Natasha and another woman she introduces as Sally, who Anara later learns is Steve Rodger's date, meet them at the airport in Tony's private car, and they head into the city. They shop for several hours, coming out of one last boutique laden with bags. They went all out: dresses, shoes, clutches, lingerie and jewelry. Pepper feels a little guilty about how much they spent, but she knows that Tony's right, they do need to have some fun, and one night on the town isn't so bad.
They arrive back at Stark Tower in time to meet the stylists and head up to the residence floor. Anara's stylist takes a look at her braid, then asks to see the dress she's going to wear. Anara unzips the clothing bag and pulls out a sapphire blue party dress. Sleeveless, the dress has thin shoulder straps leading into a plunging neckline. Tight fitting to the hips, the dress drapes more loosely to mid-thigh. The stylist nods and has Anara sit down, and she starts working on her hair. The ladies chat back and forth as they're pampered and prepped. Finally, after several hours, their hair and makeup are done, and they're dressed and ready to go.
Natasha takes one look at all of them in the mirror and says, "Ladies, we are going to knock em' dead tonight."
Anara agrees. They all look stunning. She doesn't even recognize herself. Half of her hair is piled on top of her head in a nest of braids and curls, the rest hangs in waves down her back. The plunging neckline of her dress shows off an impressive amount of cleavage, so much so that the stylist used a special tape to make sure the dress wouldn't accidentally reveal anything.
Her armor bracelets blend in with the tangle of thin silver bangles on both wrists, and a multi-strand silver necklace forms a waterfall between her breasts.
"If the men look as good as we do, I'm not sure we're going to make it to the club ladies," Pepper says, smiling and winking.
Giggling like school girls, they head up to the Penthouse, making bets on how long the men will be speechless after seeing them.
Natasha won the bet, having said it'd be at least one minute before any man in the room could speak. It was actually two.
The women walk out of the elevator together, the clicking of their heels getting the men's attention. Their conversation stops mid-word when they catch sight of the ladies. Clint stares at them slack-jawed next to Steve who is equally stunned. Thor simply stares at Anara, a huge grin on his face, and Tony sits back on the couch, looking at everyone and nodding, a Cheshire cat smile playing on his lips. Anara herself is stunned at the sight of Thor in a Midgardian suit.
Black in color, the suit was obviously custom-tailored, with a dark blue shirt underneath, a few buttons near the top left undone. His hair is tied back in a pony tail, giving his face a cleaner look. Pepper was right, they might not make it out of Stark Tower this night. The other men are equally handsome, dressed similarly, but all with a style of their own.
Steve is the first to recover the power of speech and walks up the short stairs to meet them. Extending a hand to Sally, he says, "You are the most stunning creature I have ever laid eyes on. I am honored to have you on my arm tonight."
Sally blushes, clearly not used to such compliments. The other men rush up to pay similar compliments to their dates, all trying to out-compliment the others. The ladies giggle and take the compliments with grace. They mingle for a while in the penthouse until Jarvis announces that the car is ready for them downstairs.
Even though the limo was clearly large enough for them all to fit comfortably, the men seemed to have made a pact to declare that it isn't and insist their respective dates sit on their laps. It doesn't take much urging to get the women to play along. Anara notes that Pepper seems to have forgotten her earlier misgivings about the evening, snuggling close to Tony and whispering things in his ear to make his eyes widen in disbelief. However, while Pepper has forgotten, something nags at Anara, making her wonder if Pepper might have been right. Unable to find a source for her misgivings, she puts the feeling to the back of her mind, determined to enjoy a night of fun with Thor and their friends.
The limo pulls up to a posh high-rise building, in front of a red carpet lined with velvet ropes. The driver opens the door, and bright flashes of light illuminate the interior of the limo, while shouts from outside can be heard. Everyone is immediately on edge, especially Anara and Thor, until Tony turns to them and smiles.
"Chill out! It's just the paparazzi. They're harmless… mostly," he says.
Anara realizes she's half drawn her lightsaber from her clutch and places it back, but leaves the clutch open, just in case. They get out of the limo to the flash of cameras and the shouting of the photographers trying to get their attention. Anara and Thor, the last to get out, follow everyone's lead and wave at the paparazzi briefly before ignoring them completely and entering the building. Anara gets the sense that most in the crowd have no idea who they are, though they recognize the others, and realizes that the populous here has never seen Thor in anything but his armor. She wonders if it will spare them any trouble tonight. They enter an elevator and head up to the upper floors.
Tony tells them, "We've got dinner reservations at Marble Lane, then it's upstairs to the Ph-D for dancing." He looks at Pepper. "See, I can plan things on my own when I want to."
She smiles and hugs his arm, giving Anara a look that says, "We'll see."
Thor looks at him, a concerned look on his face, "Please tell me this establishment does not serve shwarma."
Everyone but Anara laughs at the inside joke. Seeing that she doesn't understand, Thor whispers, "It's vile stuff, this shwarma, but it did provide some much needed energy after the Battle of New York." Anara nods, understanding.
They're given a private room in the restaurant for dinner, and they enjoy their last bit of relative quiet before heading up to the Ph-D to dance. A large man, dressed in a black suit and close in size to Thor, stands in front of a polished brass elevator, his arms crossed over his chest. He watches them warily until he recognizes Tony at the front of their group.
Stepping aside he says, "Welcome, Mr. Stark. I hope you had a pleasant meal here at Marble Lane. They're expecting you upstairs. Several other guests have already arrived."
Tony replies, "Yes, it was quite pleasant, thank you."
Following Tony, they all enter the elevator, Thor and the bouncer sizing each other up as Thor passes. Tony hits Thor on the arm when the elevator doors close.
"He might be able to take you, big guy," he teases.
Thor gives a short deriding snort. "He couldn't touch the Captain, much less me."
The men trade friendly wagers, and Anara hopes they're never called in. The sense of something impending has continued to grow stronger, and she does her best to ignore it.
The elevator doors open to a blast of music and voices. The nightclub is already busy, men in tailored suits and women in dresses fill the dance floor and sit at surrounding tables. Tony and Pepper are immediately greeted by several people as they walk out of the elevator.
The next half hour races by in a flood of faces for Anara. Thankfully Tony heeds her wishes and refrains from using any of her titles in introductions, introducing her simply as Lady Anara of Asgard. Several people give her appraising looks that are quickly quelled by Thor's looming presence on her arm. She notices too, that they take her being from Asgard in stride, and most know of Thor as well from the battle that took place here against the Chitari, though some take a moment to recognize him in Midgardian dress. As the flood of introductions dies down, they find a large table near the open doors that overlook the city.
Tony orders them a round of champagne. Making a show of popping the cork, he makes a toast once everyone's glass is filled.
"To new friends and old. May the peace we've had for the last year continue on."
Thor and Anara both shout, "Skål!" while the others look at them oddly and say "Cheers".
Clinking glasses together, they all drink and take a moment to sit in silence. The music in the club dies, and a man on the stage takes the microphone.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Ph-D Penthouse and Dream Downtown are proud to present….Harry Conick, Jr!"
The crowd cheers and claps as a sharply dressed man walks on stage, his band close behind him.
"Thank you! Thank you! And thank you, Mr. Tony Stark for bringing me here tonight. It's an honor to play for the heroes of the Battle of New York!"
Tony waves at the crowd as they erupt in another round of cheering. The band warms up and is soon playing music very different from what had been playing before. Men and women dance in pairs on the dance floor, and Anara begins to see a pattern in their footwork. Steve gets up from the table and holds out his hand to Sally.
"May I have this dance?" he asks, as the music slows down, becoming more romantic. Sally takes his hand, and they go out on the dance floor. Clint and Natasha follow them, leaving the rest at the table. They sit in companionable silence which is only occasionally broken by someone coming by to talk to Tony or ask for Thor's autograph.
The song ends and the music picks up again. Anara watches as Steve twirls Sally through a complicated series of steps. Natasha and Clint seem to know the dance as well. Anara finds herself tapping her foot to the beat. Tony notices her interest in the dancers and elbows Thor.
"Why don't you take her worship out on the dance floor? Go cut a rug," he says.
Thor looks at him, confused. "Why would you tell me to cut the rug? There is no rug on the floor."
Tony laughs until he's elbowed in the ribs-hard-by Pepper.
"Sorry, big guy. I just meant you should take your lady out on the floor and dance."
Thor looks at Anara, then back at Tony, "I'm afraid I do not know your Midgardian dances. They are very different from what I am used to at court. I'm afraid I would make a fool out of myself and my lady, were I to try," he says apologetically. Anara gives his hand a squeeze, letting him know it's alright.
The song ends, and Steve, Sally, Natasha and Clint rejoin them, everyone but Steve out of breath. Another, slightly faster paced song starts.
Steve looks to Sally, but she begs off, saying, "Oh no, I need to catch my breath."
Steve looks to Anara, holding out his hand. "My lady, would you do me the honor of a dance?"
Thor whispers to her, "Go ahead if you wish. I do not mind. The Captain is an honorable man."
Anara takes his hand. "I would love to," she says as she gets up from the table.
Putting her arm through his, she says, "I do not know this dance style. Do you have any words of wisdom before we begin?"
Steve looks down at her, smiling, "Just follow my lead, my lady."
They reach the dance floor and face each other. Steve takes her hands in his and begins to step in time with the swing music. Anara catches on to the steps fast, letting Steve lead her, spinning and twirling across the floor. Pretty soon, the floor is clear of anyone but them, the rest of the room watching in fascination as Steve twirls and flips her in time to the music, never missing a beat. The music ends with a flourish, and Steve spins her up high into the air, catching her and dipping her backwards to the roar of the crowd. Though Anara's breathing is quickened, Steve still shows no indication of exertion.
Steve stands her back up and escorts her back to the table, saying, "Are you sure you've never done the Swing before?"
Anara replies, "I've only been on your world for a few days, and they definitely don't dance like that in Asgard," she says, laughing. "Thank you for a rather unique experience," she tells him as they reach the table.
"It was my pleasure," he says, bowing over her hand and returning to Sally's side.
Anara holds out her hand to Thor. "I could use some air. Will you join me?" she asks.
Thor nods and they walk out past the dance floor to take in the view of the city. Finding a quiet corner near the edge of the roof, Anara puts her back to Thor, snuggling against him as he wraps his arms around her.
"My lady, Tony assures me you're fine, but I would like to hear it from you that you were not harmed by those men on the beach last night," he says into her hair.
She turns in his arms to look him in the eye. "They never landed a blow. To be honest, I was rather disappointed that they didn't put up more of a fight."
Thor scowls at her a moment before chuckling. "I know I should not worry, but after what happened with Loki, I fear for you," he says, sobering.
"I am a Jedi and a Companion, my love. With or without the strength of the Golden Apples, I can take care of myself," she chides him.
His demeanor suddenly changes, and Thor lifts his face to the sky, his eyes taking on a faraway look. Anara can sense Heimdal's presence and does not interrupt their silent conversation.
When Thor returns his gaze to her, she sees deep concern in his eyes.
"What is it?"
"Loki has disappeared," he whispers.
"How is that possible?"
"I do not know, but both Heimdal and my father have lost sight of him. He is no longer on Asgard."
Anara is still puzzled. "But how can he leave? Did you not tell me that he wears some sort of bracelet that would prevent his leaving Asgard, on pain of death?"
Thor looks at her, anguish in his eyes, "Yes. This means, either he is dead, and they have not yet found his body, or he found a way to slip his leash. I do not know which I fear the worst," he says in a choked whisper.
Anara hugs him, and he holds her close, her conversation with Loki the night before finally making sense. She pulls back from him.
"I do not believe he's dead, Thor. I didn't think much of it at the time, figuring it only for more of his mischief, but he came to me last night as I was meditating, some form of illusion."
Thor puts his hands on her shoulders, his gaze intense.
"What did he say?" he asks, his concern growing deeper.
"Only that he wanted to see me, and that he would miss me. He said goodbye as if it were final," she tells him. "The whole conversation was so out of place that I put it to the back of my mind to talk about with you later, but I suppose now we know a little more about what it meant."
Thor looks at her for a moment before taking her hand and leading her back into the main part of the club.
"Heimdal requested that we return to Asgard immediately, but I believe we owe our allies here an explanation before we leave. I told him we would return in the morning. I know my brother, he will not do anything immediately. He enjoys building the suspense and watching people squirm."
Anara nods and feels badly that Pepper's premonition that the night would not end well has come to pass.
They have a hushed conversation with the others when they return to the table and decide to leave the club in two groups to avoid drawing too much attention to their leaving. The girls leave first, heading towards the ladies room but angling off to the elevator instead. The men follow shortly in pairs, attempting to act nonchalant. Thor and Tony are forced to dodge a few women who spot them without their dates, but the group manages to get out without too much notice otherwise.
Back at Stark Tower, Tony conferences Agent Coulson and Dr. Banner in on a large view screen, while Thor tells them about Loki's punishment and house arrest. Anara then tells of her final conversation with him, and their theory that Loki has somehow managed to escape.
"So what does that mean for Earth?" Clint asks.
"I do not know." Thor replies. "But I do not think my brother will attempt another coup here. He has been closely watched since our return to Asgard and has had no opportunity for any major mischief. If it is his plan to raise another army and move against Midgard, it will take him time."
"Oh, that's comforting," Tony quips. His fear of Loki is evident to Anara's heightened senses.
Anara adds quickly, "I would agree with Thor. I do not believe Loki intends to come to Midgard again. I do not know what he's up to, but I don't believe Midgard is in danger."
"So what do we do?" Natasha asks, her hand clutching Clint's tightly.
"Anara and I will return to Asgard at first light to assist with the search. Now that we can communicate with you, we will let you know how the search fares. Until we know more, I would suggest you put your armies on alert but do not alarm the people. If Loki is planning something for Midgard, a panic is exactly what he'd want," Thor says.
The group sits in silence for a minute, considering possibilities. The quiet is broken by Agent Coulson.
"Agents Romanov and Barton, I want you back on the helicarrier in the morning. I'll send a transport out to get you," he says. "Captain, we'd like to have you aboard too."
Steve nods his assent. Tony looks at Dr. Banner on the view screen.
"Doctor, I think you better stay put until we know more. No reason to bring out Big Green if we don't need him," Tony says.
Dr. Banner agrees with Tony and signs off, his half of the view screen going black.
Agent Coulson addresses Thor, "Thor, I can arrange to have a transport take you and the Princess back to the Bifrost site in the morning unless you have other options."
Thor looks to the view screen. "The new Bifrost is less obvious than the old. If we leave from here as the sun breaches the horizon, it will appear to those below as just a flash from the windows of the buildings around us. It should not cause any alarm."
"Very well. Tony, I know better than to tell you what to do, but I have a pretty good feeling you already know," Coulson says. "Princess Anara, it was an honor to meet you. I hope we can meet again under better circumstances," Coulson says to her with a nod of the head.
"And I you, Agent. May the Force be with you."
He smiles and signs off, the screen going fully black.
Tony looks at her. "You seriously say that?" he asks and is immediately hit on the shoulder by Pepper. "Ow!" he says to her. "I thought that was just a movie thing," he adds, rubbing his arm where Pepper hit him.
"It has been a Jedi sentiment for eons, Tony and will be for many more." Anara replies somewhat shortly. "If I'm not mistaken, dawn is only a few hours away. We do not have much time to finish what needs to be done before then," she says, getting up from the couch. The others join her and start getting ready for dawn.
Anara catches Clint and Natasha before they head back to their room, Tony close on her heels.
Handing Tony her lightsaber, she says, "I'll meet you in the lab, Tony. There's something I want to discuss with Clint and Natasha first."
Tony nods and keeps going past them into the elevators. Turning back to the seating area, she motions for them to sit. Taking a seat on the coffee table so she can look them both in the eye, she says, "We never got to finish our conversation after that day in the gym," she begins. "The tests I did on both of you confirmed that you have a very high Force sensitivity. If you're willing, I think you'd benefit from some training techniques to bring those abilities to the fore."
Clint and Natasha look at each other and then back to Anara, saying almost together, "What do we need to do?"
She smiles. "I want to start out with some basic meditations then, once you have mastered those and I am able to return, we'll move on to more complex techniques."
She spends the next fifteen minutes teaching them the most basic meditations, taught to younglings, but which are crucial to accessing and communicating with the living Force.
Done instructing Clint and Natasha, she stops briefly in the room she and Thor share to change back into the clothes she wore from Asgard, then heads down to the lab to join Tony and test out the new lightsaber power source. In the short elevator ride down she searches the immediate future to see if the power source test will be successful. Seeing nothing to indicate failure, she smiles and steps out of the elevator just as Tony slides the face plate into place on her light saber. He turns, the light saber held out in his hand.
"It's about time,Princess. I was about to test this myself," he says, smirking at her.
She calls the hilt to her hand and ignites the blade. The hum is slightly different, but she can sense the power output of the blade is comparable, if not a little higher than before. She can find no stress in the components. Nodding her pleasure, she deactivates the lightsaber and removes the face plate to look at the new power source. A small round disk emitting a light blue glow sits now where the old power source once did. Tony comes over to tell her about it.
"It's a mini arc reactor." He taps the center of his chest where a blue glow can be seen through his shirt. "Like this," he says. "It should power your lightsaber indefinitely. I was able to loop the system so that there's no power loss. You'll never have to recharge it."
Anara replaces the face plate on the hilt, returning it to her belt, and turns to Tony.
"I cannot thank you enough for what you have done. While my blade would have stayed functional for maybe another year without charging, I believe it would have been impossible to rebuild on Asgard. I would have been lost without this weapon."
Tony waves her off, turning back to one of the work tables.
"It's nothing, Anara. You've given me way more in return. The blaster technology and your lightsaber plans will be invaluable, though I'm not sure how practical the lightsaber will be here on Earth with no one to wield it," he says, looking at her pointedly. Seeing that he's figured out the purpose of her conversation with Clint and Natasha, she decides to give him a hint of her plan.
"Oh, I think you might have a least a couple of candidates for lightsabers in a year or two if you're successful in creating crystals." Heading towards the elevator, she says,"It's almost dawn; Thor will be waiting for me."
Tony joins her and they head back up to the penthouse. They exit the elevator to find everyone else waiting for them. Thor is already outside on a circular platform overlooking the city, his eyes raised to the sky.
Pepper approaches Anara and hands her a black, oblong bag and gives her a hug, saying to her, "I packed a few things for you, including those shoes."
Stepping back, Anara smiles at her. "Thank you, Pepper, for everything."
Turning to the others, she gives them a small bow. "Watch over each other, and may the Force be with you."
They nod at her in return, and she heads out to join Thor, the others following. Touching his arm to get his attention, she sees his eyes light up at the sight of her.
"It is almost dawn; are you ready?"
"Yes," she says simply.
He takes her hand, and they turn and face everyone.
"I am sorry, my friends, that we must leave you so soon and for so troubling a reason. I promise we will contact you as soon as we know what my brother is up to. Until then, farewell."
As the others say goodbye, the sun crests the horizon and they are whisked away by the energy of the Bifrost.