Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to the Marvel Universe, The Amazing Stan Lee and Joss Whedon, or anyone else involved with the movies or comics. I am not making any profits from this writing, it is all for the purposes of fun and creative writing.
Chapter 7
The ice cubes clinked softly as they fell into the glass, then rich amber liquid was being poured over them, filling the glass a little more than halfway. Tony Stark screwed the cap back onto the bottle of single malt scotch after he was done pouring. The genius then tucked the well-visited bottle back amongst its fellows in the cabinet beneath the his personal bar. Tony picked up the glass but oddly enough, did not take a single sip from it as he made his way further into his living room.
" Here Point Break, you look like you could use it." Tony said as he held out the drink to the utterly exhausted looking norse god currently sitting on his sofa.
" You have my thanks Man of Iron." Thor said quietly as he took the offered glass and downed its contents in one gulp. He sat on Tony's sofa having shed his armor of morning and was clad in a simple black t-shirt and jeans, the t-shirt stretched taught over his formidable physique while Loki's pendant still hung around his neck, resplendent as ever.
As he handed the now empty glass back to Tony, Thor could not help but send a small smirk the mildly exasperated mortal billionaire, genius, playboy, philanthropist. It was no secret that Tony was envious of Thor's epic alcohol tolerance. But the smirk quickly faded though, as Thor's gaze became distant and his mind inevitably went to a painful place. Tony witnessed this with veiled sadness before he turned and walked away to return the glass to the bar.
It had been almost two weeks Thor had beamed down to Earth and revealed to them the truth about Loki. Thor had gone to SHIELD HQ to see Nick Fury and prove his case to the World Council. He had done so with unwavering, steely resolve to mask his crumbling spirit. Needless to say the could was rapidly convinced once they had seen Menkos in all his monstrosity and witness how he had mercilessly butchered the real Loki and assumed his form. However, the rest of Midgard had been a bit harder to convince. The uproar that had been caused when a simple, initial statement had been made had been epic. Then again no one could blame the people of Midgard for being so closed off to the very idea that Loki was not to blame, the wounds left on so many hearts by the invasion still too raw. But true his word, Tony Stark had unleashed his secret weapon upon the masses of angry citizens of New York, one Pepper Pots. She had been shown what the memory stone held within and once her tears had abated, he blue eyes had hardened with steely determination. She had made it her personal mission that the whole world would know the truth, that Loki was an innocent victim of the Chitauri, not their poster-boy and would-be subjugator of Earth.
It was like a campaign in war, Pepper using every outlet at her disposal until finally, enough people were willing to listen. At a press conference held at Avengers Tower, where hundreds if not thousands gathered in the lobby and the streets, the Avengers, Jane, Selvig, Pepper, Darcy, and Nick Fury all stood behind Thor is silent support and watched him as he was forced yet again to relive the nightmare. The mist from the memory stone rose up high over the city of New York, causing the city that never slept or stopped to come to a complete stand-still. Thankfully, a warning had been broadcast to the whole city urging parents to keep their children from gazing up at the strange mist over the sky, and the horrifying truth that would be revealed.
Much like he had done in Jotunheim, Thor stood a silent pillar of barely held back grief as he had showed the people of Midgard his innocent brother's brutal end. Many people fainted, others got sick, still more stood with mouths hanging open and eyes glued to the images of the person they thought of as villain and destroyer of their city, being murdered by a hulking alien and his identity stolen from him. By the end of the nightmarish projection, as the mist retreated back into the little stone that Thor held in his lightly trembling hand, the people of New York stood for the most part in stunned silence, not knowing what to do or what to say. What could they say?
With a rattling breath, Thor had stood at the podium and after Pepper kindly pointed him toward the many microphones that had been arranged, with tears glistening in her eyes, Thor had steadied his nerves and addressed the crowd.
" People of Earth, I know that simply showing you an image from a magic stone will not chase away the skepticism that remains, all I can say is that Loki is not your culprit, the Chitauri invaders are. Before this city, this realm suffered its great losses at the hands of this vile creature, I suffered the first loss. My innocent brother was the first victim of your would be conquerors. I do not ask for you to instantly forget all that has happened, all I ask is that all of you realize that the deceptions that played a part in this whole mess ran deeper than first thought. All I ask of you the people of Earth is that you understand that Loki, my brother, never hurt a single soul in this realm, that he was torn from me like your loved ones were torn from you."
It was here that Thor had paused, his composure wavering dangerous before he put himself back together enough to finish.
" My brother is innocent, and you all just saw what really happened to him. I failed to protect him, I failed to even question if what I was seeing was the truth. I just blindly accepted it and thought my brother capable of so many terrible things. Please do not make the same mistake and condemn someone who does not deserve it, who never deserved it."
After that, Thor could no long remain their in the lobby, he all but fled back up to the penthouse with Jane, while each of the other Avengers, from Tony all the way to Bruce Banner then spoke to the shell-shocked crowd, loudly and firmly voicing their support of Thor and their own belief in Loki's innocence. Even Dr. Selvig stepped forward, making it known to all who could hear that he, who had been put under the Chiaturi's control, believed in Loki's innocence. By the time they too took their leave and headed back upstairs to Tony's penthouse, the Avengers could tell that many were swayed by a grief-stricken brother's plea.
That had been four days ago, and the fall-out was still happening. Every single time anyone turned the TV on, there would be a debate happening regarding the issue. Reporters and photographers alike had basically laid siege on Avengers Tower wanting to speak to Thor personally, maybe hound him as to why he should be believed or to snap a picture of the god in his grief and post it in the next gossip magazine, but they couldn't get past the insurmountable combination that was Jarvis and Pepper Potts.
Now was just a quiet early afternoon at the tower while the city went about with life.
" Was it this hard with the Frost giants?" Tony asked as he sat down beside Thor on the sofa and switched on the TV to some random movie that was playing, anything in a effort to combat the silence that had descended over Thor after that brutal press-conference. Though it would take time, Tony couldn't help but feel a little smug that his word had been solid. He did have a good chunk of New York thinking his way about a certain dark haired god. But the triumph was short lived, as all positive feelings seemed to be these days. Thor let out a small sigh as he spoke.
" Oddly enough, it did not seem as difficult to convince the people of Jotuneheim of my brother's innocence, especially after I showed the memories. Perhaps because more time had passed since their realm was almost destroyed by Menkos, and they too are wielders of magic. The fact that their current ruler, Hellblindi, a surviving sone of Laufey was allowed to lay eyes on Menkos where the wretch hangs chained in our dungeons held prove my case. I am sure that it was he who proved pivotal in the Jotuns absolving my brother of all crimes." Thor explained.
" Well like you said, if a bunch of snowmen on steroids can see sense, then you just wait and see, us Midgardians will see it too." Tony said with genuine surety as he sent a smile Thor's way.
Thor reached out and clapped Tony on the shoulder firmly, nearly sending said joint out of its socket, but Tony didn't say anything about the agony he felt, just smiled through the pain as Thor spoke.
" I thank you for all the help you and Lady Potts have provided me, I do not think I would have been able to convince your realm with out it."
" Don't mention it big guy, and Pep was more than willing to help, she's good that way." Tony said while he subtly reached up and rubbed his aching shoulder and smiling slightly at the thought of his long suffering savior. He really needed to tell Thor to watch his strength.
As Tony and Thor settled in an started watching the movie that was playing in earnest, Tony explaining things to Thor now and then when the god didn't understand something. Throughout the rest of the tower, its other occupants were busy as well. In his lab on one of the middle levels of the tower, Bruce Banner was doing some heavy research, bent over a microscope with a pen clenched lightly between his teeth. In the adjoining lab, Dr. Jane Foster and Dr. Erik Selvig were marveling at the technology that was at their disposal, courtesy of Stark industries. Darcy was with then, he phone already out and taking pictures of the glee and wonder on her two friends faces, which would inevitably end up on facebook. Further below all the way down beneath ground level, Clint Barton let one of his signature arrows fly, the deadly projectile burying itself in the target, dead center and an insane length away from the archer. A satisfied smirk crossed the agent's face before he readied another arrow. A little ways down the hall from the archery/shooting range where Barton was, in a large and spacious room, the Black Widow was sparring with Captain America himself. Natasha and Steve were focused on dodging each other's attacks with as much speed as they could, the aim to sharpen already honed skills further. Steve knew he could easily over power the woman, but wisely also knew not to underestimate the Black Widow. Natasha Romanov could just as easily wipe the floor with him, super serum and all. Dodging attacks left and right, the pair settled on working up a good sweat. and testing each other's limits.
That was how it was at the Avengers, things weren't great, but they were not horrible either. Subdued somewhat, but they were all dealing with things as best they could in their own ways. They all just wish they could have done more for Thor, and hated seeing him so dimmed when before he was a beacon of brightness.
Later, when everyone was gathered for lunch, pizza from one of the best places in the city. As everyone sat around Tony's living room area eating and quietly talking amongst themselves, they were all saddened by the lack of eating Thor was doing. The Thunderer sat at the dining table, picking dejectedly at the topping that were on the single slice he had taken for himself. Usually three or four boxes would have been emptied by the Thunderer by now, devoured by the god's black-hole of an appetite. Instead Thor had only taken a few listless bites of his slice and now sat there lost in his dark melancholy. No one tried to coax him, they all left him be and focused on eating their own lunch.
Some while later, after the pizza had been eaten, the left overs stored in the fridge, and the empty boxes disposed of, Thor stood in the middle of the living room, looking somber as he spoke.
" My friends, I would speak with you all."
Within seconds everyone else was gathered in the living room, seated in a semi-circle around Thor, all attention focused on him.
" What is it Thor?" Jane asked softly, hers and everyone else's curiosity peaked.
" Jane, my friends, I feel that I have done all that I can in this realm to convince it of my brother's innocence. It is time that I return to Asgard, for I have duties yet to uphold." Thor said.
There seemed to be an almost collective sigh of acceptance at this, and they all knew full well what duties Thor had to fulfill. Funeral rites.
" We wish you could stay longer man." Clint said suddenly.
" I thank you friend Barton." Thor said with a wane smile and a nod before he grew serious once more, uncertainty clouding his eyes as he spoke.
" My friends, you have my sincere gratitude for putting up with me these last few days, I know that it has not been easy for you, any of you." He began, at which point Steve naturally spoke up.
" Don't say that Thor, it was never any trouble." He said softly with a sad smile of his own while the other Avengers all nodded in agreement.
" Again, thank you. But I speak now because I would ask something further of you all." Thor said, feeling his face start to heat up with oncoming embarrassment.
" Name it." Tony said instantly, mildly surprising everyone, but then again, maybe it wasn't all that surprising really, behind the snark and the arrogance was a good man willing to do much for anyone he truly considered a friend.
" My friends... Jane... if you are willing, would all of you join me when I return to Asgard?" Thor finally asked, cringing inwardly for here he was, a Prince of Asgard, the god of Thunder himself, and he was having the hardest time making the most simple of request. For his friends and the woman he cared very deeply for to accompany him to Asgard during this dark time in his life.
" You want us to come with you when you leave?" Natasha asked, the barest hint of surprise in her voice.
" Yes Lady Romanov, it would please me greatly if you could, but you have no obligation to do so and I will understand if you-" Thor began to ramble before Steve held up his hand, silencing him.
Smiling sadly, Steve rose to his feet from where he was seated on one of the couches and made his way over to taller man and spoke.
" I think I speak for everyone in this room when I say that it would be our honor to join you."
Thor felt his battered heart brighten somewhat as he clasped arms with Steve and whispered his thanks to the leader of the Avengers.
" Yeah buddy, we'd be a pretty lousy bunch of friends if we don't go." Clint said with a smile. Natasha simply nodded her agreement.
" And if a certain eye-patch wearing individual gets his panties in a bunch, well he'll just have to live with it." Tony said with a smirk, earning chuckles all around, except from Natasha who simply gave the barest quirk of the corner of her lips before he face was neutral once more.
Jane rose to her feet and went to Thor, holder her hands out for Thor to take, she gazed up at Thor with her brown eyes saddened greatly as she spoke.
" I just really wish we were going under better circumstances." She said quietly. There were several somber nods at the that.
" I know Jane, I wish so too." Thor replied just as somberly.
" Hey, not to be a downer and all, I mean this whole thing's a downer to begin with, but is your dad gonna be okay with all of us lowly mortals showing up?" Darcy asked, legitimately concerned.
" You raise a good point Lady Darcy, but none of you need worry, before I came here I asked father if I would be allowed to bring you back with me. Despite his own grief my father has granted me permission. I think it will please him to know that the defenders of Midgard understand and know the truth, that his... that his youngest son was innocent. It is a great thing that you all wish to show your respect." Thor explained.
" Of course Thor." Steve said kindly.
" Alright, since it looks like we're all gonna be going on a trip to a whole other plain of existence, how about we get started by you telling us some details, like when we're going and whether I need to pack a parka or sun screen?" Tony said, both because he genuinely wanted to know what he would need for the trip, and also to shift the energy of the somber room.
Thor drew from the strength his friends were so readily willing to give, and sat down amongst them as he obliged Tony's request to learn what would be needed for the journey they had all agreed to take with with the Thunderer.
Three days later...
" Alright, is everyone set?" Steve asked as he strapped his signature red and white shield to his back. Over his shoulder was a simple duffle bag that contained his Captain American garb, and a weeks worth of clothing and other essentials, maybe a handgun too just to be on the safe side.
Around him, the rest of the Avengers all gave their nods and words of confirmation. They were all gathered in Tony's living room, all dressed and ready for travel. Steve himself was dressed in simple jeans, a button-up shirt, and a caramel hued leather jacket. A few feet away Natasha was clad her assassins garb with the emblem of the spider after which she was known blazing red on her belt. Over this she wore a simple black parka, there was a bag over her shoulder just like Steve. Though she didn't look it, everyone knew that beneath the jacket, the red-head was armed to the teeth. It was a habit saw no reason to break. Next to her Clint did up the final clasp of his own black winter jacket, which covered his SHIELD uniform. Slung across his back and shoulders was his bow and quiver, his own simple duffle sitting on the floor beside his booted feet. Dr. Bruce Banner was dressed in a simple gray suit and a purple dress-shirt underneath. He wouldn't be needing a jacket like the other, one of the perks of having a green rage monster as an altar-ego, you get impervious to extreme weather conditions like said altar-ego.
Tony was dressed in one of his own signature suits, pricy and well-tailored. If he was going to another realm, may as well do it in style. He had a light messenger bag hanging from his shoulder, and by his feet was a metallic briefcase that was not ordinary briefcase. The latest version of the Ironman suit, he'd never leave home without it. Rounding out the group was Dr. Erik Selvig and Ms. Darcy Lewis, both bundled up in heavy winter attire and with there own bags packed. Pepper had been kind enough to send for some of their things when she got words of where everyone was going. They were all more or less ready, and waited on the final two people would would make up their large group.
Director Fury had not been too thrilled when he was informed of the trip they would all be taking, but there wasn't really much he could do about that, and in all honesty he didn't really seem to want to. Who knows, maybe beneath the hard exterior there was still decency.
All eyes turned to the hallway as Thor, hand in hand with Jane finally appeared. While Jane too was dressed casually and bundled up for winter weather with a simple backpack, despite it still being late summer over the city of New York. Beside her Thor was dressed in the black and somber version of his intricate armor in which he had shown up at the tower in weeks earlier. His black cape billowed out behind him as he walked, Mjolnir tied to his belt. His face was held carefully neutral, but his hold around Jane's hand was tellingly tight.
" Is everyone adequately prepared?" He asked somberly, looking about the room.
There were varying degrees of sadness in all the eyes that stared back at him, it left a dull ache in the Thunderer's heart, but he gave it no attention because there was much to be done.
" We're ready big guy, just lead the way." Clint said quietly, trying to give Thor a reassuring smile but not quite accomplishing it.
Thor could not bring himself to smile back, he could only give Hawkeye a mute nod before he turned and headed towards the door that led out to Tony's landing pad with Jane at his side. The very same landing pad that the Bifrost's mark had been burned into.
" Hey Jarvis, keep an eye on things while we're gone." Tony called before he was out the door.
" Of course sir, and safe journey to you all." Came the A.I.'s voice from above.
" Thanks Jarv, see you later." Tony said before he followed after everyone.
It was a solemn procession as the others followed after the mourning god, and the petite brunette beside him. Tony was now grateful he had designed the landing pad to be as wide as it was, they were a lot of people after all. Once Thor and Jane were standing together on the landing pad, the rest of the Avengers and Selvig and Darcy all stepped on, surrounding Thor and Jane, making sure they were all standing on the black lines that seared the metal.
Thor took in a deep breath feeling several emotions rise up inside him. This was the day he had been eagerly awaiting, yet dreading at the same time. He would be returning to Asgard, not the shining jewel, but a place blanketed by a black veil of grief. Swallowing lightly, Thor reached to his bely and pulled Mjolnir free from it. Slowly raising the great hammer into the air, Thor looked up to the rapidly darkening sky and parted his lips.
" Heimdall, open the gate!" He said loudly, his voice carried off in the wind that had picked up.
Everyone else looked down when their feet grew warm and they saw that the Bifrost symbol was now starting to glow beneath them.
" Here we go." Tony said softly under his breath, feeling the air around him start to get charged with unknown energy.
Around him, the others all steadied themselves as best they could, and then in an instant everything turned a bright, blinding white as a loud roaring sound filled the air. When the light faded in an array of many different colors, like a prism, Tony's landing pad lay sizzling, but devoid of the eight people who had been standing on it.
Meanwhile, within the beam of so many different colors...
" HOLY SHIT!" Clint Barton screamed at the top of his lungs, feeling like he was being dragged behind the most powerful jet-plane in existence by his shirt color.
Around him he could make out the warped shapes of his fellow inter-realm travelers. Tony looked like a kid in a candy story as he clung to his bag and briefcase, laughing in wonder at the experience. On Clint's other side Natasha looked like a graceful bird, completely calm and in control, no doubt utilizing whatever experience she had accumulated from all the mission that involved skydiving, but that's classified. Where Natasha was calm and graceful, Bruce Banner looked like a just one breath away from hulking out right then and there, clearly not enjoying the rush. Steve was gritting his teeth like the soldier he was, his eyes squinted and back ramrod straight, determined to get through this in one piece, not really like he was enjoying things. Selvig and Darcy were hand in hand, a look of wonder on Darcy's face, while Erik looked like he was gonna be sick at any second. And there in the middle of the prism-like colors, Thor flew regal and sure, the only one used to the otherworldly and very intense form of travel. He had one arm wrapped securely around Jane who had her face buried into Thor's chest, clinging to the god as he flew forward with his hammer held high. Everyone knew that they were going at a speed not possible on Earth, and yet it also seemed like the slowest ride ever as all senses were hyperaware, overloading with all of the stimulation around them. Black, star-filled space could be seen amidst the rainbow colors.
Then just a quickly as it began, everyone abruptly felt solid ground beneath their feet. There was a moment where no one did anything, too stunned by what they had just been through. Then as one their were gasps and stunned noises all around, except from Natasha who was as reserved as ever, when there eyes beheld just where they were standing.
" This is one tricked out hub." Tony said, taking in the grand atrium of the Bifrost chamber in all its newly rebuilt splendor.
From where he stood at the head of the large group of star-struck mortals, Thor looked to the tall, heavily armored figure who stood at the center of the atrium, his gauntlet covered hands folded neatly over the hilt of his grand sword, the key that activated the Bifrost. Thor sent a somber nod the all-seeing sentinel's way but remained silent. He figured Heimdall could introduce himself. Heimdall for his part, nodded solemnly back at Thor before he turned his other-worldly amber eyes to the mortals his prince had brought back with him to Asgard. Though his face was as neutral as ever, there was the barest spark of amusement in Heimdall's eyes as he watched the way the mortals, Earth mightiest warriors look about the Atrium with the wide-eyed wonder of children. Then Heimdall cleared his throat loudly, his low voice easily carrying throughout the entire room.
All eyes turned to the center of the room as one, and whatever excited chatter that had been rapidly building amongst the group instantly died down. Heimdall stared at the mortals, the mortals stared back with varying degrees of awe written across their faces, except the woman with the red hair, she just seemed mildly interested.
" Welcome to Asgard, I Heimdall, gatekeeper to this realm. I trust the journey was not too taxing." Heimdall rumbled, his voice slow and soothing over still frazzled nerves.
" It was an experience, thank you. I just wish we were meeting you under better circumstances Heimdall." Steve said as he stepped forward, his words instantly sobering everyone up.
They all watched as a shadow passed across the gatekeeper's face, it was only their for a few fleeting moments, but they all saw it. The gatekeeper nodded his helmet covered head as he spoke.
" Aye, I too wish this were so." He said quietly.
Then Thor stepped forward and addressed the gatekeeper.
" Has my father been informed of our arrival?" He asked quietly.
" Yes my prince, I have informed him, he could not come personally to greet you here, there was... an urgent matter he needed to see to. He has sent his royal guard to escort you and your guests to the palace." Heimdall explained.
Thor nodded, and he immediately knew what the urgent matter was that had detained his father from coming to greet them personally.
Frigga, no doubt something involving Frigga had occurred and his father was doing his best to deal with his grief-stricken Queen.
" Very well Heimdall, we shall wait for my father's escort." Thor said before he turned his blue-eyed gaze to the arched doorway that showed the rainbow bridge that led to the grand city.
After that, Thor and his friends all settled in for the wait, and while they did, Bruce and Tony had naturally walked up to Heimdall with the boldness of curiosity and proceeded to all but grill the serious-faced god for all he was worth. Heimdall for his part took it all in stride, answering each and every question Tony or Bruce sent his way. Though he would never say it out loud, it was actually nice that these mortals were so showing so much interest in him and his task as gatekeeper. Elsewhere Natasha and Clint were walking about the room, taking in the design and grandeur of the atrium. Steve, Selvig, and Darcy were all gazing out the doorway that led out to the grand bridge, marveling at it, and the magnificent city it led to. But while the three of them were quietly chatting amongst themselves, Selvig regaling Steve and Darcy with his theories and the legends about the famed city, a few feet from them Thor stood silent and removed from the excitement, Jane gazing up at him with sad eyes.
" What can I do?" She asked softly as she reached up to gently cup Thor's cheek.
" You, and everyone else being here with me right now is more than I could have hoped for. I do not know how to ever repay you." Thor said quietly, but with no less emotion radiating through his voice as he leaned into the petite woman's touch, soaking up the comfort she so freely gave.
" Don't say that Thor, you don't have to repay any of us for anything." Jane said, pained at hearing Thor so distraught.
The sound of a horn bugling loudly in the distance had all eyes turning to the rainbow bridge.
" Looks like the cavalry is literally coming. "Tony said as he watched the fast approaching riders.
There were four riders at the front one a dark haired woman, another a rotund bearded man, the next a dark-haired man with a solemn, grim face, and finally a blond haired man with a mustache, all of them clad in ornate armor. Following close behind these four warriors were two straight lines made up of ten heavily armored Asgardian guards with great horned helmets and spears held high as they galloped forward over the Bifrost.
The Avengers, Jane, Selvig, and Darcy watched on, the later three recognizing the four warriors as Thor's good friends who had come for him when he had first been banished to Earth while the others recognized these four from the memory stone. They all notice how Thor's eyes and face hardened when they fell on these four individuals. He was not happy to see them, and they could all see it loud and clear. As the riders came closer, they could see that one line of royal guards were leading eight riderless horses between the line, a large and magnificent white stallion being led by the first guard.
When the riders had just about reached them, they all came to a stop and the four warriors at the lead quickly dismounted and crossed whatever distance remained on foot. They all came to stand before Thor, all wearing darker versions of the armor Jane, Selvig, and Darcy had last seen them in and raised their hands, laying their arms across their chests in a warrior's salute before they bowed.
" My prince, the All-father has sent us to escort you and your guests to the palace." The dark haired woman said quietly as she looked up at Thor, a small hint of sadness and maybe even pleading in her hazel eyes, as if she were begging Thor not to be mad.
" Very well Lady Sif." Thor said, his voice and his eyes frigid as he gazed upon the dark haired woman.
" We are glad that you have returned safely my prince." Volstaag said stepping forward, a hopeful look on his face.
Thor's eyes lost some of their frigidness when they fell on the voluminous man and he acknowledged him with a simple nod. Thor acknowledged Hogun too, the both of them silent yet respectful, but when Thor's eyes fell on Fandral, all coldness evaporated, a slow burning anger coming to the forefront as the prince mutely glared at the blond warrior. A pained looked spread across Fandrals face, but he quickly masked it. Instead Fandral gave another mute bow and averted his gaze to the floor,
The Avengers all shared a look but remained otherwise silent, it was a very uncomfortable situation and they wisely chose not to aggravate it further.
" Awkward." Tony whispered under his breath as he bounced lightly on the balls of his feet. Steve sent Tony a look, but inwardly couldn't help but agree with the other man, for once.
" Come my friends, let us be on our way." Thor said solemnly as he walked past Sif and the Warriors 3, Jane by his side.
As they passed, the Avengers and Selvig and Darcy all gave polite greetings to the four warrior who clearly were not in Thor's favor at the moment.
" Later Heimdall." Tony called over his shoulder, earning chuckles from all around, and even a fleeting smile from Thor.
The gatekeeper himself just gave a small nod of acknowledgment, inwardly amused, yet outwardly as stoic as ever as he watched Thor and his guests reach the waiting guards.
" Your steed my prince." The lead guard said.
" Thank you." Thor said before he turned to Jane. " Are you alright with riding one of the horses or would you prefer to ride with me?"
" I think I can handle my own." Jane said with a smile.
" Very well." Thor said as he helped Jane get on the chestnut mare directly behind his white stallion before mounted his own steed.
Steve took the horse immediately behind the one Jane was situated on, a handsome bay stallion. The animal gave a soft knicker as he settled into the saddle and give the proud animal's neck a few affectionate pats. Tony looked a bit out of his depth, the only horse power he ever liked being the one you'd find on a Ferrari or an Audi. But seeing this as yet another challenge to overcome, Tony gathered his nerved about him and daintily climbed onto the dapple gray horse behind Steve, sending the super soldier a smug look, to which Steve just rolled his eyes as if to say, 'good for you, you got on the horse, now lets see how well you can steer it'.
Second challenge accepted as far as Tony was concerned. Natasha walked past the already occupied horses and chose the black Friesian mare who stood proudly one horse after Tony, effortlessly climbing on. That horse, a cream colored mare with smoky mane was claimed by Clint, who mounted with perhaps a bit more enthusiasm than anticipated. Hawkeye, mister manly archer himself apparently liked horses, go figure.
" Uh Steve, could I ride with you?" Darcy asked, looking absolutely terrified of the animals.
" Sure thing." Steve said, ever the gentleman as he held out his arm for the young lady to take and easily pulled her up so that she was settled in the saddle behind him. " Just hold on to me, I'll make sure nothing happens. It's not that bad, really." Steve said, sending Darcy a reassuring smiled over his shoulder.
" If you say so Captain." She said skeptically, but she smiled back at Steve and even gave him a small salute, earning a chuckle.
" Well, guess I'm up." Bruce said with a sigh as he walked past the others and came to the remaining three horses. With animals, they could sense the other guy, and they'd get nervous around that.
Bruce was really unsure as to what to do, but then surprisingly one of the three horse, a proud stallion the color of rich, almost black coffee gave a light neigh and moved its head up and down as if to say come here. Bruce obliged and everyone watched as the horse took a step forward and sniffed at the scientist's chest, almost nuzzling at him. After a moment the horse gave a soft whine and then clapped one front hoof against the ice-like rainbow bridge, looking at Banner with is dark eyes as if to say 'okay, I'll take you.' In all his life Bruce never thought he'd he be grateful to a horse as he climbed into the animal, albeit a little clumsily, but he got on and gave the horse neck a thankful petting as the guard handed him the reigns.
Erik Selvig scratched his head lightly as he walked past the waiting Avengers and his two colleagues who were all sitting on Asgardian steeds, and went to the two horses that were left. He quickly picked and mounted a light gray mare with dark mane and legs. The only horse left, another chestnut mare was left riderless but it was of little concern. Thor looked over the line of horses proudly bearing his friends, and once he was satisfied he turned forward, his eyes fell on Sif and the Warriors 3 and they hardened once more as he spoke.
" Sif, you and the Warriors three shall bring up the rear." He said neutrally. Then without stopping to see the anguished looks on the four faces, Thor urged his stallion into motion.
Thor stallion smoothly turned and proceed forward, Jane's horse and every horse subsequent following after Thor's lead. As the prince passed, the guards and their horse would had been standing in a need couple of lines all turned as one so that they flanked either side of Thor as his stallion walk. In total silence and with military precision, they all raised the ceremonial spears they were holding, in silent respect as their crown prince rode past. Their spears remained raised until Selvig's horse had walk past. Then as one, the guards all turned there horses so that they were in a need line facing the direction that led to the city.
" Forward." The Captain of the guard commanded.
The thunderous sound of many hooves trotting and then slowing to a walk filled the air as the royal guard of ten men and horses flanked Thor and company on either side. Three lines of horses with a great white stallion walking slightly ahead in the lead. Behind this procession, four horses each bearing a disheartened rider walked side by side, bringing up the rear as their masters had been ordered to do, mutely keeping up with the procession.
In the distance Asgard gleamed in the sun, but it was not as bright as it ought to have been, dark grayish blue clouds hanging heavy in the sky. As Thor and his company proceeded down the long length of the rainbow bridge, a soft wind picked up and the clouds above began to spill a light flurry of delicate white snow, the flakes fluttering down over the city, dancing almost mournfully through the air as they fell.
Winter had come early to Asgard.