"Bring it in here," Thor called over his shoulder as he strode into the chambers that had been assigned to his friends. He grinned as he looked around the room. All of his closest companions in Asgard, save Hogun, who was still with Loki, were here. "Ah, my friends, I have a mid-day meal coming for us. We shall just have time to eat before I must leave for Court." The Master Armorer's apprentice touched his arm, reminding him of the burden he bore. "Friend Tony, where shall we place Lady Kara's armor?"

"Uh, you can put it in there," the Iron Man said, pointing at his bedchamber. The man frowned. "What happened to it?"

Thor grinned. "My father was appalled that the lady had so little protection. He had our Master Armorer rebuild it. It now has the strength of Asgardian armor and has also been enhanced to repel common magical attacks."

"Why would he do that after I threatened him?" Lady Kara asked with a frown after the apprentice had departed.

"Father has forgiven that in exchange for your service to the realm in saving my brother's life. This gift he gives to you for saving mine. But fear not, he still feels you are owed for your service in battling our enemies, so when he asks what you would have of him as a reward you may still ask him to be healed of your injuries." He looked at the other Avengers. "Each of you are also to be offered a reward. Think well on what you would have. Tony, Loki advises that you should ask for the right to our metal-working processes. Should you guarantee that such would not be used by other than the Avengers, I believe he will grant this boon. For the Hawkeye and Captain Rogers, Neither Loki or I know your desires, but you should think upon them. The All-Father will announce this reward to you at the beginning of Court. He will grant you the length of Court to decide."

"Okay, I'm confused. I thought this thing today was called a Tribunal," the captain said.

"It is. The Tribunal will be held as part of this day's Court. Court is a formal gathering where official business of the realm is conducted, amongst that business is the Tribunal to decide Loki's fate."

"Got it. Thanks."

Servants began bringing in their meal as well as a larger table and extra chairs. Thor frowned as he noticed that Lady Kara was still hugging her knees where she sat huddled in a chair. He moved to her side and dropped down to her level. "What is wrong, my lady?" he asked quietly.

She shook her head. "I'm just scared for him, Thor. I don't think I should eat anything. I was already sick once today thinking about what could happen."

He sighed and waited until the servants had left then stood. "My friends, eat, please. Lady Kara and I need to speak privately." He held out a hand for her and then led her out onto the balcony. They sat on the chairs and she turned to stare out at the mountains. "Kara, I have every confidence that my father will be merciful. He sees that Loki has changed, I am certain."

"Does he have the final say?"

"Well, no, not entirely. He must consider the recommendations of the Tribunal. He can lighten any sentence they recommend, but not dismiss it entirely."

"So if they recommend torture, it will only be a little torture?" she retorted.

"There will be no torture, well, not as you understand it. Truly, Kara. Do not worry yourself. Other than restitution, I do not believe Loki will receive any sentence greater than imprisonment."

"I've heard there's an ongoing sentence of imprisonment that has lasted five hundred years already."

Thor frowned. "Well, yes, but that was an extreme circumstance. The Æsir so sentenced opened the Bifröst for our enemies to travel at their will and great damage was done in three realms. There were hundreds of deaths of those who would otherwise have been virtually immortal. Treaties were negated, we quite nearly had a war between five of the nine realms. And the guilty man shows no remorse whatsoever; to this day he swears he will take revenge for his defeat. He will never be released, he is too great a danger."

"What if they think Loki is lying about his acceptance of responsibility? He is your god of Lies." Her tone was morose and Thor could not blame her. Many would think that Loki lied. However, his brother no longer stood alone. "They won't believe me if I tell them he's not lying, would they?"

"No, my lady. But we do have a few truth-seers of our own. They will be present."

"Oh-oh, that makes me feel a little better."

"Good," he enthused. "Let us eat then, Court will be a long affair and you must keep up your strength."

… …

Kara tugged on the left hand glove…gauntlet, Sif had informed her it was called. The detailing on the new scaled armor was amazing. Each of the main components was edged with etchings of runes which held the magic that provided additional protection. The overall armor was far lighter and more flexible than even Tony's second version. He'd been amazed. After Thor had left another servant had arrived from Queen Frigga with a soft and supple leather cat-suit to wear under it. The woman had grinned cheekily when she'd informed them that it was 'a gift from the queen to Prince Loki's lady'. The leather was dyed a deep forest green. "Well, I guess I don't match you anymore, Tony," she said as she lifted the glittering helmet…helm, she had to start thinking of it in Asgardian terms or they were going to roll their eyes at her again.

Her honorary brother shrugged. "That's okay. I rock the red much better than you do anyway. The green looks pretty good with your hair. Besides, we didn't have any Avengers that wear green…Bruce doesn't count, when he 'suits up' he is green, he doesn't wear green."

"True. Hey, Steve, Hawk? If one of you can't think of anything to ask for, maybe we could get some clothes for Bruce that will stretch and shrink with him so he doesn't keep ending up naked?"

Steve and Clint looked at each other and shrugged. "I could ask for that," Steve said. "If they give Tony the metal working secrets, he can do some improvements to my uniform. Your armor is barely armor anymore but it's tough as all get out." Steve had smacked it with his shield earlier and had ended up all but flying backwards as he hadn't thought to brace himself.

"I can't think of anything either. I mean, Loki already gave me the almost bottomless quiver thing. Maybe something for Nat? Some kind of weapon? Tony can upgrade our suits, too, if he gets the armoring stuff."

"I think we can handle weapons and armor," Tony offered. "What about something to do with healing? You know, in case a battle goes really south and neither Kara or our wonderful modern medicine can do squat?"

"Now that's a good idea," Steve agreed. "In fact, let me go run down to their Healers' area and talk to some folks there and see if there's anything specific we should ask for. Fandral? You wanna come with me so I don't get lost and make sure I get to Court in time?"

"Of course, Captain. Sif and Volstagg can escort the others to the Great Hall."

Kara frowned at herself in the mirror as the two bounded off, both looking and sounding enthused. At least someone was in a good mood. "Loki's colors look good on you, Lady Kara," Sif said from behind her.

She turned to look at the tall woman. "Thanks. I hope he approves, I wouldn't want him to have anything more to stress about than he already does."

One corner of Sif's mouth quirked up. "He will be pleased. No woman has declared for him in such a public way before, and Fandral tells me that Loki loves you deeply. He will be honored you have chosen to do this."

"It's more Frigga who chose it, but yeah, if I'd known the significance, I'd have wanted it."

"Good." Sif frowned, looking uncomfortable. "Kara, I owe you my thanks. I had never considered what I'd gained from Loki's prank before, only what I had lost. All that I have truly lost, I think, is my vanity. And that, perhaps is a good thing."

"It's a very good thing." Kara grinned. "Besides, you're still beautiful, just not in quite the same way. Now you've got beauty with character."

"Character…hmm. Yes, I think I like that." Sif frowned as a messenger entered, muttered something to Volstagg and then left. "Is it time?" she asked the big man as he set down the haunch of meat he'd been enjoying.

"Aye, Lady Sif. Come, my friends, we must leave for Court."

… …

Loki left his bathing chamber fighting his nerves. He'd eaten only enough to keep his strength up. This was going to be a long afternoon. His dress armor gleamed and his dress leathers looked like new. He sighed as he lifted his dress helm. "Perhaps I should forgo this," he said as Hogun stood up to meet him. "This may make me look defiant or too arrogant."

Hogun frowned. "It's a formal Court. All wear full dress armor."

"Good point. I will be seen as trying to manipulate their feelings if I do not, hmm?"

"Agreed."

He nodded and settled the horned helm on his head. "Hogun, I am sorry you were forced to stay with me. I imagine you would…"

"I volunteered."

"You-really? Why?"

Hogun shrugged. "It's very little support for a-a friend, but I hope not too late."

Loki stared at the taciturn warrior as he finished what amounted to an eloquent speech. "No, not too late, and I thank you, friend." Hogun nodded and gestured toward the door. "Yes, I suppose we do need to go. Will they be allowed to attend, have you heard?"

An eyebrow lifted. "The Avengers were summoned."

"Ah. Good." He grimaced. "I think. Hopefully Kara will not seek to challenge the sentence when it is given. She needs Odin's good graces to be healed. I worry for her."

"Do not. The queen favors her."

"Truly? Good, then perhaps all will be well for her. That's all I really want from this."

"Foolish."

"What? In what way?" Loki was astounded at the statement.

"Do you not want the woman?"

He rolled his eyes. "Of course I want her. But I seriously doubt I'll be given that opportunity. I-I suppose I'm afraid to want more than her health. If I allow myself to hope for more, the disappointment will be far greater. I've suffered too many disappointments, Hogun. I do not deal well with them."

Hogun began shaking, finally Loki interpreted the motion as laughter. "Really?" the man choked out.

"Oh, shut up." Loki glared as Hogun continued to laugh silently.

… …

Tony stared at the vast expanse of the Great Hall. Wow, it was big. You could fit several square blocks of New York City within it, including the skyscrapers. "Jarvis, are you recording this?" he asked softly.

"Yes, sir," the AI responded in his ear. Tony sighed happily. The latest 'fix' by Kara was working. Now all he had to do was remember to not use any snarky nicknames. His lips twitched. Or just get used to Jarvis calling him Anthony. That might be easier. He darted a glance at his teammates. Steve was gawking unashamedly. Clint was, well Clint, eyeing all of the high places, looking for vantage points he could get to. Kara, like he did, had her visor closed. Tony just hoped she wasn't crying behind it. The new armor looked great on her. The green of the cat-suit was visible in strategic areas and would be a lot more evident once she'd removed the helm. "Sir, Prince Thor has just entered with Queen Frigga. It appears he will be on the dais with her and the king."

"Yeah, I see that, thanks, J." He put an armored hand on Kara's shoulder. "You got your ears on, sis?" he asked.

"Yes. Is the mike working?"

"It is, did you have any doubts?"

"Well, you did have less than five minutes to get it set up. So, no, not really."

He grinned at the humor that laced her response. Kara was hanging in there. Sif was stopping near the front of the hall. She nodded to an alcove and they filed into it. "Front, but not center. Not bad."

"This area is reserved for honored guests," Fandral told them. "The representatives of the other realms who do not hold crowns are in the alcove on the other side of the hall. You will need to remove your helms now, my friends."

Tony retracted his visor and looked across to see what looked like Tolkien versions of a Dwarf and an Elf, and three huge blue dudes that had to be frost giants. "Lemme guess, the blonde is a Ljósálfar? And the blue guys are Jötunn? What's the other guy?"

"The Ljósálfar is their youngest prince. The tallest of the Jötnar is Loki's half-brother, Helblindi, their crown prince. The Dökkálfar is their senior counselor. Technically, you would call the Dökkálfar Dark Elves, though they are not truly Álfar."

"Wait, I thought the Svartálfar were the Dark Elves?" Steve interjected.

"Yeeess, but truly, the direct translation is Black Elves. It matches their black hearts," Fandral said with a slight growl to his voice. Tony turned to stare. This was the nastiest tone he'd ever heard out of the would-be Valentino.

"We're not liking the Svartálfar much, even before yesterday's battle, huh, Fandral?"

"They have been forsworn before. I do not know why the All-Father has not placed their ruler in the alcove, I find it hard to stomach that he is going to give Malekith a sovereign's courtesy."

"Okay, what's that?"

"The realm sovereigns in attendance will enter immediately before the All-Father and will be seated to each side. This will include Frey, King of the Vanir and Hela, Queen of Niflheim, and apparently Malekith the Accursed. That one should be thrown into the Void, he is naught but evil."

"Fandral speaks truly," Sif agreed. "His presence on the dais will be an obscenity."

Horns were blown and a male and female figure walked out onto the dais from opposite sides. The male was big, blonde, bearded and muscular on the same scale as Thor, and wore a horned helm. Tony pegged his age as about halfway between Frigga and Odin. The woman was young, younger even than Thor, and she wore a green gown and a black horned crown. She had inky black hair and…oh. Crap. He darted a look at Kara who was staring at the woman. "Sif…is there something Loki forgot to tell us?" he asked.

Sif stared at him then her eyes widened as she looked at Kara. "Ah, perhaps." The woman uncharacteristically bit her lip.

"Out with it," Kara insisted.

"It was not really his choice," she finally said. "Angrboða, Hela's mother, is a powerful sorceress and she hid her form and seduced Loki when he was little more than a boy, before his own powers were fully developed. It was because of a prophesy by the Norns…they thought Hela would bring great discord to the realms. That was Angrboða's deepest wish."

"And has she?" Tony asked.

"No. Hela hates her mother. Angrboða has attempted to use and control her. She's rather impartial when it comes to Loki." Sif shrugged. "Mind you, Hela does not dislike her sire, she simply prefers to have little to do with any of the other realms."

"So, where's the accursed guy?" he asked as the horns were blown again. Odin stepped out from the back of the dais and strode to his throne. Everyone who had been seated stood and remained standing until the All-Father took his seat.

Sif looked around the hall. "Not here at all. This is likely a good sign."

… …

Kara bit the inside of her cheek as one of the people Sif had identified as members of the Tribunal called for Loki to be brought in. Loki had marched up the aisle, Hogun at his side, both of them in full dress armor. He looked strong and fearless, but she could feel the anxiety that wasn't betrayed by so much as a twitch of a muscle. Two guards had followed the men. After Loki and Hogun had bowed to Odin and then taken their places just off to left side of the dais in front of the alcove opposite theirs, the guards saluted and left. "I'm confused," she whispered to Sif. "Do they trust him to not just leave?"

Sif shook her head. "The Great Hall is enclosed by magic. No one can transport in or out without the All-Father's blessing. Even Loki is not much of a threat here, considering how many powerful Æsir are about."

She nodded. So much for hoping that the lack of guards was a good sign. Odin stood. "Before the Tribunal begins hearing testimony, we have Heroes from Midgard to honor." He nodded in their direction and Sif pointed toward the spot between them and the dais.

"Do as I demonstrated," she whispered. The four of them filed out, bowed respectfully, and then waited.

"These four heroes of Midgard voluntarily left their own lands, using an unproven mode of transportation and with no guarantee that they would ever see their homes and loved ones again to aid Asgard in our time of need. They not only brought the artifact that was used to close the enemy's gate, they fought valiantly, protecting our people, and in fact directly saved my son's life when he was struck down by Svartálfar magic users. People of Asgard and honored guests, I present to you Captain Steve Rogers, known as Captain America. Tony Stark, the Man of Iron." Kara bit her lip as Tony winced. "Clint Barton, the Hawkeye, and finally, Kara Gunnarssen, known as Hellbringer, who is not only a firestarter but a gifted empath and healer."

Thor stepped forward on the dais. "Three cheers for the Avengers, our Heroes from Midgard!" he bellowed. The crowd responded with calls of 'huzzah' and when the sound died down Thor nodded to them and stepped back beside Frigga.

"For their service to Asgard, I am minded to grant each of them a special boon. Captain Rogers, what would you have of me?" Odin asked, his form of address showing that he'd either been briefed or was more up on their customs than Kara had suspected.

Steve stepped forward and began the speech he had memorized. "Your majesty; in our role as guardians of Midgard, we often face enemies who are far more powerful than we, who do not fight honorably and whose actions and reactions cannot be predicted. As we are mortal, the likelihood that one of these enemies could inflict an injury that we cannot survive long enough to be healed from…well, it's honestly just a matter of time. I understand that your realm possesses the ability to imbue an object with magic that will allow a person's condition to be, um, frozen, so that they will get no worse before their injuries can be treated. If you would be willing to provide us with such a thing, we would be grateful." Kara smiled, Steve looked so relieved that he'd remembered it all.

Odin's lips twitched and his one visible eye crinkled in what might have been amused approval. "I will grant this boon. Lady Eir will see to it that you have an amulet that will contain this magic before you depart for Midgard." Steve bowed and stepped back. "Tony Stark, what would you have of me?"

Tony stepped forward. "Uh, your majesty," he managed with absolutely no show of snark or sarcasm. "I cannot help but notice that your realm's metalworking abilities eclipse even my own and mine are the most advanced on Midgard. I understand that you cannot simply give away your secrets for our entire realm to use, but I would ask that you allow me access to the knowledge to create metal alloys suitable for improving our armor so that we can do our jobs as guardians more successfully. I am prepared to guarantee that this knowledge will only be used by the Avengers, and that it will only be used for defensive purposes should you be so kind as to agree."

Kara blinked. Wow…a totally polite and respectful Tony. She hoped Jarvis was recording this. Odin frowned. "Forgive me for asking, but we do not know you or the worth of your guarantee. Tell me why we should trust you in this."

"That's a fair question. Several years ago I was involved in manufacturing weapons for our military and I wasn't too choosy about what kind of collateral damage they did. I had the lesson delivered to me, quite personally, that my choice to do this was, uh, morally bankrupt. I closed all of the factories that made weapons then reconfigured them to produce only defensive or protective items so that my workers did not lose their livelihood. My weapons researchers have been redirected to researching clean energy to help improve our world's environment. We've made great strides and will continue this work at least through my lifetime, hopefully longer if I find a like-minded protégé to take over the company when I retire."

"This device in your chest is an example of your clean energy, is it not?" Odin asked.

"It is, sir. And as I developed it to save my life when I learned that lesson I mentioned, it's a constant reminder to me of the wrongs I once committed."

The All-Father nodded. "Very well, Tony Stark. You will have the knowledge you seek and you will forgive us if we keep a close watch on you to ensure you are using it only as agreed. Else we would be in violation of our accords with other realms."

"I understand totally, and I wouldn't have it any other way." Sif hissed at him, reminding Tony to bow before he backed away.

"Clint Barton, what would you have of me?"

Clint looked uncomfortable. "Well, your majesty, I'll be one of the ones who will benefit from the, uh, boons you're granting to Stark and Rogers. So I'd like to ask something for another of the Avengers who wasn't close enough to our location to come with us here."

"Generous of you, very well," Odin said.

"This Avenger is, well, when he uses his special abilities his physical size fluctuates from about my height and weight to the height of the um, gentlemen from Jötunheim but with the muscular bulk of Thor or King Frey. This kind of results in unintentional uh, nudity as his clothing doesn't survive the transition. " Clint frowned as a wave of amusement swept the Great Hall. "If you either have some kind of cloth that will stretch with him, or some kind of magic that will allow his clothing to change size with him, that would be greatly appreciated."

Thor stepped up to Odin's side and held a hushed conversation with him. "Ah," Odin finally said. "This is your Hulk, the man powerful enough to injure a god with his bare hands."

"Yes, sir. He was instrumental in single-handedly taking down several of the leviathans that attacked New York."

"And he broke the connection our enemy had forced on my brother," Kara heard Thor say softly…for Thor.

Odin looked at Loki and stroked his beard thoughtfully. "We have no such cloth and I am unfamiliar with any magic that might accomplish this. Loki, your research in the magical arts is second to none. Do you know of any spell that may do this?"

Loki looked startled to be addressed, then his eyes narrowed as he considered the possibilities. "I believe so, All-Father, though I would need to check one of my books to be certain. It would have to be cast on an amulet for the man to wear. That way, regardless of what he was clothed in, its size would change with him. From what I understand, he does not always have enough warning of when he will need to change his form to change clothing."

"Fine. You will do this and present the amulet to the Hawkeye for his compatriot."

"Of course, my liege," Loki agreed with a bow.

"Clint Barton, if Loki can accomplish this, you will be given the amulet before you return to Midgard. If he cannot, we will ask you to choose another boon."

"Thank you, your majesty," Clint said, remembering to bow before he stepped back.

"Kara Gunnarssen, what would you have of me?"

She stepped forward and bowed, realizing how self-conscious the guys must have felt. "I have already received a gift from you, All-Father," she said. "This armor will do an amazing job of protecting me and is far more than I could ever ask."

Odin smiled. "The armor you wear so well was gifted to you in return for the gifts you have given me and my queen. Our sons would be dead were it not for your skills. Not even our goddess of Healing could have saved them. Additionally, Lady Eir tells me that you have shared the secret of how you healed them with her and now that she knows the method, she is confident that she will be able to replicate it. So, your gift to us continues. Anything within my power to give you is yours. Health, an extended lifespan, riches, anything I may give is yours."

Biting her bottom lip she made a decision that was sure to piss off not only Loki, but Tony, Steve and Clint as well. Too bad. This was supposed to be something she wanted. "Your majesty, I ask the boon of clemency for Loki." An agitated murmur surrounded her. "He was not responsible for the attack on Midgard and he tried to mitigate it as much as he could, we have proof. And he suffered unspeakable injuries and torture at the hands of our mutual enemy. Please, he has suffered enough, grant him mercy."

"No!" Loki shouted. "You need to be healed of your injury, your health needs to be restored. You will not sacrifice yourself in this way."

"Silence!" Odin bellowed. "You have not been given leave to speak," he told Loki who scowled back at him but subsided at Hogun's urging. "Lady Kara, why do you ask such a thing, when I am told you are afflicted with an injury that will mean your death?"

"I'm mortal, your majesty. I was always going to die eventually. And..." she swallowed the tears that threatened. "I cannot live knowing that someone else will suffer more who does not deserve it. For what Loki has done, many are culpable. It's a gross injustice that only he will pay for it."

… …

Odin glanced at Frigga. His beloved wife was right yet again. The human did love Loki and deeply. But, no matter, he could not grant this boon. "My apologies, Lady Kara, but this boon is not within my power to grant. The decision lies with the Tribunal. Choose something else."

The woman's already porcelain skin paled significantly and tears welled up in her eyes. Sif stepped forward and whispered softly in her ear. "You have a warrior's heart, cry a river inside, but do not let them see the evidence."

Kara Gunnarssen glanced at Sif and nodded, blinking back the threatened deluge. "Then there is nothing you can give me, sir." She bowed and stepped back into the alcove with her friends.

"Kara," Loki hissed from his position on the other edge of the dais. "Ask to be healed!"

"I have asked for what I wanted," she hissed back. "If you are…gone, why would I want to live?"

"You promised."

Odin frowned. "Did you indeed promise to ask for healing, my lady?"

"No, I never promised that I would ask to be healed."

"Do you call this lady forsworn, Loki?"

He groaned. "No, All-Father, I do not. I do, however, call the lady as much a trickster as myself. Those were indeed not her words, though that was the intent of the promise I tried to extract from her." He sighed. "Obviously, yet another thing at which I have failed."

Odin found himself biting the inside of his cheek to hold back a grin at Loki's expense. "I see. Well, then there is nothing we can do. Lady Kara, should you change your mind or think of another boon, you may ask it until the end of this Court." The woman nodded, but remained stubbornly silent. He frowned and turned towards Haakun, his most trusted councilor and the head of the Tribunal. "Lord Haakun, is the Tribunal ready to sit in judgment?" he asked.

"We are, All-Father. We have heard what evidence has been provided and would ask for clarifications."

"Very well." Odin stepped back and sat back down in his throne. "Ask what and who you will."

… …

Haakun stepped forward to address the populace. "First we would address Loki, born Laufeyson, raised Odinson."

Loki straightened as his name was called. His anxiety grew as Haakun specified 'raised Odinson' rather than 'now Odinson'. Ah, well. Did he expect Odin to still claim him after his failure to redeem himself? No, it was no more than he deserved. Hogun stepped forward with him, nodding when he glanced in his direction. "Steady," the warrior said under his breath. Loki nodded briefly and lifted his chin to look the councilor right in the eye.

"Your alleged crimes have been reviewed, several have been dismissed as others have claimed responsibility or the victims have agreed the charge to be unlawful. These charges remain. First, you are accused that unprovoked you unleashed the power of the Casket of Ancient Winters upon the people of Jötunheim, causing grave damage to their lands. Second, you are accused of traveling to Midgard, taking mental control of thirty-one mortals, then killing or caused to be killed eighty-four others. Third, you are accused of causing a gate to be opened to another galaxy, allowing aliens known as the Chitauri to invade the Midgard city of New York, causing incalculable amounts of damage and killing four hundred and twenty-three mortals. Do you contest any of these charges?"

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "No, but I have a correction to the second charge."

Haakun's eyebrow lifted. "And what is that correction?" he asked.

"I took mental control of only eleven mortals. The other twenty involved were hired and acted freely. I am responsible for killing or causing to be killed ninety-six mortals."

"Jesus Christ, you kept count?" Tony Stark's incredulous voice carried in the stillness of the Hall.

He spun to glare at the man. "I was responsible for their deaths, yes, they were mortal and would have died eventually, but I and no one else brought that death to them years sooner than it would have taken them otherwise. Yes, I kept count!" he snarled.

Hogun's hand gripped his upper arm firmly and caught his attention. "Easy," he breathed. "He meant no insult."

Loki nodded and looked back at Stark. He could see that the billionaire looked shaken. Knowing what he did of the man's background and the innocent deaths that haunted him, he could understand Tony's surprise. "I was there for every last one, Tony," he said. "There's a difference." Stark nodded and relaxed. Loki returned his attention to the councilor. "My apologies, Lord Haakun."

"None needed. Let the second charge be amended to eleven mortals controlled and ninety-six killed in the events that led up to the invasion." Several members of the Tribunal nodded agreement and the scribe made notes. "Loki, born Laufeyson, raised Odinson, what defense would you make for these charges?"

"I have none." He closed his eyes to the shocked expressions of his mother, his brother and his love as the hall erupted in pandemonium.