After the whole ordeal, Odin announced that the ceremony was going to be suspended "until further notice". Astrid stayed with her mother, comforting the guests as they all left. Many were frightened about Frost Giants being on Asgard. Astrid and her mother spent a long time trying to ease the terrified people of Asgard. Their fear would not completely leave until they heard word from Odin.
When all the guests had left, her mother dismissed her, as she went to speak with Odin. Astrid went off to search for her brothers. She went around the palace, yet she could not find them. Until she heard a loud crash. Following the noise, she quickly found them.
Astrid walked into the Royal Dining Room where she saw the giant table on its side, the food spread out all over the floor. Hoards of food that had been thrown to waste by her angry older brother. She looked up to see Thor and Loki sitting and speaking with the Warriors Three and Sif.
She came into the room just in time to hear Thor declare, "It's decided then. We are going to Jotunheim."
"You are going where?!" Astrid said, barging into the room. "Did I hear that right? Did you just say that you are going to Jotenheim?" All the eyes turned to her and Loki stood up next to his brother. He opened his mouth to reply, but Thor beat him to it.
"We are going to Jotunheim to see why they attacked us. I need answers." He said with a voice that said; Don't argue with me, Astrid. It held powerful authority, but Astrid pointedly ignored it. He was her brother after all. She didn't have to do what he said.
"And I'm supposed to just walk away and let you go? No, I'm coming with you."
"No!" Loki said quickly. "It's too dangerous." Loki was always one to think of her safety first, and she was grateful, but she would not be told what to do by her older brothers.
"But Lady Sif is going." She said with a glance towards Sif. Sif glanced at Astrid and gave a small smile before turning to Thor and Loki.
"Let her come. It can't hurt to have her in case of an attack." Sif argued.
While Astrid knew the Warriors Three and Lady Sif well, she would not consider them to be her closest friends. They were closer to the princes than with her, for they were always training and going to war with each other. Though Lady Sif had become somewhat of a friend after she helped train Astrid in the basics of combat. With the help of Loki, Astrid knew how to defend herself in battle.
"All the more reason for her to stay." Loki said with an ice glare at Sif, silencing her from any more. He looked at Astrid, his gaze softening. "Sif is a warrior. You're not."
Astrid snorted. "So? I want to come, and there is nothing you can do to stop me." She said raising her chin defiantly, daring her older brothers to argue with her. They may be older than her, but she was no maiden for them to step on.
Loki opened his mouth to argue, but Thor cut him off with a sigh. "Let her come Loki. You know she won't listen. She's just like mother. When has anyone been able to change her mind once it had been decided?
Loki looked like he wanted to argue, but he let out a quiet sigh and with a defeated look on his face, nodded. He knew his brother was right.
Thor looked across the people before him and with a bright smile commanded, "Let's go."
Astrid busied herself with checking her weapons before slipping them into the correct places in her armor. The armor that had been made for her without the permission of her parents. And even though they allowed her to keep it, they hated seeing her wear it.
Odin and Frigga had not been happy when their daughter told them that she wanted to learn how to fight. She was a young girl when she finally begged her parents to let her train with the others. Before that, she would watch from afar as her brothers learned the art of fighting.
At first, they refused her. They did not want the princess of Asgard to learn how to fight. There were other things that she should learn, such as how to act like a lady and all of that boring stuff. This was not something that Astrid wanted to do.
So she secretly began training. Loki started training her at first. Some nights, when everyone was asleep, he would teach her what he learned during his lessons.
Their parents were not happy when they found out. But Astrid wanted to learn. She told them that she should at least know the basics of fighting, incase anything should happen. Odin was adamant that there was never going to be a reason that she would have to fight, but Astrid would not give up.
Finally, they reached a compromise. Astrid would learn how to fight if she also learned how to be a proper lady of Asgard. The manners and the dresses and how to act around others and how to be a good wife. All of that boring, useless stuff. But she allowed it since it meant she could now train with the others.
Loki and Lady Sif both helped her in her training, as they were both older than her. The Warriors Three were not too keen on training a young maiden of Asgard.
Astrid trained hard with the others, learning all she could, and became quite good. Not nearly as good as her brothers or the others, but she was still proud of how far she had come.
Once she finished inspecting her daggers, she slipped them into the belt around her waist. Since Loki helped her a lot with training, she picked up the skill of fighting with daggers. The Warriors Three and Lady Sif would use large weapons, like swords, but Astrid preferred the smaller weight of a dagger in her hand.
As she walked outside, she saw the others already there, dressed in their armor, weapons glinting in the bright sunshine.
Astrid approached them and the Warriors greeted her with a smile and a nod. She gave them one in return, before turning to Loki, who was holding her horse by the reins.
She thanked him before taking the reins in her hands and giving her grey horse a quick rub on the nose. This mare had been a gift to her from Loki when she was younger. He knew how much she loved the horses and going for rides on them, so he got Astrid her very own horse.
After a few quick pats, she hopped onto her back and looked up to see that the others were already mounted. Loki on a jet-black horse, and Thor on a gleaming white stallion. Complete opposites, similar to the brothers themselves.
The group urged the horses forward and onto the Bifrost. Within a few moments, they were galloping across the bridge, the pounding of hooves the only thing that could be heard.
As they got closer to the Bifrost, they slowed their horses down to a slow trot until they came upon Heimdall, the gatekeeper.
Astrid slid down from her horse and gave her a thankful pat on her neck.
With Thor leading the group, they all headed towards Heimdall, who was standing just outside of the Bifrost, watching them approach.
Loki glanced towards his brother and smiled, "Leave this to me."
He confidently turned to face Heimdall. "Good Heimdall…" Loki began before he was cut off.
"You're not dressed warmly enough." Heimdall stated without missing a beat.
Loki stared. "I'm sorry?"
"You think that you can deceive me?" Heimdall questioned him calmly.
Loki let out a light chuckle. "You must be mistaken-"
"Enough!" Thor's loud booming voice cut through the pair's conversation. Loki quieted instantly.
Thor approached the gatekeeper. "Heimdall, may we pass?"
Heimdall stared at him for a moment before responding, "Never has an enemy slipped my watch until this day." He looked over the group. "I wish to know how that happened."
"Then tell no one where we've gone until we have returned," Thor commanded. "Understand?" Astrid felt the power in her brother's voice. He certainly sounded like a king.
Thor stared at him for a moment longer before continuing on past Heimdall, the rest of the group beginning to follow. The warriors weaved their way around Loki, who had yet to move.
"What happened? Silver tongue turn to lead?" Volstagg joked as he passed the young prince, causing the others to chuckle.
Loki glanced his way and clenched his jaw before Astrid joined his side and rested her hand on his arm gently, making him look at her.
She gave him a small smile which he returned, before they both followed the others.
The golden dome of the Bifrost greeted them as they entered, the intricate designs that covered the walls fascinated Astrid since she was a child.
Loki and Astrid joined the others at the far side, where the Bifrost would open and send them to another world.
Heimdall followed behind the others and placed his infamous sword into the contraption that would activate the Bifrost.
Energy surges that looked a lot like electricity swept through the air around them as the golden dome of the Bifrost began to spin, before a large beam shot out into the vastness of space.
Heimdall's voice cut through the air. "Be warned. I will honor my sworn oath to protect this realm as its Gatekeeper. If your return threatens the safety of Asgard, the Bifrost will remain closed." He paused as the Warriors Three and Sif glanced at each other uneasily. "And you will be left to die in the cold wastes of Jotenheim." Astrid felt a slight chill go down her back at the gatekeeper's words.
"Couldn't you just leave the bridge open for us?" Volstagg questioned softly.
"To leave the bridge open would unleash the full power of the Bifrost and destroy Jotenheim with you upon it," Heimdall responded calmly.
Astrid glanced over a Thor to see a smile on his face. "I have no plans to die today," he stated confidently.
"None do."
As the words left Heimdall's mouth, the Bifrost sucked the group away from Heimdall and Asgard.
The journey through the Bifrost was always a bit disorienting at first, though Astrid had learned to get used to it.
It was not long before the Bifrost deposited the group onto the icy grounds of Jotenheim.
Astrid shivered when they arrived, the wind catching her off guard. She wrapped the cloak tighter around her shoulders as the group began walking. As they moved, she stayed close to Loki and with a glance in his direction, she caught him checking on her from the corner of her eye.
With a small sigh and turned on him. "I don't need to be checked on every second Loki."
He was shocked for a moment, before nodding once. It looked like he wanted to argue, but he decided against it.
"You helped train me after all. I can take care of myself," Astrid added with a smile and nudged his arm playfully.
Loki looked down at her and returned her light smile. She could still see the worry in his eyes but said no more.
They continued walking deeper into the heart of the frozen planet when footsteps sounded around them. Lots of footsteps.
Frost Giants surrounded the small group and Loki involuntarily stepped closer to Astrid. She was too shocked to argue and felt comforted that he was near.
The Frost Giants stepped closer to them, surrounding the group. The warriors and Sif all had their hands on their weapons yet hesitating to draw them.
Astrid scanned the creatures in front of them, looking for potential weaknesses or flaws in their formation.
As they scanned the giants, another stepped out of the shadows in front of them. Once glance was all it took for Astrid to confirm that is the Laufey. King of Jotenheim.
Thor stepped forward confidently and faced the king.
"How did your people get into Asgard?" Thor asked, his voice ringing in the silence.
Laufey was silent before turning his head to look at Thor. "The House of Odin is filled with traitors." Astrid's eyes narrowed at his accusation.
"Do not dishonor my father's name with your lies!" Thor shouted. Astrid stiffened at his tone, glancing towards the other Frost Giants.
Laufey stood up tall and spit down at them. "Your father is a murderer and a thief! You're nothing but a boy, trying to prove himself a man."
Thor was seething with rage. "This boy has grown tired of your mockery."
More Frost Giants came, already arming themselves. Sif and the Warriors Three glanced around nervously, but Thor was oblivious. He only saw his own rage. Astrid scooted closer to Loki, whose hands were twitching to his side where his own daggers were kept.
Loki went to Thor's side. "Thor, stop. Think. Look around you, we're outnumbered." Loki whispered urgently. "Think about Astrid. Do you want to place her in harms way here, like this?"
"Know your place brother." Thor replied with authority, not even sparing his brother a glance.
Laufey spoke again. "You do not know what your actions will unleash." He paused, as if remembering something, "I do. Go now, while I still allow it." He said to them. Astrid visibly relaxed.
Thor was silent, so Loki spoke up instead. "We will accept your most gracious offer." Thor glared at Loki and turned to Laufey. He looked like he was going to argue, but just curled his lip and turned away from him and started walking away.
Astrid sighed in relief. But that relief was short lived.
"Run back home little princess." Laufey sneered.
Everyone paused for a moment.
"Damn." Loki said finality, before stepping closer to Astrid's side. The Warriors Three rolled their eyes and sighed. Astrid tensed up again. They all knew where this was going.
Thor smirked and turned around swiftly, to smack Laufey in the jaw with his hammer, sending him flying into a wall of ice.
"Next?" Thor said, a smile plastered on his face.
All at once, the Frost Giants came running at them. Thor easily batted them away. Loki stayed by Astrid's side. She pulled out her daggers and began slashing at the Frost Giant nearest to her.
The giant lunged for her but she spun around, dodging his blows and landing a few of her own. The giant stumbled and Astrid swiped her dagger across the back of its leg, sending it to the ground.
A growl sounded from behind her and she quickly turned to see another giant heading her way before a knife was thrown at it, sending it to the ground.
She glanced over and saw Loki breathing heavily, yet unfazed by the battle. Astrid gave him a small smile in thanks, which he returned, before they both turned to the remaining Frost Giants.
Laufey watched the battle take place when Thor turned towards him. "At least make it a challenge for me!" Astrid groaned. Must he make everything more difficult than it has to be?
More Frost Giants appeared, running towards the group.
As more giants appeared, Astrid could see the toll it was taking on the others. There were too many and they were outnumbered. She turned to see Thor easily taking down one giant after another. Knowing he was doing okay, she fought off another giant before glancing around quickly for Loki.
She saw him trick a giant with one of his illusions and she smiled before heading over to his side. There was a lull in the battle for a moment, leaving the two siblings to breathe before more Frost Giants headed their way.
Astrid looked up at her brother and they both decided what to do next. The pair turned away from each other, keeping their backs close, as they fought, protecting the other.
When there we're not many left, Astrid glanced behind her to see one coming towards Loki. She knew he could handle this one and smiled as he shoved his dagger into its chest. She saw it grab at his arm, but she knew that the armor should protect him from their freezing touch. She turned to help Sif who was battling three giants at once.
Once those were taken care of, Astrid heard a cry of pain. She turned to see Fandrall impaled with a long ice shard.
"Thor!" Sif called towards the god, who was too busy having fun smashing the Frost Giants around him.
Volstagg and Hogun aided Fandrall, carrying him away from the fray while Loki shouted again towards his brother. "We must go!"
"Then go!" Thor returned, smashing another giant.
Laufey stared at the destruction around him before touching a wall beside him.
Suddenly, the wall started to shake. Ice trembled and dropped away and a pair of red eyes was visible. Loki appeared by Astrid's side and his arm snaked around her back. "Run." He whispered, eyes glued to the creature, before going to help with Fandrall.
The creature came stumbling out of the ice and let out a roar. It was huge. Astrid stared at it with wide, terrified eyes. The monster was easily 50 feet tall and took huge strides, beginning to make its way towards the group of Asgardians.
"Thor!" Loki shouted again, but again, it went unheard.
Astrid was too busy staring at the monster to notice the Frost Giant come up behind her. She turned in time to see it and try to dodge its blow, but it still managed to make a gash in her side with its icy blade. She gasped as the pain shot through her. The burn from the coldness of the wound caused her to cry out.
Loki was by her side in an instant, fighting the Frost Giant and forcing it away from her.
Astrid was doubled over in pain when Loki came back and grabbed her shoulders, helping steady her.
"I've got you. You're okay," he whispered softly as he began to move her towards the others, who were already trying to flee.
The creature roared again and Astrid felt the terror flow through her veins as she felt the ground shake around her.
As they were fleeing, Astrid turned to see the creature running after them. With a gasp, she clutched Loki tighter.
All of a sudden, a large blast of lightning appeared and cracked the ground, sending the monster down below. Having a God of Thunder around was not so bad after all.
With a sigh of relief, they continued until they had made it to the spot where the Bifrost had deposited them.
"Heimdall!" Volstagg yelled. "Open the bridge."
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then, a large clawed paw reached up over the edge of the cliff, causing Astrid to gasp and momentarily forget her pain.
Large red eyes appeared as the creature pulled itself up to tower above the helpless group.
With a mighty roar, the creature lifted a paw to kill the group, but Thor flew through its open mouth and out the back of its neck.
The creature suddenly silenced, before it toppled over, glazed eyes no longer staring at the Asgardians. Thor landed beside them as Lady Sif appeared at Astrid's other side, helping take some of her weight from Loki.
But their relief was short lived.
More Frost Giants appeared, surrounding the small group. Astrid knew that Heimdall would not open the Bifrost with all of these Frost Giants here. A fear gripped her heart as she realized that she was going to die here. She gripped onto Loki tighter, her throat beginning to close as she fought back the beginnings of tears.
Loki looked down at her helplessly, not knowing what to do.
Suddenly, a bright light appeared and then Odin was there, sitting atop of his steed. Laufey rose up to meet him. "Odin. You look old." He said with a sneer towards the old man.
Odin looked at Laufey and without even looking to the group, replied. "These were the actions of a boy. Treat them as such."
Laufey smiled. "How about we finish this?"
Odin gave a curt nod, and just when Laufey was about to attack, the light appeared and sucked Odin, Thor, Loki, Astrid, Sif, and the Warriors Three with it.
A moment later, they were back in Asgard. Astrid doubled over in pain again once the adrenaline began to wear off and she knew that she was safe, and Loki held her up. "Look at what you've done!" He shouted towards Thor, who was standing in front of their father with a proud smile on his face. "This is why she should not have come!" He shouted again.
Thor glanced in their direction and seemed to notice Astrid's wound for the first time. His eyes grew concerned and worried as he took a step in their direction before Odin held up a hand to tell him to stay.
Odin looked at his only daughter and looked to Lady Sif. "Take her to the Healing Chambers."
Lady Sif nodded quickly and Loki begrudgingly let go of her other side to turn to his father and brother.
As she was limping away, hand pressed to her side, she heard yelling and knew that Thor was in a lot of trouble. As Sif helped her across the bridge towards the horses, Astrid heard the Bifrost activate again. She glanced over her shoulder, hoping to see what was going on but the world began to spin around her.
She desperately tried to reorient herself, but her eyelids grew heavy and while she could hear Sif telling her to hold on, her body was going limp then everything went black.