This chapter fills in some of character development. I don't own the characters. Unbeta'd
Many thanks for the follows and reviews. Especially to Thane lover and uzuki-chan!
Jane sat up abruptly, almost crying out in fear. She looked around confusedly, taking a moment to orient herself. The dream had been so real, so dark that to find herself in a spacious room, softly lit with candles came as a surprise. 'That's right, Asgard, Thor, the Aether….," she thought. She felt rested but not entirely well. She could feel the Aether, it had haunted her dreams, making them dark and terrifying. She wanted to see Thor, how was she to find him? She got up, and running her fingers through her hair, she went to the door. There was a guard there, who came to sharp attention.
"'Scuse me," she said, "Do you know where Thor has gone? I am supposed to go to him".
Arnfreyer found her informal speech surprising, but not unpleasant. "My Lord Thor bid me to take you to him when you woke, my Lady. Come with me," he replied.
They started down the hall together, and Jane realized that, now that she was awake, she needed to find a restroom. But she wasn't comfortable asking this guard. She spoke to him, to distract herself from the rather pressing need to pee. "You know my name, but I don't know yours?" she asked.
"I am Arnfreyer, my lady, one of the palace guards," he answered. He was surprised that she cared to ask, it was uncommon for the guests of the king and queen to pay him much mind. His estimation of the mortal went up a bit.
"Arnfreyer, Arnfreyer," repeated Jane, getting use to the unusual pronunciation. "Do you know Thor well?" she asked.
"Why yes, my lady," he replied. "When I do not have palace duty I am in his personal guard. He may call and send me at his will. He is a great captain and a mighty warrior. I have served in his household many years." He glanced at Jane, and asked, "I understand you are a great scholar in your realm, my lady, and that you were there when first my Lord Thor went to Asgard?"
"Yes, that is when we met. I didn't know who he was, and at first we thought he was drunk, or a lunatic. He quickly convinced me at least, that he was from another world or realm as you call it. And he adapted quickly to his new surroundings. He set one of my friends drunk, and the next morning made him breakfast!" Jane related. "When he returned to Asgard we thought he was going to come back soon, but he told me that the Bifrost was destroyed. It has been two years on Earth since we saw each other."
"Indeed, my lady, all of Asgard remembers those events. The Lord Thor had to destroy the Bifrost to save another race, the Jotuns or Frost Giants. It tore his heart to do so. But now the Bifrost is repaired, and the peace restored, so we hope to be able to come and go more freely again," Arnfreyer said, hopefully.
As they walked down the hall Jane saw Sif approaching. 'Good' thought Jane, someone she could ask about a restroom!'
As Sif approached she said, "Arnfreyer, good, you bring the Lady Jane. I have just come from Thor, who wants me to bring her. Thor says you stand relieved of your guard."
Jane turned to Arnfreyer. "Thank you for your kindness, Arnfreyer" she said. "I hope to see you again."
Arnfreyer nodded to Sif, and said to Jane, "My lady, I take my leave of you. I would like to see you again as well. Fare you well." He strode off, back down the corridor.
Jane turned to Sif and eyed her cautiously. Her need was becoming ever more urgent, and she shifted uncomfortably. Sif noticed immediately and asked, "Are you well, my lady?"
Mentally Jane huffed, she was going to have to do something about all this courtesy, but later.
"Actually, Sif, I find myself in rather urgent need of a restroom or commode or whatever you call it here. I didn't want to ask Arnfreyer, it was too embarrassing. And Thor didn't mention anything of the sort being around my room."
Sif laughed aloud. "Men seldom think of such things, we women must look out for ourselves! There was a necessary behind a tapestry in your chamber, but Thor wouldn't have thought of it." She looked down the hall, in the direction they were walking. "Here," she said, "What you seek is within this chamber. I will wait for you."
Jane went in and found a magnificent marble room, with smaller, private rooms in each corner. She took care of business, noting that the commode was a small pillar, with an opening in the top. There was no apparent plumbing, and it was actually easier to use than an Earth toilet, as only had to lift her skirt, step forward, and settle on to the commode. She didn't have to hike up the voluminous fabric, but she did take care to keep it free from under her.
She went to a beautiful blue stone basin with a tap in the shape of a swans arched neck. She looked for a faucet, but not seeing one she waved her hand under the tap. Cool water flowed out. She washed and then dried her hands on a fluffy towel. She went back out and found Sif leaning against the wall.
"Thank you so much!" exclaimed Jane. "I think I can see straight again."
"Of course, my lady," smiled Sif. "Now, come. Thor awaits in the hall of greeting."
Jane stopped and placed a hand on Sif's arm. "Sif, I'm not accustomed to all this formality. Can you just call me Jane?"
Sif eyed Jane, considering her request. "You and I have met before. We have fought, each in our own way. I know of your courage. I will consider you a comrade, and call you Jane," agreed Sif.
They continued on down the hall. "My courage?" asked Jane. "I only remember running for my life, from the Destroyer."
"I remember differently, my.. Jane" said Sif. "When the Destroyer struck Thor, you ran toward him! I couldn't stop you, and I am quicker and stronger by far. It was a very brave, selfless, and foolish thing to do."
"I had to go to Thor," replied Jane. "I was terrified for him. He spoke, saying that it was over, we were safe. Then he stopped breathing, and I thought he had died. I must've been wrong, because Mjolnir came and roused him."
"I do not think you were wrong. I think Thor must have gone to the very gates of Valhalla itself. Nothing can survive the Destroyer. It was the gift of Odin, to bring him back. By Thor's sacrifice, Odin knew he was worthy to wield Mjolnir again." explained Sif.
"I know he was devastated when he couldn't retrieve it before that." remembered Jane. "I've never heard such a cry of grief."
"If Mjolnir would not do Thor's bidding I can well believe his grief would have been terrible to behold. Such a thing would have made it clear to him the depth of Odin's anger and disappointment. Those were dark times. It was a joy to see Thor rise, and wield the Hammer again!" exclaimed Sif.
Jane looked at Sif closely. Her face was lit up with happiness as she thought about Thor's victory. Jane realized that perhaps she was not the only one to harbor feelings for Thor.
"It must have been a huge relief to have him return to Asgard," ventured Jane. She suddenly found herself the recipient of an appraising look herself.
"It would have been, if he had not had to destroy the Bifrost. It broke his heart to do so" related Sif. "From that day to this, if he was within Asgard, he has not failed to go to the ruins of the Bifrost to ask Heimdall how you fared on Midgard. All of Asgard knows of his love for you, Jane. It puzzles us, but we all see it. The suffering has tempered his both his ego and his tendency to anger. He is a better captain, and will someday be a great king."
Jane thought about what Sif had said. She felt the two of them had come to an understanding. They walked into a great, open hall that was filling with the morning light. Thor stood there, his face breaking into a smile as he beheld them. Jane felt a surge of joy at seeing him. Sif noticed how she stepped up her pace, and how her face seemed lit from within. Thor's face, too, was alight with joy, tempered still by a bit of worry. Sif schooled her own face, but she realized she truly had no chance. Their love was too obvious, too strong. She resolved to accept this defeat, at least, like a warrior.
"Jane, good, you are up. Are you well?" asked Thor. "My thanks, Sif for bringing her. I thought to take Jane to break her fast. Would you care to join us?"
"Thank you, Thor, but no. I broke my fast a cycle ago. I have other duties to attend to. Perhaps I will see you at the mid day meal." She turned to Jane, saying, "Jane, I would talk with you more. Look for me at the mid-day. We can take meat together, and laugh over the antics of this oaf!"
Thor was surprised at the relaxed tone Sif took with Jane. He eyed them dubiously, but decided it was safest to not get too inquisitive. He was relieved that Sif seemed to like Jane. He had carefully kept himself away from Sif, whom he thought of as a comrade in arms. He had noticed Sif's interest, and took pains not to encourage her. He wanted to keep her friendship, and relied on her in battle. But he was not interested in her romantically.
Pretending offense, he took Jane's arm, and said, "Come Jane, let us go to the refectory, and break our fast."
Jane turned back to Sif, saying, "Thank you Sif, for all your help. I'll look for you, later." Sif laughed, and waving, moved off.
Thor looked at Jane speculatively. "I am glad that you seem to get along with Sif, Jane," he ventured.
"I think we'll be good friends," said Jane. "Did you say something about breakfast? I'm starved," replied Jane.
"Certainly, my lady, this way," said Thor, as he led her down a great flight of stairs. Jane didn't mind when Thor called her 'My Lady', she guessed it was because his tone of voice implied much more than superficial courtesy.
Jane looked around as they went down the stairs and along another hall. The palace was magnificent, and huge! She couldn't help but notice the glances of the people they passed. They seemed too polite to stare outright, but she saw many sidelong glances.
"Thor," she whispered out of the side of her mouth, "People are trying not to stare and aren't succeeding. What's going on?"
"Forgive them Jane," answered Thor. "A mortal has never walked these halls before. They are curious, that is all. Here is the refectory, let us go in and get food." Jane thought about what Sif had said, and thought that there was more to the looks she was receiving than simple curiosity. She realized again that Thor was the hereditary king of Asgard, and the people they passed must be wondering about the woman he had brought home. She brought up her head, and put her shoulders back. She would not be intimidated by Thor's people, she told herself. Of course, it didn't help that they were people of legend and myth on her world.
They stepped into a smaller hall, with trestle tables, benches and chairs. There was an amazing variety of food on tables along one wall, and people were coming and going. Thor spied Heimdall eating at a table and making a sudden decision, changed course.
"Here, Jane, speak with Heimdall," he suggested. "I will get food and come back."
Heimdall was less imposing sitting down without his helmet, and Jane, realizing he could probably tell her more about the Bifrost than anyone else, eagerly went forward. Heimdall saw her approaching, and stood. Jane rolled her eyes, but she was becoming accustomed to the formality and decided to start giving some back. She stopped before the tall guardian and gave a slight curtsey. Heimdall saw the humor in her eyes and smiled back. "Here, my lady, be seated," he said.
"Thank you, Heimdall," replied Jane. "Thor suggested that we speak. Many people have told me that you often looked in on me, while the Bifrost was being rebuilt. I don't know whether to thank you or be disturbed."
"Do not be concerned, my Lady," said Heimdall. "From the edge of Asgard I can see 10 trillion souls, and all the realms. Their lives pass before my eyes. I seldom pay much attention to any particular person. I did so only at Thor's request. Even so, I did not tell Thor all I saw, lest he become overly distraught. I know you missed his presence keenly, as he did you."
Jane looked across the table into Heimdall's brown and golden eyes. She saw swirling energy, but also friendliness and compassion. She relaxed, and eager to know more, she began to question him.
"I want to understand how the Bifrost works. On Earth we call this phenomenon a "wormhole" or an Einstein-Rosen Bridge, after two scientists who first theorized their existence. I have found a way to get the needed energy, and I even have a theory on how to create gravimetric anomalies. But how do you "aim" it, or make it go where you want? How do you keep it from folding back on itself and creating a singularity? These are massively powerful forces and I don't want to endanger anyone with experimenting with forces that might get away from me. But if I can aim the bridge, we could go so many places, so easily," Jane rushed.
"You have made much progress, Lady Jane," said Heimdall. "I must tell you that the difficulty is that I possess a power that as far as I know is mine alone. No mortal can "aim" the Bifrost. Just as it is Thor's privilege to wield Mjolnir, or the AllFather to wield Gungnir, so is it mine to channel the energy of the Bifrost. I send it by my will."
Thor appeared at Jane's side. "Here, my Jane, fruit, such as my world can offer. Sadly I have no 'coffee', but here is a refreshing tea, and bread." Thor spread the food out before her.
"Thanks, Thor," said Jane. She chewed her lower lip a moment, thinking about Heimdall's explanation. Still perhaps he could help her. The Bifrost was repaired, she didn't worry about being separated from Thor, but she knew it would be a huge benefit to mankind if she could create a similar device. Picking up a piece of fruit and biting into it, she was about to ask Thor something when the taste of the fruit impinged on her senses. It was cool and delicious. It was similar to a perfectly ripe peach, with a wonderful texture, and a slightly tart flavor that was refreshing.
"Ooh, this is delicious!" she exclaimed. Suddenly, with the bit of food in her mouth, she was ravenously hungry. Thought of the Bifrost faded a bit, and she set to her food with a will. For a moment to the two men watched with humor, then exchanging a friendly glance, they started to eat.
"What is 'coffee'?" asked Heimdall.
"That is a drink I tasted the first time I met Jane. It is a strongly flavored, dark brew, with invigorating properties," answered Thor. "Do you remember Jane, your ire with me, for smashing the cup?" He turned to Jane inquiringly.
"I certainly do! You adapted quickly to our customs after that," replied Jane.
"I was distraught when I first arrived on your world. I was unforgivably rude at first. But my father's words haunted me, and I was determined at first to prove to him that I could become a better man. Then I admit, I wanted to impress you! And then, later, after Loki's visit, I thought I was going to have to remain on Midgard forever. I thought I had best learn quickly," Thor replied. His expression darkened momentarily at the memory of Loki's manipulations, lies, and betrayal. He shook off the dark mood. Jane was here now, and hopefully the Aether could be removed without harming her.
Jane wanted to lighten the suddenly gloomy mood. "Thor, I came here suddenly, and I don't have any way of taking notes, or recording my observations. Would it be possible to get a pad of paper, and something to write with? I haven't seen anything of that sort since we left your father's study," she aksed.
"Of course, Jane, I will send for something at once," answered Thor. To Heimdall's surprise, Thor rose, and went to the door of the hall, and gestured to a guard. There was a brief conference, and then the guard strode away.
Jane saw the looks of surprised amusement on Heimdall's face and asked, "What?"
"Normally, Thor would have just roared for the guard to come to him. I have seldom seen him behave in such a calm and controlled manner," answered Heimdall. "You are a good influence on him," he chuckled.
Jane turned and watched Thor return to them. He strode across the hall confidently, apparently unaware of the looks he attracted. Once again, she felt that thrill of joy, sweeping over her as he neared. Was this part of the energy he was channeling to her? Or was it just love? A soft smile touched her face.
Heimdall sensed that he might be intruding. He stood, and said, "My lady, my watch begins, I must go. When you have leisure to do so, come to the Bifrost. I will teach you what I can of the mechanism. That at least should aid you."
Jane rose, and extended her hand to the tall man, expecting him to shake it. "Thank you, Heimdall" replied Jane. "I hope to come later today." She glanced at Thor and he nodded.
Heimdall eyed her hand questioningly, and looked to Thor, who nodded at him. He gently took it and bowed slightly over it. Then, turning away, he strode from the hall.
"Are you done eating, Jane?" asked Thor. We can walk toward the Bifrost arch, and from there take a skimmer. I usually walk or ride a horse, but I wasn't sure you could ride."
"No, I can't ride, but what is a skimmer?" asked Jane.
"It looks like a small boat, but can also move through the air," explained Thor. "It will shorten the trip considerably, it is a long walk."
"That sounds exciting!" exclaimed Jane. "Let's go!"
A guard came through the door, carrying a pad of parchment like paper and a pen like object. He saluted to Thor, and handed them to him. "My Lord, here are the items you requested," he said.
"Thank you, Diorik," said Thor. He handed the items to Jane. Gratefully she took them. Diorik eyed her curiously, but, knowing he couldn't get away with staring for long, simply saluted and moved away.
Jane looked at Thor appraisingly. "Do you know the names of all the palace guards?" she asked.
"I know the names of all those that have been members of the guard for more than a month. If the All Father has appointed any recently I may not know them yet. But the palace guard form my personal cohort, I am in a way their direct captain, so I strive to know their names, and their families," replied Thor. He didn't think this was in any way unusual.
Jane pondered this for a moment, and thought that she knew many details of physics that Thor would find dizzying. She realized that knowing his men was as important, indeed more so, than the details of science that she took for granted. It was a part of his 'job', in a way.
As they had been speaking they had strolled out of the dining hall and into an open corridor. Jane had threaded her left hand through Thor's right elbow. Unconsciously he had laid his left hand over hers, and was absently stroking it. Little thrills were running up and down her arm at this attention. She suddenly realized that from the moment he had returned the Aether had never reacted to his touching her. She pondered this, and realized that she didn't fear him at all, so the Aether perceived no threat from him. 'That's interesting,' she thought. She looked forward to a time when perhaps they could be closer, and her face grew a bit warm at the thought.
"That is a pretty blush on your cheeks, good maid," teased Thor, "What is in your mind?"
"I am certainly not going to encourage you out here in broad daylight, before all the people of Asgard," she retorted. "Maybe I can reveal my mind to you later, when we have a bit more privacy."
Thor's hand over hers tightened at the words. She was going to tease him to an early death he was certain. She was no young maiden, but a self assured woman, and he would do well to remember this. It delighted him that she seemed completely relaxed in his presence. Many of the maids he had met were overwhelmed at the thought of his royalty, and were rendered speechless and nearly witless with nerves. He knew she understood who and what he was, and he marveled that a 'mere mortal' as his father would say had more spirit than many Asgardian women. Her ease in his presence put him in mind of the relationship between his own parents. At this thought he relaxed, but resolved to refrain from provoking her too blatantly, lest his determination to see her safely free of the Aether weaken. She was able to tease right back, and he was only so strong! He knew the Aether to be extremely dangerous not only to her, but to all of Asgard. His heart and mind were now determined to make her his wife, but he knew that she must be made free of the evil caught within her first.
Jane was nonplused at his reaction. She was convinced of his feelings for her, but he kept drawing back. She wondered if she was doing something wrong, or if some difference in their cultures was causing a problem.
They were now walking along a wall over a low garden. Jane turned to Thor, and deciding to just ask him if there was something wrong, she spoke. "Thor, am I doing something wrong, or is there some protocol I need to know about? I don't want to offend or overstep, but you keep swooping in, and then drawing back. Can you tell me what I am doing wrong?"
"Jane, Jane, you make no mistake, nor are you wrong about me," answered Thor. He reeled her in, stroking her hair and kissing the top of her head. "I have seen the reaction of the Aether if it perceives any threat to you, and how it weakens you. I am terrified for your safety. Once this poison is gone from you I intend to annoy you at all hours with my attentions. Until then, this will have to do." He tipped her chin up and kissed her. It began chastely, but quickly heated up. Jane now understood, it was simply his concern for her, and quite probably his sense of duty to his people that held him back. She decided then that she would not provoke him again, till she truly had the right to do so. It was the strangest courtship she had ever experienced, even over and above his being a 'god' and apparently, heir to a throne. She withdrew from his kiss, and smiled up at him.
"Thank you for explaining," she replied. "I'm an idiot when it comes to these world altering events. I'll behave!"
She looked out over the wall. The garden below was just beginning to bloom. Beyond the garden she could see one side of Asgard laid out. "What am I looking at here, beyond the garden? Are these homes or shops or what?"
"This district is mostly private homes, and a few small shops. If we go past the garden and bear left, we will shortly come to the Bifrost gate," he answered.
They strolled on for a while, and coming around a corner Jane saw the Bridge to the Bifrost. The bridge glimmered and pulsed with energy. Jane turned to Thor and asked, "Where does the energy come from?"
"It is generated deep in the core of Asgard," Thor answered. "It is channeled through the Bridge, and is available to Heimdall at his need."
They made their way down a narrow spiral staircase to one side of the Bridge. At the bottom there was a row of boat slips, each with a pale golden boat, in the shape of a slender water bird. Thor helped Jane step into the boat and after she was seated in the prow, he took hold of the tiller and giving it a slight twist and a lift, he brought the skimmer up off the water. It moved forward smoothly, just a few feet over the water.
Jane laughed aloud, and turning back to Thor, she urged him, "Faster!"
Thor gave another little twist of the tiller, and the skimmer surged forward. The waves sped by beneath them and all too quickly they were at the slips about a quarter of a mile short of the Bifrost. "This is as close as we can come to the Bifrost and still moor the boat. The current is too strong farther out," explained Thor.
"Thor, where does the water go? On Earth for a while people thought the earth was flat, and that the water, and any ships, could go over the edge. But here it is the literal truth, the water just cascades over the edge. What happens beneath?" asked Jane
"It falls an incredibly long way, miles and miles down, and then it collects at the base of the world, and is drawn up in springs underneath Asgard. The springs come up under the sea around the city and go forth again." They made their way up a similar stairway, and walked along the Bridge toward the Bifrost. The wind whipped through their hair, mingling it as they walked arm in arm.
In a moment they were in the Bifrost enclosure. Jane immediately let go of Thor, the scientist in her leaping to the fore. She looked to Heimdall for permission, and at his nod immediately began examining the symbols on the interior wall. Thor walked over to Heimdall.
"Do you see, Thor, how dedicated she is to her study?" asked Heimdall. "Not even you can keep her distracted for long."
Thor grimaced good-naturedly. "On her world she is considered brilliant, both in her understanding of the motion of the stars and in the effects of gravity and force. She has studied much." Both men turned toward Jane as she approached.
"I wish I had a computer and a camera with me!" exclaimed Jane. "I have sketched one of these rings of symbols, but I will need your help Thor, to translate the meanings. Heimdall, is there more to the mechanism?"
"Yes my lady, here, there is a trapdoor in this tile," he said, showing her. "We can descend into the lower section here, and you will see the rest of the mechanism." Removing his sword from its pedestal, he led the way down the short, spiral steps. Jane was fascinated and frustrated. There were no readouts that she could understand, no keyboards to access. The entire device looked more like a clockwork than a wormhole generator. It was almost steam punk in its lack of technology. Again, she wondered at the Asgardian tendency to rely on analog devices.
"Thor, why is it there is so little apparent technology on Asgard? I have seen the skimmers, which seem to have anti-gravity properties. I have seen the med bays, but the healers seemed to manipulate the quantum field generators at will. There was no machinery visible. Do you hide it, for aesthetics? Or do you not need it?" she asked.
"We do rely less on devices and machinery than your people do. Each Asgardian has the ability to channel power through themselves, and others, as you now know, Jane," explained Thor. "We do have machinery but it is usually hidden, just as you suspected, mostly for beauty's sake. We can also direct the energy with the power of our wills, as Heimdall has explained to you. On Earth you have achieved much with machinery that we are able to do, simply in ourselves."
"Ok, ok, I think I get it now," said Jane. "I am really just gonna have to figure out how to direct the wormhole, how to manipulate it so that it goes where I want. Tony! I bet Tony could figure this out." She wandered around the chamber muttering to herself. Without pausing she started up the stairs, leaving Thor and Heimdall staring. They hurried up the stairs after her, and found her kneeling on the ground over the joining of the Bridge and the Bifrost chamber.
"What kind of energy is this, Heimdall?" she asked, standing. "It isn't simple electricity."
"It is the energy produced by breaking up the building blocks of matter, my lady" answered Heimdall.
"It's nuclear?" Jane hmphed. "Your answers just create more questions." Suddenly, she put a hand to her head and swayed a bit. Thor leapt to her side. "Jane, are you alright?" he demanded.
"Dizzy, just a bit dizzy" Jane whispered. "There, it's passing. I'll be fine," she continued, straightening and throwing her head and shoulders back. "See, it came and went quickly."
"I think we are done with this little foray, though. You need to rest," said Thor, concerned.
Jane wanted to argue, but she was tired. She turned to Heimdall, saying, "Thank you, Heimdall, for showing me the Bifrost. I see you are right, for the people of my world to achieve this we will have to find a way to manipulate the power with machinery. Tony Stark might be able to create something, and he certainly has the energy resources."
"Ah, he is the man of metal I have seen?" asked Heimdall.
"Yes, on my world he is called Iron Man," said Jane. "Thor worked with him last year."
"Yes, he is both a brilliant and brave man. We had a magnificent battle when we first met, but later we became allies," said Thor. "But now, I must take the Lady Jane to rest. By your leave, Heimdall."
"Fare you well, my lady, Thor," said Heimdall, waving them off.
Thor took Jane's hand in his, and they slowly made their way back to the skimmer. He was tempted to leave the skimmer, and just fly Jane back to the Palace using Mjolnir. But he thought she would be more comfortable in the boat. He carefully set her on the transept of the skimmer. He decided he could fly the skimmer directly to the palace, to spare Jane the walk back. He brought the altitude up, so that they were soaring over the bridge. Within moments they were at the palace, docking the skimmer in a receptacle made for the purpose.
Jane had spent the short flight trying to regain her strength. She hated this weakness, and hated that the Aether was slowly sapping her strength. She wanted to be rid of it.
Thor and Jane strolled through the palace slowly. They came to the corridor where her chamber was. To Thor's surprise Arnfreyer was standing at the door.
"Arnfreyer, surely you are not to stand the duty again so soon. Have you irked the Allfather in some way?' asked Thor.
"No, my Lord, at least I haven't been caught at anything yet," said Arnfreyer, grinning. "I had a small gift for you and the lady, and I wanted to show you how to make best use of it." He gestured for them to enter the chamber.
They went in, and standing on a low table was a birdstand. On it were two singing, golden birds. They alertly came to the edge of their perch when Arnfreyer entered.
"Here are Tonlist and Vissla, two of my best trained friends. They are here to do your bidding, my Lord and my Lady." He held out his hand, and the little birds, similar in appearance to canaries, flew to his fingers. "My friends," he said, speaking to the birds, "Here are the Lord Thor and the Lady Jane. I ask you to stay with the Lady for now, and do her bidding."
The birds eyed him intelligently. They turned and trilled at Jane, who delightedly raised her hand. Tonlist and Vissla hopped and fluttered till they were sitting on her fingers. The three stared at each other artlessly, while the two men looked on.
"Arnfreyer, this is magical. Thank you so much. They are cheery aren't they Thor?" exclaimed Jane.
Thor eyed the little birds speculatively. He doubted he could handle such fragile looking creatures without damaging them, but wanting to please Jane he carefully extended one forefinger, and was surprised when Tonlist hopped from Jane to him. He felt ridiculous and looking up saw both Arnfreyer and Jane smothering laughter. He looked at Tonlist, and the bird, cocking its head to one side, trilled questioningly. "Go back to the Lady Jane, little one. She is better suited to you than I," said Thor.
Tonlist apparently agreed for he chirped perkily and fluttered back to Jane. She turned toward their perch and raised her hand a little. The pair of birds took the hint and flew to their temporary roost.
"These two are not just for amusement, my lady. At need you can give them simple directions and send messages to others. They cannot speak, but they can draw the attention of the person you seek. If you both know of them, then you will know that one of you requires the presence of the other."
"Now that is something I can understand, Arnfreyer," said Thor. "They are not only amusing, but can be put to good use. Not everything requires a use, that is certain, but as a soldier, I can appreciate them a bit more."
"Thank you again, Arnfreyer, that was so kind," said Jane. Suddenly she was tired again, but she didn't want to offend Arnfreyer. She looked to Thor, who sensed her silent request.
He clapped Arnfreyer on the back, and steered him toward the door. "Now, my friend, I brought the lady in to rest, and you should seek some rest also. I can see that you have not gone to rest since I saw you last in the mid watches."
Arnfreyer yawned mightily, and agreeing, made his way down the hall. Thor returned to the chamber to find it mysteriously empty. "Jane," he called.
"Out in a mo," called Jane from behind a tapestry. "Did you know there was an enormous tub in here? I think I may take a bath, she said, coming out from the side chamber.
The sudden image of Jane in one of the palace baths was a bit too much for Thor. He growled and pulled her against his chest. "You will be my end, Jane Foster. Do not say things like that yet, in my presence." If Jane had harbored any doubts about his feelings for her they were banished as he gave her such a kiss as to leave her convinced both of his love and his desire.
"Wow, warn a girl," gasped Jane. Apparently their roles were going to reverse. It was going to be her turn to keep a lid on things, for both of their sakes. She rested her head on his shoulder. She wanted to just rest. Thor sensed her weariness and scooped her up, turned and sat in one of the wing chairs. Jane tried to get comfortable, but his armor was hard. She stood, and glanced at Thor apologetically.
"I would love a cuddle, but the chest plate and armguards make you all hard and prickly," she complained.
"Ah of course," said Thor. "Wait a moment." Standing, he grinned at her, and went to the door. He concentrated a moment, and whistling through the air, Mjolnir came to his hand. He turned to Jane, who was wondering what he could possibly need the Hammer for, eyed him.
He seemed lost in thought, the Hammer hanging at his side. Suddenly the metal armguards seemed to shrink and dissolve into Mjolnir. The armor over his chest and back similarly disappeared and his red cloak fluttered to the floor. Thor stood before her, his arms bare, his chest covered in a light undershirt.
"See, magic!" said Jane. "That's what my ancestors would call magic!" They both laughed at the memory. Thor settled back into the chair, and Jane settled back onto his lap. She again rested her head on his shoulder, delighting in the close feeling of his body and skin. Again she was aware of the energy flowing from him. The closer she seemed to get to him the better she felt. She snuggled down into his arms, and tipped her head back, looking up into his eyes. She felt suddenly shy, which was ridiculous, given her position.
"I love you," she whispered.
"Jane," he murmured. "I love you, too." He stroked her hair, and kissed her forehead. "Rest a while, here in my arms. After you sleep we will go to the mid-day meal, and you and Sif can mock me a bit more."
"Do you sleep?" she asked. "I saw you unconscious on occasion on Earth, but that doesn't count. And you were in your mortal form then."
"I do take rest, but I don't need as much as mortals do. I might sleep one night to your three. But I can also just rest my mind at moments such as these. I can make do with just a few minutes at a time for a long while."
"Thor, forgive my asking, but how old are you, in Earth years? You seem quite young, perhaps 30 of our years, but if your race is so long lived I thought you might be older," asked Jane.
"Indeed, yes, I am much older than that!" exclaimed Thor. I would barely be a man at 30. We Asgardians live a long, long time so we age very slowly. Let me think a moment. What year is it, in your measurement, on Earth?"
"2013," said Jane, who was again reminded of how different Asgard truly was. She would have to remember that in a way she was an emissary between two worlds and not be too startled at the differences.
"So I am around 1,300 of your years old," he said. Jane nearly fell off his lap in surprise. So much for not being startled! In wonder she reached up and ran her hand over his face. 'No way' was her mind could come up with.
"I could ask you the same question, but I have not lived this long by asking a lady something so personal," teased Thor. He needed to distract himself. Her gentle hand on his face left a burning track that traveled straight to his core.
"What have you been doing all this time?" blurted Jane. She could scarcely imagine it, living so long. To her 75 or 80 seemed old.
"I have been learning about all the realms, the beings there, and their history, how they live, and how they make war. I have spent some time in each realm, sometimes as you see me now and sometimes disguised by my mother's conjuring," Thor explained. "And I have spent much time learning to wield Mjolnir, how to bend it to my will. That was a long study."
'In all that time, has he never loved another,' wondered Jane. 'And why me?' She began to understand why his father opposed her.
"Thor, why me, why us?" she asked.
"Jane, you are beautiful, you are filled with spirit. You know and understand things that I never will. And I know that Fate means for us to be together. In all my years I have never loved the way I love you. I did not know I lacked anything, till I found and lost you. The past two years have been a torment to me," he finished.
"But Thor, I'm human; I might live another 50 years. What is that to you?" fretted Jane. She realized that if his love was so strong his grief would be terrible. She didn't want to cause that!
"I have thought of this. I even tried to forget you for a time," he admitted. "It was agony, my soul and my mind darkened. My mother told me that my heart was given, it couldn't be taken back."
"She told me something similar, to love as intensely as I could, for the time I have," murmured Jane. His arms tightened around her. She sighed. 'Love is exhausting,' she thought. She felt as if her heart was growing and stretching, to accommodate new feelings and possibilities.
"Hmmm," murmured Jane. Thor smiled. She was nearly asleep. It would have been endearing, but he realized this constant need for rest was a result of the Aether. Once again, he focused his thoughts on her, and concentrated on giving his energy to her. He wanted to help her resist, but he realized that in a way he was just feeding the Aether itself. And he knew that his father feared what would happen if the Aether gained access to an Asgardian. He would have to balance what Jane needed with what was safe for Asgard. He hated this. He just wanted her, and wanted her safe, either here on Asgard or on Earth. His head dropped forward in anxiety and fear.
"Do not fear," murmured Frigga, who had entered the room silently. "All will be well. I foresee it. The way ahead is dark, and full of dangers. Not all will see this danger to its end, but you and Jane will win through and conquer this evil." She rested her hand on his shoulder.
Thor squeezed his eyes shut, willing himself not to weep. "Thank you, Mother. Your words comfort me," he sighed. "Do you know, Jane was teasing me earlier today, and it made me think of the way you tease and heckle the Allfather. That thought, too, was comforting."
"It is a marvelous thing, that this mortal girl should have such strength of spirit. The healers did not think she would last above a few hours, and it has been over a day. I know you are aiding her, but even that cannot explain it entirely," said Frigga.
"I told Heimdall that the mortals burn hot in pursuit of their goals. They know their time is brief, and those that choose to do so live fully. Jane is one such as these. Already she has achieved a level of scholarship unusual even on Asgard. You should have seen her in the Bifrost. She forgot even me in her pursuit of understanding," Thor laughed gently at himself.
"I pray that this inner strength will help her resist a good while yet, but still we must find a way to rid her of the Aether." He looked down at Jane. "Mother, I have fought in many battles, I have slain many, both men and fell beasts. And I realize I have never truly known fear, until today."
"You have never truly loved, my son," replied Frigga. "Take that love; fill the chambers of your heart with it. Do not let it unman you, but rather use it to fill you with the determination you will need to accomplish your goals."
Vissla started to sing, gently. Her song was soulful, yet full of hope. Frigga and Thor stilled, and listened wonderingly. After a moment Thor rose, and placed Jane on the bed. Turning to the birds he spoke quietly to Tonlist. "Little friend, come for me if she rouses or needs anything. I will be in Odin's study for the next cycle at least,' he instructed. Tonlist chirped agreement. He turned to Frigga.
Thor took Frigga's hand, and bowed over it. "Mother, I have not always fully appreciated your counsel. Thank you for all you do."
"Go, son, and see if the All Father has any news. I actually came to bring Jane some garments. I will arrange them for her," said Frigga, gesturing to a basket of clothes. Thor marveled that Frigga, Queen of Asgard, should set herself so humble a task, but seeing there must be more that she wanted to do, nodded and left the room.
Frigga glided about room silently, laying out under things and a fresh gown for Jane. She stepped into the bath, and seeing that there were still towels available, arranged things so that Jane could bathe if she wished. Stepping back into the chamber she noticed that the birds were singing a soft duet. She sat in one of the wing chairs, and closely watched Jane for any signs of restlessness. She took a moment to study Jane's face and hair, thinking that it might be a good idea to have her form memorized. Perhaps she could bring some levity to the situation later, by casting a doppelganger for Jane's amusement. Realizing that she still had many duties to attend to she glanced at the birds, who eyed her as they sang. She smiled at them and quietly left the room.