Chapter 18: Get to Work

When the rain began pouring it hardly bothered Winter. He could've stayed out there all night keeping his gaze fully planted on the facility Thor had entered. He was used to harsh conditions; his body was merely a vessel for Hydra's wishes.

But he was forced to reconsider his position as the woman beside him began shivering. This weather was nothing to him; but Darcy wasn't accustomed to such conditions. Something in his chest shifted at the sight of the small woman waterlogged and shaking, yet still determined to stick it out.

Changing his course of action, Winter shoved the binoculars back into his coat while standing. Before Darcy could turn around and ask what he was doing, two hands came under her arms and she was lifted up. Startled, her hands flung out in front of her, batting at the air. She couldn't help but feel like a toddler as James carried her back to the truck.

It wasn't until he had successfully bundled her back into the passenger seat that Darcy could even begin to process what happened, "Uh, dude?" She turned around to see him back in his own seat, "What was that about?"

"You were cold, you'll get sick if you stay outside."

Darcy couldn't help but be a little touched by that. Sure, she totally could have walked herself, but it wasn't every day a ruggedly handsome man effortlessly picked you up and carried you out of the rain, so she would take what she could get. "Well, my sinuses and I thank you, good sir."

Blinking, Winter tried to remember the last time anyone had ever thanked him, but he came up short. Any memory of those words was long gone.

"Do you think he's okay?"

Darcy's soft voice brought him back to the present. Peering up at the thunderous sky above, Winter couldn't help his small scoff, "Somehow I think he's doing just fine."

"Well silence is boring and just gives me more time to worry, so," Darcy straightened up in the seat, "let's play a game."

A bucket of ice cold water was thrown onto him as he was hauled up and slammed into that god awful chair. Winter wanted to fight, he wanted to lunge forward and feel their spines snap under his fingers.

But he couldn't. The consequences far outweighed the brief relief he'd feel taking them down.

So he remained stiff as they locked his arms into place, keeping silent as a man they called Rumlow leaned down so they were face to face.

"Let's play a game," a cruel smirk crawled across his face, "how much more can you take before there's nothing left up in that head of yours?" He placed his hand on the button and smirked, "Let's find out."

Winter bared his teeth in a snarl before every nerve suddenly sparked with pain and all that was left was Rumlow's laughter echoing in his ears.

"Twenty questions has always been a fun one." Darcy's ramblings brought him back to the present, the unpleasant memory taking a backseat. Winter had no idea what the girl was talking about, but he wagered that her idea of a game didn't involve pain and suffering. She looked far too soft for that.

At his continued silence Darcy turned to face James, a slight pout settling upon her lips as she spotted the ever-present scowl across his face. She wondered what he was constantly thinking about to have put such a sour look on his face.

"When's the last time you smiled?" She meant it in jest, but the surprised confusion that flashed across his features threw her off and she watched as his brows furrowed in concentration at the simple question.

Winter tried to recall such an event, a time when the corners of his lips tilted up instead of down. But his mind was faulty at best and trying to navigate it always ended up doing more harm than good. But things were different now, weren't they?

A little spider dancing her heart away in a red room.

He was breaking the rules for the first time; making his own decisions when he chose to follow Thor and Darcy. He'd been rewarded with information on the mysterious words on his wrist, and the promise of more clarity to come. He was finally on the right path to his soulmate.

No doubt she would be able to help the pain fade. Maybe if he was lucky, he'd even learn to smile once more.

A scrawny boy with a split lip and bad lungs.

So he brought his eyes up to meet hers and gave her the only answer he knew.

"I don't know."

And in that moment, Darcy knew what it felt like to have your heart break for someone.

As soon as the siblings had righted themselves from their out of body trip, Odin's advisors had barely granted them a moment before sweeping Loki away with Frigga, they had quite a bit of planning to do getting the civilians to the stronghold hidden within the mountains. Elysia had sent a reassuring nod to their mother and had no doubt that Loki would relate their visit with Thor to her in great detail later.

Filled with a new sense of determination to make Asgard safe for her brother once again, Elysia strode to the training grounds where Alvilda and Sif had gathered their warriors. It was a bit surreal to see them all stand at attention upon noticing her presence; she had never played the role of commander before.

She had never been the speech type, that was reserved for Odin and Thor. Loki and her had always been more than content to keep the spotlight away off of them. But Odin was lying useless in sleep, Thor was banished, and Loki had more time pressing matters to attend to. She was the only family member left to take up the task.

Straightening her shoulders, Elysia addressed the crowd. "I understand many of you fought in the Great War against the Frost Giants, and I am truly sorry to ask you to take up arms against them once more." Swallowing harshly, the image of her Papa's body flashed in her head, "I know that victory came at a great cost."

Her parentage was no secret to the citizens of Asgard, and there were a great deal of men and women standing before her who had the honor of fighting beside Gunnar. They knew exactly what she had lost as well.

"For one reason or another you have all chosen to be defenders of Asgard, and for that I thank you. But I want to make a couple things clear," her hands clenched at her side as she recalled the snarl on the Frost Giant King's face. "The only reason Laufey had the advantage in the Great War was because we were in his realm. But this time if he wants a war, he'll have to come to us. Asgard is our home and we know it best. Laufey and his kin have no power here."

Elysia could feel the energy around her change; feel the confidence start the leak into their bones the more she spoke. It helped to give her the courage to continue.

"I say we show the Frost Giants exactly why all the others call us Gods. We have been blessed by the universe itself and it's high time we reminded them of that." She was so focused on the warriors before her that she missed the looks of pride Sif and Alvilda sent her way. "They have existed because we have allowed them to. Laufey believes he can march into our sacred lands and cut us down. Let him try and let him fail."

Over the course of her speech, her voice had steadied and the training field was silent as they all hung onto the words of their Princess. "I promise you now, Laufey will not leave here alive." It was a promise she knew to be true in her heart. No matter what ended up happening to her, she would take Laufey down with her.

Never again would he be allowed to cast a shadow over her people.

"Please," she implored them, "fight by my side and help me show our enemies why Asgard still stands despite every attack against it. Let us avenge those in Valhalla and make our ancestors proud. So, who among you will stand beside me?"

The warriors before her suddenly placed their fists over their hearts and in one united voice began chanting, "For Asgard!" Letting out a relieved laugh, Elysia raised her own fist and beat it against her chest, letting the bright sun above them warm their skin and fill their spirits with resolve.

These were her people; her blood, the very beating of her heart. She'd do whatever it took. Every moral she held would be cast aside, she'd be ruthless and unforgiving. She held a power in her fingertips her enemies didn't understand, and she would use it to burn them from the inside out.

Laufey never stood a chance.

"I don't like this."

Elysia rolled her eyes, "So you've said, for the tenth time now brother." She watched as Loki paced in front of her and Frigga. "It's not like I'll be in any real danger though. He won't be able to physically lay a hand on me."

It was time to ring the warning bells; war was on the horizon.

In three days Heimdall would open the Bifrost, allowing the Frost Giants into their land, in order to settle this age old feud once and for all.

Frigga and many of the advisors would be leading the trek to their stronghold; hidden within their deep forests and mountains. Every warrior was currently in the city square saying their goodbyes to family members. Every civilian was to be evacuated, whether they lived in the main part of the city or the outskirts.

The Frost Giants would have no access to their innocent and unarmed.

However, this left the job of who was going to inform Laufey that he had three days to prepare. Elysia had volunteered and Loki was seconds from pulling his hair out.

"He may not be able to lay hands on you, but the idea that you'll be face to face with him-"

"It's only an illusion Loki!"

"I don't like it."

Elysia sighed, beyond exasperated with her older brother. It would be simple; their mother would project her image, much like the siblings had done when visiting Thor on Midgard, and she would appear before Laufey and give their warning.

Quick and efficient.

However, Loki remembered the wild look in the Frost Giant King's eyes as he tried tearing apart the barrier to reach his sister before Odin had appeared. There was madness in those eyes, and it sent a sharp jolt of fear through him to know that they were aimed at his little sister.

"I'll only be gone for a moment, and you know as well as I do that this has to be done," she softly chided him. Ignoring the sulking glare he sent her way, Elysia turned and nodded at their mother.

It was time.

Closing her eyes, Frigga's green magic leaked from her fingertips and surrounded Elysia whole, and the young girl watched as the throne room turned into the dark and frigid place they had escaped from days ago.

Sitting mere feet away, was Laufey, slouched in his chambers sporting a solemn gaze. A look which was quickly replaced with fury upon seeing the Asgardian Princess.

Without a second thought Laufey lunged forward, hands curled into talons, as he reached out to grasp ahold of her throat. Elysia didn't so much as flinch, knowing that he wouldn't be able to touch this non corporeal form of hers.

Laufey's rage only grew as his hands went through the projection, and he snarled as he backed to face her once more. "Coward," he spat, "come and face me like a warrior."

She couldn't have contained her scoff if she tried. How dare this creature, who had committed heinous offenses during his reign, call her the coward. "Such bold words from a armr bikkja," she retorted. She could have simply ignored his words and relayed the message before leaving. But she couldn't help it.

Not only had this Frost Giant destroyed her family, but he had also left an innocent baby to die in the harsh conditions of Jotunheim.

She was so grateful that Loki was her kin, but the simple thought that Laufey had at one point sought to snuff out his life was unforgivable.

It was the least of his offenses to the nine realms, but those two things meant everything to Elysia. It was why she refused to back down, why she even entertained the conversation. She wanted Laufey to know exactly why she would end his life.

Sharp teeth bared; the once mighty King looked crazed, "I'm going to tear you apart and revel in your screams as you choke on your own blood."

He received a single brow raised in response, "How ambitious. A highly unlikely scenario, but I suppose it is good to set goals."

"Joke while you can Asgardian," he sneered, "your days are numbered."

Had he been more merciful throughout the course of his life, perhaps Elysia would have felt some semblance of remorse for the way things were turning out.

But alas, he had happily bathed in the blood of countless people for centuries.

He deserved everything he had coming.

He ordered the deaths of unarmed men and women, slaughtered children without a second thought. He had broken the cardinal rule of war; do not harm innocents.

Reminding herself of those past deeds helped to steel her resolve. "In three days Heimdall will open the Bifrost to you and yours," she slowly began circling his large form. "This will be your only chance, so I suggest you plan accordingly." She watched him tense as she stepped out of his eye line, "Now, let's not pretend we don't know what the stakes are."

She rounded back to face him once more, "Should you win, control over the realms is yours. However, should you lose, the Casket of Ancient Winters will be destroyed and out of your reach for all eternity."

If it were possible, Laufey's eyes would have narrowed further. "Destroy the Casket and you leave us defenseless to any enemy that decides to attack us."

"Well perhaps you should have thought about that before you tried to enslave multiple realms. You make quite a few enemies that way." She cocked her head to the left, "And we have no obligation to defend your people from the consequences of your own actions."

It was laughable that Laufey would even consider Asgard being concerned with the defense of Jotunheim when they had been at odds with one another since the very beginning.

Their history was built upon nothing but animosity and a mountain of corpses.

Knowing he could not physically touch the girl had him resisting the urge to throttle her. The Casket belonged to his people; it was a sacred relic of his ancestors that Odin had spirited away. Losing the Casket had been a devastating blow, one that set his teeth on edge even now.

Refusing to let her see how rattled the events over the past few days had made him, Laufey held his head high, "We do not seek the assistance of those below us."

The Frost Giants were an extremely proud race, not unlike Asgardians themselves, but they had no Aesir to fall back upon in times of distress.

"It matters not," Laufey waved his hand outward, "the outcome of this battle rests in my favor." He closed his eyes for a moment as a vision of his soulmate's cold and empty gaze swept through him.

He had not given himself time to properly grieve his loss. How could he? In the eyes of his people there was nothing for him to mourn. His wife and children had been unharmed during the previous scuffle, and he was of no direct relation to the fallen warriors.

Despite outside appearances, he had lost the thing he cherished most; the one the universe had tied him to. To not even be allowed to give him a proper soulmate burial was yet another strike to his heart.

To add insult to injury, the girl had known exactly what she had taken from him, had mocked his tremendous loss.

That he could never forgive.

His eyes blazed with anguished determination when they opened, "For the sin you committed against me, you will pay tenfold."

Elysia straightened even further, squared her shoulders, and let a cold calm wash over her. In the same way she could tell his soulmate haunted him, she felt haunted by her Papa. A brave and wonderful and kind man who she would never know.

"My sin was retribution for yours." Her words were laced with a quiet fury that matched his, "The blood on your hands demanded justice, and I was the vessel in which it arrived. In three days from now, you will finally be forced to answer for every crime tied to your name."

Elysia took a step back, "I suggest you make peace now; decrease the regrets you will have to confront." She concentrated on her mother's magic signature, "Or don't. After all, you'll have plenty of time to work through them in Hel."

And with that she allowed herself to fall into Frigga's familiar embrace as the image of Laufey disappeared.

The car ride back to town was far more somber than their previous drive. Thor had been reasonably upset and neither Darcy nor Winter knew how to console him. The silence hadn't been uncomfortable, all three had been thinking of solutions to their current hindrance.

It had been Darcy who suggested visiting the local library. If working with Jane and Erik had taught her anything, it was that there was never such a thing as too much research one could do. And what better way was there to find a solution than checking to see if the legends held anything.

No doubt the section on Norse Mythology would be sparse, but it would be better than nothing.

The sun had barely peeked in front of the clouds by the time they parked in front of the library. It had been a long night, mostly spent driving and causing mayhem, and adrenaline was the only thing keeping Darcy's eyes open.

As a warrior, Thor had practice staying up for days at a time and Winter was no different. Darcy was a little jealous that the boys didn't seem to be suffering the same dark circles she was currently sporting.

The older woman behind the desk didn't know what to think when asked to direct the three to anything they had on the Vikings and their beliefs. But one look at the brooding brunet and she thought it best to keep her questions to herself.

Once they had all the books situated at the table they claimed, about seven in total, they were divvied out amongst them.

"Your brother gave birth to a horse?"

Winter's head shot up at Darcy's incredulous tone. Her face was locked in curious disbelief, book cracked open halfway, and he couldn't help but mirror the expression. He knew Thor was different, and that his people must be as well, but this was a little too far for him to comprehend.

Thor smiled sheepishly, "It is possible that Loki and I ended up going too far with that joke." His brother was the God of Mischief, and both boys had been young at the time, they didn't know the Midgardians were as gullible as they were. And they certainly never expected to have it recorded in their history.

While Darcy had a thousand questions, part of her wagered she might regret hearing the answers. Winter was simply content to know that while the world was strange, it hadn't gotten that strange.

Putting down his own book, he changed the subject, "You said you had two siblings, but so far all the information I'm finding is of Loki." He watched as Thor gave him his complete attention, "It only says there was an implication of a sister, but they didn't even give a name."

Winter watched as a fond look spread across Thor's features, "Elysia, her name is Elysia." He couldn't help but be jealous of Thor in that moment; what he wouldn't give to care about someone in that manner. Yes, he had his soulmate, but she seemed so far from his reach, and he wanted her now.

Thor was oblivious to James' internal struggle, his mind focused on his youngest sibling. Of course she wouldn't be amongst their history; she'd never been to Midgard.

"Elysia refused to visit Midgard whenever we visited. She made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with your realm." Thor could still remember her words as though it were yesterday, "She never did agree with the wars you've waged against one another. To be fair, the older I got, the more I understood her point."

The books had been abandoned as Thor went on to explain. "You must understand that to us, the idea of being divided over something as trivial as skin color or ideals, is a foreign concept. Who do you have in this universe if not your own kind? Asgardians, we are one. There is no such thing as an insignificant being, not a single soul I would not lay down my life for. My strength is my people; without each other we are nothing." The pain of being exiled struck him once more, "Standing against one another has never crossed our minds."

Thor was laying down some heavy shit, and the more Darcy listened the more she could see why he thought himself better than them. How ugly the Earth must look to him. It seemed he had every right to look down upon them. Although she herself was human, even Darcy hated the way people could treat each other.

The faint buzz under the skin of Winter's right wrist was ignored as he was immersed in Thor's speech.

"But even if you didn't fight amongst yourselves, I still believe Elysia would keep her distance," he sighed. "There is a certain tragedy that revolves around your lifespans. To us you are born and gone before an Asgardian child even enters their primary lessons. You are a flickering flame that can be snuffed out with a mere exhale."

Thor ran a hand through his hair as he tried to explain without sounding condescending, "Elysia cares so much that it cripples her at times. And she experienced loss from such a young age that the idea of becoming attached to a people so fragile, so fleeting and close to death, would scare her." He caught their eyes, "To be loved by my sister is to be consumed; you either have all of her or none of her."

It was the most somber Winter and Darcy had ever seen the blond man. There was something so final about his words that kept them silent. What did you say after hearing something like that? What could you say? To know that you were so small, a speck of dust, in the eyes of the universe was a humbling thought.

Thor shoved the bittersweet feelings aside, and brightened, "But I have a feeling she'd like the two of you. And no doubt once this is all over, both my siblings will want to thank you for helping me."

In his heart Thor knew the two Midgardians in front of him would be celebrated in some way by the citizens of Asgard for giving shelter to their Prince. A favor never went unnoticed or unappreciated in their culture.

If you helped an Asgardian, then Asgard would help you.

If you protected an Asgardian, then Asgard would protect you.

And if you died for an Asgardian, then Asgard would honor you and provide you with a proper sendoff to Valhalla.

Asgard repaid every favor, no matter how big or how small.

So James and Darcy would always be welcome amongst Asgard for their actions.

The shrill sound of a cellphone startled them all and Darcy frantically searched her pockets for the device. Thor and Winter watched as she fumbled with the dark purple phone, brushed a few stray hairs out of her face, and answered without checking the number, "Dunder Mifflin, this is Pam."

Tilting their heads in confusion, because why did Darcy introduce herself with another name, the boys watched as her dark eyebrows furrowed deeply the longer she listened to the faint constant rambling coming from the other end.

"Wait, what? Hell no they're not allowed to do that!"

In the end, Elysia had stuck to the basics of their conversation when retelling it to her mother and brother. There was no need to get them worked up over something that they could not change. She was also not in the mood for a lecture from both parties about antagonizing the enemy.

Her summary had been enough to sate them, and they all went their separate ways to complete their list of duties that needed to be completed before that third day.

However, Elysia's duties contained a slight detour.

Upon entering her chambers, she made her way to her desk and sat, pulling a wooden box towards her. The box was a deep burgundy with the image of an Ivlon tree, the expanding branches painted white. It had been her Mama's favorite tree, and her grandfather had hand carved it for her and presented it as a name day gift.

Frigga had kept the old memento safe until Elysia was old enough to care for it herself. Inside the box was a small seed that Elysia had gathered the other day while out in the gardens with Sif.

She picked it up and twirled it around slowly, smiling as she took in the pearl white seed. All these years and she was still amazed that something so small could birth something so grand. While she did have a unique fondness for the plant, the seed between her fingers had a far melancholier purpose.

The most important lesson she had learned from her parents' story was that time wasn't promised to any of them. In the blink of an eye, all those meticulously laid plans could be washed away.

Gunnar and Asta hadn't said a final goodbye in hopes that it wouldn't be needed.

Elysia would not make the same mistake.

Pushing past the slight burn of tears, she leaned forward and took a deep breath. Closing her eyes, Elysia focused on centering herself, reaching deep into her physical being and pushing beyond to graze the outskirts of the culmination of everything she was.

It was a trick she had learned a few decades ago, to help her become more connected to her inner being and the changes the infinity stone had made.

It greeted her warmly and fluttered across her skin as though it were a mere butterfly wing. Reaching out, she let it dance around her, and beckoned it to follow.

Opening her eyes, she gently blew on the seed and watched as it was coated in simmering gold, swirling its way around the pearl white to create a new pattern.

The Ivlon seed, known for its unique appearance, had never been more beautiful.

But that beauty came at a cost, one she was loathe to pay.

She forced herself to put the seed down, back atop a stack of paper she had placed there as well. Within each one held a letter.

There were three in total; one for Thor, one for Loki, and the last was written for her soulmate. She had begun writing them the night Odin fell into his overdramatic sleep and had finished them this morning before meeting Loki for breakfast.

Throughout their lives, the siblings had been very clear in their affections for one another. There were no words left unsaid between them, but it never hurt to write them down and immortalize them.

They also held instructions. For the past few centuries Elysia had been exposing her brothers to small bits of each other's energy signatures. It would do them no harm, but it would ensure that should they ever come across her mate, or if her or Thor came across Loki's mate, they would know.

Her soulmate's life was attached to hers, their souls quite literally intertwined. Ensuring that their bodies knew the feel of her soul ensured they would recognize her mate's upon contact. At first it had been a mere precaution; Thor had explored other realms before and if he was to run across him then she wanted to know.

Had the boys come across him, they would not understand the feeling of overwhelming familial ties they would feel. It would be something she would need to explain to them, but no doubt they would come ask about the strange phenomenon and then she would have a solid location to begin searching.

Elysia had meant to tell them when the time arose, but things had taken a darker turn, and she feared she may never be able to explain.

So she left them instructions; explained to them the emotions they would feel that would identify the man Elysia had been waiting on for almost a century. She also asked them for a favor, should she not survive this battle and they happened to come across him sometime in their lives.

She would not have her soulmate wonder what happened to her and why she never found him. She wanted him to know how loved he was by her, wanted him to know how he was revered in her eyes.

As hard as those two letters were to write, that third letter, oh how that letter left her in pieces.

It was the one she struggled with the most, the one she could barely find the words for. Her tears had stained the desk continuously while she tried to compose it.

She prayed there would never be a need for it, but life was unpredictable, and this was a matter that Elysia had to address, even if it ripped her heart out to envision it.

Gently, she closed the box and ran a finger along the painted branches. With a heavy sigh, Elysia stood and made her way to the bed, blowing out the candle and sliding under the furs. The stars outside dimly illuminated the room, moonlight sweeping across the floor.

Knowing her dreams would offer no comfort tonight, Elysia closed her eyes and tried not to imagine her mate reading the sealed letter.

Minn Hjarta,

If you are reading this, that means my brothers must have found you. I have no words, no confessions, that could make up for the fact that I am gone from you before even having the chance to meet you. Having to write these words, prepare for this possibility, is tearing me in two.

I have waited centuries for your words to bless my wrist and I have never treasured anything more. However, it seems that time was not in our favor. I apologize for that. However, I could never face you knowing I didn't give my all to protect the ones I love.

I have not always been the best person, but I have to believe that dying for the right cause, for the right people, is the most honorable thing I could ever do. And perhaps that will be what makes me worthy of you.

There are many things I wish to say to you, many things I would have loved to show you, but it seems that destiny has other plans for us. As hard as I try, I don't think I am quite strong enough to fight the forces beyond us.

So in my place, I ask that you allow Thor and Loki to show you the things I cannot. I beg of you; please, visit Asgard.

See the lands which raised me; let the warmth of my people embrace you in my stead and allow my language fall off your tongue as though it was meant to be there all along. My home shall always be yours for as long as you want it.

And although these words will never be spoken aloud, know that I write them with the same dedication and reverence that resided in my father's voice in his final moments with my mother.

Ek ann þér.

It is not much, but I have left behind a gift. Had I more time I would have properly courted you before claiming you as mine, as is our tradition. But since I am unable to do that, I have had to improvise.

In my chambers there will be a small handheld chest marked with an engraving of an Ivlon tree. There you will find a seed for the very same tree. It was my mother's favorite and in the royal garden there are two side by side, planted in honor of my parents.

I have breathed life into this seed; intertwined a small bit of my very being into it. I have marked a section next to my parents' trees where I would like you to plant this. As it grows, so will that small bit of magic.

That spark you feel when you touch the seed, and eventually the tree itself, will be the very core of me.

I will never be able to hold you, so instead I leave this piece of me for you to hold. In this way I will never leave you. If you ever need me, this tree is where you shall find me.

I know it might be asking for much, but my brothers know the words you would have said to me, please let them tell you and just once, whisper them to the tree so that I may finally hear them from your lips.

Everything I have ever done has been with you in mind; I have belonged to you long before your birth and I'll belong to you long after we're both dust.

When the time is right, may the Valkyries deliver you to Valhalla where I shall welcome you and keep you in my arms for eternity.

Ek gjǫf þér stjarna minn ást.

Ek fúss biða við líta hvat þér gøra á þau.

Forever yours,

Elysia.

Translation:

Armr bikkja: Vile dog

Minn Hjarta: My heart

Ek ann þér: I love you

Ek gjǫf þér stjarna minn ást: I gift you the stars my love

Ek fúss biða við líta hvat þér gøra á þau: I eagerly await to see what you do with them