Once Lorelei was secured, I wanted to talk to the Asgardian. "Lady Sif" I called when I saw her.

She glanced back at me, "Amanda of the West"

Ignoring how weird that sounded, I continued, "I was wondering if I could ask a favour of you?"

Turning fully to face me, she answered, "Yes?"

"Um, when you return to Asgard, is it possible… I mean, could you ask if I am able to, uh… visit Loki. He wouldn't need to leave Asgard! He wouldn't even need to leave his cell if that's what it'll take to make Odin agree… it's just… I want, I need to see him again." The more I spoke the more I sounded, in my head, like a desperate child.

Sif glanced at the floor for a moment before answering, "As I informed you upon my arrival, I have a message to convey from Asgard. Is there somewhere private we may speak?"

"Yes" I replied, "This way." I led Sif to Phil's office, shutting the door behind us once we were in.

"What is it? Can Loki visit Earth again? When? Can I see him?" I looked at Sif with a hopefulness I'd come to damn myself for. As soon as Sif looked at me I knew there was something wrong, she looked at me with such sympathy that made my heart sink in fear, "Sif?"

"Child," she said kindly, "Would you like to sit down?" I sat on the couch without breaking eye contact, and then Sif sat beside me. "Amanda," she said slowly, "Loki is dead"

I could have sworn my heart stopped. "What?" I breathed.

"While fighting by Thor's side in assisting him defeat the Dark Elves, Loki was killed by a powerful Elf who had been enhanced by an ancient power. Loki was brave, he saved Thor and Lady Jane's lives; Asgard and Midgard alike owe him a debt. Without Loki's sacrifice we would all now be dead."

My throat closed up. I couldn't speak through shock and hurt. He couldn't be gone. That wasn't right. He couldn't be gone so soon. I… I couldn't have lost someone else, not again.

"Before his death" Sif continued, "Loki had expressed his desire to give you this." From a pouch concealed by her armour, Sif produced a silver ring. It was quite broad, inlaid in it, underneath a spiralling pattern carved from more silver, was a pale green-blue stone. It was beautiful, but I couldn't understand why it was being given to me.

I tried to ask, but I could barely get past the first syllable. Sif put the ring in my hand, "Thor wanted to make sure it got to you. Loki died wearing its twin."

Robotically, I closed my fingers around the ring, swallowing down the lump in my throat "Thank you." I whispered. I cleared my throat a little, "Will there be a funeral for him?"

Sif shook her head, "His body was not recovered." A pang of hurt and I nodded stiffly Sif stood, "I am truly sorry for your loss."

She left and I sat for a moment, my features contorted in hurt and shock and grief. I took a few deep breaths and slowly regained my composure. I slipped on Loki's ring then followed where Sif had gone to take Lorelei back to Asgard.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I fidgeted with Loki's ring; it fit perfectly but felt strange on my finger.

"I'm sorry; the damage to your flying boat was unfortunate." Sif said as she planned to leave.

"It's okay, "said May, "we've seen worse"

"Lorelei shall be punished severely for her crimes against your people." Sif assured.

"That must have been hard for you," Phil said, "after everything she did – to look past it, to let it go."

Sif smiled in understanding, "Odin ordered her back alive." she said bluntly "As one of his warriors, I bend to his will"

"Regardless of what it cost you" Phil added.

"Much like your S.H.I.E.L.D. we are bound by our code." Sif paused for a moment before crossing her arm across her chest with her fist over her heart in a salute, "It has been an honour to fight by your side."

Sif looked to me and said, "I will be sure to give news of your recovery to Thor upon my return to Asgard, Lady Amanda of the West" With those last words, she took Lorelei and left.

I had been standing a metre or so way from them as they spoke, listening silently. Phil looked over at me for a moment before dismissing May so he could talk to me alone. "Amanda, are you okay?"

I looked up at him. I hadn't even cried yet, but he knew. In a monotone I asked, "Is it that obvious?"

Phil frowned with concern, "What's wrong?"

"The, uh, message Sif had for me… it wasn't good news" I muttered, trying to stay composed.

"Amanda?"

"Sif said… during the battle with the Dark Elves… Loki… Loki was… he was killed" my voice trailed away to barely a whisper.

"Oh Amanda" Phil moved forward to hug me but I tensed up and moved away.

My lip was trembling but I managed to speak clearly. "I'm taking some personal time. Don't come looking for me, you or anyone else for that matter."

"Amanda-"

I began to walk away towards my Harley, "I'm coming back."

"Amanda, just-"

"What?" I mounted my bike and pulled my helmet on.

"Be careful."

I jumped my bike into gear, turned it on the spot and drove off. I had money and credit cards with me, my iPod and phone and a portable charger as well. I drove forward, through the mark the Bifrost had left.

For the first in a long time, I didn't look back.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

This is a link to what the ring looks like - transaction/191639036?