1 year later

It had been a year. A whole year of relentless training, working, non-stop fighting. All the while Rienne could only think of the kids. She desperately missed them. Now that Loki was gone, they were all she had. Rienne was packing up her things for her journey back to Asgard. She sat on her bed and heavily sighed. If it weren't for the kids, she probably would have stayed here. She wouldn't have to put up with all the drama and annoyances that waited back at the golden city.

When she first reached Valhalla, she vowed to free her children from the punishment Odin had given them. She would not rest until she had them back. Closing her eyes and thinking, she pondered what they looked like now. Did they stop aging like all the other gods? Were they older than her now? Time passed differently in Valhalla than on Asgard. A year in Valhalla was like 3 there. Perhaps by this time Thor had found a new bride. She knew he would not wait for her but she didn't care. It would be a blessing if he had. Perhaps he was king of the golden city now. What kind of welcome would she receive? If any at all…

Finally, after folding her last item and placing it into her bag, she walked out to her balcony. Looking up to the heavens she closed her eyes. 'A life of isolation… for the kids… for me…' she silently remained deep in thought for a few minutes before a fellow Valkyrie knocked on her door. "Rienne, I hope you're ready. You are to leave in ten minutes." "Yes, I'm ready." She replied without moving from her position. Slowly opening her eyes, she looked back up at the stars. "I wonder… If I have any friends left in Asgard…" was all she said to herself before finally leaving for the Holy City.

She arrived in Asgard in about an hour or two. Traveling by Magic horses and chariots was a lot faster than normal means. She grabbed her bag from off the horse and placed it on the floor. Slapping the Horse's side, signaling it ok to go, it took off with fiery speed. A few minutes later it had disappeared into a portal taking it back to Valhalla. Picking up her bag, Rienne made her way to the front gates of Odin's castle. Two guards where protecting the huge double doors. When she got closer, the guards crossed their swords preventing her from entering. "State your name and Business. Don't you know what time it is?" One guard glared at Rienne. Or rather, she assumed he was glaring at her, for his voice had a harsh tone and she couldn't see his face due to his helmet. "Well… I believe it shall be dawn in a few hours…" She paused, annoyed, she sighed and continued, "I am Rienne. Valkyrie in King's Guard Rank." Both guards were silent. They stared at her up and down, though she wouldn't have known it since she couldn't see their faces. She was wearing lightweight black armor trimmed with emerald and gold. She didn't have her helmet but she had her shield. A lance was fastened securely on her back and they noted she looked rather tired. After a minute or two, they sheathed their swords and nodded allowing her to come in.

She walked the currently isolated halls of Odin's Castle. Trying not to make too much noise, but finding it rather difficult due to her armor. She seemed almost… lost. It felt like an eternity since she last walked these halls. Placing her hand on a nearby marble Pillar, she looked around. 'The library should be down this hall…' she thought to herself. Perhaps she should pay it a visit? … no … she had not been there since Loki passed. Continuing on, she finally came up to her old bedroom. 'I wonder if it's still mine…' she thought. Quietly opening the door, to no avail since it made a loud creaking sound, she took in her surroundings. Everything was the same. Untouched, a little dusty, but everything was in its place. Just as she had left it. She smiled. Looking at her plain bed in the corner, her small bathroom and the windowsill she always sat on, she closed the door behind her locking it. Pleased that it appeared no one had been in her room for these 3 Asgardian years, she flopped onto her bed. Dust was spewed everywhere and she coughed into her hands. 'Ok that was a bad idea' she silently chuckled. 'Well… guess I'll have to pay my respects to the All-Mighty All-Father in the morning… whatever…' she scoffed. Getting up from her bed and removing her armor carefully, she placed it on the floor. She got into bed once again and curled up into a ball. She slowly pulled the bed covers over her and drifted off to sleep.

It had only been 4 hours when she awoke rather violently. That same nightmare… the one where she looked into Loki's eyes right before he fell, haunted her every night since it happened. It seemed to only get worse when she first reached Valhalla. Shaking it off, she peered outside through her window. It was rather bright outside but it couldn't have been later than seven in the morning. Groggily getting up, she put on her armor, minus the helmet, placed her lance on her back and made her way out of the castle. 'tch… I'm starving…' she thought. She didn't want to eat from the palace kitchen in fear that someone might recognize her. She really didn't want to let anyone know she was back yet. Or ever. If it were up to her, she would have never returned. She couldn't stay in Valhalla however, and she really had nowhere else to go.

Making her way through the market place, she wasn't able to stop the memories from flooding her mind. The memories of her and Loki walking the market place playing pranks on people. Eating apples and strolling around taking in all the colors, smells and scenery the market place had to offer. She was content… she was happy here… these simple pleasures always put a smile on her face. Not anymore. The attitude she acquired in Valhalla seemed to have stayed with her when she left. Now, she kept to herself. Rarely spoke to anyone. Always trying to hide in the shadows trying not to attract attention to herself.

She found a nearby, small, family restaurant and decided to eat breakfast there. Lonely and sad she ate her meal in silence. The nerves of meeting up with Odin were finally catching up with her. Her stomach had that butterfly feeling you get when you know your parents will yell at you for something. Finishing up her meal, she paid, left a tip, and went on her way.

Slowly walking back to the palace lost in thought, she wasn't really paying attention to her surroundings. She suddenly felt like she hit a brick wall. She let out a soft 'ow' and rubbed her face gently. The brick wall, or rather person, turned around. "Oh I'm sorry miss?..." She looked up and of course to her dismay it was Thor. "It's alright Thor…" she whispered. "Do I know you?..." she furrowed her brows in confusion. Sure three years was a long time but had it really been… that long? He had forgotten her in just three years?... Maybe that was a good thing. "Uh… it's me… Rienne." And with that, the Golden Thunderer stepped back to take a better look at her. He remained silent for a minute before letting out a gasp.

"Rienne?! By my father's beard look at you! Looking so proud and noble in your armor! My you have changed." She continued to look at him puzzled but said nothing. "You…. Look absolutely…. Amazing… like a goddess!" he continued to stare at her. Rienne had longer hair now. She had it styled the same, in beautiful curls but this time she had a few small braids here and there. Her Valkyrie training had given her a hardened exterior. A mask of sorts. A façade of an icy, non-caring woman. Her armor truly was brilliant. Anyone who looked upon it would receive shivers down their spine and not wanting to anger this godly-looking fighter. She wore a feathered coat since it was a bit chilly outside. It looked almost like angel feathers… white as snow, light as air and soft as clouds. She had found it in a store on an expedition she took with the Valkyrie commander Brynhilde. They were going back to Valhalla after a visit to Vanaheim. It contrasted beautifully to her pitch black armor. "I… don't think I've changed that much…" she softly replied.

"Oh but you have! Look at you! Your face has a much more… seriousness about it… not like before when you looked so innocent and shy. And your armor is brilliant! As if made by Brokkr himself! Most impressive!" "Thank you Thor… but if I may ask… what are you doing here so early?" "Ah I am here with Lady Sif and the Warriors Three. They are retrieving provisions for our upcoming adventure." He had a wide smile as usual. "Adventure to where?" she inquired. "Uh well…" He seemed very reluctant to answer. "Yes?..." Rienne pushed on. "Uh… mmm…" He rubbed the back of his head nervously. "Well?" "Erm… to Midgard…" She seemed unfazed. "Oh. Well… do you mind if I join you? It's been a long time since I've gone into battle." He looked at her nervously. "Um… perhaps it's best you do not join us… I mean you just go here I assume and you need to report to father…" "Well yes but…" She looked at her feet and softly sighed. "I suppose… you're right… I'm sure after all these years you've lost faith in me… that I cannot fight… I'm useless to you… you've probably found a wife now and there is no room in your heart for me..." Though she was faking sadness, she hoped that he indeed he'd found a new girl to love.

He gently took her hand and placed a soft kiss on it. "My Lady Rienne… I will not lie to you… I indeed have found a woman whom I deeply love… she is… Midgardian…" At this she looked up at him, very surprised indeed. She never would have thought that the great all-mighty Thor had fallen for a simple Midgaridan Mortal. She remained silent but cast her eyes down once again faking sadness at his words. "Please forgive me Rienne… however, I do not think you weak. You, My Lady are absolutely fierce and anyone would be lucky to have you as a bride and more so as a fellow warrior. If you thought men wanted to bed you before, now that you are Valkyrie, men will flock for miles to you My Lady!" She took her hand back from Thor's grasp rather quickly. That last comment made her feel uneasy.

"… I should… announce my arrival to the All-Father…" She started to walk away but a moment later she abruptly stopped. Without turning around she said, "I… missed you a lot Thor… I hope… you are happy with your Midgaridan girl…"

He remained silent as she turned around and faded from his sight. He truly did feel some sort of remorse about loving another. His father had not been pleased to hear his son was in love a Midgarian girl. His father had stated that it had to be infatuation and that's all. It had to be. But Thor knew better. He was in love with this girl Jane. He loved her deeply and truly.

Rienne reached the throne room and sighed heavily. She was dreading this moment. Unsure of what awaited her; she raised her head and put on a brave face. Pushing the heavy double doors open, she peered inside and saw Odin sitting in his throne deep in thought. "All-Father… it is I, Rienne. I have returned from Valhalla my king." She walked up to him and got on one knee, bowing her head in respect. There was a slight moment of awkward silence before he spoke up. "What is your answer my child?" 'Well he wastes no time…' she thought and looked up at him. She wanted to say no… to say she'd rather work and die alone… but she wanted to see her kids… she wanted to free them… she wanted to avenge Loki… "If you allow me to see my children… spend time with them whenever I wanted… Then I shall marry Thor without question." "Then it is done." Odin placed a hand on her shoulder. "Rise Rienne. We shall start to make preparations for the wedding as soon as possible." She stood up and simply nodded. "Before we do… may I request to join Thor in Midgard?" Odin seemed a little taken aback. "I saw him early at the market place today… he mentioned he was going to Midgard for an adventure. I wanted to join him but he politely refused… I do not wish to intrude on him and his affairs but… Jormungand is in Midgard… I would really like to see him."

He paused for a moment thinking about her request. Believing he truly did take her memories of Loki away from her, he would honor her request. It seemed to him as though she was unaware that Loki was alive and causing havoc in Midgard. He would have Thor escort her to see Jormungand and then quickly returned to Asgard. She would never know Loki was alive… but did it matter? She lost her memories of him so she wouldn't recognize him anyway… but he couldn't afford Loki recognizing her. "Thor will take you only to see Jormungand. After you do, you must return here immediately." "Thank you my king. I shall gather my things for the trip right away." She softly replied.