Chapter 13

The trio stood at the Bifrost sight and waited for Heimdall to open the bridge.

"Heimdall open the Bifrost," Thor commanded.

There was a slight hitch in Serene's breath when she saw the rainbow beam shoot down and they were transported back to the observatory.

"Welcome back My princes and my lady," Heimdall, a tall dark figure in a golden plated armor called out.

"Heimdall we must go to Midguard to collect my hammer," Thor said as he stepped towards the door near the spiral that led to earth.

Loki was silent as he stared at the Gatekeeper.

Due to Heimdall's gaze he saw most of Loki's mischief and told the All-father causing Loki to be punished.

It wasn't until one day when he stumbled upon an old tome that he could cloak himself from any gaze.

Loki has then become invisible to the Gaze.

"Lady Serene I hope you can keep a good eye and a sharp wit," Heimdall spoke pointing looking at Loki and Thor.

"Always, no need to worry galaxy gazer," Serene smiled as she pulled Loki along.

Loki held back a sneer as he passed before being sucked into the wormhole.

The breath was knocked out of the trio as they landed heavily in a wooded area.

A giant tree could be seen in a large clearing.

"Thor isn't that the mortals tree that they give offerings to you?" Serene asked as she cautiously stepped towards the massive tree.

Serene had Thor explain to the Warriors Three and Sif that when the mortals wanted a task or protection they would offer up anything they thought Thor would want in order for a blessing.

Thor was puzzled when he had received his first one and had to have Frigga explain why the mortals did the offerings.

Thor was flattered at first and had traveled to Midgard to fulfill the quests and had helped protect Midgard from Giants and trolls that plagued the land.

Loki on the other hand was prayed for in order to seek revenge or a bout of mischief on an enemy or rival.

Loki felt a little irate that he had to Midgard to preform the tasks but he did feel better knowing the mortals did ask for favors from him as well.

Thor had caught up with Serene to examine the tree.

Bowls of fruit and bread could be seen along with stone tablets requesting help.

Serene laughed at some of the requests.

God of thunder we need your help our house was ransacked by trolls that stole our left socks. Thor, God of thunder, our town is under siege by tiny flying creatures.

"Flying creatures? I hope they are not concerned over pixies," Thor jested.

"Ah but Thor do not forget they cause mischief, like a certain someone," Serene said siding a glance at Loki.

"You teach a small group one trick and they get carried away," Loki smirked shrugging his shoulders.

Serene shook her head, Loki had taught some Cornish pixies a trick to tie shoelaces together to knock someone down.

"That was a cruel trick to teach them love, but using Thor as the victim was wonderful," Serene spoke as she looped her arm with Loki's.

Loki gave a smirk and kissed her temple.

"Ah yes, though he did get back at me by stealing my books," Loki said as the trio made their way towards a cabin the Asgardians made for when they travel to Midgard.

When they parted the massive pines that surrounded the property.

It was a generous sized log cabin that had a charm over to make anyone who doesn't know of it couldn't see it.

"Ah I forgot about this place," Serene said as she dashed towards the door.

"Wait for me darling," Loki said as he strides over to meet up with her.

Loki waves a hand over the door to unlock the magic locks.

Serene waited patiently as Loki chuckled at her anxiousness to see the inside.

"Easy Love we have enough time to explore but I believe Thor would like his hammer," Loki smirked as he opened the door.

Thor grumbled out a 'Yes' "Oh alright, we'll explore later, now Thor are you ready to go?" Serene asked as she spun to meet the Golden Prince.

"Yes let us go," Thor said as he almost charged out of the room.

"Ah ah ah, you need to get dressed to meet your husband," Serene said smirking as she heard the loud frustrated groan escape his lips.

Loki quietly snickered behind his hand.

Thor gave a death glare towards his brother.

"Well you will need a dress and of course a feminine body," Serene said as she snapped her fingers.

Thor transformed into a female more of Sif's form but with long blonde hair.

A long white dress donned his body along with a veil.

"Mmm brother you look rather ravishing in this form," Loki smirked.

"Even in this form I will still have pleasure in killing you," Thor spat out.

Serene chuckled as Loki proceeded to pull at Thor's hair.

"Alright enough ladies we have a wedding to attend to," Serene said as she changed her outfit to a light peach color.

"Ladies? I think not love I will be the escort," Loki said as he changed his appearance to a court escort.

"Let us get this over with," Thor sighed as he led the party towards where Thrym had said the wedding was to take place.

~In a cave~

"As the trio walked up the path towards the mouth of the cave a giant guard stopped them.

"Halt, who goes there?" the guard bellowed out.

"It is Lady Freya and her escort," Loki called up to the Giant.

"Hmm, I will alert King Thrym to tell him his bride is her," The guard said as he pulled out a curved horn and released a low tune.

The group heard an echo answer the call.

"Follow," The guard said as he began to walk.

The trio fell in step behind the Giant.

The cave was a lot more comforting on the inside once they entered the main room.

There were torches lit along the wall along with big chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

The flames cast long shadows along the walls that danced with every flicker.

Loki brushed a hand over Serene's hand as he caught up with her.

We must keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Serene sent to Loki.

Already ahead of you. Loki sent back as he waved a hand discretely and his double took his place and the real Loki vanished.

Stay with Thor darling he will need your strength to keep his mouth shut. Loki whispered into her mind and then he went quiet.

Thor was getting more and more furious as they trekked farther into the labyrinth of cave tunnels.

He could feel his rage burn under his skin along with the humility of being a female and wearing a dress.

Thor stumbled to a halt as the guard stopped walking.

"Wait here," He grumbled out. The giant stomped his way down a corridor and disappeared.

Serene felt a breeze as Loki's clone vanished and the real one return.

Serene felt a ghost of a hand clasp hers. She felt a small smile tug at her lips.

Did you find her? Serene asked as she looked next to her. I did, but their king, is holding onto her. I was unable to grab her due to her temperament towards me. Loki sneered out angrily.

Serene shook her head at this.

She does not like anyone but your oaf of a brother, they share a bond that none are able to break. You will find a weapon that will bond with you eventually. Serene responded to the message.

Loki gave a quick smile as they heard the approaching footfalls.

"King Thrym will see you," the Guard growled out.

With the giant's backed turned, Serene conjured a bouquet of flowers.

She handed them to Thor who muttered about holding 'maiden thing'.

Serene pinned Thor with a warning glare as she fell back to Loki.

A huge wave of food hit their nostrils as they entered a dinning area.

A massive giant sat upon a throne at the head of a table.

"Ah I see our guests have arrived," Thrym said gruffly as he waved them to approach.

Thor hesitantly took steps forward and stood at the bottom of the stairs.

Serene and Loki hung back and took in their surroundings.

There were several guards and a few handmaidens holding jugs plus platters of food.

"My bride has finely graced us with her presence my subjects," Thrym announced.

Thrym looked down at the young bride before him.

The woman had a large fit build and long blonde hair.

He noticed how her eyes were full of fire, though.

"My what is with the fire within your eyes?" Thrym asked as he approached.

Loki intervened from Thrym lifting the veil.

"She was so eager to arrive that she has not slept Lord Thrym," Loki cut in smoothly.

Thrym shook off the eerily glow coming his bride. "Come let us celebrate before the wedding," Thrym announced clapping his hands.

Quickly action took place as servants draped cloths over the tables and more giants entered the chamber.

They sat further down on the long table as Thor sat on King Thrym's left side and Serene next to Thor.

Loki followed suit and settled next to Serene. The feast was full of wild boar, beef and other game animals.

"My bride sure can eat and drink" Thrym said as he watched his bride tuck in a whole boar and more platefuls of other food.

"My Lord she was so eager to see you that she did not eat or drink," Serene answered.

She elbowed Thor and he choked on his mead.

"I think you should proceed with the wedding Master Thrym it's nearly sunset," A servant whispered to the King.

"Aye let us wed then," Thrym stood, almost knocking over his chair.

He snapped his fingers and a stout giant held a wine glass and a cloth.

"King Thrym, you promised to hand over the Thunder's hammer did you not?" Loki questioned with a confused tone.

Loki was playing at the giant's mind hoping it would work.

"Ah yes, Bring in the Hammer," Thrym called out. Thunder footfalls were heard as five giants came in holding a chest by chains and dragged it in.

The chest was put before Thor and King Thrym handed over the key.

"Here you go Princess," Thrym said with a wink.

Thor angrily clenched a fist and Mjölnir burst through the chest into his hands.

Thor's disguise faded and his normal form returned.

"I am no Princess," Thor growled out as he released his hammer and it collided with Thrym's head.

The force killed the giant instantly and chaos followed.

"This should be fun," Thor said gleefully as he started knocking down giants with the swing of his weapon.

Serene held back, it was not the other giants' faults for their King's stupidity.

Loki looked on from the side and knocked away any attacking giants.

"Thor we must go," Serene called out.

There were bodies strewn everywhere and the females were cowering in a corner.

"Nay I'm just getting started," Thor called out as he attacked more of the guards.

Serene grew angry as she saw the bodies of the fallen pile up, she saw children standing in a arch way holding onto their mothers.

She could see fear along with tears covering their faces.

"ENOUGH," Serene roared as she held out her arms and stopped the fighting.

Thor was frozen mid-swing and felt himself stand straight.

"We are leaving, killing the Giants only further causes problems," Serene commanded as she released Thor from her hold.

She approached the children and mothers and held out her arms in a comforting gesture.

"I am sorry for your losses and I will aid you in any problems you will face due to your reckless ruler," Serene said with a tiny smile.

The giants looked at her before a small child burst from the lines, sobs escaping his mouth.

"He killed my father," The child wailed as he tugged on her dress and buried his face in the skirt.

Serene wrapped her arms around the child in a hug.

"I am sorry for your loss my child, but I cannot bring back your father," Serene whispered.

He gave out another sob and burrowed further in.

"Thrum is an orphan now, miss," A female giant spoke out softly.

"My name is Serene and I know how you must feel for I am also an orphan," Serene said sadly.

The group of giants stood at a distance and held their breath.

"Will one of you take care of him till he is old enough?" Serene asked gazing upon the wives.

An older female came forward.

"I will Lady Serene," The giantess spoke out.

"I thank you," Serene said as she hugged the child as he ran towards the woman.

Thor looked on with regret and stayed back. Loki stood next to his brother as Serene moved away from the group.

The group held back until the trio left.

Loki dropped his disguise once they were back in the cabin.

" I hope you feel regret Thor, Those giants did not deserve that fate," Serene spat out venomously as she stormed out the door into the woods.

The brothers stood there in silence until Loki broke it.

" A woman's wrath is something to fear," Loki smirked as he dodged a swat from Thor's hand.

"Shut your mouth Brother," Thor said sorrowfully as the golden prince hung his head and went towards his chamber.

~In the Woods~

Serene sat in down on the moss covered ground and stood stock-still.

She could feel a light breeze and hear the birds sing softly.

She felt a slight tug in her chest over the fallen giants she watched die for their King.

She felt a small tear roll down her cheek.

The silence bore on in the forest.

Suddenly a twig snapped on her left and she slowly turned her gaze.

Her eyes fell on a small silvery-blue ball of fur.

The bundle gave out a pitiful cry, little round ears sat on top of the creatures head and golden eyes bore into hers.

It wailed softly and stumbled towards her.

Serene held her hand as the small bear cub approached.

"Aren't you a cute little creature, Where is your other child?" Serene asked as she scooped up the cub.

I don't know, I have been on my own. The small voice spoke.

Serene smiled when she identified the creature.

"I thought you to be just a bear but you are more than that are you not?' she smiled as she rubbed the ears.

The cub leaned in to her touch and transformed into a small babe.

The child could only be a few years old.

The toddler had the same colored hair and eyes that gazed up at her.

"You must be hungry and tired I shall take you with me, would you like that?" Serene asked as she slowly stood up and held her hand out to the boy.

"Yes my lady," he spoke softly.

"My child you can either call me Serene or mother of you must, I wouldn't have such a child call me Lady," Serene said as she stroked his hair.

"Ok... mama, my name is Bjorn," The child said as he grasped her hand shyly.

"Hmm a fitting name for such a wonderful boy," Serene laughed as she led them towards the cabin.