Many thanks for the Follows and Favs! Would love more reviews!
Major spoilers for Thor: The Dark World
Major character death, major tissue warning!
This chapter will be partially new material and partially a retelling of the movie. I realized I had to fit my own story around the events, so some narration was necessary.
Once again, Jane's dreams were turning dark. But in the darkness a thread of gold ran, and a beautiful music. Slowly she woke up to the room around her. 'Right, still on Asgard,' she thought. Vissla chirped at her questioningly. "No, Vissla, I don't need anything just yet," said Jane. She sat up, and saw that there were fresh clothes laid on the other side of the bed, and that the curtain to the en suite was drawn back. 'I think I'll take a bath,' thought Jane. She went in to the bathing area and started the water running into the enormous tub, which appeared to be made from blue marble. She went back to the bed and fingered the gown, which was a greenish gold that seemed to shift color. There was also a long piece of grayish blue fabric to be used as a mantle. Back in the bath she found a brush and some hair pins. She brushed out her hair and pinned it up. She stepped into the bath, hissing a bit at the heat, but then relaxing. 'A girl could get use to this,' she thought to herself. Again she marveled at her circumstances. It was like living a fairytale. The prince had swept in to save the damsel from the dragon. And just to bring it up to date the prince lived on another planet that was reached by stepping into a wormhole. She snorted at herself. Suddenly she wondered if Thor and Odin had made any progress on finding a way to rid her of the Aether. She finished washing and stepped out of the tub, eager to see Thor. She wrapped a towel around herself and stepped into the bed chamber. She looked at the birds, and asked, "Would one of you go and get Thor. It isn't urgent. But I am awake, and by the time you bring him I should be dressed."
Tonlist chirped and flew off. Quickly Jane figured out how to put on the gown. She let her hair down and was brushing it out when Tonlist soared into the room, Thor striding in behind him. Jane rose and stepped into his arms. They shared a kiss, and stood looking at each other, again overwhelmed by the feelings they engendered in each other.
"Any news?" asked Jane.
"Not yet,' regretfully answered Thor. "It seems from the oldest books that Malekith, the ruler of Svartalfheim, or the land of dark elves as you would call it could bid the Aether to do his will, or it could command him. It is hard to understand these old scholars."
"I wish this could be over," sighed Jane. "I want to be free of the Aether, and free to be with you."
"We will find a way," said Thor. "We have come through much just to be here now. Fate will not deny us yet." He decided to try to shake off the gloom for a bit. "Come, let us go seek friends."
"Is it near lunch time? I was supposed to meet Sif for lunch," reminded Jane.
"Indeed, it is just a little past mid-day. We will head to the refectory." Thor went by a different way, and Jane saw a beautiful vista. It was an interior lagoon of Asgard. Apparently it was Spring, for several trees were in bloom around its edge. Petals floated on the water. Across the water more of city rose before her. This really was a breathtaking place.
They entered the refectory and there was Sif, and not unsurprisingly Fandral and Volstagg as well. Thor rolled his eyes at Sif, who just smirked back. Fandral rose upon seeing them.
"My lady, it is good to see you again. Perhaps now Thor will be in better spirits, and mope less!" he said.
Volstagg also rose. He took her hand and bowed over it. "Welcome to Asgard, my lady," he said. For all his size he was surprisingly gentle.
"Jane, I would introduce you to Hogun, but I bid him stay on Vanaheim, with his family when the peace was restored," explained Thor. "These four, as perhaps you know, are my closest comrades."
"And that means we know all the stories of the foolishness this oaf gets up to," exclaimed Fandral.
Jane knew they must be close friends, for they took great liberties with Thor, who just grinned in reply.
"Get food, and join us," suggested Sif.
Thor and Jane walked down the food tables and Jane placed such things on it that Thor suggested she might like. They returned to the others and sat.
"What think you of Asgard, Lady Jane?" asked Fandral.
Jane knew it would be too much to ask of the men to relax their formality. She would just have to accept it. Actually she was becoming somewhat accustomed to it.
"It is truly beautiful, Fandral," answered Jane. "Is it spring here? I noticed that some of the trees are flowering."
"Yes, it is the springing of the year," he answered. In a short while everything will be blooming."
"Do you recall the time Thor set a bilgesnipe loose in the palace gardens in the spring?"asked Volstagg
"Jane is not interested in such antics," retorted Thor.
"Or what about the time he locked that creature from Nilfheim in the Allfather's bedchamber," broke in Sif. "The smell didn't dissipate for several days."
Jane was looking from one to the other, hilariously reminded of scenes in Earth stories in which the boy brings the new girl home to meet the family, only to be mortified by the reminisces of his siblings. The people of Asgard seemed surprisingly 'human' in their relationships.
Thor was now holding his head in his hands in mortification. How had this ever been a good idea?
Fandral took pity on Thor, the romantic in him wanting to aid him in his courting of the pretty mortal girl.
"Thor, has Jane scene the view of the lagoons from the palace terraces? It is truly beautiful today," he suggested.
"Wait, wait, they have scarcely touched their food," exclaimed Volstagg, from behind an enormous platter. "And I have not seen them take even a sip of today's excellent mead."
They enjoyed a delightful meal with Thor's comrades. Eventually they each had duties to return to, so Thor took Fandral's suggestion and walked with Jane along one of the lagoons.
"Thor, when you came for me, you knew I was in trouble?" asked Jane.
"Heimdall had lost sight of you; you were no longer on Earth," answered Thor.
"Well, how is that possible?" asked Jane.
"I believe you were and you weren't," he replied. "The nine realms orbit in Yrrgdrasil around Midgard, much in the way your planet orbits the sun. Every five thousand years the worlds align perfectly, and we call this the convergence." They had paused by a wall, and Thor leaned down a bit, and took Jane's hand. He splayed out his fingers, and laid them against hers. "During this time the borders between worlds become blurred. It is possible you found one of these points." He looked at their hands and continued, "We are lucky the window remained open. Once the worlds pass out of alignment," he said, passing his hand over hers, till her fingers fell into the webbing of his hand, "then the connection is lost."
Jane looked at their joined hands, then up into his eyes. "I like the way you explain things," she said, drawn closer to him by his incredibly blue eyes. They kissed briefly. "What's going to happen to me?" she asked.
"I'll find a way to save you, Jane" he said.
"Your father said…" she started, but he broke in.
"My father doesn't know everything," he reassured her.
"Don't let him hear you say that," said Frigga.
Jane was a bit embarrassed to be caught kissing the prince of Asgard by the Queen, and withdrew her hands from his. Suddenly a hooting alarm sounded. Thor looked out over the water. Frigga said, "The prisons." Thor looked back at her.
"Loki!" he exclaimed.
"Go," said Frigga. "I will look after her."
Thor ran up a low flight of stairs. His cloak fluttered to the ground, and as he flung himself over the wall Mjolnir shot into his hand. He sped off through the air.
Frigga led Jane into the interior of the palace. Suddenly from the direction of the Bifrost there was a dull boom. Odin appeared at the head of a column of men. He was issuing orders at a furious pace. He paused when he saw Frigga and Jane. Turning to the men he barked, "Go!"
To Frigga he said, "Just a small skirmish, there is nothing to fear."
Frigga replied, "You have never been a good liar."
"Take her to your quarters. I will come for you when it is safe," ordered Odin
"Be careful" said Frigga.
"Despite all I have survived, my Queen still worries about me," said Odin affectionately. He laid one hand on her cheek in a surprisingly gentle gesture, then turned and strode away.
"It is only because I have worried about you that you have survived," Frigga's teasing response followed him.
Frigga led Jane into another corridor, where a whole column of guards was moving toward the outer walls, saying to her, "Listen to me now, you must do exactly as I say; no questions." She snatched a sword from a passing guard.
"Yes, ma'am," replied Jane, hurrying to keep up with the tall queen. Frigga led her some distance from the main halls of the palace, to a large room facing yet another lagoon.
"Stand here, let me look at you a moment," ordered Frigga. "Now you shall see some of my skill!"
A vaguely humanoid form began to materialize, formed of a sizzling green light. Suddenly there was a massive explosion some distance away. The floor bucked slightly, and distantly they could hear shouts and screams. For a moment Frigga faltered, but she regained her concentration.
"Have no misunderstanding, Jane. I must hide you. In over a thousand years no force has passed Heimdall's watch. It is no coincidence that you arrive with an ancient weapon, and the next day Asgard is under attack. No, do not protest," she said, seeing Jane's mouth begin to move. "It is not your fault, you must remember that. Fate has ordained these events." The form she was conjuring solidified, into an exact likeness of Jane, with a slightly different color of dress. The doppelganger moved and smiled. Jane was totally freaked out.
"Now, go out that opening, turn sharply left, and then immediately on your left you will see a small door. Go into the chamber there and wait, till I come for you. Be silent, you are hiding, I know not what from. And Jane," Frigga smiled at her and gave her a quick hug, "be of good heart, all will be well."
Jane ran to obey, tears of worry and fear running down her cheeks. She stifled her sobs, and finding the door that Frigga had told her about, went into a little room, not much more than a closet. All was quiet for a few moments, and then she could just barely make out controlled voices in Frigga's chamber, which she realized must be just the other side of the back wall of the closet. Suddenly a male voice cried out in anger, "Witch!" Then a sound she did recognize rang out. Thor's cry of grief and rage, followed by the lightning that could only come from Mjolnir sounded through the walls of her hiding place. Then a terrible silence filled the hall. Jane waited a moment more, but she had to know what was happening. She peeked out of her hiding place and saw that the corridor was deserted. She went to the edge of the entrance of Frigga's hall and looked around the corner. A grief filled scene met her eyes. Thor stood on the balcony, shock and disbelief on his face. He relaxed a fraction when he saw her safe, but the tears continued to stream down his face. The All Father was cradling Frigga's body in his arms. His grief was palpable in the room.
"Father, father," called Thor softly, stooping by them. "Is there nothing to be done, could the healers not aid her?"
Odin gasped, he still couldn't speak. His mouth worked, finally he whispered, "No, son, her heartstrings are severed, her spirit flown. Frigga, Frigga, my errors will forever haunt me. Forgive me, my beloved."
Jane wanted to go to Thor, but feared to intrude, or to draw the Allfather's attention to herself. She turned back to the corridor, and seeing a pair of guards running down the hall beckoned to them. They approached and she said, "Go into the hall, the Allfather needs help." They looked at her fearfully and entered. She rested against the wall a moment, and gathering her strength followed them.
Thor looked at the guards as they entered, shock plain on their faces. He gestured to them to come closer. They, too, feared to approach the Allfather in his grief. Odin was all but unaware of them.
"Alfhelm," said Thor. "Go you to the healing rooms. Bring back two other guards, a bier for the queen, and if possible a healer. Bid her bring some cordial for shock. Tell no one but her what you have beheld here." Alfhelm confusedly looked at Thor, his fear and grief overcoming his mind in the moment.
"Come now, master yourself. Hurry, but do not run unmanned. Do as I bid you" ordered Thor, completely unconscious of the streams of tears running down his own face. Alfhelm saluted, and facing about, strode from the room. Thor turned to Jane.
"I am relieved to find you safe, how comes this," he asked sternly. Jane was reminded by his manner that he was a military leader in his world. She looked up into his face, and realizing this wasn't a time for overt sympathy, related to him what Frigga had done to save her. At the end she sobbed, and her legs began to give way. Thor caught her up and placed her in a chair. He glanced at the other guard, who approached.
"Watch over her, let no one disturb her, till the healer comes." He returned to his father.
"Father, the guards approach, and bring a bier for our Queen. Can you stand?" asked Thor. Odin glared up at his son, but realizing that he couldn't be overwhelmed with grief before the people he grasped Thor's proffered arm. He stood, and then stooping he gently picked up Frigga's body. They stood together, mutely waiting until the guard came in, wheeling a bier before him.
Odin laid Frigga on this bed, and kissed her one last time. Then he turned from the bier, and taking up Gungnir, said to Thor,
"Quickly, see to the girl, then gather all our best, and meet me in the hall of audience. We have much to do, and to plan." Spurning any aid from the healer, he left the room.
Thor turned to the second guard and the healer standing by. "Take the lady Jane to my quarters, if they be undamaged. Alfhelm, find a squadron of men, and arrange them around my quarters. Protect the Lady from all harm or intrusion."
To Jane he said, "Go Jane, for I must see to my father. There is much to do."
"Of course, Thor. But you may send the healer away. I am alright. Let her go to those who might really need help," said Jane.
Thor quickly considered this. He turned to the Healer and asked, "Did you bring a cordial?"
"Yes, Lord, here is a cordial that is good for shock," she answered, holding up a small bottle.
"See that all here take some, we will have need of clear heads and strong hands," commanded Thor.
As the Healer moved about the room giving each person a sip she said, "If you please, Lord, the Lady is right. There are many who are grievously wounded. I will return to the Healing rooms, by your leave." said the healer.
Jane took a small sip for the bottle and instantly felt warmth and strength spread through her. The taste was strong, but not unpleasant.
Thor quickly pressed Jane's hand, and waved the healer away.
"Now then, Jane go to my quarters. It may be some time before I can return to you. Do what you can," and with that he, too, strode away.
The afternoon wore away. Jane paced the room and when she got tired she sat. She couldn't sleep. She wondered if her room was damaged, if Vissla and Tonlist had escaped. She thought about all that had happened, how Frigga had saved her. Had Frigga known she was going to die? Jane remembered that she had mentioned that Asgardian's could be killed in battle. She had seen no sign of sadness or anxiety in her face then. She worried about what would happen to her now. The light was failing, when Thor came in. Jane stood, and seeing the grief and pain on his face she opened her arms. He walked straight into them, resting his chin on the crown of his head.
"Now, I am truly weary, Jane," said Thor. "But there is no time yet for rest. All who died in the battle are to be sent to their rest before dawn, as is our custom. Will you come and stand with me? My mother thought highly of you, for all she only knew you but one day."
"Will Odin permit it?" asked Jane. "It's my fault the Aether was here. Who were those creatures? I saw many dead in the halls on the way here."
"They were Dark Elves, Jane, beings that have not been seen in 5000 years. Do you recall, my father thought them all dead? Do not fear to approach the Allfather. Indeed he chiefly blames himself for this disaster. He truly believed them all destroyed, otherwise there would have been a greater guard around Asgard," explained Thor.
"Who killed your mother, Thor? When I came into the room there was only you and your father left in the room" asked Jane.
"It was a creature I have never seen, nor heard of before. It was doing Malekith's bidding, though," said Thor.
Jane stiffened at the name of Malekith. "He was here?" she asked fearfully.
"Yes, Jane and know this, he came seeking the Aether. Now that I know that he lives, and wants the Aether in his possession, a glimmer of an idea comes to me on how to get it out of you, before it consumes you," he explained. "Mjolnir injured him, but not mortally, if I am any judge. But for now, we must put such thoughts aside."
"Here, take some bread and wine, strengthen yourself before we go out. You need do nothing, but I want you there, with me." Thor handed her a soft bag, which sloshed, and a small loaf of bread.
Jane immediately sat, and forced herself to eat. Thor looked on approvingly. She knew when not to argue. She took a few sips of wine, but she didn't want to be tipsy. She just took enough to wash down the bread. She stood, brushed any crumbs off her gown, and shook out her hair. She was ready.
Thor led Jane to the outskirts of Asgard, to a high platform. Many people were gathered there, and she could see many more gathered along the sea wall. Many were chanting mournfully. A boat stood out from the wall. On it rested the body of Frigga, regally dressed, with a crown on her head and her sword in her hands. Slowly it made its way along a corridor of other boats. When it was far out on the water, Odin signaled to an archer. The flaming arrow set Frigga's boat alight. Just as the boat reached the edge of the sea Odin brought his staff down on the tile with a ringing blow. Jane was astounded to see that instead of going over the edge it took off into space. A cloud of twinkling light ascended from the boat into the stars overhead. At this all the archers let fly their arrows. The night was brightened by what seemed countless flaming biers floating on the water. As one the people release glowing orbs into the sky. Everyone stood in silence, tears streaming down many faces. Then quietly they turned and processed back into the city. No words were spoken.
Jane walked silently with Thor. As they neared the palace he turned to her and said, "Thank you Jane for coming with me. Now, if you don't mind, please return to my rooms. Rest, sleep if you can. I will join you later."
She laid her hand on his arm, and looked up at him. "Thor, what will happen now?" she asked anxiously.
"I do not know Jane. I know my father will be enraged with grief. We will have to carefully consider our next step. Wait for me, I will come to you before dawn," said Thor.
Jane sighed and nodding, moved off. She scarcely noticed that an armed squadron of men now went with her. When she reached Thor's rooms they started to peel off, two by two, so that every entrance was guarded. She cast herself down on the bed, and fell into an uneasy sleep. Without Thor's support she was rapidly giving way to the Aether.
At first her dreams were dark and filled with images of blood and destruction. They slowly changed, so less fearful images moved through her imagination. She saw Darcy and Eric, apparently looking for her. She wanted to call out to them, but as is often the case in dreams she found herself completely unable to speak. She felt a weight on her across her chest, and struggling slightly she woke up. She felt refreshed, and realized that Thor was sleeping soundly beside her, his arm across her body. No wonder she felt better. She was in bed with Thor! Apparently they would never get to do things in their proper order. He slept deeply, a look of pain and exhaustion etched on his features. She scooted closer and at her movement his arm tightened around her, reeling her in to his side. She wrapped her free arm around him and content, she fell back to sleep.
Thor woke a short time later and smiled gently at finding Jane snuggled up against his side. He disentangled their limbs and rose from the bed. It had been but a short rest, but he felt stronger, and he knew that Jane benefitted from his presence. He took Mjolnir and strode from the room.
Jane rose soon after, and wrapped herself in the mantle that had slipped from her shoulders. The dawn was chilly. She stepped out onto a balcony and looked at the sky. Suddenly the Aether nearly overwhelmed her, the sky turned red, the columns around her dripped with darkness.
Just then the door burst open, and three guards entered the room.
"Jane Foster," said the man at the forefront, "you will come with us."
Thinking that they were there to take her to Thor, and unwilling to risk the Aether harming them, she went along. They took her to a smaller chamber, and told her to wait. There was a guard in the room with her and she realized that now she was under guard, and not entirely sure that it was for her own good. She sat on the divan, her head in her hands. She was feeling increasingly ill and weak. There was something pecking lightly at her arm. Lifting her head she saw Vissla peering at her.
"Hello little one," she said. "I'm glad to see you safe. Did Arnfreyer and Tonlist escape, too?"
Vissla chirped positively. Jane was relieved for the birds. And she had an idea.
"Vissla, go to Thor. Tell him where I am and that I'm safe," Jane asked.
The little birded looked at her with bright eyes, and soared out the window.
Time passed slowly, and she had no idea what was happening in Asgard.
There was a knock at the door. A new guard walked in, carrying a covered plate. Jane eyed this incredulously.
"I'm not hungry," she snarled.
Suddenly Sif appeared behind the guard, and with carefully controlled and nearly silent movements felled all three men.
"Good," said Sif. "Come, quickly."
Jane forced herself up, and nearly had to trot to keep up with Sif.
They went down a long row of columns, and to her joy she saw Thor, but to her disbelief and rage she also saw Loki. She strode right up to him and hit him as hard as she could on the jaw.
"That's for New York," she raged.
Loki grinned down at her. "I like her!" he exclaimed.
Jane was startled by how handsome he looked with a smile on his face. She turned to Thor in confusion.
"What's going on, Thor," she asked, now swaying with the effort to remain standing.
"We have a plan, trust me, and come now, as quickly as you can," said Thor.
A group of guards approached and Sif drew her weapon. "Go," she shouted, "I will delay them."