When Eira's father, Laufey, was murdered, she mourned his death, for he had been the best mentor she had ever known, even if he had never really been a good father. Then secret of her twin, Loki, and his part in Laufey's death was revealed to her.

Her coronation was celebrated with banquets, dances, and festivities. As she sat in the throne, holding the staff (which was the symbol of the King, or in this case, Queen), Eira couldn't help but shed a silent tear as she suddenly felt an onslaught of emotions that weren't hers. Why would she feel hopeless and vengeful and broken on her coronation day?

"Eira."

Withoit looking, she knew it was her only remaining parent, Farbauti, that had spoken, for no other in her kingdom would dare address her as such. "Rise, elder." As he rose, Eira touched her magic to Farbauti's to check that it was not an imposter. "Guards, you are dismissed."

"Yes?" She asked, turning back to Farbauti.

"There is a secret. One that Laufey and I promised each other to keep from everyone until the right time." Farbauti was nervous, although it was undetectable by all but those who had known them for their whole lives, like Eira. This set her on edge, for Farbauti was only nervous when he had good reason to be.

"Do you remember from your lessons the war in which we lost the Casket of Winters?" Seeing Eira's nod and raised eyebrow, he continued. "It was not the only thing stolen from us." Eira's eyes widened fractionally before she regained control of her expression, but it was still noticed by Farbauti. However, he could see the spark of anger in her eyes. Secretly praring himself for the impending disaster, he forged on.

"When Laufey and I discovered that we would soon have a child, we were overjoyed. We prepared a nursury, with everything that a child could ever want for. Then, at your birth, we found a second surprise: we had been gifted with not one child, but two. You, and your elder brother Loki. Both of you, as you probably know, were born smaller than most Jotun children, but it mattered nothing to us.

"Laufey and I wanted nothing more than to celebrate with feasts and festivities, but it was during the war. The palace was attacked, and we ordered the midwife to hide both of you in the chamber below the temple. There was only time for you to be hidden before a warrior entered the temple. Loki lay on the floor, looking as an abandoned babe would. The warrior, Odin, took your brother."

"Is...he dead now, elder?" Eira asked, secretly hoping that the answer was no. A twin bond was one of the most powerful, and explained the empty feeling she had grown accustomed to.

"No." Replied Farbauti. Eira subtly sagged in relief. "He has been raised as a prince on Asgard."

Suddenly, a messenger ran into the room. Kneeling, he said: "Your Highness, I have news from Asgard."

"Rise." Replied Eira, as decorum required. "What news do you bring?"

"My Queen," the messenger replied as she stood, "It is said that Prince Loki has fallen into the Void after a quick battle between himself and Thor. The Bifrost has also been destroyed."

Eira quickly applied an indifferent mask before her emotions could show. "Have a group of servants and four guards prepare for a trip to Asgard. Farbauti and I will travel with them to give our condolences. Dismissed."

The messenger left the throne room, leaving Eira and Farbauti alone again. A silence followed, until it was interrupted by Eira.

"I felt his emotions, earlier. Through the twin bond. He was so...broken inside when he fell. And he wanted revenge."

Farbauti looked at her, and said "I think you should spend some time to think about this. Pay attention to any feelings that come through. Although no one has ever been known to escape the Void, it does not mean that all who have been lost to it perished." And with that, Farbauti left Eira to her thoughts.