(Disclaimer: don't own the movie Thor or its characters.)

(A/N: Sorry, it's been awhile since I've been able to actually work on this story. College has started a new term and so I've been trying to keep up with my school work, work on this story and Dear Journal and A Witch's Tale, I've also gotten some ideas for some new stories as well, but we'll see if I actually write on them or not. Oh! And I've got some original stories I've started and so I've got a lot on my plate… sorry to ramble. Please enjoy the chapter.)

Thor:

Matters Concerning Kings and Queens

Chapter 3:

Old Traditions, Continued, and Enter the Frost Giants

Mina, now a woman, was pacing in front of the doors that lead into the throne room of the palace; her family, her Mother – the Queen, her Father – the King, and her little sister awaited her inside. Mina couldn't believe that two full months had passed since she was sent to Midgard for her test. For the final part of her test, she would need to greet her family as if they were strangers, then and only then could she treat them as family and they her; she would also have to speak and act as if she were a modern mortal of Midgard.

"Madam?" a guard tried to grasp her attention, "It is time." Mina took a deep breath before nodding her head and heading in the direction of the large, double doors. They looked and moved sideways like any traditional styled Japanese paper doors, but were made of metal and fabric so strong any creature would have trouble breaking through. As the doors opened, Mina swept some of her long, ebony hair over her shoulder. A sigh escaped her as she made the long trek to the throne that stood at the far side of the huge room that appeared to be made of gold. A beautiful, deep purple carpet stretched to the length of the room, but not the width; it was wide enough for three people to walk side-by-side.

When Mina made it to the throne, she wanted to bow in the traditional way she had been taught, but knew she could not this time. Mina looked to the faces of those at the throne, starting with the woman seated properly upon the throne; she was tall, as tall as Kaminari, and shared the same silky, ebony hair as Kaminari. She was beautiful; she was Amaterasu Allmother, the Queen of Ama, Mina's mother. Amaterasu was dressed in traditional robes that were of royal colors with a lovely crown placed on her head. To her left, standing next to the throne, was Kaminari's father, Futsu-Nushi-No-Kami, the King of Ama; he too had Mina's hair, and he was handsome. He was dress like his wife with a smaller crown upon his head. To the Allmother's right, sitting on the arm of the throne, was Inari, Kaminari's sister; Nari was dressed in a yellow and red tube-top with a red kimono top with yellow designs overtop both showing the tattoos that lined her collar bone, a golden colored skirt with a yellow and green obi that had golden strings hanging from it, flowing around her form was a light green and highly transparent shawl, and in her black hair with it's odd green highlights there was a simple but pretty little hair ornament shaped like a wing with a small flower that fit nicely into the twists in her hair.

Kaminari held her right hand out to Amaterasu, "Hello, I'm Kaminari; my friends call me 'Mina.' It's nice to meet you."

"Is this how the mortals greet one another now?" Amaterasu asked as she shook hands with Mina.

"But of course, Midgardians shake hands now, unlike when we were last there." Mina said as she turned to her father and repeated the process.

"I'm glad you have returned to Ama, my little light." Futsu-Nushi-No-Kami said as he pulled Mina into a hug and messed up her hair. Mina protested at having her ponytail and curls messed up. "Look at you," he said as he held her at arm length. Mina sighed as she looked down at herself. She was wearing a black tube-top; a purple shirt made of lace; a red ribbon tied around her neck; four, black, leather bands wrapped around each arm; black, leather gloves; black, leather pants that were form fitting; a ebony belt with small chains coming off it; and some black, leather boots. "By the Asgardians, What are you wearing?"

"…Midgardian clothing?" Mina more of asked than told him; her silvery, blue eyes held on to his mismatch eyes: one red and the other gold. Slowly, as if in reluctance, Mina turned to face her unhappy, younger sister.

Mina repeated what she had said in greeting to her Mother and Father and held her hand out for a handshake. Inari just glared at Mina's hand as if it was a snake. "I will not shake hands with you." Nari hissed out before getting a pointed look from Amaterasu.

"Inari," it was a warning and a threat all in one. Inari made a face, clearly displeased.

"Fine." Nari shook hands with Mina and let go as if she had been burnt. The corners of Mina's lips were pulled down in a grimace as if she couldn't believe how things were going.

"Now, Kaminari, tell me about Midgard." Mina nodded and told them all she had seen and done during her two months pretending to be a mere mortal. With each passing minute, Nari looked angrier and Mina didn't understand why. Amaterasu opened her mouth to speak after Mina was done, but a terrifying roar echoed through the halls of the palace.

Nari smiled slightly behind her hand and muttered "finally" too quietly to be heard.

Jotunheim, a frozen wasteland made of ice, snow, and rock, the home of the Frost Giants and some other foul beasts. Mina looked at the frozen ground beneath her sister's and her own feet with great disdain. It was exactly as they had been told, a world one would mistaken for a dying planet. Less than a rock throw away, about a mile, to the Northwest of them, a swirling burst of color appeared. It faded quickly, but anyone within 3,000 miles would have been alerted to the arrival of whoever used the Bifrost.

"We have company," Nari stated as she started in the direction of those who had been stupid enough to tell the Frost Giants of their presence.

"We shouldn't be here." Hogun stated as they looked around.

"Let's move."

"Hey Asgardians!" Inari shouted at the group from the other side of the small canyon-like gap, Mina next to her. They quickly turned to the two.