It had taken nearly three weeks, yes weeks to scatter Thanos' remains across the galaxy. And it had been exhausting. He wasn't certain how the Grand Vizier had taken the strain at his advanced age. Gods knew that Loki himself had collapsed into a useless heap after each session. He'd been a woefully inadequate husband for his sweet wife, but Kara hadn't complained. No, his beautiful goddess, for that is what she was now, welcomed him into her arms and held him close, soothing his tired body and mind with her touch, sweet words, and a light projection of soothing comfort to allow him to sleep soundly. He smiled as her fingers carded through the overly long hair that she had released from the now customary braid. "Did you sleep well?" she asked quietly.

He smiled into the softness of the breast that he had been using as a pillow. "When I'm with you? Always, love." Pushing himself up on to lean on one arm he looked down at her. As his mentor had predicted, once she'd recovered from exhaustion sickness Kara's eyes had reverted to the kaleidoscope effect he so adored, but they did take on the semblance of gold flames against a silver wall again each time she invoked her power over fire. Tony had called it her 'early warning system', and likened it to the greenish tint that Bruce started getting at the edges of his dark brown irises when his anger began to edge out of control. "Any idea who is cooking this morning?" he asked.

Her nose scrunched up as she made an annoyed face. "Well, we are, actually."

"We?" He knew that a schedule had been made for cooking breakfasts, but no one had told him that he was on it. Certainly no one had awoken him on any morning to take a turn in the kitchen.

"Yes, we; you've needed the sleep so everyone else has been taking turns filling in for you. Nobody minded; we could all see how you and the GV were exhausting yourselves extending the range of Jane and Erik's equipment. We've been worried about you."

"Hmm." He bit back a smile at her use of Tony's nickname for the Grand Vizier. Fortunately the old sorcerer had been amused when he'd heard it.

"Oh, don't hmm me. It's true. So, are you up to helping me in the kitchen? If not, I'll go grab Darcy. Once I pour a mug of coffee down her throat she'll be good to go."

"No, I can do it. I owe enough as it is."

The chit had the nerve to laugh at him. "Loki, you don't owe anyone anything. They've been glad to help out because they were all feeling like they let you down. Well, except Logan."

Logan? Oh. The one called Wolverine. "Why is he still here?"

"He's going to be helping us out for a while, probably at least until Nat has had her baby and is ready to come back to work. Anyway, he didn't have any reason to feel responsible for your being kidnapped."

Loki groaned. "I should hope not. Kara, no one was responsible but Tolthe."

"Tolthe, Malekith, and whoever was their go-between since we're sure that Tolthe and Malekith have never met. Your mother has some ideas on that, but no proof."

It would have to be someone who could walk the branches of Ydddrasil, which meant a powerful sorcerer…or sorceress. "Amora," he spat as he slid off of the bed and headed over to their dressing room to get clothing. "I don't see who else it could have been. She's possibly the third most skilled in sorcery in all of Asgard and she's always been the devious sort."

"Why didn't you say so before?"

Turning, he frowned at her. "No one asked."

… …

Logan was cracking eggs into a mixing bowl when they reached the kitchen. Loki was strolling beside her, he felt annoyed. She was about to call him on it when he smiled. "Logan," he said, nodding politely. "Thank you for helping out. I've been shirking my duties I hear."

"Nah; your duty was getting the pieces of that big bastard outta here. That all done?"

"It is. We shan't need to worry about him within your lifetime."

Logan snorted. "Guess again, hotshot. How old you think I am?"

Loki looked confused. "I-I've never been good at determining mortal's ages, but somewhere around Pepper's age, I would suspect."

"A hundred and thirty-plus; I've got accelerated healing along with the claws; it even heals aging a lot."

Kara couldn't help snickering. "Oh man, Tony is going to be so pissed." She grinned as Logan frowned at her. "He's been grumpy that pretty much everyone else on the team but Clint can expect to live a lot longer than normal."

"It ain't all it's cracked up to be."

Her mood sobered. "No, but you can't tell him that. All he knows is that middle-age is rapidly creeping up on him and most of his friends and closest associates won't be aging like he is."

The Wolverine's expression was uncharacteristically thoughtful. "Yeah, I guess it stinks from both sides."

"We're all going to Asgard tomorrow. Are you coming with?" Kara asked as she handed Loki the ham to chop and started grating the cheddar cheese she'd retrieved from the fridge.

"Am I gonna get shit if I don't?"

"Yep, pretty much."

"Maybe I should stay here in case of emergencies."

"Let the other teams cover things for a change. We can be spared for a few days."

He sighed as she gave him her best 'stubborn redhead' expression. "Whatever."

… …

Damn, Logan thought. If he never had to do that again, he'd be happy. "Crap. We've got to do that again to get back home," he muttered.

"Yeah, but you get used to it, kind of. How's the stomach, Natasha?" Hawkeye asked his partner as he gave a concerned look to the noticeable curve of her belly.

"Not bad. That nausea preventive seems to be working."

Logan grimaced. If his woman was three months pregnant, he wouldn't want her taking a trip like this, approved by the Asgardian healers or not. You don't risk a frigging baby to go to a party. "There is no risk," a rumbling voice said quietly from behind him. He spun, his claws out, and then relaxed as he recognized the dark skinned god called Heimdall. The guy's weird gold eyes were focused on him. "Welcome to Asgard, Wolverine," he said, then turned to the others. "You are all also welcome," he directed to Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes, Pepper, Darcy, Beth, Doctors Foster, Selvig and Nassar and Director Fury. "Welcome back," he said to the remainder of the group. Oh yeah, they'd all said they'd been before.

There were a couple of fancy wagons and several saddled horses nearby. In the distance he could see the Asgardian warriors who had made the trip about fifteen minutes before them heading on foot to the distant city that looked like some kind of fantasy artwork. They were all walking easily, and seemed to be enjoying themselves, swapping stories with another group if the body language was anything to judge by. "Logan, do you ride?" Loki asked.

"Horses? Yeah."

The dark-haired god smirked at him. Well, his normal smirk got deeper. "Yes, horses. To what did you think I referred?"

He shrugged. "I don't know anything about this place. Could've been unicorns for all I know."

Loki frowned. "No, it could not. They do not do well outside of Ljósálfheim."

Damn god had to be joking. "Funny. I suppose they've got pegasi too?"

"No," he returned, sounding absofuckinglutely serious. "Only the Valkyries in Valhalla ride pegasi. A Valkyrie's innate magic is what allows the wings to support the body of their pegasus in flight." He glared at the god of Lies. "Truly," Loki added. "Ask Heimdall."

"Prince Loki does not jest; unicorns do thrive in Ljósálfheim and only the Valkyries can ride pegasi," the gatekeeper confirmed.

"Shit. You got mermaids, too?"

"Vanaheim has sirens, they are much like the mermaids of your lore," Loki told him. "Quite deadly. Should you go to Vanaheim, I'd advise you to stay out of the water unless you are accompanied by a Vanir woman. The sirens will leave you alone if they believe you are claimed."

"You ever seen one?" he asked, thinking it was just a legend that Loki was passing on.

"Yes; I ignored that advice and was damn near drowned before I was rescued by Queen Freya. I'm not certain if she was more put out with the sirens for grabbing me or with me for ignoring her instructions."

Shit. That fantasy city up ahead was looking less beautiful and more dangerous by the second.

… …

Odin hadn't seen his wife this excited since the day he brought a newborn boy home for her to raise. Frigga was nearly dancing about their chambers, consulting with the Castellan, giving orders to the Head Cook, and, when she had a spare moment, nagging him about the state of his formal attire. "Leave off, wife," he said with a laugh after being told that he could certainly not wear that undertunic with his formal overtunic. "You'll exhaust yourself long before the celebration begins."

"Nonsense; I thrive on this." She turned a critical eye on her own garb for the evening, fussing with some of the trim before heaving a resigned sigh. "Ah, well; it shall have to do."

"It will look lovely on you," he assured her. "Now come, let us greet our guests informally before they are shown to their chambers." His queen did not normally become at all flustered over celebrations, but he knew she'd been looking forward to this one for centuries. "Seeing your vision come to pass must be particularly fulfilling, beloved."

She smiled up at him. "It is. I have been fretting, I know. But Loki has been unhappy for so long that I want everything to be perfect for him. Oh, and for Kara, of course."

"Of course." He bit back a chuckle. Frigga had always worried over her more studious son. As Asgard's most gifted seer, she had long suspected the trials Loki would face. It was his failing that he had ignored her veiled hints and had repeatedly misstepped. Or had he? Would Loki have had his happy ending had events gone any differently? Ah, this was why he was pleased to not have her gift. The conundrums of it all were too much for him to bear. Fortunately, Frigga was made of sterner stuff; she was the true strength of Asgard, if not all the Nine Realms. He caught her with an arm about her waist as she hurried past. "Dearest wife; have I ever told you how much you mean, not just to me, but to the entire Realm?"

The dratted woman was frowning at him. "I'd much rather hear how much you love me."

Hmm, another of his failings; he did not tell her that often enough. "I love you more than I ever imagined was possible. You are my heart and are more important to me than anything or anyone."

"Including your Realm?"

"I would have no Realm were it not for your love."

"Good answer."

… …

"They can't be serious," Kara grumped as she stared at the formal attire that had been laid out for her. A new set of rune encrusted armor was accompanied by an overtunic in a similar style as the one his mother had brought to Midgard, but a bit longer and with decorative golden flame-shaped dags. A dress helm edged with representations of flames of a style that would allow her multi-shaded red tresses to swing free sat on a shelf nearby. To be fair, her last set had been damaged significantly in the battle; he'd been alarmed when he saw it but it had protected her from the Chitauri energy weapons.

"Have you seen my formal helm, love?" he asked dryly, knowing full well that she had not only seen it, but that she knew the significance of the rather large horns that topped it. She snorted inelegantly and rolled her eyes. "Be glad they consider you a warrior so that you may wear armor and tunic rather than a formal gown."

She gave him a rueful look. "Thank goodness for small favors. The armor's a lot easier to get in and out of."

Loki chuckled. "Well, Odin hasn't insisted you rebind my power yet, so if you wore a gown I could just dress and undress you that way."

"Sure, and then I'd be laced, hooked and buckled into one of the things and your father would decide he was under political pressure and order me to bind your powers and then I'd be stuck having to figure out how to unlace and unhook everything. Thanks, but no thanks."

"That," he informed her archly, "is what servants are for."

Kara's lips curved into a curious mix of delicious pout and smug smile. Loki decided it was his favorite expression. Ever. "No, that is what husbands are for."

"Mmm. And I would enjoy every moment of it."

Her laugh brightened the room. "So would I. Loki?"

"Yes, love?"

"Are you really okay with this?"

He assumed by 'this' she meant giving up one of his titles to her and not the plan to entrap Amora. "We've discussed it; it was meant to be. They only gave me that title to hold for you; it was always intended to be yours. You simply were not yet born and ready to take it."

"I guess."

"You have no need to guess. My mother knew. You're making history, Kara; the first goddess of Asgard to be born on Midgard of purely human ancestry. It says much about the steady advance of the human race that this has happened. It's worthy of celebration."

"The only reason that I'm going to be titled a goddess is because Odin did his mystical thing."

"No, it's because your nervous system was capable of handling the change."

"Fine; I'm going to be a goddess because some unscrupulous bastards nearly killed me with psychotropic drug experimentation."

"Kara…"

"I'm sorry." She turned and wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her face into his neck. "I'm just, I don't know. Kind of overwhelmed, I think. This is so surreal. The latest tests Bruce ran on me really freaked me out. I'm not…well, I guess I never was a normal human, but now I'm not human at all and, well, that's all I know how to be."

"That's not true. Look at me," he told her when she shook her head. She burrowed more tightly against him. Clenching his jaw in frustration he pried her loose a bit and took her chin in his hand. "Kara," he began when she finally met his eyes. "You never knew how to be a mere human. You have always been more than you were born to be, you have always been a goddess; you simply did not know it."

"Just because I can make things burn and make people…" she trailed off as he shook his head.

"No. You are a goddess because of the love and compassion you give to others. This…being named a goddess of Asgard is meaningless next to what you've given to others all your life."

His wife's beautiful eyes widened and she smiled. "How is it that you always know the right thing to say?"

He smirked. "That's the other reason they call me silver-tongue."

… …

"The elevation of one to the status of god is often a solemn occasion as it typically marks the passing of one of our own. This day, this elevation, is cause only for celebration." Odin's voice rang through the darkened hall. Logan had no idea why there was almost no light in the place, but it was annoying the piss out of him. "I call forth Kara, known as Hellbringer, wife to Loki Odinson and Princess of the Realm Eternal."

The massive golden doors at one end of the hall swung open. What was with all the freaking gold, anyway? A slight armored figure, at least in comparison to the generally towering Asgardians, moved through the doors and came to a halt. In the dim light he could barely see the figure raise her arms, the tunic draped over the armor fluttered in the breeze that followed her through the doors. The woman, who had to be Kara, shouted one word. "Fire!" He threw a forearm over his eyes to cut the sudden glare as the golden room was flooded with light. Damn, that was impressive. Dozens of tall columns topped with disks that surrounded the hall and the two huge disks that flanked the golden throne had simultaneously ignited and were now blazing with flames. The gathering applauded and shouted their approval, though he wasn't sure if it was for the theatrics or for the woman who was now striding forward to the throne. Kara stopped before the dais that held the absolutely humongous throne where she was joined by Loki. The pair saluted by placing their fisted right hands across their chests and then dropped to their knees.

"All-Father," Loki began. "Seven-hundred cycles ago, in this very Hall, I was named our god of Fire. There is another whose mastery of this powerful element not only exceeds my own, but can triumph even over that which is protected by Cosmic Power. I submit that Kara, known on Midgard as Hellbringer for her mastery of fire, should be granted this title in my stead."

"Are there any who can testify to this mastery?" Odin asked.

Logan stared at the old dude. "Is he freaking serious?" he muttered to Barton who was standing to his right. "He was there."

"Probably a ritual thing," the archer whispered back. "They're really big on formalities here."

"Indeed, All-Father," Loki responded without hesitation as he stood and turned. "Would the witnesses to Hellbringer's power come forth?"

"That includes us," Stark hissed from his left. Logan followed the Avengers to a point at the bottom of the damn gold staircase where there were joined by a good dozen of the Asgardian warriors, the frost giants, the creepy gatekeeper and the blonde elf that had been carried from the thick of battle with a seemingly fatal wound. The pointy-eared bastard looked totally recovered.

Odin looked the group over. "Do all of you hereby swear that the woman known as Hellbringer has a mastery over the element of Fire that surpasses that of all others known?" A chorus of 'I do' and 'We do' answered him. "It shall be so noted in the record that the witnesses include not only Lord Heimdall the All-Seeing, but the group of Midgardian heroes known as the Avengers, my own sons, seven members of the Elite Guard, five other gods of Asgard, Prince Nyvorlas of Ljósálfheim and King Helblindi and Councilor Gymir of Jötunheim." He looked over the group and nodded. "You may withdraw."

They all returned to their places in the Hall. "Hey, if Heimdall is here, who's guarding the gate?" he asked the others.

"Thor said that Odin was putting some kind of mystic lockdown in place," Darcy told him. He frowned down at her, surprised she had an answer. "What? I was curious, so I asked."

"Are there any who dispute the testimony so given?" Odin asked, pausing to give a stern glare to the populace. It was kinda obvious the old fart wouldn't tolerate any objections.

"I dispute it," a woman's voice called out. Logan looked through the crowd and saw an overripe blonde dressed in a really putrid shade of green stalking forward. Her expression was twisted in a condescending sneer; it was the kind of expression that on a man would have made him itch to wipe it off their face with his claws. As it was it made his hands fist involuntarily.

"Lady Amora; on what grounds do you dispute the testimony?" Odin asked, looking pretty damn pissed.

"It is my contention that Prince Loki is using his sorcery, specifically his power of illusion to make it seem that his lady has great power when in fact she is naught but a neophyte with minimal control over the element."

Odin's frown deepened and Loki? Shit, if looks could kill that bitch would be toast. "Why would Prince Loki willingly give up such a coveted title to one not worthy to bear it?"

The woman's sneer deepened. "Obviously she has sexually enthralled him. It must be a novelty, having one aware of his true heritage willingly accepting one such as him in her bed."

Oh. Fuck. He'd heard Loki had severe issues with being half-frost giant. Several of the Avengers visibly winced. Thor, who was standing on the dais a few steps down from Odin, looked fit to kill. Loki turned to stare at the woman; stone-faced. The tension in the room was thick and getting thicker…and then Kara laughed. Loudly. After she'd managed to stifle the laugh she shook her head, her expression still mirthful. "Wow. Jealous much?" She turned back to the throne. "All-Father, shall I demonstrate my mastery of Fire, perhaps on Lady Amora? I would think my fire versus her sorcery would be a good test."

The blonde took a step back, her expression flashing from horrified back to the studied sneer. Busted. Logan snorted. "No, my daughter," Odin decided. "However, perhaps you should employ your lesser gift and request that Lady Amora reveal the true reason for her objection."

"As you command, my liege," Kara said with a slight bow and a distinct smirk. Damn, a catfight.

… …

Amora's words cut deep. Particularly since she had once sought a place in his bed even if it was with the intent of using him for his power and to get Thor's attention. Loki bit back his rage; he knew Kara would put the conniving bitch in her place. "Any gifts she has are lesser. That's what you get for allowing a mortal on the path to becoming Æsir," Amora spat. Oh dear; it seemed the sorceress's news was a bit out of date. Kara was no longer on the path, she was fully Æsir and as strong as any Æsir female her size. Not that she'd have to use her physical strength. He kept his expression impassive; no sense in tipping the bitch off that this confrontation was planned.

Kara was smiling as she strolled toward the sorceress. "Tell me, Amora, and yes, I am purposely not indulging you with the title of Lady. Who taught you to walk the branches of Yggdrasill? I know it wasn't the Grand Vizier or my husband."

"Not all skills must be learned from another," Amora returned. "Some are born gifted."

"Not that gifted. That's a very dangerous use of magic. If your concentration falters for an instant, you could end up in the Void. The Grand Vizier refuses to use the paths for anything but the direst emergency for just that reason. I do find it interesting, though, that you don't deny that you've used them." Her voice hardened. "That was a mistake, you twit; I was fishing." Loki bit his tongue in an effort to remain expressionless as Amora's cheeks flushed.

The self-styled Enchantress snarled as she began stepping back, trying to keep space between herself and his lady. That wouldn't help her; nor would the power she was conjuring. His eyes narrowed as a tell-tale blue haze formed around her hands instead of the normal sorcerous green. She was carrying some sort of tesseract-fueled artifact. No wonder he couldn't track the damn thing down! It was being hidden in sorcerous storage between realms; the area Tony had called 'hammerspace', before it was moved. There were few with the power to do such a thing, all of them citizens of Asgard – he'd never suspected any of them of this level of betrayal. "Kara, she's using an artifact," he warned.

"Let her." His lady's voice was dripping with venom and he couldn't be more proud. As Amora loosed her sorcery, Kara crossed her arms in front of her exposed face. The spell dissipated harmlessly as it connected with the rune encrusted armor. Amora gasped and then began gathering another working, her concentration faltering with her frustration. "It's my turn," Kara informed her. "The last time you tasted this, I was trying to keep the intensity down. Let's see how you do with it full force…particularly now that I'm fully Æsir." The kaleidoscope eyes sparkled as Kara's power built and he could see the ripple of energy form around her gauntleted hands. "Do you have any idea how terrified I was when Loki was taken from our engagement ball by the Chitauri? No? Well now you'll know."

The blue tinted energy that was forming around Amora's hands sputtered out as the traitorous shrew began to scream. She fell to her knees, shrieking incoherently at first then words became discernible. "StopStopStopMakeItStop!" she pled as she fell over and burrowed against the floor. He couldn't hide his smirk at the sight. "I beg you! Make it stop!"

"Who gave you the artifact?" asked Kara, her voice implacable.

"Malekith! Please; please make it stop," Amora sobbed.

"Where have you been meeting him?"

The sorceress was taking deep gasping breaths; her face was pale with an odd purple tint to it. "She's not getting any oxygen," Lady Eir warned.

Kara nodded and dropped her hands. Amora collapsed and her eyes rolled up in her head. "Well, damn. She passed out."

His father sighed heavily. "Loki, retrieve that artifact. Guards, once he's removed it, secure the traitor in the dungeons, eyes on her at all times. We'll continue this later."

… …

Never let it be said that Asgard didn't know how to party. Clint grinned as yet more pitchers of the highly potent mead and ale were carried into the banquet hall. Decimated platters of food covered the tables and Æsir, both gods and not, crowded the room, talking and laughing boisterously. Most of the human guests looked kind of stunned. Since this was his third big celebration, Asgard-style, he was used to it. "Kinda loud for you?" he asked Logan who had just escaped the clutches of yet another group of young Æsir women intent on getting it on with him.

"They're nuts; every last damn one of 'em." Logan was staring disgustedly at the heavy chain with a medallion that hung from his neck. Everyone who had directly caused the Titan damage had been called up in court and recognized with one of the medallions as a testament to their fighting ability. A surprising, to the people of Asgard, number of mortals had been honored. Logan, Bruce, Tony, Rhodey, and Cap had all made the big bastard bleed. "It wasn't a big deal."

"Heroes are their thing, I guess." The real showstopper had been when the crew that had actually taken Thanos apart had been called up. Loki had chosen to be honored for this feat in his Jötun form and had stood confidently next to his half-brother and Gymir. Clint was pretty sure that having Kara standing on his other side, clasping his blue hand, had contributed to that confidence. Odin had looked tense at first, but the cheers for them that had resounded through the hall had brought out a full-out grin; not something he was used to seeing on the old man's face.

Another bunch of women had sidled up to Logan. "How come they're leaving you alone?" he asked.

Clint had to snicker. "They know I belong to the Black Widow and she'd be, uh, unhappy with them if they targeted me. You, bud, are single and fair game. Have fun." He strolled off, still chuckling at the Wolverine's predicament.

"Hawkeye," Volstagg said as he bulled his way through a crowd. "Come with me, the All-Father craves a word with you."

With him? Geez. "Okay." He followed the bulky warrior out of the crush and through a door set back in an alcove. Entering, he saw not only Odin, but the members of his council along with Nyvorlas, his older brother who'd been introduced earlier as Crown Prince Edansyr, Kings Frey and Helblindi and that old dwarf from Dökkálfheim seated around a table. What the fuck. "Uh, you sent for me, your majesty?" he asked Odin.

"Yes, Clint Barton; be seated." He slid into the chair indicated at the far end of the table. "Clint Barton, called Hawkeye," the All-Father continued. "We sit in consideration of an amendment to Loki's sentence and seek your witness on the events of the past months."

"Okay, why my opinion?"

"You, specifically, are one of the mortals grievously wronged by my son."

Oh, that didn't sound good. What way were they planning to amend the damn sentence? "Yeah, but that wasn't his fault."

"Still, you have good reason to see him in a negative light. Tell us honestly, what is your opinion of Loki?"

"Geez, you're kidding, right? I mean, I asked him to be my kid's godfather." The group stared at him, clearly having no idea whatsoever what that meant. He sighed. "A godparent is someone who agrees to take responsibility for the raising of a child if that child's birth parents are unable to do it. You pick someone you trust to give your kid the type of upbringing and morals that you'd want to give him or her. Loki may be an ass sometimes, that sense of humor of his is pretty out there, but he's chock full of honor. Don't you think he's proved that?"

"Do you feel his sentence is too lenient?"

"You shitting me? Not just no, but hell no. That sentence is going to get him killed one day. But I guess that doesn't bother you. If it weren't for the fact that his death would take Kara with him I think you'd be reconsidering it real fast or you'd have her on the rampage when it happened."

"I assure you, Hawkeye," King Frey asserted. "It troubles us greatly; tis why we meet."

"Thank you for your testimony," Odin told him. Would you ask Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes to speak with us and alert Director Fury and Doctor Nassar that their testimony is sought as well?"

"Uh, yeah. Sure." He frowned. "If you guys don't mind, could you talk to Fury and Nassar together?"

"Why is that?" Odin asked.

"Nick Fury is kind of a prick, and Raj Nassar, even though he's part of Nick's organization is a lot more human about it. Nick wants results. He blackmailed Kara into joining S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers when she didn't want to and convinced her to test the equipment that nearly killed her. He was also willing to pimp her out to keep Loki occupied. That rankles and I don't trust him."

"That last about occupying Loki doesn't translate," Frey muttered.

"That means Nick treated Kara like a whore he could give to someone." Clint smirked at the shocked looks. "Yeah. So, I think you need to have both of them in here at once, just to keep them both honest."

"We will do so. Thank you for your frankness."

He nodded and headed out to find Rhodey. The crush of the main hall was more oppressive after the quiet of the anteroom. "Hey, colonel," he called out. Rhodey looked up from his conversation with a few of the younger Æsir who were all eager for firsthand accounts of the battles on both sides of the wormhole.

"What's up, Hawk?"

"You're needed, come on." Rhodey excused himself and followed Clint to the alcove. "They're looking to amend Loki's sentence and they want to know how some of us feel about him and it. Please tell me you're not going to make trouble for him."

"What? Oh, come on. The man put my safety first. Why would I talk him down?"

"Okay, sorry. It's that uniform thing, kind of bugs me."

"Hey, just because…oh, never mind. I'm Tony's friend for a reason you know."

"Yeah, I guess you are. Go get 'em, tiger." He smirked as Rhodey rolled his eyes and then gave him a crisp salute. Once the door closed behind him, he took off to look for Fury and Nassar.

… …

"That didn't take long," Kara said as her husband and Tony reentered the hall.

"It takes but a moment to travel the branches, and stopping by the Tower for his underwater armor took only a few more." Loki informed her. "The bulk of the time was spent waiting for Tony to get the pendant to the bottom of the ocean."

"Hey, I had to put it in a spot we could monitor and check up on regularly. Then I had to dig a hole for the box without damaging the cables."

"What cables? Where did you put it?" she asked her honorary brother.

"I've got it in the Atlantic, at the spot where I've got my equipment for connecting the big arc reactor to the main power cables. Jarvis is keeping an eye on that area anyway."

"If it's that deep, it matters not how close it might be to the various egresses," Loki agreed.

"Good. One more potential disaster averted." She looked around the hall. "Um, speaking of disasters, I haven't seen your father, Frey or several others of the bigwigs for at least an hour. Is there something up?"

Loki frowned. "Not that I was made aware. Perhaps Thor…?"

"No, he hadn't even noticed. He just went looking for them. Frigga has been avoiding both of us. Every time we try to talk to her, she flits off somewhere."

"That does not bode well."

"Why don't we spilt up and try to intercept her?" Tony suggested. "I could get Pepper on it, she's relentless."

"And my mother would never suspect her; excellent suggestion." They watched as Tony gave them a conspiratorial grin melted into the crowd in search of his fiancé. "Who else is missing?" Loki asked her.

"Helblindi, Nyvorlas, Haakun, Volstagg, Councilor Eltargrim, and some others whose names I don't know." Damn, he looked worried. "Loki? What do you think's up?"

"For all they're publicly calling me a hero, I may be in more trouble somehow. I honestly do not know and it worries me."

"Oh, come on. Odin let you take off in possession of an artifact. Do you really think he'd do that if you were in trouble?"

"I do not know him, Kara. I never really have."

"I'm sure it's okay. He was worried when you collapsed and when he found out you'd been taken he got his backside to Earth immediately."

"That's…ah, perhaps I worry for no reason." She smiled and wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tight. "Are you worried?" he asked.

"Mildly. More annoyed, I guess. He really should have been up front with us."

"He does what he wants; he always has."

"Humph. Do you two at all understand how much alike you are? If anything anywhere proves the nature versus nurture theory in favor of nurture, it's you two." Loki favored her with a perplexed look. "Never mind, it's another Midgard thing."

"I…oh, here they come. I suppose we shall find out just what the All-Father…my father," he corrected when she poked him, "is up to."

… …

The gathering had been advised to return to the Throne Hall. Loki tried to quell his nervousness, but was finding it exceedingly difficult. Barton and Rhodey had stopped by to 'wish him luck'. That hadn't helped, not in the least. Odin and his First Councilor Haakun were joined on the dais by Frey, Helblindi, Edansyr and Eltargrim. All of the allied realms save Niflheim were represented. That was also not reassuring. Kara was holding his hand tightly, her expression was composed, but golden flames were beginning to flicker in her eyes. "Kara, calm down, at least until we've learned what this is about," he urged.

She flushed. "Sorry. Your dad just doesn't have a good track record."

"He's tried for us, Kara. I…" he shook his head and clenched his jaw. This was not the time to overreact.

Haakun stepped to the edge of the dais. "The All-Father calls forth Loki Odinson and Kara Gunnarssen, known as Hellbringer." Kara squeezed his hand and then released it. They strode forward and hit their knees in unison at the foot of the dais. Glancing down he could see that her eyes had returned to normal and he let out a slight sigh of relief.

Haakun stepped back as Odin stepped forward. "We have learned much during the first few months that Loki has begun to serve his sentence. First, we have learned that Loki truly has changed. He puts the well-being of those in his charge first, whether he has a personal relationship with them or not, whether they are of Asgard or not. He stands up to the enemies of all the Nine Realms, not just those of Asgard, and gives them no quarter should they refuse to surrender. He has earned the respect and trust of those who have dealt closely with him; and also in many cases their friendship. But there is one thing that we have learned that is not positive."

"Oh shit," Kara whispered.

"We have learned that one of the terms of Loki's sentence endangers not only him but the Realm he is charged to protect." Loki looked up at his father, his jaw dropping involuntarily. Odin's eye was twinkling and the corners of his mouth were slightly lifted. "We will therefore alter the terms of that sentence. I have allowed Loki to keep access to his magic since the battle of Central Park as releasing and binding his power each time it was needed in the weeks that followed would have caused an unnecessary drain on both him and Kara. Even provoked earlier this day by an attack on his lady, Loki has not used that power for anything unreasonable or for anything of other than good intent. It is the judgment of my Council and of the representatives of the Allied Realms that Loki should be permitted to keep access to his power until and if he should abuse the privilege by employing sorcery for his own gain or to harm those who do not threaten the Realms or any innocent individual."

The room exploded into noise. He was almost too stunned to listen, but finally it registered that while some small portion of the sounds expressed outrage, the vast majority were cheers and shouts of approval. "Oh, wow," Kara breathed. "Do you hear that?"

"This will, however, put a greater burden on Lord Heimdall, Princess Kara and the Avengers. So I ask all of you; are you willing to be responsible to make the determination as to whether the restriction is being followed?"

Loki looked over to where the Avengers were standing, talking quickly. Steve Rogers finally nodded and stepped forward. "Your majesty," he began. "Speaking for the Avengers, I agree that we will take on this responsibility. We will also ensure that new team members, as the years go on, are made aware of this responsibility and how to report violations, should there be any. But honestly, sir, we really don't expect that there will be."

Heimdall had marched up the aisle while Rogers was speaking. "I, too, accept this responsibility, All-Father. As I am already monitoring Prince Loki to ensure his safety and well-being as he serves his sentence, this is no burden. I also express my confidence that no violation shall occur."

"Kara? How say you?" Odin asked.

His dear lady looked every bit as stunned as he felt. "Um, does using it for convenience, like getting me out of really difficult to fasten and unfasten Asgardian garb count as a violation?"

Odin literally snorted and then laughed aloud. Several of the other monarchs and a few council members looked equally amused. "No, daughter, it does not."

"Then I agree. I might tend to be biased, though, so if the Avengers and Heimdall think I'm wrong about something being appropriate, I'd appreciate it if they'd let me know. I don't want to shirk my duty."

"Then it is settled. Let the record show that the terms of the sentence are so amended. You are all dismissed and urged to return to the celebration." Odin started down the stairs toward them as the hall erupted in pandemonium yet again.

Loki had barely made it to his feet when his mother reached them and threw her arms around him. "Son, I am so happy for you," she enthused then gave Kara a chagrined look. "I am so sorry, Kara. I knew what they were discussing but did not want to get your hopes up in case it was not approved."

"It's okay. I'm just glad it wasn't anything bad."

"Loki." Odin stopped in front of them and laid a hand on his shoulder. "I have been so proud of the way you handled yourself ever since you returned from Midgard after meeting your lady. Your friends and the other representatives from Midgard all had positive reports of your actions. Though I must ask, my son; why is Director Fury under the impression that Asgard owes him a new desk?"

"It is a story for later, father. But one I think you will enjoy."

"LOKI!" He braced himself as Thor hurried up to him and lifted him from his feet. "Such joyous news!"

He sighed. "Yes, Thor, it is. Put me down." His brother chuckled and settled him on his feet.

"I am also pleased," Helblindi said as he too approached. "I shall not need to have so much concern over your safety."

"My prince," Heimdall greeted. Loki turned and accepted the arm clasp that the Gatekeeper offered. "Congratulations."

"Thank you. I will strive to prove worthy of your trust."

"You already..." he broke off mid-sentence and spun, his golden eyes suddenly focused elsewhere. "My liege! There are intruders in the dungeons!"

"Guards!" Odin bellowed. The guard company stationed at the edges of the hall hurried to obey.

"It is no use, All-Father," Heimdall said as he turned back. "They are gone and have taken Amora with them."

"How? Malekith is barred from Asgard."

"Easily, father. If he has another artifact he could send someone not specifically barred."

"Can you track them, Loki?"

"How? If they'd used the branches of Yggdrasill, probably, but there has been no disturbance there."

"Damnation. We shall have to work on a way to bar access with an artifact. Meanwhile, we have lost our prisoner."

"We have lost two, my liege," Heimdall told them. "Tolthe is dead. It appears he was released from his cell by the intruders and then killed by them."

Kara muttered something inaudible behind him. "What, love?"

She blushed. "Just as well. I wasn't looking forward to seeing his original sentence carried out. I was kind of in a rage when I demanded it."

Odin chuckled. "I was wondering if you'd have second thoughts. Go, all of you. Enjoy the rest of the evening. There is naught we can do about this tonight."

… …

Author's Notes: This was originally going to be the final chapter but there were too many storylines to wrap up. So…BONUS! There's one more chapter and it should be up by this weekend at the latest.