The universe is said to be a vast and wondrous place, full of rich beauty that is as deadly as it is exquisite. Separated by expanses of a black so deep and void of light the mind shrinks from it. Those were the words that Althia confirmed in the short dizzying trip through the bifrost. It was beautiful because of her education she knew it was deadly and she did shrink toward Loki; her mind clinging to him to fight to vast darkness from the voids between. Then they were out and Loki steadied her she didn't pitch forward like so many when they came to the abrupt stop. She smiled warmly at the question in Loki's gaze; squeezing his hand to let him know she was ok.
Jane was smiling watching when Althia took in the dome around her. She stepped away from Loki and turned slowly taking in the great gears and workings all golden around and above her. "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Althia murmured the quote till she realized the golden figure in front of her was a giant of a man. "Welcome home warriors of Asgard, welcome as well Althia Sacmich and Jane Foster." He said in a bass voice deep and rolling as if it was the ocean. The warriors greeted the man in a friendly and companionable way that eased Althia's tension. Jane was beside herself with excitement. "Just wait, it gets better." She said grabbing Althia's arm. Loki and Thor laughed as the two women ran to the entrance at the far side. To stop in stunned silence at the sight of the bifrost stretching into the distance before them. The crystalline structure shined a shattered rainbow of hues. Althia's sharp eyes held the image and she watched the bridge seem to undulate with colors. Loki stepped up beside them wondering what Althia saw. "It's a circuit board but of light." She murmured to him. He smiled at her broadly before raising his arm to her. "May I escort you to the palace my lady?" he said; laughter in his voice and face. "Yes, you may. Just please tell me we don't have to walk." She replied smiling despite the ache in her heart she slipped her arm into his. He raised his hand to direct her attention to the side where two boats dipped and bobbed beside the bridge. Loki escorted her to the side and watched her face when she realized the quiet boats weren't boats but some sort of flying craft. She gasped when she saw the height they were above an ocean that fell off beyond the curve of the dome. "They are called faering and quite safe." Loki said as she watched the warriors toss the bags and their gear to the guards in the second boat. Each boat had two Asgardian guards in it one at the bow and one at the stern. The two in the boat Loki directed her too watched him suspiciously and it made her feel protective. Her mind settled into a role she didn't know was in her. "Would you help me Loki? I do not wish to appear a fool." She scowled at the guard in the stern emphasizing the word fool. The guard glanced at her, his eyes hardened, but he moved to help Jane. Loki laughed quietly in delight, he understood her motives. He jumped casually into the faering and turned lifting his hands to hers. Jane stumbled as she tried to hop into craft; she was caught in the guard's arms as Thor chuckled. Althia managed after seeing Jane's mistake to not send the vessel rocking; she took both of Loki's hands. He obliged her; slipping his arm around her waist when she stood on the gunwale and slowly lowering her into the boat. She exuded trust and confidence in him as she felt Loki's arm tense around her pressing them together when Thor when sent the faering pitching sideways. Jane lightheartedly joined her teasing him and the guards; unaware of her real intent. She hid the smirk from the guards by watching where she stepped as Loki led her to a seat near Jane. He could see the edges of the look on her face and he schooled his face to be calm and polite. No sign of his amusement to tell the guards his thoughts. The guards were unable to hide their mystification about the exchange when Jane treated her and Loki as friends. Slowly they began moving the vessel away from the edge of the bridge.
Thor called above the roar of the waterfall. "Loki, shall we beat the others to the palace?" Loki looked out seeing the other faering far ahead. "Stern or bow?" he asked his brother in an insouciance tone. "I shall take the stern." Thor replied his voice full of exuberance. With a twinkle in his eye Loki moved fluidly to take the till as Thor moved to the controls at the front. "Ladies please hold tight this is going to be marvelous." Loki called in a tight voice giving them seconds to brace before the vessel suddenly whined and shot forward. Althia cheered and hollered encouragements to them as they maneuvered the small vessel between exquisite rock formations and buildings that lay scattered between the giant city and golden dome. She gripped the rail tightly and stood bracing her legs against the rock and turn of the vessel the wind snatched her braid back as her voice soared joyously. Jane laughed and cheer along with her but stayed seated. In those short moments Thor and Loki brought them alongside the other craft; they slowed for a moment. Everyone in their boat waved to the others before they shot off. Althia watched the shocked faces turn to take command of their own vessel. Now she knew the race had genuinely begun.
Althia looked over her shoulder at Loki when they entered the city. He glanced at her and his smile acknowledged her own before his focus returned to steering them safely through the city. He was definitely enjoying the race, and the feeling of their speed enthralled her. People looked up as the two vessels raced over head. Althia stood her legs bending into the turns with the faering as the city zoomed by. Between Loki and Thor they maintained a speed those in the other vessel couldn't when moving around buildings and below or above bridges. Althia could hardly grasp one breath taking visage before another caught her eye.
Loki watched and listened as she roared praises at them. Her voice cut the wind with sweet tributes to his skill. With a sudden shift in speed the vessel cut sideways tossing Jane in the laps of the guards till Althia grabbed her and pulled her up. Jane smiled laughing righting herself and brushed her hair back one hand still clinging to Althia's arm. With a crow of delight they turned to watch the other vessel catch up. Throwing herself along the length of the faering as it stopped Althia hugged Loki "We won!" she boasted her face tilted into the sun her eyes still shone with exhilaration. He looked down at her his smile soft and confident "Did you have any doubts that we would?" He asked before suddenly lifting her from the deck and spinning her his laughter swelled from deep within his chest. Thor roared with laughter his arm around a grinning Jane as he stepped to his brother and held out his hand; Loki lowered Althia to her feet but didn't release his hold on her. With a resounding slap the two men grasped arms as the other vessel pulled alongside. Jane chuckled as she stepped to check that her equipment for damage. Althia pulled free of Loki and he watched her helping Jane a moment before Thor called his attention.
Leaning close to Jane's ear Althia whispered "Isn't it great to see them so happy? It almost makes this trip worth it." Jane looked over her shoulder at the two men exchanging friendly banter with those in the other vessel. She looked at Althia with a sharp nod of agreement. "The only problem is going to be keeping them out of trouble." Jane said and Althia burst out laughing. Thor looked confused and Loki gaze was speculative. She finished checking the bag she had in her hand chuckling.
It didn't take long for servants to come unload the faerings and begin toting the bags inside under the direction of a woman in a severe and plain gown with a large pendant hanging around her neck. Loki leaned down and whispered in Althia's ear that the pendant denoted a higher status among the servants. She nodded and thanked the woman. She watched the woman blush slightly and glanced nervously at Loki where he hovered behind Althia. With a general welcome she hurried off. Loki took Althia's arm and wrapped her hand around his elbow leading her to where Thor and the others waited at the massive entrance of the palace. Althia estimated twenty people could walk abreast through the gilded doors. Jane reached out and took Althia's other hand. "They are putting us in rooms on the same hall; I'll be close if you need me and I'm sure we have time to change." Jane said and Loki responded to the confusion on Althia's face. "Odin doesn't wants to present you to the council and court till just before dinner." Althia looked at them still perplexed. The sun was high in the sky over Asgard it had to be late morning or early afternoon. "It is a formal occasion and you are not dressed for it my dear." Loki told her. "It will take some time for the servants to prepare you for it. Do not worry it won't take long once we reach the throne room." She nodded and let Jane draw her away. She was tired and Loki could tell she was still confused but, he wanted her away before the unpleasantness he had to face began. With a subtle regret he stifled the emotions that bubbled at the back of his mind.
Althia wanted a nap but doubted that she would get one; she was aggravated and worried. It was a second before she realized Loki was the cause and he wanted her away and a little frightened beneath his calm even jocular behavior. She looked at him closely and ran back to him. Carefully she raised up on her toes and pulled him down to kiss him on the cheek. "Thank you Loki for everything." She stated her voice husky and appealing as she settled. She shifted her hand to his chest "You've been magnificent. I would have lost so much without you by my side last night." Her gaze tender and trusting. She turned leaving a softly stunned Loki behind her. Thor clapped his bother on his back grinning he'd never seen his bother so shocked. He knew more now than ever how alone Loki had always been among the court Althia's small gestures were having a profound effect on his brother and he hoped it eased the man's feelings of rejection. The women followed a servant to rooms that overlooked the city. Jane went into a room and left Althia to follow the servant alone.
Inside the room she was assigned three women were waiting. The first a plump rosy cheeked one looked her over critically; when her eye fell on the sword her face betrayed the disdain she was feeling. "I did not know Midgardian women were warriors? I was told you were a magical healer of extraordinary talent." she a hint of disbelief in her voice. "Women of Midgard may choose whatever vocation they choose, and I am a healer, it does not mean that is all I am." Althia asserted, she didn't like the woman's attitude. Too rude an introduction after SHIELD; it made her defensive and abrasive. She heard a very quiet giggle from one of the other women but schooled herself not to look and stir trouble. "I assume you are here to assist me in dressing?" she sniffed "I would like to bathe first as we were in battle last night and I arose early to leave. I am quite tired." Althea decided superiority would cut the woman's act short. Jane and Loki had already given her enough information to handle the servants. Shock registered on the woman's face and she bowed to hide her face. "Geth go prepare a bath for the lady while her measure is taken." She snapped turning to the other two women. "If you will step this way I won't be a moment taking the measures or your clothing." She said over her shoulder. Althia glided to the bed; a four poster with heavy curtains of an unknown material draped between the posts. Carefully she undid her sheath and laid it on the bed. "Tell me, how would the All Father react to such rudeness to his guest should I choose to tell him?" she spoke low and calm though she wanted to throw the woman out. In the silence that followed Althia began removing her blouse. In a chastised voice the woman responded "I meant no insult. I was told Midgardians were more casual than those of Asgard." Althia heard the rustle of cloth and looked back; the woman was kneeling stiffly on the floor. "I am sorry to find you misinformed. I forgive you; please rise. We have much to discuss and I will need your patience and understanding as you need mine." Althia thought Loki would be roaring with laughter if he heard her. Bruce would hide a smile behind his hand and have to cough to cover the laugh. That thought dropped her heavily on the bed, her eyes tearing up.
Folding her arms around herself she bowed forward a great wracking sob breaking her silence. The three women rushed to her apprehensively "My lady, what is this?" Geth asked. Althia looked at her; dark blonde hair twisted in a complicated rope and saw genuine concern on her face. With a cry of despair she collapsed into their arms clinging to them as her emotions tore her voice. "I had to leave someone precious behind." She closed her eyes against their reaction and confessed. "He couldn't come and…my people are in danger. I should be there." she choked on the devastation, despondence, and shame that was finally catching up to her. The women tutted and petted her comforting as best they could. All three found sympathy for her and respected the loyalty she had expressed. With a shake Althia gathered herself and pulled back. "I'm very far from the only home I have known." Her voice wobbled as she struggled for control. She wiped tears from her cheeks before sitting up straight and looking at them fully. "One of my most trusted companions is loathed and reviled before my eyes upon my arrival." Her voice grew tense with the memory. "I am over whelmed, please forgive me." She wanted these women to like her, she was alone and she hated it. The one who had been rude softened, "We have all known long journeys away from home. There is nothing to forgive. Come a bath will ease this." She professed with confidence and compassion.
She pulled Althia from the bed and showed her everything in the suite of rooms she was to have any time she was on Asgard. Last they went into a bathroom five times the size of the one she had at the compound. "Wow, it's superb!" Althia stopped in the door way. The sink basins were large shallow shells on pedestals made from some dark and richly stained wood. There was a shower like enclosure with several knobs that was lit by cleverly concealed fixtures. "Is everything Asgardian so beautiful it makes the heart ache?" she asked making all the woman beamed with pride. "This Palace is Asgard's pride and glory. So yes, here it is and here we see to it that it always stays." The other two women nodded in agreement.
Two hours later Althia was sitting in a chair with the third woman Mithrel, a honey complexioned woman with blonde hair so dark it verged on brown, lifting her curls and fusing over the tight twists and softness. A box had arrived with several magnificent hair pins sent by Loki. Metal filigrees in silver and gold were neatly lined up in slots, as well as some in a material Althia had never seen that were a variety of colors. Althia smiled as her hair went from simple utilitarian braid to a mass of visually loose curls surrounded by silver filigree combs starting at her temples and circling down and back that in fact didn't move once tucked in. Most of her hair was pulled up on her head but several coils dropping alongside her face and down her back between combs. The plump one Rayeth had altered her ideas for a gown to allow for the sword when she realized she couldn't lift the blade from the bed. Her lips pressed tight with the shocking knowledge of its origin.
When Althia turned to see the dress she was going to wear he jaw dropped. It was long bright blue with thick embroidery along the neck and hem as well as some silver embroidery along the hips that matched the bracelets Bruce had given her. The women had learned not to touch them. Althia had freaked out when they went to remove them and that was when they realized she had left her lover not family. The top of the gown was ribbed vertically and had hidden loops at the bottom to hold her sword belt discreetly so it seemed that the sword floated at her side. Once done at the council she would be able to store the sword in the closet of her room. The shoes were almost flat slippers with lacing to hold them on her foot. They matched the silver of the embroidery perfectly.
"Oh, my god its magnificent Rayeth, it is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!" Althia gushed as she hurried to get in the dress. She danced in front of the mirrors to the women's delight beaming at herself. The full skirt allowed for full leg extensions and a flight of fancy made her pull her iPod out for music. Shortly she was doing pirouettes around the room leaping gracefully and spinning around the furniture. When she stopped the women applauded vigorously. She bowed with a slight blush. "Is that how Midgardians dance?" Geth asked "No it is a special form of dance meant to entertain, it is called Ballet." Althia asserted and that she was a novice in it by comparison to those who performed it on stages across the world. They tutted and told her she was wonderful.
It came time to meet Jane for the trip to the throne room faster than Althia realized and the women were happy and encouraging as she left her room. Rayeth paled outside the doorway. "Oh, do you know how to bow?" she asked cautiously. To answer her Althia dropped into a graceful and full curtsy holding the pose for a moment before rising with a questioning gaze. Rayeth smiled "You shall shame many ladies with that. Now go." They were assigned to help her dress and acclimate to Asgardian customs she'd be seeing a lot of them. She waved and moved to the door of Jane's room. Pausing to adjust her sword before knocking she froze as Jane's voice rose. "Stop that! No I won't. Get away from me with that thing!" Jane shouted. "Let go of me." Spurring Althia to slam the door open sword half drawn. Seeing Jane swatting at a woman who was trying to do her hair stopped Althia mid-step baffled. Jane looked at her and her jaw dropped. "Oh, my god!" She shouted running up as Althia sheathed the unnecessary blade.
Jane was wearing a heavy golden gown as long as Althia's. Her dress was decorated in red embroidery in a V down the bodice with matching at the hem and Jane was tripping to get to Althia. Smiling Althia moved to catch her as she stumbled over the dress. "Move your legs wider as you run or don't run and keep you steps small." she admonished her. "Thor will yell at me if you get hurt!" they laughed and complimented each other. Althia convinced her that letting the woman put her hair up wouldn't make her look pretentious. Keeping the woman to a simpler style she managed to get Jane done and out the door in ten minutes.
Althia had a bit of fun with the guard who was to escort them; he tried to pull her sword away telling her she couldn't carry it in the throne room. She lifted her arms and grinned as she let him try and take it. She laughed at his flush and told him she was sure the All Father wouldn't mind that particular weapon. Once he escorted them to the throne room he asked them to wait until they heard the summons and slipped off between the columns, eager to get away.
With a booming voice announcing them and the cracking of the doors the two looked at each other; Althia was uncomfortable without the assurance of Thor and Loki to guide her. "It'll be fine. I promise." Jane assured her taking her arm. Jane held Althia at a sedate pace as they moved with stately dignity towards the throne. Rayeth had given her a lot of advice and she remembered, plus the strong grip of Jane's hand supporting her helped Althia relax and her eyes devoured the vast and ornate throne room. When they were half way to the throne she caught sight of Loki and Thor. Something was wrong; Loki was jealous and very angry she pressed against the feelings as they hovered at the back of her mind. She held her smile by force of will and falling back on Angel's teachings and advice made her body move with Jane. Jane was grinning from ear to ear at the smug look on Thor's face. "Worth it isn't it." Jane asked quietly. Althia feigned enjoying the look the men gave them; cringing inwardly. When they reached Thor and Loki they paused, mostly because Althia made Jane stop from running to Thor by refusing to let her arm go. Loki offered his arm to Althia and Thor did the same to Jane as they came together. Althia swallowed as she slipped her arm into his. A wave of lust struck her body and mind clearing up the bewilderment she'd experienced when she first saw him.
"You look ravishing ladies; truly stunning." Loki complimented them quietly his voice hoarse. "I agree brother, it is a marvel they managed to reach us without a dozen marriage proposals." Thor rumbled in laughter. "I think Althia's sword intimidated them." Jane chimed in making them all chuckle quietly. Althia ducked her head to hide her face, taking a moment to adjust her skirt before letting Loki lead her to the focus of the room. All four stopped at the foot the curved stairs that led up to the golden throne, backed by two gracefully curved wings. Odin sat on his throne his confidence and the pride of Asgard radiated from him. At his right the spear of Asgardian Kings Gungnir stood in its post. Althia was all grace and smooth control, managed not to clink her sword on the floor as she curtseyed before Odin; Jane mirrored her in a careful curtsey. Loki and Thor dropped to one knee on each side of them fist over their hearts heads bowed. The four waited and after a moment Odin spoke.
"Rise, and be welcome all." He said in a voice deep and calm, held the authority of his years on the throne as his words carried to the edge of the giant hall. The four stood and looked up at him. "You stand before the court Althia Sacmich, Jane Foster of Midgard. Allies in battle and honored guests of my realm. Lady Jane your deeds and courage are well known among the nine realms welcome and well met." He waved his hand and Thor bowed from the waist before he took Jane's hand to lead her away. Odin watched them as Thor led Jane to a side enclosure with seats. He turned his eye back to the dark haired pair who looked like a mismatched set. She stood in blue and silver with toffee skin, her dark curls drawn up to mound above her heart shaped face, and eyes like flower blooms floating on a sea. Loki in his customary black and green with his fair skin shining like ivory. Loki had been denied his armor and Thor had refused to wear his in solidarity with his brother an act that had surprised the All Father and council. "Lady Althia Sacmich you have bloomed since last we spoke. The strength of your training is apparent." He stopped a moment staring at them and suddenly sauntered down the stairs the pair fell back to the floor as graceful and in time with one another. Reaching her he held a hand out to her. Looking up Althia hesitated before taking his hand. Odin stared deeply the eyes of a creature that defied all explanation as she blushed and yet stood still. Her eyes held an honest trust he hadn't earned. He nodded slightly and turned to Loki releasing her hands. "My son." He whispered and Loki looked up in shock. Swallowing hard, pain apparent in his eyes, Loki waited. Althia could feel the resignation and terror rolling through Loki like battling tides. Odin saw it too and leaned down to grab Loki by the shoulders and lift him up. Staring into Loki's eyes Odin addressed Althia. "It tells me a great many things." Turning he left Loki fighting the shock and suspicion that the king's actions caused. "Please," Odin asked. "Share with this court your reasons for arriving here?" She understood what he wanted by the tiny shift of his eye to Loki.
New LegendsShe bowed her head deeply before speaking in a clear strong voice. "All Father I seek your guidance and protection. My gift has brought war and cost lives. If not for the efforts of the valiant men and women of SHIELD, the greatness of Asgardian warriors, your noble sons and the vital assistance of Hela Queen of Helheim even now I would be bound and at the mercy of men who know no honor and have never felt the hand of justice upon their heart." She began to weave a story that held the court silent.
Althia spoke of the loss of every memory to the decades she spent in her enemy's hands. Women cried quietly as she described the mind erasing despair that she felt as the decades past. Men grew angry at the mention of how eventually she had even given up asking for death as pain became her life. She told of the daring and bold actions of Black Widow who was the first of her rescuers to find her. She waxed long on Thor's part and his kindness those first weeks as she came to know a different world. She spoke of the patient, strength, and wisdom Director Fury and Doctor Bruce Banner showed whenever they spoke to her and their protection and guidance as she learned a new life.
The room dropped completely silent when she began to speak of Loki. She told of the strange and unexplained rage that took the agents when he arrived. She waxed long on the pain and suffering he experienced keeping the audience riveted as she drew out the first meeting between her and Loki; she prudently left out the part where he called her his queen. She spoke with fear and horror about the influence that forced her fragile mind to fear and run from the All Father. She sang his praises for the wisdom and insight he showed knowing that her actions and fears were not natural. With near reverence she captured the courts heart and returned it to the king as he saved her from the overpowering influence. She was very careful when she spoke of the fight to free Loki, adding significant effort on his part to break free of the worm Thanos had forced into his body. Loki stood staring at her lost in thought as the tale she told moved through the Asgardians like a breeze through grass. He humbled himself when she spoke of knowing his pain and fight to stop the action over which he had little control. She described seeing many battles from Loki's eyes including the one where he betrayed Odin. She described the rage and love that helped him resist the worm's command he kill the king. She stopped and in a voice that barely carried described the haunted memory of Loki laying the king in a golden bed and his fight to break from the worm who bound his tongue and steered his actions as he posed as king.
Odin walked to Loki and rested his hand of his son's shoulder in silent benediction of forgiveness and love. Althia wasn't done though, no she roared at the crowd as she spoke of his strength and endurance as he saved her from madness as the worm sought to enslave her by the same means he had controlled the prince. She brought the courage of a proud people as she made the announcement of Loki's torn, battered body, and tired mind rallying to her defense. She had them cheering as she described Loki taking command not only of his power but hers. She spoke completely honest as she described her struggle against the grievously wounded prince to escape the devil who had been housed in his body. The court bemoaned the fate of the woman and prince though both stood before them. They roar in pride for Loki when he protected her delicate mind from the destruction planned for her. She had them roaring and cheering when he forced the worm from his body with his will and their combined magic trapping it between her white light of healing and the rich green and gold of his Asgardian magic. She touched on the gift of his mother Asgard's beloved queen being key to his triumph. The event took on world changing proportions as Loki raised a manifestation of their powers raw strength. He struggled with the now titanic force but mastered it to bind the beast before destroying it utterly.
The final words she spoke told of a prince who spent the rest of his time protecting and teaching her. Giving the frail and broken creature who had only dreamed of death other things. He gave her hope, courage, and strength to fight. A prince who facing an over whelming opponent yet refused to give way and took wounds that would have killed a lesser man. She spoke of his teachings guiding her to defeat their enemy and the appearance of Lady Sif, the warriors three, as well as the unimaginably wonder that Hela's presence brought not only to the battle but to Althia's people.
With words she changed Hela's reputation and Loki's to something of honorable, self-sacrificing, bravery, and devotion. Thor came and stood beside his brother his hand on his other shoulder as Althia gave him his greatest wish. The love of his people. She spoke of his fight against the last remnants of the worms influence and the reason she trusted him above the massive might of SHIELD and trusted him when he said that in all the nine realms Asgard would be sanctuary impenetrable and unfailing. Looking at Odin she spoke in a voice rich with passion and ringing with loyalty and faith in Loki. "Allfather I seek you on his word alone. For despite all his teaching and his loyal defense I fear the enemy till sleep evades me. Allfather I seek shelter within your realm and offer the light and healing of my hand to any subject you command or ally in need. I offer my life in your service till my own calls me home or death brings me eternal sanctuary." her voice dropped. Odin noted that where she was bold when she spoke of others she still harbored doubt of her own value. Her voice a small plea from her heart because deep down she didn't feel worthy. Nor did she feel that she would ever receive peace from those that hunted her.
Standing tall Odin turned after patting Loki's shoulder and returned to his throne. "Lady Althia, you have returned my son to me, and brother to Thor. Stay and the might of Asgard will shield you. On one condition." There were murmurs many wanted to just give her sanctuary; the Allfather paused to hear his court react. "Loki has told me of your study of the healing arts of Midgard and your training under his guidance in sword and staff as he was trained. I wish you to continue those studies here with Loki as you teacher in the way a bladed warrior should be." Althia was stunned wordless she did the only thing she could think of; she dropped into a curtsy her hand to her heart. Tears ran down her face when she raised he eyes to the All Father. Wordlessly Loki fell to his knees boneless as he looked at the man who for so long he thought was oblivious to him as a son. He bowed his head his fist to his heart. Althia on impulse drew her sword and laid it across her hands. Head bowed she lifted it up the edge biting into her flesh as she bled to honor the king. The court gasped as she began to glow her emotions mixed with Loki's overwhelmed her control. Kneeling she offered her sword to Odin; a tribute not lost on the court. Odin rose and came down again to her. His large hand resting on the hilt and blade where it balance on hers. "Do you offer this sword and power to me freely?" He asked in a formal manner "Yes." she replied without looking up. "Do you accept whatever fate my judgement makes while you reside within my realm?" He asked her in a voice that rolled across the room with his power "Yes, my king." her voice a whisper that carried to those closest. "Then rise Lady Althia your services are accepted by Asgard. As ally and friend stand among us." With that Odin released the hold on her glowing hands and the hilt of the sword. He raised his hands to show his court that the blade would cut any flesh his hand bled freely. Althia stood and raised her illuminated hand to press palm to palm with his. Odin could feel her power reaching for his magic. It was a cautious brush that rolled along the surface of his magic. She shivered and Odin felt the wound seal over smooth. When she dropped her hand down he had only a small amount of blood on his hand. Althia's power had healed him. Loki and Althia stood before the king and all arms within the hall raised to welcome them. Thor roared a cheer and Loki was welcomed home as fitting for a Prince.