Hello everyone! Just wanted you guys to know that I've changed a little bit of the information to match with what little was revealed in the Thor 2 trailer. I also finally bought Thor on DVD and realized just how different "my" Asgard is from the movie. I will go back and do a little editing here and there to fix it, though. Also, I'm not exactly sure where these stories fit in with the Marvel timeline. Obviously, HeartTorn fits nicely before Thor but apparently Thor 2 occurs a year after Avengers (the same time HeartBound takes place). I may change the timing a little or I might just make this a semi-AU series. I guess I'll just have to see Thor to see if they're compatible. I hope, as per usual, that you all enjoy this chapter.

Song of the Chapter: It's All Coming Back To Me Now ~ Celine Dion

"It's a funny thing, coming home. Nothing changes. Everything looks the same, feels the same, even smells the same. You realize what's changed is you."

-F. Scott Fitzgerald

Freyja did not open her eyes when the ground solidified under her feet, she did not even move from where she stood. The crisp air smelled of woods, mountains and the open skies. Around her, she could hear bird's chirping and a stream splashing as the water ran through the trees. Opening her eyes, she looked around at the clearing the Tesseract had brought them to. It was a grassy plain full of wildflowers and sunshine.

She smiled as the wind picked up, blowing her crimson curls away from her face. If she listened closely, she could hear its voice welcoming her back. Back to the skies that showed the stars even in broad daylight, to a city of gilded towers, to a world of both light and shadows. Asgard.

"Welcome home, Freyja," Thor said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Her smile widened as she looked around at the world she had not laid eyes on in over a millennia. Taking off her riding boots, she ran off into the woods, leaving a bewildered Thor behind. She ran the familiar path through the woods, full out sprinting as if nothing could stop her. She laughed as she heard Thor calling out to her from behind, asking her to slow down. But she continued to run, and when she reached the city, she still continued. Out to the edge of the city and past the gates to the Bifrost, she continued sprinting until she saw the edge.

She stopped short at the jagged edge of the rainbow bridge, staring at what remained of the Vanir's gift to Asgard. Heimdall stood as close to the edge as possible, staring out into space as per usual.

"Welcome back, Princess," he said, never taking his molten steel eyes from the stars.

"It is good to be back, Heimdall," she replied. "A shame what happened to your Observatory."

"That would be your friend's doing."

"Funny. I was told it was Thor who broke the bridge."

"You ignore the reason why."

"On the contrary," she said, kneeling down to examine the crystal. "I know full well of Loki's attempt to destroy Jotunheim, I simply did not state it aloud."

Placing her hand flat against the smooth, translucent surface, she checked just how much energy remained. While she did so, Thor finally reached them, breathing heavier than normal.

"You could have waited," he panted.

"Amazing," she muttered, choosing to ignore Thor's statement.

"What is?"

"When you informed me that you had broken the Bifrost, I had expected the majority of the energy to become unstable without its container and disperse. However, much of the energy has condensed into the remains of the bridge due to a rather complicated spell placed upon it during its creation."

Thor was silent and she knew immediately that he had no idea what that had to do with anything.

"If enough crystal is found, I could use the energy within the Bifrost to extend it."

"So you can fix it?"

"Extend it, Thor, not fix it. The damages are too extensive for me to completely reconstruct it alone."

She turned to face him, noting that he held the Tesseract in its crystal and gold container.

"Shall we return to the castle?"

He smiled and offered his arm, which she took, and the two walked back towards the city.

"It never ceases to amaze me when I see just how much you've changed," she stated, watching the surprised looks on the peoples' faces.

"Would you prefer me to be arrogant once more? I'm sure I can do a marvelous job if it pleases you."

She laughed, "And here I thought you lacked a sense of humor."

"I didn't when it came to your and Loki's tricks."

"That was only because you were the victim. Do you recall when he shrunk your helmet almost imperceptibly and you couldn't remove it for the life of you?"

"I do. The guards had to cut my helmet. My hair resembled a bird's nest for months."

She nodded, "They cut your hair at odd angles in attempt to remove it."

"They wouldn't have done so if you had helped," he pointed out.

"You wouldn't say please," she smiled. "Besides, you tossed my century-old spell book in the mud a week before. It served you right."

He frowned slightly, "I did, didn't I? What was I attempting to accomplish at the time?"

"You were attempting to persuade me into hunting with you and Loki."

"But Vanir do not consume meat."

"Apparently, you were unaware of it at the time," she said as they reached the courtyard of the palace.

He opened his mouth to reply when a voice cut them short.

"Thor, I have heard the most ridiculous rumors in town-"

Freyja and the man stopped when they saw each other, both of their eyes wide. The man was tall and lithe, with short-cropped black hair, pale skin, and sparkling green eyes. Had it not been for the more angular jawline, Freyja might have mistaken him for Loki. Within a minute, the man broke out into a grin and enveloped Freyja in his arms.

"I never thought I'd see you again," he exclaimed. "Father mentioned you were alive but I thought he had finally gone mad."

The man pulled back, allowing Freyja to scrutinize him once more.

"Jormungand?" she asked. "By the Yggdrasil, you're practically an astral projection of your father."

His grin widened and he hugged her once more, "I missed you so much. And Fenrir refused to speak for days! Not that he wasn't quiet before, of course, but we missed you terribly! And Hel-"

He backed away suddenly, eyes alight, "I must alert Hel of this!"

Freyja watched as Jormungand raced back down the corridor he had come from. Raising an eyebrow, she turned to Thor.

"All but a carbon copy of Loki with twice the energy," she noted. "How has Asgard managed not to fall into chaos?"

Thor chuckled, "Jormungand is, surprisingly, not as troublesome as Loki. And his enthusiasm is infectious."

"Well, if you see him, please inform him that I am going to visit Loki. I think a visit is long overdue."

"Shall I show you the way or-"

"Actually, Thor, I know exactly where he is. But your consideration is admirable."

"Why am I not surprised," he muttered, shaking his head. "Very well. I will inform Mother and Father of your return."

She nodded and they went their separate ways. Walking down the halls, many of the guards stopped to stare at Freyja. She couldn't help but feel a little sorry for them as she smiled, knowing that all of them had thought her dead until that exact moment. Thor had lost every chance to alert Asgard of her being alive, and so the guards were nearly jumping out of their skin at the sight of her. Although it was a bit amusing, she did feel pity towards some of the younger ones looked as if they might faint.

There were five guards outside the Vault, which Freyja found quite humorous seeing as Loki would still be weakened from the Tesseract. The more she thought about it, many things were amusing her that morning. She supposed that was due to her being in high spirits after a millennium of running.

"Princess Freyja," one of the guards stammered, eyes wide.

"Is there any chance I am allowed to speak to Loki alone?"

"I am unsure whether that is wise," the same guard said.

"She can take care of herself, Ullar," another laughed. "My brother used to come home with grand stories of her magic."

The first one sighed, "I suppose a short visit is harmless enough…"

She followed the guard into the Vault, paying little attention to the objects kept inside. Loki, who was still in his crystal prison, was facing the wall across from them, pointedly ignoring them.

"Oy," said the guard, rapping on the crystal. "You have a visitor. And a most lovely one, if I do say so myself."

He turned his attention to Freyja, "He's all yours, though I doubt you get a word from him."

Freyja nodded her thanks and the guard left the Vault. Loki head tilted ever so slightly to the side, but his face stated out of her vision. Waving her hand, she placed a silence charm over the room.

"You must be a very attractive visitor if you've managed to persuade the guards to give us privacy," he said, smooth voice devoid of emotion. "However, I can assure you, I cannot be charmed by a pretty face."

"A shame," she sighed. "But, if you have no wish for a visitor, I shall leave you be."

She saw him stiffen slightly and, with a simple incantation, walked straight through the crystal to join him.

"Freyja?" he exclaimed, looking up at her for the first time.

Her eyes widened slightly in surprise. He looked worse than she had ever seen him before. His hair, which was only a bit shorter than her own, was disheveled and hung limp about his face like a curtain. His brilliant green eyes, which no longer shone as brightly, were surrounded by dark shadows of sleepless nights and sunken in slightly. His face was gaunt and the peasant clothing he wore hung on him as if he was a scarecrow. Through the rips in his filthy green shirt, not to mention the low neckline, she could just barely make out the traces of his usually muscular torso.

"Well," she said, startled. "I can see you have been using a glamour spell to hide the truth from me…"

Before she could continue, he was on his feet with one arm around her waist and the other tangled in her hair as he pulled her in to kiss her. She lost all thought against his lips, his mental barriers taken down so that he could show her just how much he had missed her. She was breathless as he pulled away, surprised at the sudden action.

"Perhaps I should leave more often," she said teasingly, causing him to grin. "Then again, look at what you've done to yourself."

"To be fair, this is actually the product of working under Thanos and being locked in a prison for the entirety of the year," he corrected.

"And who's doing was that?"

His face took on a look of seriousness, "I do not deny I have not done wrong, Freyja. And I would not blame you if you refused to speak with me again."

She sighed, "When will you understand that I am not going to leave you? Answer me one question, however."

"Anything."

"Did you truly intend to start a war when you allowed the Jotuns into Asgard on Thor's coronation?"

He inhaled slowly, "No. My intention was to provoke Thor into a fit of rage to show Fa- Odin that he was not ready. But I could not allow him to march into Jotunheim alone."

She nodded, "And how long will you be in here?"

He laughed, "Worried you won't see your handsome god of mischief?"

"Have you looked in a mirror recently?" she joked.

He laughed, "I will have a look while I prepare for your feast."

"Feast?"

"Now that you've returned, Thor will immediately persuade Odin to prepare a celebration for you."

"I thought you were not allowed out of this cell," she pointed out.

"Who said I would physically leave?" he said with a grin. "However, I will have to take precautions so no one will recognize me. We can't have anyone thinking poorly of you simply because of me."

"Loki," she said softly, thinking of the right words to say.

"Yes?" he asked, worry tainting his tone at her sudden seriousness.

"I don't want to hide our relationship any longer."

He stared at her in shock, gathering his thoughts to speak, "Love, as much as I want to show the Realm that you are mine and I am yours, think of the consequences."

"I am the symbol of empathy and compassion to Asgard. People trust my judgment and instincts. If it is known that I love you, the Asgardians will trust my decision. And I do not wish to hide any longer."

"I think you overestimate Asgard's forgiveness. If our relationship was known, I would only drag you down with me."

He glanced at the door and sighed, "You should leave. The guards are likely to suspect something."

She nodded as he let her go. Pausing just before she passed through the crystal once more, she looked back at him.

"I believe it truly is the opposite, Loki. I believe I could help you rise again."

A soft knock on the door of her chambers caused Freyja to glance up from the dresses in her armoire. Her rooms, much to her surprise, had been exactly how she had left them. Besides the thin layer of dust, which she had cleared away with an incantation, nothing was out of place. Loki had been correct about the party, as Thor had informed her as soon as he returned from speaking with Odin.

"Come in," she called, returning her attention to the dresses.

She heard soft footsteps before a familiar voice spoke, "So it is true. I almost could not believe Thor when he said you were alive."

"You are not the only one, Sif," she replied, turning to look at the dark-haired shield maiden. "Then again, it has been over a millennium since I was last here."

Sif sat down on the bed, looking poised and at ease in her silver gown. It was a very rare moment when Sif actually wore a dress, but she always seemed completely comfortable when she did. But Freyja knew the truth. The warrior would want nothing more than to slice through the "impractical" gown as soon as the ball was over.

"I'm glad to see you alive and well."

"And it is good to see you again," Freyja replied. "But I feel as if this is more than a visit to say hello."

Sif sighed, "I do not wish to trouble you over this, and the very thought of badgering you over something of this topic causes me great irritation as I feel the same as one of Fandral's admirers. And yet I feel as if I will go mad if I do not receive an answer."

"You may ask me anything."

"Long ago, you told me to bide my time with Thor. And he did, indeed, pay greater attention after his time on Midgard, but I was not quick enough. I have lost him to a mortal and yet I cannot loathe her when I see how happy Thor is when he speaks of her. I must know, Freyja, am I wasting my time on Thor?"

"I would, under normal circumstances, tell you to simply make your emotions clear to Thor. However, such a thing may anger him due to his connection to Jane. I fear I can tell you nothing that will aid you."

Sif was silent for a minute before speaking again, "Do you believe he should remain with the mortal? This Jane?"

Freyja leaned her back against the wall, tilting her head up at the stars painted onto her ceiling, "Gods, why was I given this title? I cannot narrate the love life of every being in the Realms. I have enough trouble with my own romance problems, and yet everyone comes to me for theirs. What am I to do? I have no right to dictate one's life."

"I never said anything of dicta- wait," Sif gave her a questioning look, eyebrows raised. "Did you say romance problems of your own?"

Freyja snapped to attention, staring at her friend in horror. Sif's expression changed to one of mild hurt.

"I was not aware you had a romantic interest."

"Oh, he's more than a romantic interest…"

The warrior suddenly smiled, "Who is he? Who is this lucky man? Do I know him?"

"Yes," she answered, returning to the dresses to keep from hiding her expression.

"Hmm…Is he handsome?"

"Very."

"A sorcerer, perhaps? No, that would be a given for you. Do tell me, Freyja. Is it Hogun?"

"Hogun?" she asked, spinning around to face her friend. "Hogun is a fine man, but I don't believe I could court him. Besides, he knows very little magic."

Sif laughed, "I suppose I see your point. But then the only sorcerer that I know personally is-"

The smile disappeared, replaced by a look of realization. Freyja smiled apologetically as Sif gave her a disapproving look.

"Loki. Well, I cannot say it surprises me too much. You two have always been inseparable friends. When did this start?"

"Not too long after the Thrim incident."

"Why did neither of you say anything?"

"My father did not approve, and so we could tell no one."

Sif suddenly grinned, "It seems Fandral owes me fifty silvers."

"Why?"

"We made a bet long ago. Fandral believed Loki was argr and only married because his father insisted. I argued otherwise."

"Oh, I can say with perfect certainty that Loki is not argr…"

"You do know what this means, correct?"

"I'm afraid I don't catch your meaning."

Sif stood up, picking out an emerald green dress and holding it in front of her, "We are simply going to make him wish he had never gotten himself locked up. You will be the envy of the feast."

Freyja looked down at the dress as she thought of that. The top consisted of a a gold neckline that would wrap around her upper arms but leave her shoulders bare. Green strips of silk wrapped over the torso, crossing over each other in a pattern similar to Loki's armor. Strips of the silk hung from where the sleeves should have been, as well, hanging limply until connected at the end by golden cuffs. Below the crossing golden waistline, the gown flowed down to the floor in a single piece.

"Why are we doing this, exactly?"

"What better punishment for his crimes that to see what he cannot have?"

"How can you be certain he will attend at all? Is he not locked away in the Vault?"

"I highly doubt that will stop him, and I think you share my beliefs. Oh, and there is one last thing you will need."

"And what is that?"

Sif walked over to the table, opening a box that she must have placed there when she walked in. She picked up the silver object within and showed it to Freyja.

"A mask."

The ballroom of Asgard was full of laughter and small talk. Freyja, who was dancing with Thor at the time, was enjoying the carefree mood of the masquerade. Thor wore his armor, as was to be expected, but with a silver mask that matched his helmet. Despite Freyja's beliefs, he was actually a decent dancer. The orchestra played a more fast-paced song, causing the two to laugh when one of them stumbled.

She wore the dress Sif had picked out, along with the mask her friend had brought. It had taken a little manipulation through magic, but the mask was green with gold accents once she had finished. However, her dark-haired prince was nowhere in sight.

"Looking for someone?" Thor asked as she glanced around once more.

"I believe you know the answer to that."

Thor chuckled, "He will be here, Freyja. I doubt Hel itself could hold him back from seeing you."

"I am aware of his determination. I simply worry over how far he will go to come here."

Before Thor could reply, they both turned at the sound of Fandral's voice.

"Keeping the mesmerizing Lady Freyja to yourself, Thor? Don't be greedy, allow some of us a turn."

"You could simply ask me, Fandral," Freyja pointed out.

Fandral bowed, "Then might I have the honor of this dance?"

"I suppose," she answered as Thor let go.

As Fandral took her hand, he circled her around before beginning the dance. His hand on her waist slowly traveled south, causing her to pull it back up to her back with a raised eyebrow.

"Try not to be too curious with your hands. I know my suitor will not be pleased if he sees you."

"You have a suitor?"

"Is it that difficult to believe?"

"No, not at all. Personally, I would have been appalled if no man had whisked you away from us by now. It is just a surprise as you previously ignored the majority of the men who approached you."

"That is due to the fact I made a decision and my father did not approve."

A hopeful glint in his eyes made Freyja almost feel guilty. Almost.

"Was he not of royal status?"

"The problem, I'm afraid, was not so simple."

"Well, I can point you in the direction of a few men who would not disappoint you."

"I'm not in need of your services, Fandral."

He chuckled softly, "I have yet to make a proposition."

"I don't believe she needs one," a low, smooth voice said.

Freyja and Fandral both turned to look at the man, though only Freyja recognized him. He wore black leather with a high collar and silver armor that was definitely not his. His long face was hidden behind a plain black bauta mask, leaving only his green eyes visible. A velvet black cape draped over his shoulders to the floor and a cobalt-feathered tricorn. He looked quite like a Midgardian movie character, except for his slicked back hair.

"Who are you?" Fandral demanded, looking affronted.

Loki bowed deeply taking off his hat with a flourish of his wrist before replacing it on his head, "Ikol of Nornheim. It is an honor to meet the renowned Fandral of the Warriors Three."

Freyja suppressed a smile as Fandral stood straighter and began to resemble a bird ruffling its feathers to appear larger. Loki then turned to her, his eyes shining mischievously as he stroked Fandral's ego.

"And the famed Princess Freyja of Vanaheim. I cannot express my delight at your being here. I would be humbled if you would grace me with a dance."

"Actually, she is busy as of this moment," Fandral snapped.

"It would be a privilege, Ikol," she answered, raising her voice ever so slightly to be heard over Fandral. "I am certain my friend here will not mind in the least."

For a second, she thought the blonde might voice his opinion, in a rather vociferous manner, on just how much he would mind. However, he closed his mouth with an audible snap and backed away.

"Of course not," he said. "I have other matters to attend to. Good night, Freyja."

She watched as Fandral walked stiffly away, demeanor much more sour from when he had arrived. As she turned to face Loki again, she raised an eyebrow.

"Ikol? Surely you can be a bit more creative than that," she smiled.

If it wasn't for the mask, Freyja was sure he would be grinning in reply.

"I could, of course. Did it not occur to you that I might long for the challenge of creating an anagram that served as a true name?"

"And Ikol was the only one to come to mind?"

"I did find 'Koli' to be humorous as it means 'dark one' and oddly suiting, but I preferred Ikol."

"It is simply your name spelled backwards."

"Which makes it all the more amusing when no one recognizes it," he laughed, dancing slowly with her. "You should also know that, as of this moment, no one can hear or see us. They simply see another couple, neither you nor I."

"You should save the little energy you have," she chastised. "Do tell me how you escaped."

"As far as the guards are aware, I haven't. They believe me to be asleep in my cell, as that is what my projection is doing at the moment. I then used the same spell you used to cross the crystal and all it took from there was a simple invisibility incantation."

"And just whose armor are you wearing?"

"This is my own armor. I had it forged for a certain quest Thor dragged me along for. Recognition meant death. The mask, cloak and hat were summoned through magic from a Midgardian shop."

"Why this particular outfit?"

"It is a masquerade, where one pretends to be something they're not. I saw this costume displayed on Midgard and found it rather charming."

"You always had a penchant for the dramatic. And Thor says you've developed quite the liking to Midgardian scarves. I hope you don't mind that I brought one for you."

"You leave for a millennia, go to Midgard, and buy me a scarf?"

She leaned up to whisper into his ear, "I also brought something a bit more private that I thought you might enjoy."

"Oh?" his eyes flashed mischievously, and she knew she had his undivided attention. "And what might that be?"

"You will simply have to wait and see."

"I'm sure I can persuade you to tell me," he breathed, angling his face so that his lips ghosted over her neck.

She felt her mouth go dry as his teeth barely grazed her skin, words dying at her lips. It had been too long since she had last seen him, without the empty sensation provided by projections. Despite wanting nothing more than to give in, she wouldn't allow him to win the game.

"Do your best, but I can assure you that you will get nowhere."

His only answer was a growl, low and defiant as if to say he wouldn't give up in his endeavor. She couldn't help the laugh that escaped her at his response. He pulled back slightly, eyes smoldering in both irritation and longing.

"You find this amusing?"

"I find your impatience amusing," she corrected. "I have been waiting as long as you have and yet you do not see me attempting to seduce you."

"You are the goddess of love. Seduction is under your jurisdiction, as well."

"When have I seduced you?"

"Shall I name the moments by date or efficiency?"

"Allow me to rephrase that. When have I seduced against your consent?"

He chuckled, "That clears all but one."

"Enlighten me," she said, thinking back to come up with the answer.

"You had just returned from Vanaheim," he started. "It was raining and you wished to be left alone. When I asked you what was amiss, you answered with your actions."

"A kiss does not count as seduction."

"I respectfully disagree."

"How so?"

He pulled his mask up, revealing half of his face. Tilting her face up with two fingers, he leaned down to kiss her. Parting her lips with his, he reminded her of the other uses for his silver tongue. She moaned against his mouth, eyes fluttering shut as her resolve melted away. When he pulled back, she could see the silent question in his eyes.

"You've proved your point," she breathed. "Shall we continue this in my chambers or yours?"

He grinned and she knew his answer.