Just in case anyone's wondering, I've decided to justify Freyja's being able to touch Loki's skin while in Jotun form as it being a self-defense mechanism. Think of it in the same way I regard the Vanir's magic, something that is always present but can be called upon and controlled at whim. Also, I suggest checking out "The Shield-Maiden" by Marvel-Tolkien Fangirl. It's well worth it, believe me.

Song of the Chapter: The High Road ~ Three Days Grace

"It had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity, and enclosing her in a sphere by herself."

-Nathaniel Hawthorne

Freyja walked through the city streets next to Loki, very much aware of the gazes sent her way. It had been roughly a week since she first received Loki's sentence and some strange reactions had surfaced from the people. The rumors had been true, as the remaining Vanir had all painted golden thread across their lips. They would bow and whisper blessings when she passed. Loki seemed smug at the anomaly, completely invested in the idea that Odin was furious at the positive responses.

"He's in one of his moods, again," he stated. "I have never seen him so furious in my life. His anger rivals that of the mortal of S.H.I.E.L.D. with one eye."

"Nick Fury?" she asked in his mind. "Amusing that you should compare the two. Have you noticed that they are missing the opposite eye?"

"I have," he chuckled. "Do you believe gold to be Fury's color?"

She looked at him skeptically, "I'm unsure if it would suit him or not. Why?"

He shrugged, "No particular reason."

She glanced at him once more, tilting her head down slightly as she was taller than him in her true form, taking in any sign to give away his intentions. Since his freedom was granted, he had begun to look a bit healthier. His hair, which she had cut to its previous style, was once again neat and orderly while he was starting to look less gaunt. Just to be safe, she had checked his mind earlier for remnants of Tesseract energy. As it turned out, Bruce had taken care of that with cognitive recalibration.

"Do remind me why you're wearing the Tesseract around your neck, once more," he said suddenly.

She picked up the shrunken Tesseract, which she had replaced in its original necklace, "It is much safer this way."

"Is that not how Thanos tracked you?"

"It is, but Thanos is dead."

"I know you believe his methods are not," he replied. "You always had the tendency to mutter in your sleep, albeit in the language of your people."

"And what, pray tell, did I say?"

"You kept repeating Freyr's name, and my own. You also said something about a secret Thanos was keeping, but there was one word I could not make sense of."

"What was that?"

"You said something about death and 'Renascentia'," he answered, causing her to stiffen slightly. "Is there something you have not told me?"

"Do not worry yourself," she answered quickly. "As for my beliefs, Thanos said something on Earth that leads me to believe that I am missing something important. As if there is a larger picture that I am only seeing fragments of."

"What do you mean?"

"That is the problem. I'm unsure of what I'm missing. The way he spoke of Freyr and Vanaheim, I feel as if there is something I should be aware of."

As she thought over the conversation she had with Thanos, she realized they had almost reached the edge of the Bifrost.

"Just what are you going to say to Heimdall," she asked.

"I have no idea," he answered before approaching the Gatekeeper. "Good Heimdall."

"Loki," the Gatekeeper said coldly.

"I have come to formally apologize for the rather unfortunate event I caused and-"

"Which unfortunate event do you refer to? You have caused a great deal."

Loki gave a false chuckle before continuing, "I have wronged you, Gatekeeper. I simply wished to convey my condolences toward…ah, freezing you with the Casket."

The Gatekeeper looked from Loki to Freyja and back, "I cannot accept your apology immediately."

"But, I-"

"Give me time to see if this is not another one of your lies," Heimdall said, cutting him off. "If I see you truly regret your actions, I will take your words into consideration. The road to redemption is no easy road to walk."

"Heimdall," Freyja started, cutting off Loki before he could express his anger. "I ask that you watch our transactions in Jotunheim. We may go to the Jotuns in hopes for peace, but they may not welcome it. If something should go wrong, I request that you put aside your grudge against Loki and alert Thor."

He studied her carefully before replying, "Though he may deserve the Jotuns' wrath, you do not. I will alert Prince Thor if anything is amiss."

"Thank you."

"A word of warning, Princess," he said suddenly. "Take care who you keep in your company, lest someone make the assumption that your affections also lie there."

She gave Heimdall a level gaze, face impassive, "Perhaps their assumptions would be correct."

"If that were true, you would have used a powerful incantation to shield yourselves from me."

"Hypothetically speaking, have you never wondered how Loki managed to hide so much from your sight?" she asked.

"I suppose I would not be surprised," he sighed. "I wish you luck in your endeavor."

She nodded, taking Loki's arm as she grasped the Tesseract and focused the energy. The tug she felt was different from the Bifrost, as it was ingrained into her own genetic makeup. When she opened her eyes, they were surrounded by the snowy wastelands of Jotunheim.

"There," Loki said, pointing towards a towering structure not too far away. "It looks a bit worse for the wear, does it not?"

She raised an eyebrow at him, not bothering with answering as he already knew how she would respond.

"Yes, that would be my doing," he agreed. "Let us hope that the new Jotun king does not kill us immediately."

As they walked closer to the crumbling castle of towers and ramparts, Freyja suddenly began to wonder about the state Jotunheim was in.

"Do you know which son became king?" she asked.

He frowned, "I'm unfamiliar with Laufey's family."

"Last time I was in Jotunheim, Laufey had two sons: Helblindi and Byleist. If Helblindi is on the throne, you can be assured that nothing will go well. If Byleist has the throne…"

She broke off as she realized she had no clue how the Frost Giant would react to his father's murderer. True, Byleist had not seemed to share Laufey's beliefs but Freyja wasn't sure that was enough to save them.

"Well?" Loki asked. "If Byleist has the throne, what can we expect?"

"I do not know," she admitted. "Pray to whatever gods you choose that all goes well."

"How comforting," he muttered, though she could tell his exasperation was not directed at her.

As they reached the large obsidian doors, three sentries emerged from the shadows, towering over both Freyja and Loki.

"What do we have here, boys?" the tallest said in the guttural language of Jotunheim. "The dwarfed bastard prince, but what is this that he brings with him?"

Loki's jaw tightened but his tone remained cool, "This is Princess Freyja of Vanaheim, you seem to already know of me. We humbly request an audience with your king."

"On what reason?" he demanded, reverting to the Asgardian tongue.

"We wish to negotiate a treaty with your king," Loki explained.

"We do not make treaties with treacherous snakes such as you. Leave while we still allow it."

"We cannot leave without first speaking with your king," Loki said firmly.

"Then die."

Just before the blade of ice could reach Loki's face, a hand wrapped around the sentry's wrist, effectively stopping the blow. Freyja looked up at the Jotun who had stopped the sentry, recognizing Byleist. He wore a golden headpiece similar to the one Laufey had worn, his dark hair pulled back and threaded with gems and stones.

"Halsten," he said, addressing the sentry. "What have I said about attacking guests unprovoked?"

The sentry grimaced, "If we are to prove we are not what the rumors say, we must not act as expected of savages."

Byleist smiled, "I trust this was slipped your mind in your fervor to protect your king and you will remember it from here on."

"Yes, my king."

Byleist let go of the sentry's wrist and the guards shuffled back into the shadows. He turned his attention to Freyja and Loki as soon as he was certain the Jotuns were gone.

"Welcome to Jotunheim," he said softly. "I could not help but overhear your intentions here. Follow me."

He turned around without a second's pause, leaving Loki to glance at Freyja warily. She nodded her approval and followed after the Giant.

"It has been a long time since you were last here, Freyja," Byleist noted without glancing back. "Rumors spread throughout the Realms that Vanaheim was felled by a mighty foe. Is this true?"

"It is," she answered, sending the thought to his mind. "Although it has only been a few centuries since I last came to Jotunheim."

"You came here and yet you did not think to visit?"

Loki raised an eyebrow at her, but she ignored his silent question.

"I was unable to. Forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive. Do tell me where you had your lips sewn shut, though. It seems a strange and cruel punishment."

"It was a small price to pay for something that meant a great deal to me. It is good to see you well and on the throne, but was it not your brother who was crown prince?"

"Helblindi was crown prince," Byleist admitted. "But he accompanied Father to Asgard to slay Odin. I warned them not to go, to stop and think of the consequences, but they would not listen. I am the last of my family."

"I am sorry," Loki said softly, causing Byleist to stop.

He turned around and scrutinized Loki for a minute, "I should have known…"

Loki tensed, preparing for the worst, when Byleist gave a bittersweet smile, "I almost did not recognize you, Kiernan."

Freyja and Loki shared a confused glance before returning their attention to Byleist, who was walking up to take a seat on the throne before them.

"Kiernan?" Loki asked, face twisted in surprise.

"Your name before Odin stole you from us," he clarified.

Freyja watched in silence as he took the same look she had seen on him when Odin had explained his heritage. It was a look of someone losing grip on what they believed to be reality.

"What? No, Laufey abandoned me. You cannot steal what has been left for dead."

"It is true that Father abandoned you. He would have left you to die earlier had it not been for Mother."

"Mother?"

Byleist's expression turned wistful, "She adored you, despite the fact that you were smaller. When Father wanted to abandon you, she refused. She said she would not abandon her son."

"What happened to her?" Loki asked, tone slightly urgent.

"When Father attempted to take over Midgard, Odin and the Einherjar fought their way through our borders. Mother was killed during the battles. We were in one of the temples for her burial when another attack was launched.

"Father told Helblindi and I to leave, and we did so. But when we reconvened in the palace, he did not have you with him. I returned to the temple in hopes to find you, but Odin had reached it first."

Byleist sighed, closing his eyes, "I am ashamed to say I was too cowardly to confront Odin. I was young, but it was no excuse to simply allow him to take you. I watched from the shadows as he transformed you into an Asgardian and took you away. I am sorry for that."

Loki looked slightly lost with this new information, lips just barely parted in surprise.

"Will you forgive me, Kiernan?"

"Loki," he corrected, voice empty of all emotion.

Byleist's ruby eyes snapped open, "Loki? The same Loki who offered Father a chance to kill Odin but turned on him and nearly destroyed Jotunheim?"

Loki grimaced, "Yes. Part of the reason I came here was to ask you for forgiveness and attempt to create peace between our Realms."

"This changes things," he muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Father was a tyrant in some ways. A good king in certain circumstances, but a terrible diplomat. Had Helblindi inherited the throne, Jotunheim would have fallen to ruin as he was much the same. However, it was nearly destroyed by your actions. Many innocents died at your hands, yet you have also given us an opportunity to better ourselves as well."

He opened his eyes once more to examine Loki, "You once said that you were in my debt for safely returning Freyja to Asgard."

"Indeed I did," Loki answered numbly.

"There is one thing that could put all of your actions behind you."

"Name it." Freyja said, speaking at last.

"Jotunheim is on the brink of collapse. Our defenses are at their lowest, our Realm crumbles to ruin around us. If we could retrieve the Casket of Ancient Winters, we could return Jotunheim to its golden age."

Loki looked stunned, "I'm unsure if that is possible. The Casket was taken to prevent future wars over territory. To return it would-"

"Kier- Loki, I have neither need for Midgard nor any other Realm. I do not crave battle as my brother did, simply the betterment of my kingdom. To return the Casket would be an act of faith on Asgard's behalf. It would show the Realms that Asgard can forgive."

Loki considered Byleist carefully, "I will discuss this with my king and see if we can work something out."

"I have come to terms with the death of my father and brother. Though I still grieve the loss, I wish to put it behind me. Despite the differences, we are brothers and I would not want to push away the remains of my family. I hope, in the future, we can put this behind us, brother."

Freyja could see Loki grit his teeth and prayed to the Wise One that he wouldn't, as he would with Thor, snap out his usual 'I'm not your brother'. The last thing she wanted to see was Byleist's response to the venomous phrase. However, he surprised her with his next words.

"Would pardoning me not seem to be an act of weakness in the eyes of your people?"

"On the contrary," Byleist answered. "To continue a grudge would eventually lead our peoples to war, one that we cannot afford to start. By putting the needs of my people above my own wants, they would see an act of strength."

Loki nodded, "I shall deliver your terms to the king."

"Send my regards to King Odin, as well," he said as they turned to leave.

"Of course," Freyja replied, looking over her shoulder at him. "It was a pleasure to see you again, Byleist."

"Likewise," he replied, just as they reached the door.

As the door shut behind them, Loki glanced at Freyja with a skeptical look in his eyes, "There is no possible way in the Nine that Odin would return the Casket to Jotunheim."

Freyja noticed how he had reverted to the language of Vanaheim to keep the others from eavesdropping. She supposed it was a good idea, as he had a point they would not enjoy.

"I suggest we not speak of this to Odin," she replied.

"And how do you propose we avoid him?"

She glanced out the window at the pale Jotunheim sun, mentally calculating the time difference, "It should be only a few hours until Thor's coronation. Once Thor is king, Odin will have little power in the matter. It is better to speak with Thor on this than with Odin."

He nodded, "You are right."

She watched him carefully as they walked out of the palace, "Are you alright?"

"Why would I not be?" he asked a little too quickly.

"I am sure what Byleist said has troubled you. Do not deny it," she added as he opened his mouth to protest.

He sighed, taking her hand, "I'm honestly not sure what to make of it."

"It cannot be terrible to have two older brothers who would look after you."

"They are not my brothers," he snapped.

"Whether you believe them to be or not, you have two brothers. Take what little family you can, Loki, for some of us do not have that option."

"You're right, I'm sorry," he whispered. "The Einherjar in Niflheim have alerted us of a lead to Freyr."

She nodded, "I have heard. I simply hope that they find him alive…"

He suddenly took her by the shoulder, looking carefully into her eyes, "Stop that. I am the pessimistic one. You are the one always hoping for better, even making it possible when you can. We will find him, Freyja. Do not give up now."

He embraced her tightly, completely invisible in the snow flurries. She leaned into his touch, fervently hoping that he was right.

The knock on her door startled Freyja slightly, but she regained her composure as she realized it was Loki. So far, Odin had been unable to reach either of them as they had been preparing for Thor's coronation, but she was unsure if he may have been able to corner Loki while he was walking to her chambers.

"Come in," she answered.

She could see Loki, who was dressed in full ceremonial armor, in the mirror of her vanity table, a grin playing across his lips as his green eyes sparkled happily.

"Well, someone is in a good mood," she noted, straightening Brisingamen around her neck.

"With good reason," he replied, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I told Mother."

"You told your mother what?" she asked, not wanting to ruin the novelty of the moment.

"I told her about us. I would have told her with you, but I wanted to see her reaction without the weight of upsetting you."

"How did she respond?"

"She asked when the wedding would take place."

Freyja dropped the pin she had been holding, turning her head slightly to look at him.

"How did you reply?"

"I told her that though there is no wedding yet, that decision would be entirely up to you."

She stayed silent, not voicing her question of whether he was going to propose or not. However, he continued without prompting.

"If I was to ask for your hand, I would wait until we found Freyr first. I know that would be what you wanted."

She smiled, despite her slight disappointment at 'if'. She had rather hoped it would be a 'when' rather than an 'if', but did not state it. He allowed his hands to fall to his sides, backing away to examine the dress she wore. It was a simple cobalt gown with a portrait neckline and thin layers of silk that overlapped at different angles, one of her favorites.

"I feel as if I tell you far too much just how beautiful you look," he said with a smile. "But I cannot help it when I see you dressed as this, prepared for a royal ceremony of some form."

She rolled her eyes at his antics, "What is it that you want, Loki?"

"Want? There is nothing that I want? I-" he stopped as she gave him a look of disbelief. "I only want you to answer a question honestly."

"I cannot lie, you know that."

"I meant that I want you to answer with the full truth, without omitting or twisting anything."

"What is wrong?" she asked, worried at his sudden change of mood.

He took her hand from his face, holding it between his own, "This is what's wrong."

She saw an image of New York City in chaos, buildings collapsing and fires raging throughout the streets. Then it changed to the Bifrost, pieces flying through the air as the unstable energy exploded. The visions changed until it was an unfamiliar human city, people running in panic. When the memories, as she recognized them to be, dispersed, she saw that Loki had removed the enchantments that caused his appearance. His red eyes shone sadly against the deep blue of his skin.

"If you agree to make our courtship public, you agree to chain yourself to an outcast Jotun. You owe me nothing, Freyja, and I would not blame you if you choose someone better."

She took her hand from his, wrapping her arms around him to pull him close. Tangling her fingers in his hair, she dropped her mental barriers completely to allow him complete access to her thoughts and emotions.

"You may be Jotun by blood, but you are also Asgardian by heart and Vanir by mind. For so long, you have felt that you do not belong, but have you not noticed how comfortable you are around my people? Perhaps your place in the world is with us."

"A comforting thought, but you have not answered my query."

"I have, actually. You are a man of many worlds, Loki. I would have you any way possible. Jotun birth, Æsir ideals and Vanir knowledge, I accept them all. But can you accept that?"

He pushed her away gently, façade falling back into place as he watched her, "I think I may be starting to believe in you Wise One, as He is the only being I can think of who would see fit to send you to me."

"We should probably leave," she said, changing the subject. "We would not want to be late to your brother's coronation."

"He is not my brother," he said, but his tone was light.

The two walked out of her chambers, smiling to themselves as they mentally exchanged memories. He took her arm just before they walked into the throne room, keeping a small grin on his face as the crowds recognized their stance. They walked up the aisle towards the steps before separating to either side. Odin's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly on Loki, but both ignored the king's gaze.

As Thor walked in, there was an uproar from the crowd. The blonde prince smiled at the crowds, hammer hanging from his belt as he walked forward. When he reached the steps, he knelt before his father and placed his helmet beside him. Odin stood, the sound of Gungnir's base hitting the floor echoed across the room and all went silent.

"Gungnir. Its aim is true, its power strong. With it I have defended Asgard and the lives of the innocent across the Nine Realms since the time of the Great Beginning. And though the day has come for a new King to wield his own weapon - that duty remains the same.

"Thor Odinson, my heir, So long entrusted with this mighty hammer, Mjolnir. Forged in the heart of a dying star, from the sacred metal of Uru. Only one may lift it. Only one is worthy. Who wields this hammer commands the lightning and the storm. Its power has no equal - as a weapon, to destroy, or as a tool, to build.

"Today I entrust you with the greatest honor in all the Nine Realms. The sacred throne of Asgard. I have sacrificed much to achieve peace. So, too, must a new generation sacrifice to maintain that peace. Responsibility, duty, honor. These are not merely virtues to which we must aspire. They are essential to every soldier and to every King.

"Thor Odinson, do you swear to guard the Nine Realms?"

Thor nodded, "I swear."

Freyja shook away the memory of her own vows, the Tesseract somehow feeling heavier as it hung around her throat.

"Do you swear to preserve the peace?"

"I swear."

She felt her airway tighten, a strange sense of fear rushing through her. With a silent sigh, she attempted to shake off the feeling.

"Do you swear to cast aside all selfish ambition and pledge yourself only to the good of all the Realms?"

"I swear."

A sharp sting lanced up her right arm and as she looked down inconspicuously, silver glyphs appeared across the inside of her arms. They faded away a second later, but she had read the words clearly. I swear on my life and soul to protect my charge with every fiber of my body and mind, I swear to uphold these expectations, no matter the consequence or situation, I swear to sacrifice everything, no matter what the cost. I swear, on my life, my soul, my mind, and my world.

She stared at her arm in surprise, recognizing the words of her own vows. Thoughts spiraled around her mind as she wondered just what it meant. She barely heard the words of the All-Father over her worry.

"Then on this day, I, Odin Allfather, proclaim you king of Asgard."

Thor stood and walked towards the throne as Odin began to descend. Odin stopped by Frigga's side, watching while Thor took his seat on the throne.

"Long live King Thor," Loki announced, shocking the entirety of the hall.

"Long live King Thor," Freyja echoed, projecting the thought so all could hear it. "Let it be known that so long as the Vanir still remain, Asgard will have our aid."

She crossed her arm over her chest in the usual Asgardian form, inclining ever so slightly to show her respect, "And support."

She could feel the surprise echoing through the hall at her actions. Vanir were not known to incline their heads in respect, let alone bow. All throughout the hall, the few Vanir attending mirrored the action. As she rose, so did they.

"Your pledge means much, Princess Freyja," Thor replied, keeping the conversation formal. "I will not forget this."

She smiled, but it was not completely genuine. She had not yet forgotten the glyphs that had appeared across her skin. And once again, she felt anxiety at what they meant for the future. At what they meant for the words she had spoken to Loki just twenty minutes before.