Thor got word from Sif and the Warriors Three that the Allfather had been given the authority to sentence and deal with Malekith. Technically, it should have been Alfheim's responsibility since they usually dealt with misdeeds from the dark elves. Loki inwardly applauded Alfheim's decision for it worked on multiple levels. One, any ire from Svartalfheim at Malekith's punishment and detainment would fall on the Allfather. Two, this way Midgardians could be involved without them going to Alfheim. Asgard would have to deal with them. He was sure Alfheim would send a representative out of curiosity about the Midgardians and because they couldn't be totally detached from the matter. Finally, it gave the Allfather the opportunity to deal with Malekith's imposing on the Allfather's vow of safety for Earth.

Jane would not be going this time as Loki had argued they didn't want her near in case Malekith got lose during the trial or sentencing. Thor had agreed. Loki figured she could go to Asgard at another time especially if, when, she finished her equivalent of the Bifrost.

Loki had had a bit of a clothing crisis before they set out. On the one hand, he did not want to wear Asgardian armor. Thor was his brother, but Loki did not feel like a prince of Asgard or even like a citizen of Asgard. Earth was his home, so he wanted to wear Earth clothing. He also wanted to wear Earth clothing since he was representing the two Earth countries, the United States and Germany, wronged by Malekith. On the other hand, Asgard might see Loki wearing Midgardian clothing as some sort of insult as he was technically an Aesir prince. It was Thor who actually came up with the solution.

"Wear Tony's armor, it is the most striking, but wear your Aesir battle helmet brother. It suits you better than Tony's," Thor suggested.

Loki grimaced.

"He did get rather theatric with it. A good solution. I will carry my staff of course," Loki decided.

Once everyone assembled they set out for the Bifrost site. Thor smiled at Loki happily. Loki knew Thor knew this visit would be difficult but Thor was clearly happy to have Loki back in Asgard for however short a time.

"Heimdall, open the Bifrost," Thor called.

Loki was proud that all of his teammates made the trip well. They looked a bit pale, which he alleviated, and he gave them an approving nod. It was funny to think of himself as a leader. Yes, he had thought he would be best on the throne but leading smaller groups like this felt different. Captain America would be a logical leader: he has experience, intelligence and charisma. Perhaps that will occur later. After all, I didn't really lead during the battle. I just helped the team work out some issues and made a few suggestions. Coulson and Captain America led the rest of group in fighting the Chitauri. They all look to me now because I was a prince here. They probably want to appease local sensibilities and I do know Asgard best.

"Brother," Thor said happily and held out Loki's helmet. Loki couldn't help but smile at his brother's happiness. He put the helmet on and Thor clasped him fondly behind his neck. An unspoken look communicated everything from a serious 'all will be well' to Loki's nickname of 'cow'. Loki lifted an eyebrow and Thor grinned once more before letting him go.

Loki looked over to see Sif and the Warriors Three waiting for them. To Loki's surprise they all bowed to him. I am technically an ambassador so that must be why. He inclined his head to them in response. Loki realized one of them must have brought the helmet. He wondered why. They could have sent a servant. Must be because I'm an ambassador. Funny that I am receiving more respect as a Midgardian than I did as a prince. I wonder where the Allfather will put me. He could put me in the guest quarters since I'm representing Earth. He might also want to put me in my regular quarters to maintain the fiction I'm actually a prince. Thor seems to think the Allfather cares for me but I doubt it. Why should he? I failed to be what he wished in a stolen relic or son.

He shut off those painful thoughts and focused on his teammates instead. He noticed they were all sneaking him commiserating looks. That they cared enough to look and respected him enough to do so subtly helped him. He nodded appreciatively to them.

Thor led them to the throne room. Loki gripped his staff. Of course he is bringing us here. We'll have to give up our weapons while in the throne room. Only family, or the royal guards, can be armed in the throne room. He had briefed his teammates on this. They handed over their weapons carefully: Steve his shield, Natasha her guns, Hawkeye his bow and Coulson his gun. Loki gave the guard his staff to the man's surprise. He was not a prince since he was not Odin's son or had earned it by fitting Asgard's idea of what a prince should be. He was, by the trust he had been given to attend as a representative, more of a prince on Earth. He saw Thor's shoulders slump in pain that Loki did not keep his weapon as family were entitled to.

I hate to disappoint you brother, but things will never be as they were. I will not fake having a title no one believes I should hold. I only wear the helmet as a diplomatic move. That is as far as I shall go. If the Allfather allows I will stay in the guest quarters. I am no stranger to lies, or stretching the truth, but acting as a prince I never was suits me ill. It matters not if my…birth parents were royalty they abandoned me. I was not a prince to them either. I would rather be a title I earned, an Avenger, and with the people who respected me enough to provide it.

Loki schooled his face to a bland mask that Coulson would be proud of. The Allfather saw them coming, and to Loki's surprise, stood. Of course he stood. Thor is in the room.

"Welcome my son and representatives of Midgard. It grieves me that such a sorrowful occasion brought you here but it is gladdening to see you," Odin told them.

Thank the Norns Tony isn't here. He would respond with comments about Shakespearian dialogue and when the Aesir did not understand would say something like "doth mother know you weareth her drapes". It would be a disaster.

Loki responded with a noncommittal nod and a bow. If Odin wanted to continue the fiction Loki was his son that was Odin's decision. He just doesn't want the other realms to know what a bad move he made. I forgot how depressed I was here. I feel disappointment and bitterness sinking into my bones. When I get back home I will need to do something, probably irresponsible but not destructive, to shake it off. Get in the game Loki! You can sulk later, but it is time for the silver tongue to work.

"Myself and these other representatives of Midgard are most pleased with Asgard's decision to allow Midgardian input on the matter regarding Malekith. We believe that, working together, this matter can be handled in way to honor the concept of justice as embodied by all the law systems touched by this matter," Loki stated calmly.

Odin nodded.

"This is so," Odin agreed.

Loki had to keep from stiffening when Odin walked over to him. He was surprised to see sadness in Odin's eye.

"You may find it hard to believe, but I have missed your skill with words my son."

If you cherished it you should have shown it!

"Loki, your chambers are as you left them but I can understand if you wish to stay with the Midgardian contingent. You have always taken your duties seriously and I would take no offense at you staying with them," Odin told him.

Two compliments in one interaction! What is your purpose? Calm down, he is only honoring Midgard by honoring you as a leader of the Midgardian contingent. Coulson, of course, would step in if I allowed something unacceptable. I will not, of course, as Fury and the Germans briefed me on what they consider acceptable and I will do nothing less.

"My fellow representatives are strong people who do not need me to guard them. Still, my place in this matter is at their side. I do, as you say, take my duty to Midgard seriously and accept your offer to stay with them," Loki replied.

Take that to mean what you will.

Did Odin's shoulders sag slightly? Of course they did because that was an indication of disappointment and Odin only felt- stop it! Those thoughts will not help you to complete your duty.

"We would ask your leave to prepare for the banquet my brother spoke of for tonight. Before that, may I present my fellow representatives? They are all mighty warriors who defended Midgard in battle."

"I would be honored to receive them," Odin agreed.

"Then I shall present them. This is Agent Phillip Coulson whose matchless conviction led him to use one Midgardian craft to face down multiple Chitauri craft. His actions defeated many Chitauri and made it possible for Thor, the Warriors Three and Sif to exit the Bifrost safely and take place in the battle. Midgard appreciates their presence in the battle for it helped Midgard's defenders to succeed in their quest to keep their home unconquered.

This is Captain Steve Rogers. In a time before this, he led many successful missions against another foe who wished to use the tesseract for evil.

This is Agent Natasha Romanov who is otherwise known as Black Widow. She carries two Midgardian weapons known as guns and is a fearless fighter equal to Sif.

This is Agent Clint Barton who also is known as Hawkeye to his foes. His skill in archery is as a formidable as an elf's."

Loki was not sure what he was going to say next would be a compliment given how he was viewed in Asgard. Still, since Odin persisted in calling Loki his son, he would go for it.

"They possess courage equaled in the fiercest warriors and intelligence to overcome any challenge. I am proud to have gone into battle with them and gladly call them shield brethren."

His fellow representatives, his friends, all smiled at him. Since most of them rarely smiled he was especially honored.

"You have all heard my son, your prince, speak of these Midgardians. Let them be treated with the respect due to great warriors," Odin said and slapped Gungnir decisively. Loki was surprised at this decisive backing of Loki's words. Odin could have left it at a proclamation. That would have been enough to show respect to Midgard. Even Loki would have said so. Bringing Gungnir into it showed that not only was it a command, but one of importance.

Is he trying to play me or could there somehow be truth in what Thor said?