Author's Note: I don't own Thor or its characters. All material belongs to Disney and Marvel. I only own Brielle Cassiusdottir and the other OCs that will appear in the story.
Warrior's Heart
Chapter 3: Banishment
There were various feelings growing inside Brielle's head upon the events that occurred.
Thor's Coronation had been interrupted by Frost Giants who attempted to steal the Casket of Winters in the Weapon's Vault, so he didn't become the King of Asgard and she didn't have to marry him the following day.
But was it natural for her to happy about it?
Brielle felt terrible for being so relieved about it.
She knew it was a grand moment in Thor's life, one of the most important ever and for it to be halted the way it was, she understood his anger and irritation.
And yet, she couldn't help but feel like that was exactly a reason why it had to wait.
Brielle left her bedroom to wear her battle attire that was one of a Valkyrie that was far more comfortable than any other dresses she had in her closet.
Her Valkyrie armour featured a white corset with a gold collar, an armoured skirt, black and white gauntlets and leg armour of blue and silver metal. She sported feathered wings of black, violet and blue that magically appeared from her hips when needed and fold away whenever she was not in flight. Her dark yellow-blonde hair was styled in a bun and wore laurels of blue feather-like flowers which covered her ears.
The female warrior brought her hands out to summon her Albow made of glowing bright orange shards reminiscent of feathers at the ends.
Once she saw her weapon was still fine, Brielle made it disappear.
She joined Loki and the two of them began making their way to where Thor was.
"How is Thor holding up?"Brielle questioned.
"Terribly."Loki replied.
"Perhaps charming him with my natural beauty will lower down his temper."Brielle joked.
"Don't bother trying, Bri."Loki scoffed."My brother's not in the mood to speak with you either."
Brielle then stopped walking causing Loki to notice and glance at her.
"Brie, what's wrong?"Loki said.
Brielle's magenta pink eyes looked at Loki's greenish-blue eyes.
"Loki, does it make me a terrible person to be relieved that the ceremony was disrupted?"Brielle asked.
Loki shook his head.
"No."Loki responded."I believe his reaction proved it was good fortune that he was not made king on this day."
"But what of after today?"Brielle questioned with a hint of worry."T-The ceremony it will still take place. If not today, tomorrow or the next day. And Thor…he is not ready, Loki."
Loki raised an eyebrow at Brielle's respond.
"Brielle, what's wrong?"Loki questioned."You're like this only if something is bothering you."
Brielle took a deep breath before letting it out, so she could talk to her childhood friend.
"Loki, I…I can't marry Thor."Brielle admitted honestly."I'm sorry, I have to tell you this. I love Thor, but I don't want to marry him and be the new Queen of Asgard. I'm just not ready."
Loki was utterly surprised at Brielle's declaration.
He and Thor knew Brielle since their youth, but secretly grew to admire her more than any other female Asgardian he ever met and saw.
Brielle was different.
Whether he was alone, practicing magic or in the Great Library within the palace, she would always accompany and join him.
And the thought of her being Thor's betrothed, made him angry inside.
Deeply angry.
But hearing Brielle say she has no desire to marry Thor, made him intrigued beside relieved.
He still had the chance to win her over.
"Then what it is exactly what you want, Brielle?"Loki questioned smugly with a hint of curiosity."Is there another man that captivated your little heart?"
A small blush crept on Brielle's face at hearing Loki's teasing question, but she slightly giggled and shook her head.
"Not at all. I want to visit Midgard, Loki."Brielle stated with a bright smile."There's so much wondrous things that my birth parents told me about it and I can't help but think about what would it be like to be there."
Loki frowned at Brielle's declaration.
Midgard.
The realm of the mortals.
That was Brielle's biggest desire?
To live among them?
"To visit Midgard and live among mortals?"Loki asked with a hint of disbelief."That's what you desire more than the Throne of Asgard?"
"It isn't always about having power and living a luxury life, Loki."Brielle complemented simply."Besides, I don't it wouldn't be that bad to live a life as a mortal."
A slight chuckle escaped from Loki's mouth.
"I admire you, Brielle."Loki admitted smugly."Besides, being a smart and strong warrior, you have quite the foolish fantasies."
Brielle smirked and gives Loki a playful punch in the arm.
"That's coming from the boy who turned a flower into a frog."Brielle sneered.
"Because I'm talented in all manners in learning."Loki stated.
"Sure…"Brielle answered in a low tone and remembered the result of an event from some years ago."Energy manipulation. First place, Loki. Spell casting, first place, Loki. Learning hall games, first place, Loki."
"At least you'll always be first place in archery, Bri."Loki assured with a grin.
"Thanks a lot."Brielle replied simply.
Loki and Brielle then made their way to the banquet hall, a room that had already been prepared and decorated for all the festivities that had had to be cancelled due to the attack.
It was also the room where Thor was.
The two of them stood behind a pillar as they watched Thor angrily flip over the dining room table with a loud yell.
The Prince of Thunder sat down on the steps and took deep calming breaths.
Loki and Brielle stepped out from behind a pillar and began walking toward him.
Thor noticed their presence, but continued staring ahead.
"It is unwise to be in my company."Thor warned.
However, Loki and Brielle ignored him.
Loki sat down next to Thor on his right side while Brielle sat on her fiancé's left.
"This was supposed to be my day of triumph."Thor retorted.
"It will come."Brielle assured him softly and placed a hand on Thor's shoulder."In time."
Then Sif and the Warriors Three entered the banquet room.
Volstagg immediately took notice of the overturned table of rather the food that was strewn across the floor.
"What's this?"Volstagg questioned.
Loki looked at Thor.
"If it's any consolation, we think you're right."Loki stated in a hushed tone, gesturing to himself and Brielle."About the Frost Giants about Laufey, about everything. If they found a way to penetrate Asgard's defences once, who's to say they won't do it again? This time with an army."
"Exactly."Thor thanked.
"There's nothing you can do without defying your father."Brielle responded.
Thor turned to glare at Brielle, but then his expression brightened and she recognised it immediately.
"No."Brielle said nervously while shaking her head."No, no, no, no. I know that look. Stop right there."
"It's the only way to ensure the safety of our borders."Thor informed.
"Thor, it's madness!"Brielle protested.
"Madness."Volstagg asked, becoming intrigued with the couple's conversation."What sort of madness?"
Thor cast a glance at his siblings then spoke to his friends.
"We're going to Jotunheim."Thor announced.
"What?"Fandral laughed in disbelief."This isn't like a journey to Earth, where you summon a little lightning and thunder and the mortals worship you as a God. This is Jotunheim."
"My father fought his way into Jotunheim."Thor said."Defeated their army's and took their casket. We'll just be looking for answers."
"It is forbidden."Sif warned.
Thor only laughed as he approached his friends while moving away from his fiancée and younger brother.
"My friends, have you forgotten all we have done together?"Thor questioned."Fandral, Hogun who led you into the most glorious battles?"
"You did."Hogun answered with a small smile.
"And Volstagg to delicacies so succulent you thought you died and gone to Valhalla?"Thor asked.
Volstagg chuckled at Thor's question.
"You did."Volstagg replied.
"Yes."Thor responded and then turned to Sif."And who proved all wrong who scoffed at the idea that young maidens could be two of the fiercest warriors this realm has ever known."
Brielle rolled her eyes before sharing a small smirk with Sif.
"We did."Sif and Brielle announced proudly.
"True. But I supported both of you."Thor pointed out and then looked at everyone in the room once again."My friends, we must do this. You're not going to let myself and my brother take all the glory, are you?"
"What?"Loki asked in disbelief.
"You are coming with me aren't you?"Thor questioned, deflating a bit.
Loki and Brielle shared a look with each other.
"Yes of course, I wouldn't let my brother march into Jotunheim alone."Loki responded.
Loki stood next to Thor and patting him on the back then they both looked at Brielle, who was still sitting on the steps.
Brielle frowned as she let out a sigh.
"This is a terrible idea."Brielle retorted, but then stood up as well."But I'm with you."
"And I."Volstagg announced.
"And I."Fandral said hesitantly.
"And I."Hogun added."The Warriors Three. Fight together."
"I fear we'll live to regret this."Sif informed.
Sif placed her fist over her heart and bowing before leaving along with the Warriors Three.
"If we're lucky."Thor laughed lightly.
Thor, Loki and Brielle then left as well to prepare for the battle ahead.
After gathering their weapons and dressing in warmer battle ready armour, Thor, Loki, Brielle, Sif and the Warriors Three rode their horses across the Rainbow Bridge to head to the Bifröst.
The group were met with the dark-skinned, gold eyed and armoured gatekeeper known as Heimdall, who had the power to see and hear everything.
Because of that power he had, Heimdell already knew what Thor and his friends were up to.
The group dismounted their horses and approached Heimdall, who was waiting for them, with his hands rested on his large gold sword.
Loki walked ahead of the group with a smirk.
"Leave this to me."Loki insisted as he approached the Great Gatekeeper."Good Heim-"
"You're not dressed warmly enough."Heimdall interrupted.
"I'm sorry?"Loki questioned with confusion.
"You think you can deceive me?"Heimdall asked.
Loki let out a laugh.
"You must be mistaken we-"Loki started.
"Enough."Thor demanded and glanced at Heimdall."Heimdall, may we pass?"
"Never has an enemy slipped my watch until this day."Heimdall complemented."I wish to know how that happened."
"Then tell no one where we have gone, until we return."Thor commanded. "Understand?"
Thor walked past Heimdall with Loki, Brielle, Sif and the Warriors Three following him from behind.
Volstagg chuckled at Loki as he passed him.
"What happened?"Volstagg asked."Silver tongue turned to lead?"
Brielle simply shook her head and took Loki's hand to lead him towards the observatory.
"Be warned."Heimdall warned as he began activating the Bifröst."It is my sworn oath to protect this realm as its gatekeeper. If your return threatens the safety of Asgard the Bifröst shall remain closed. And you will be left to die in the cold waste of Jotunheim."
"Couldn't you just leave the bridge open for us?"Volstagg questioned.
"Leaving the bridge open would unleash the full power of the Bifröst, destroying the realm of Jotunheim and you upon it."Heimdall admitted.
"I have no plans to die today."Thor informed with a prideful smile.
"None do."Heimdall responded sternly.
Heimdall pushed his sword as the way in and the entire group was sucked inside the Bifröst and they travelled to the coldest place of the Nine Realms, Jotunheim.
Thor, Loki, Brielle, Sif and the Warriors Three landed in the realm of Jotunheim.
There were ruins around, mountains and jagged rocks, some debris, some wooden pieces and metal left over from war after war.
Above all, it was cold and dark area covered with snow and ice.
Brielle felt the chilling wind hit her face which made her feel immediately unsure of Thor's plan.
Beside being suicidal, it was utterly stupid and unwise.
"We shouldn't be here."Hogun stated.
"Let's move."Thor declared.
Aside from their footsteps and the sounds of large falling rocks, the realm of Jotunheim was silent.
Deadly silent.
The group made it to the palace of Jotunheim, but there was still no sign of Frost Giants.
"Where are they?"Sif questioned.
"Hiding."Thor sneered."As cowards always do."
"You've come a long way to die, Asgardians."A deep menacing voice echoed.
"I am Thor Odinson."Thor announced proudly."How did your people get into Asgard?"
There was a moment of silence before the same disturbing voice spoke again.
"The House of Odin is full of traitors."
"Do not dishonour my father's name with your lies!"Thor snapped angrily while lifting his hammer.
The owner of the voice finally appeared to the group.
He was Laufey, King of the Frost Giants.
Despite being accompanied by her friends and wearing a brave look, Brielle was terrified at seeing Laufey. But she didn't bother trying to show it.
"Your father is a murderer and a thief!"Laufey snapped coldly."And why have you come here? To make peace? You long for battle, you crave it. You're nothing but a boy, trying to prove himself a man."
As Laufey spoke, more Frost Giants appeared and surrounded the Asgardians.
"This boy has grown tired of your mockery."Thor declared.
Loki, Brielle, Sif and the Warriors Three looked around in slight fear at seeing the Frost Giants' arms turn into icy blades.
Loki approached his older brother, trying to talk some sense into him.
"Thor, stop and think."Loki whispered with a hint of fear."Look around you. We're out numbered."
"Know your place, brother."Thor scowled.
"You know not what your actions would unleash."Laufey warned sharply."I do. Go now, while I still allow it."
Laufey abandoned his throne and approached the princes with an angry look.
Brielle approached her bothers and laid a hand on Thor's shoulder.
"We will accept."Brielle replied and bowed her head to Laufey."Your most gracious offer."
Thor glared at his fiancée, but she simply tugged on his arm.
"Come, Thor."Brielle whispered."Let's leave."
Thor fixed his glare on Laufey, who returned it.
Thor wanted to stay and fight, but knew that his brother and fiancée were right and reluctantly turned to leave.
"Run back home, little princess."Laufey mocked.
Knowing this wasn't directed towards Brielle, Thor stopped in his tracks.
"Damn."Loki muttered, knowing this wasn't going to end well.
Thor smirked then swung his hammer at Laufey, sending him crashing into the rocky wall.
"Next?"Thor asked.
Thor then swung his hammer again, hitting another Frost Giant.
Immediately, the battle began.
The Frost Giants began attacking the Asgardians with their icy blades.
In return, Asgardians were using their weapons to fight back.
"At least make it a challenge for me!"Thor laughed.
Thor kicked another defeated Frost Giant on the side after taking him down with his hammer.
More Frost Giants appeared as Brielle brought out her bow that appeared in her hands.
Thor was face-to-face with one, who roared loudly.
Thor roared back ane then swung his hammer at him.
The Frost Giant grabbed Thor's arm that was holding the hammer before slamming his rocky head against Thor's.
Instead of being in pain, Thor laughed in delight.
The Frost Giant punched Thor in the stomach, making the Prince of Thunder flew and roll backwards.
Thor looked up at Laufey and smiled at him.
"That's more I like it!"Thor remarked with satisfaction.
Thor threw his hammer, hitting the Frost Giant's face.
The Prince of Thunder reached his arm forward, making the hammer pause at mid-throw, before flying back to the owner's hand.
Sif was struggling to fight one giant, who knocked her down on the icy ground.
Luckily for her, Hogun was there as her back up and threw his knife at the Frost Giant.
Loki turned to see a Frost Giant running after him.
The Prince of Mischief slowly backed up, but stopped when the realised that he was standing on the edge of the cliff.
The Frost Giant jumped towards Loki, but instead went through Loki's body and fall to his death.
Being the Prince of Mischief, the real Loki was hiding behind the large rocks, but only used a projection of himself to fool the Frost Giant.
Loki waved his hand which made of himself disappear, then returned to the battle.
Sif ran her sword through a Frost Giant's body.
She turned only to see another Frost Giant threw a bunch of icicles, only for Brielle to blast him into smithereens with a fire arrow.
Brielle notice a Frost Giant swung at her with his icy blade before she jumped back a bit and used her bow to blast a few orange magical fire arrows to stab him on the chest.
Volstagg was fighting a Frost Giant, only to have himself under the giant's grip and receiving a frost bite.
Volstagg cried out in pain as he bumped his head against the Frost Giant's head, pushing him from him.
He took a look at his arm, only to see a huge ugly black mark that appeared to be smoking.
"Don't let them touch you!"Volstagg called out.
One of the Frost Giants grabbed Loki's wrist, destroying his armour and contacting his bare pale skin.
Somehow Loki didn't get a frost giant bite like Volstagg had.
Instead, his own arm turned icy blue!
Loki looked at his arm with widen eyes in disbelief.
He and the Frost Giant looked at each other in confusion before he killed his opponent.
The Prince of Mischief turned his attention back to his now blue arm that slowly faded back to normal.
On the other hand, Fandral was laughing while fighting with his opponents with his sword.
Annoyed by him, a Frost Giant knocked Fandral's sword off his grip and then his arm turned into an icy blade.
Fandral quickly slid under the Frost Giant, getting his sword back.
The blonde haired man turned around and cut off the Frost Giant's blade arm before stabbed him in the chest, killing him instantly.
Fandral turned back around immediately cried out in pain when an icicle went straight through his body.
Brielle, Loki, Sif, Hogun and Volstagg turned their attention to Fandral's cry.
Unlike Thor, they all knew that they had to return to Asgard now and take Fandral to the healing room before it was too late.
Loki threw a knife at the Frost Giant that was after Fandral before as Brielle threw another fire blast at an approaching Frost Giant.
"Thor!"Brielle called out.
Volstagg and Hogun carefully helped Fandral from the spear.
"We must go!"Loki protested.
However, Thor wasn't interested in fleeing and going back to Asgard.
"Then go!"Thor replied.
Thor threw Mjölnir to take down a line of Frost Giants.
Laufey grew enraged by seeing his followers being so easily defeated, summoned a Frost Beast to take care of the Asgardians.
Volstagg hoisted Fandral upon his shoulder seeing the beast.
"Run!"Volstagg shouted.
Loki, Brielle, Sif and the Warriors Three immediately started running while Thor continued fighting in delight.
"Thor, stop it!"Brielle demanded angrily."You'll get us all killed!"
Thor kept on fighting his opponents gleefully as Loki snaked his arm around Brielle's waist.
The Frost Beast was now fully released from its prison and roared loudly before chasing after the Asgardians.
The group made it to the edge of the cliff.
"Heimdall!"Volstagg shouted."Open the bridge!"
The group waited for the Bifröst to open and take them back to Asgard.
Suddenly, the Frost Beast's paw appeared before them and it began crawling from beneath the cliff as the group backed away from it.
The Frost Beast was about to attack the group when Thor flew in and straight through the back of the beast's mouth, the monster roared in pain before it died and fell from the cliff.
Thor landed in front of his friends and turned to them with a smile only for it to drop as an even greater army of Frost Giants approached them.
The army of Frost Giants charged towards the Asgardians.
But before they could attack, the sound of thunder was heard.
Though the sound didn't come from Thor's hammer.
Then the bright light of the Bifröst shined and a horse appeared rearing back on its hind legs and sat atop it was none other than Odin himself.
Brielle became nervous at seeing the All-Father while Loki kept holding her.
Thor's face light up, thinking that his father was here to help them finish the battle.
"Father!"Thor remarked joyfully."We'll finish them together!"
Odin, however, just glared at his oldest yet foolish son.
"SILENCE!"Odin roared out.
Laufey made a staircase so he could speak with Odin face-to-face.
"All-Father, you look weary."Laufey sneered.
"Laufey, end this now."Odin demanded.
"Your boy sought this out."Laufey admitted.
"You're right, these are the actions of a boy."Odin agreed softly."Treat them as such. You and I can end this. Here, now. Before there's further bloodshed."
"We're beyond diplomacy now, All-Father."Laufey answered."He'll get what he came for. War and death."
"So be it."Odin answered.
Laufey swung his arm at Odin as an ice-blade on the end of his arm.
But Odin was still far quicker than the King of the Frost Giants and slammed Gungnir down on the ice, blasting Laufey and the nearest Jotuns back and activating the Bifröst.
A rift opened in the sky and the Asgardians were sucked up into it, pulled off the ground by Heimdall.
Then moments later, they were brought in the entrance to the Bifröst of Asgard.
Brielle looked on helplessly with Loki as Thor started arguing with King Odin.
"Why did you bring us back?"Thor demanded.
"You realised what you've done?!"Odin scowled."What you started?!"
"I was protecting my home."Thor answered.
"You cannot even protect your friends!"Odin snapped."How can you hope to protect a kingdom as well as be a good husband to Brielle?! You wouldn't even realise if she ended up dead by your own actions!"
"Brielle is a strong and independent woman!"Thor admitted."She would never need my protection from anything!"
Brielle felt various mixed feelings growing within her as she heard King Odin and Thor's argument, but kept her mouth shut.
Odin then pulled out Heimdall's sword that activated the Bifröst and tossed it to him.
The King of Asgard then cast a glance at his son's friends.
"Get him to the healing room!"Odin ordered."Now!"
Hogun, Volstagg and Sif dragged Fandral off to the Healing Room while Heimdall left the King of Asgard with his sons and adopted daughter alone to return to his post.
"There won't be a kingdom to protect if you're afraid to act!"Thor argued."The Jotuns must learn to fear me just as they once feared you!"
"That's pride and vanity talking. Not leadership."Odin said in disappointment."You've forgotten everything I've taught you. About a warrior's patience."
"While you wait here and be patient, the Nine Realms laugh at us."Thor retorted in an immature tone."The old ways are done! You stand by giving speeches while Asgard falls."
"You're a vain, greedy, cruel boy!"Odin shouted.
"And you're an old man and a fool!"Thor yelled out.
There was a long paused as Odin's face fell listening to his son's harsh words.
"Yes, I was a fool."Odin stated."To think you were ready."
Both Loki and Brielle stayed off to the side and out of the way of the argument between Odin and Thor.
Just then Brielle had to step in to try and speak to the All-Father.
"Your Majesty-"Brielle started.
Odin turned to Brielle and snarled while pointing his finger at her.
Brielle instantly froze where she was tight-lipped while Loki came up behind her and was about to rest both hands on her shoulders to try and calm her.
But the Prince of Mischief stopped upon remembering what had happened on Jotunheim and instead only rested one hand on her shoulder in comfort as Odin turned back to Thor.
"Thor Odinson, you have betrayed the expressed command of your king."Odin declared."Through your arrogance and stupidity, you have opened these peaceful realms and innocent lives to the horror and desolation of war!"
Odin placed his sceptre into the Bifröst and activated it before stepping down to Thor to rip the badges from his armour.
"You are unworthy of these realms!"Odin admitted in fury.
Brielle paled at what she was seeing and wanted to stop Odin.
However, Loki wrapped his arm tight around Brielle's waist to prevent her from trying to stop Odin as he ripped Thor's cape from his shoulders.
"You are unworthy of your title!"Odin scowled angrilt."You are unworthy!"
Odin looked at his eldest son, who looked to be on the verge of tears by his words.
"Of the loved ones you have betrayed!"Odin continued.
Odin finished and Thor glanced heartbroken at his younger brother and fiancée, who both looked on in silence.
The King of Asgard returned to his sceptre that activated the Bifröst.
"I now take from you your power!"Odin stated and held out his hand causing Mjölnir to flew into his grasp."In the name of my father…"
Odin pointed the hammer at Thor and it began stripping him or his armour.
"And his father before."Odin continued."I, Odin All-Father…CAST YOU OUT!"
And with one awful crack, Odin threw Mjölnir at Thor, sending him back through the portal and fly off into the Bifröst.
Both Loki and Brielle headed to check the Bifröst as Odin took a deep breath before lifting Mjölnir to his lips with a shaking hand.
"Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor."Odin whispered.
Odin looked at Mjölnir, watching as runs appeared on it before he too threw that into the Bifröst as well before the energy dissipated, leaving them in darkness and Thor somewhere in one of the Nine Realms in exile.
Brielle slowly went on her knees and closed her eyes while clasping her hands, sending out a silent pray of protection for Thor, hoping he will end up somewhere safe and return soon from his exile.
Poor Brielle. Thor is exiled, but what will she do in the mean time? See you all later and feel free to review what you think so far:)