"Argh! I don't understand! I'm healing just fine, I'm not weak, but I still can't create ice!" Kayla's fist slammed into a vase of flowers and it broke.
Thor stood contemplating her. "Why don't you come to Asgard? I'm sure you could find help there. My father is very generous."
Kayla smiled. "I'd like that, Thor. Thank you very much."
"We must leave immediately. Your bag is already outside."
"Thanks. Let's go! I can't wait to see the Rainbow Bridge, and Heimdall, and Yggdrasil!" Kayla was so excited, she tripped over Neoma, who meowed indignantly. "Oh, I'm sorry, Neoma. Can she come too?" Kayla looked pleadingly up at the large god.
"I don't see why not. Now, let us go. We don't want to be late for Loki's trial."
As Thor took the elevator with Neoma, Kayla bounded down the stairs, full of energy. She began to create the ice surfboard, but when there was nothing there but a puddle of water, her old frustration came rushing back. Still, she beat the elevator to the bottom. When she trotted out the door, Kayla saw Loki surrounded by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. Nick Fury handed Thor the Tesseract, and Kayla walked to the Avengers.
"So, Snow Cone. This is it," Tony said. He put his hand out, but Kayla leapt into his arms and hugged him. She did the same to the others. She would miss this odd collection of remarkable people. She had come to think of them as family. Kayla took a shaky breath. Loki glared at Thor over his muzzle, and she thought, Putting a muzzle on someone is just inhumane. What's he gonna do, talk someone to death?
"Kayla, it's time," Thor said gently. Kayla hefted her duffle bag on her shoulder and scooped up tiny Neoma. She put her hand on the Tesseract and the last thing she saw was Tony and Steve smiling sadly at her.
The method of transportation gave the effect of being spun around and around. When Kayla landed on the Rainbow Bridge, she wobbled, then collapsed, her stomach in knots. After the wave of nausea passed, she pulled herself to her feet.
"Woah," Kayla gasped. The Rainbow Bridge stretched to Asgard like a watery shimmer of ribbon.
"Come, Kayla. We do not wish to be late." Thor hurried Kayla through the city of Asgard as she marveled at every sight. Finally, they reached Odin's throne. The three bowed, and Kayla shoved Neoma under her jacket.
"Welcome home, my sons. But, who is this?"
"Odin All-father, my name is Kayla Secc of Midard. Thor Odinson has offered me services on Asgard. My abilities have diminished noticeably, and I was hoping to find assistance from you or another respectful Æsir." Kayla stayed in a bowing position, but she titled her chin up. Neoma poked her head of of Kayla's jacket and squeaked loudly. Kayla shoved the kitten back under the fleece material.
"Well, Kayla of Midgard, you are very well learned in Asgard customs. I grant you permission to stay on Asgard until you have complete control of your abilities. The guards will take Loki to his quarters, and you, Thor, will take Lady Kayla to her room."
As the guards took Loki away, Thor led Kayla down a richly decorated corridor. "You can stay here while one of us is assigned to help you. I assume Odin will choose someone acquainted with magic. That could be Lady Sif or, All-father forbid, Loki."
Kayla gulped. "Loki? You're kidding, right?"
"I'm afraid not. As despicable as my brother can be, he is very skilled in magic. Ah, here is your room. I hope you find it to your liking."
"Thank you, Thor. I am very happy that you have showed me great kindness here in Asgard." Kayla smiled.
"Do not thank me yet. Some Æsir despise mortals. Beware that some gods you meet will be hostile or insulting. If anyone bothers you, just come see me. By the way, how is your mind?"
"Oh, it's much better. The minds of the Æsir are closed to me, so it is very quiet. Thank you for your concern."
Thor strode away, leaving Kayla to inspect her room. The walls were a beige and all cloth was electric blue, Kayla's favorite color. Like in her room at Stark Tower, she had a dark wood writing desk and dresser with silver knobs. She set her bag down on the bed and unpacked, placing things in the desk and dresser. When she pulled out the last thing, the black case, she opened it. Inside, on black velvet, lay a necklace. It was a simple silver chain, and there were four silver indents attached to the silver. They looked as if something was meant to be attached to them. Kayla set it on top of the desk with the white leather box with the stones. She tossed the duffel bag in the bottom drawer. She inspected the other drawers to find they held clothes suitable for an Æsir.
Someone knocked on her door, and Kayla whirled around. She opened the door to find Thor. "It is time for supper. I assume you are hungry?"
"Thank you, Odinson. I am. Oh, Neoma. If anyone puts one foot in my room, you show them who's top kitten." Neoma mewed fiercely as Kayla bowed formally and followed Thor to the dining hall.
She gaped in awe at the high ceiling and the elaborate gold table. Thor placed her between himself and Loki, who, apparently, could go nowhere but the palace. Kayla didn't even glance at the green-eyed god as she sat down, but she noticed his head turn towards her.
"So, Kayla. How are you enjoying Asgard?" he asked silkily.
"Fine, thank you," Kayla replied quietly.
A dark haired woman sat across from Kayla. "Kayla, how do you like Asgard? It is different from Midgard?"
"Oh, yes, Lady Sif. I love it! It is so different, and it's like stepping into my mythology book! I can't believe that I'm actually sitting with all the gods I used to dream about when I was a kid."
Loki scowled. Kayla's answer to Sif was enthusiastic, but when she spoke to Loki, she was cold and formal. Loki could easily imagine why she treated him like that, but he felt like he should be treated with more respect.
Kayla and Sif chatted amicably to each other for a while, and as Kayla stood to leave, she found an unknown god standing behind her chair. He had white hair and pale blue eyes.
"So this is the mortal scum. She doesn't look like much," he commented.
"Well, she is standing right in front of you, and it looks like you just made a new enemy," Kayla countered. "I'm guessing you're Hoor, god of winter."
"Looks like someone's done her homework." Hoor sneered. "What do you think you could possibly learn from the Æsir? Your puny mind couldn't possibly wrapped around the complex ideas we have here on Asgard. And you obviously have no sense of clothing style. What are these, rags?" Hoor flipped Kayla's jacket in her face.
Kayla's ears turned red. "If I had full control over my powers, so help me, I would freeze your mouth shut. But, as I can't, I'll settle for cutting your tongue out."
She raised her arm and an arrow slid out of her sleeve. Thor quickly stood. "Lady Kayla, please. Calm yourself. We do not need this kind of disruption in the Golden Hall."
"You're right. Do you have a soundproof room where no one will hear him screaming?" Kayla asked innocently.
To everyone's surprise, Loki rose. "Just let it go, Kayla," He spoke gently and in a low voice as he put a hand on her shoulder.
Kayla smacked his hand off. "Don't. You. Touch. Me," she growled. She poked Loki in the chest with her arrow. "As for you!" She whirled back to Hoor. "Lay off, or next time Thor won't be here to save you."
Kayla stormed out of the hall, unknowingly followed by Loki. Her gray eyes were like miniature rain clouds; they swirled angrily as hot tears streaked down her face. Kayla ran outside to the garden where she collapsed onto a stone bench. Her finger gently traced the carvings as her tears dripped onto the cold, gray stone that matched her eyes perfectly. She yelled in anger as she stood and threw the arrow with deadly accuracy. It landed right in the middle of a knot on a tree. Kayla suddenly noticed that her tears had frozen to the bench. Maybe my outburst of emotions have powered by abilities. She frowned as she raised her hand. With intense concentration,she pictured Hoor's face on the tree, and jet of ice leapt from her hand and froze the arrow. All the energy drained from her and Kayla crumpled.
Loki still lurked in the shadows, and saw Kayla collapse on the ground. He walked to her and gazed at the tear tracks that had frozen on her face. Her blond hair was pulled back in a ponytail and her black shirt was wrinkled, but Loki knew she differed from the Asgard women. Not just because she was mortal, but there was something else. Loki carried her back to her room. The small kitten on her bed hissing, but Loki murdered a spell to make it sleep. When he set Kayla on her bed, he almost kissed her, but he pulled back. As he closed her door, Loki stared down the hall. There aren't any surveillance cameras in there.