble Avengers force his daughter to…

"Maybe that's for the best," Eira spoke, a sudden smile on her pale face. "I'm a princess of the Nine Realms, so I have to know Midgard well. This is a good chance for me!"

Wait, she wanted to be around infirm Earthling children? When did she have this intention?

"You are very serious about your duties as a princess," Steve commented.

"I have to be," she responded. "If I want to be a good princess, then I have to understand the Realms. Maybe I can become Queen."

She has my ambition, too, thought Loki. She's almost seven, and yet she has such grand plans.

Loki was aware of Eira's interest in all the realms, though clueless to her passions as a princess. The signs were clear, he realized, so there was no reason for surprise. He also had a dream to be crowned King of Asgard, but he never thought about the well being of his subject. His desire was directed more toward power, the yearning to have a superiority to Thor and impress Odin. Those were different, rather simple - as simple as life as a god could be - times.

The enjoyment of seeing his daughter's excitement ended abruptly. He remembered scheduling a meeting with Heimdall, the Warriors Three, and Sif to locate the missing prisoners as he heard the halls shake with their footsteps. Waving his hand, the screen disappeared. He straightened his stance and prepared for impersonating the All-Father. A thousand years of transforming into others and exgattering their traits prepared him for this moment.

Her new bedroom was indeed smaller than her palace chambers, although adapting, she predicted, would arise without challenge. The bed stood by a window, the sheets a moss green matching the deep sea blue of the curtains. A bookcase laid against the wall, the shelves filled with books of varying reading levels. Grey carpet ran through the entire floor. A built-in closet was scarce in clothes, coordinating the rather empty room.

Eira finally had the chance to explore her bedroom. After eating chicken noodle soup for lunch, Natasha left and Steve discussed with her the materials they needed to purchase tomorrow. For the reminder of the day they planned to stay in his apartment. She already desired some alone time, and luckily the opportunity rose when Steve received a call and was ordered to speak with someone in private.

She approached the bed and began to recreate objects she brought with her via magic. Magic books, material from for sparring sessions, the blankets from her father's bed. Arranging the various objects on her bed, she looked for places to put them.

"Your living arrangements are much better than I initially thought."

The deep voice entered her ears, earning an excited grin from the princess. She turned around, immediately seeing the warm smile of her father. She ran up to him, hugging him as soon as she was close, not bothered by his armor. Loki's grip was firm and protective.

"I am so glad to see you, Eira," he whispered. "And do not worry about speaking: I have muted this room and altered the signal of the security cameras."

"I'm happy to see you, Daddy," said Eira. "I was so worried."

"I know how to handle myself in battle," Loki removed his arms from her back, though he kept a hand on her shoulder. "I am sorry for putting you through this, again."

Eira giggled and shook her head. "You keep saying that, but I don't mind."

"There is an immense guilt within me. I keep faking my disappearances, and forcing you to keep it a secret. You're so young, I should not make you act so deviously."

The princess shrugged. "You are kind of right. I miss when we could be together whenever. Meeting in secret is hard, but I want to be with you. You're my only parent. You're all I have."

Loki felt tears in the corner of his eyes. Despite his former vicious, power-hungry actions, she still loved him. His biological family left him to die soon after his birth. Laufey ordered him to die alone, and killed Faurbauti, his loyal wife, for birthing a runt while successfully mothering two sons beforehand. His blood relatives discarded him without hesitation, but Eira was different.

She had a neverending love for her father, her only living biological relative.

"Daddy, why are you crying?" Eira approached Loki, wiping the tears falling from his face. "Did I say something? What happe-"

Loki pulled Eira into another hug, interrupting her questioning.

"Thank you, Eira," he whispered. "I love you, more than anything. Don't you ever forget that."

The King felt tiny arms wrap around his neck. "I love you, too."

The hug ended after a few moments, Loki pulling away and stroking a curl loose from Eira's braid. "You are so brave, my little one. I am so proud of you, and so is your mother. She is smiling from Valhalla, I am sure."

"Really?" Her eyes widened.

"Of course she is. I am unaware of children who would travel to a new time for an indefinite amount of time. I realize that you have some reasonable fears, but you are willing to face them. The courage within you is immeasurable."

"Thor told me about his Midgardian friends, but I was still scared to meet them. They're really nice. Natasha is funny and doesn't care that I don't like girly things. Steve is also kind and seems to care about me."

"I had some reservations about them too, but they have a strong urge to protect you. They want your stay on Earth to have no discomfort or difficulties. I'm surprised by how much they understand you and your needs."

"I'm still scared of meeting kids. I don't know how to talk to Midgardian kids. I don't even know how to talk to Asgardian kids."

"Eira," Loki put a hand on her shoulder. "You are the bravest girl in the universe. I have seen you fall and respond with no tears. You can overcome this with ease. I will aid you, and so will Steve and Natasha."

Eira nodded in excitement, but her eyes widened when she heard footsteps. Loki rubbed her head in reassurance.

"I will visit you tomorrow. I can visit you anytime I want."

The smile returned. "Alright. I'll see you tomorrow."

Loki stood up. "I love you. Be good."

His physical form disappeared, his advanced magic and knowledge of the hidden entrances aiding him while visiting his daughter.

"This room is rather nice," spoke a familiar, bruly voice.

Eira turned around, seeing Thor, wearing Midgardian clothing - black denim jacket, grey shirt, and blue jeans, his long, flowing hair tied away from his face - leaning against his doorway.

"Uncle Thor!" she yelled, running up to him as he kneeled and opened his arms. "How did you get here?"

"Heimdall sent me to your location," he responded, letting go of his niece and adjusting his jacket. "I wanted to speak with you. It's about your father."

Her expression turned neutral, looking down at his sock-covered feet. "He's missing, isn't he?"

Thor backed a few centimeters, eyes widening as his head twitched. "How di- how did you know?"

Green eyes remained focused on her feet. "I had a feeling. I know you left the realm of the Dark Elves a couple of hours ago, so he should have visited me by now."

The God of Thunder gulped nervously. "You're right. He disappeared sometime during our fight with Malekith on Svartalfheim. Heimdall cannot sense his presence. I thought maybe he had visited you, but I guess not. Eira, are you lying to me."

"No, don't accuse me of something like that. Well, I did lie to you, grandma, and grandpa about him before, but not this time! I promise!"

"I trust you, Eira. But if you know something or if he visits you, you need to tell someone. We need to secure your father's safety. The Nine Realms are already in chaos, and we could use his help in restoring balance."

"If he visits me, I will tell you."

Thor smiled. "That is all I need."

He stood up, holding up his arm by his side. Mjolnir entered his grasp.

"Hey! Can you not do that in my place?" Steve shouted from another room.

"Sorry, Rogers!" Thor said, feeling semi-guilty.

"You have to go already?" Eira asked with disappointment.

"I wish I could stay longer, but I have to inspect the other realms. The Bifrost is nearly prepared, so I have to be there to observe their current state. I should return soon, however, and it will probably be a longer stay."

"You're going to see Jane more, aren't you," Eira said with her father's grin. She could hear Steve laugh.

Thor blushed. "Well, yes. She is my girlfriend, so I have to see her. Nevermind that. Goodbye, Eira. I hope to see you soon."

He almost lifted his arm in the small hallway, but quickly refrained.

"I probably shouldn't do that indoors. I'll go outside."

Maybe it was selfish to leave Asgard to visit his lover instead of aiding his allies in repairing the realms, but his love for Jane Foster was immense.

And no one saw what they saw.

Both were at Svartalfheim with Loki. They witnessed Kurse stab Loki and throw his body into the air. They watched the Malekith and the Dark Elves leave with the Reality Stone. Jane observed Thor turning to embrace his brother and heal his wounds, but only found fields of rock and dust.

Loki disappeared.

His body was nowhere in sight.

Thor could not focus on the whereabouts of his brother, as the threat of Malekith utilizing the power of the Reality Stone was in greater need of his attention. The back of his mind filled with theories as to how Loki could have used his magic to flee as he battled the leader of the Dark Elves.

Aesir magic was herculean, but not limitless. With his seidr Loki could change his appearance and voice, create and hide objects, develop a strong telekinesis, but teleportation was not included. Pondering further, Thor wondered if Loki turned himself invisible, muted himself so neither Thor nor Jane could hear his feet against the rocky terrain. Loki was a genius and strategist, well-aware of the many gateways to travel across the realms without the knowledge of Heimdall.

After ordering Heimdall to transport him from Washington D.C. to London - and forgetting to apologize to Steve for ruining the greenery outside his apartment complex - he stood outside her living quarters, expecting her to notice the unfathomable blast of light. She did, running out of her apartment to give the god a deep kiss, ignoring the many Londoners who could possibly observe their public display of affection.

She guided him to her apartment in silence, noticing his sudden solemn expression.

"Is something wrong?" she questioned. "Did your father say something?"

Thor sighed and stopped walking. Jane rubbed his arm in solace. "Thor, tell me."

"It's Eira."

"Eira? Is she okay? Did she get hurt?"

"No, physically she is fine. She is on Earth right now. She is living with Rogers. Oh, you probably know him as Captain America. I spoke with her before coming to you."

"Is she adjusting alright?"

"It appears so. I told her about Loki's disappearance."

"Heimdall couldn't find him? I don't know where he could go with his injury. Eira must have been upset."

"That's the strange part: she displayed no emotion when I told her. She told me that she had a feeling that she may have left. No tears, no tantrum, just acceptance."

"That is not usual for a six-year-old."

"No, it is not. I think she knows more than us."