A Thing That Happend

“Why cant you go in his place?” Phil questioned from counter he was silently leaning on.

“Might I remind you, Sparky, your ‘father’ wants Loki’s head on a stake” Tony's voice oozed with sarcasm, but also an edge of bitterness that reflected the emotions of most the people in the room

“Can we stop him?” Steve commented as he began to pace the carpet- again.

“Father has demanded I stay on Midgard for the time being.” Thor glanced apologetically around the room filled with his closest friends, ignoring everyone but Phil’s comment.

“I only have one question,” Natasha felt better taking most of her anger on the cadet yesterday, and was calmer as she spoke to Thor, but everyone could tell her crazy could be unleashed at any moment if he answered wrong “ Are you and Fury sending my Mommy to her death?”

“Yes” Bruce answered seeing the torn expression in Thor's eyes

“You have no right to call him your Brother." Clint spat, and Thor flinched guiltily, “Your betrayal is exactly why he fell the first time.”

“All he ever wanted was a brother who would protect and love him.” Natasha made sure to pile on a little extra guilt too.

“And this is how you repay him? By giving him to the father who always told him he could never be good enough?” Steve actually wants answers.

“The same father who taught him to hate himself, whipping him for wanting a little love, while you played merrily with The Warriors Three?” Phil just wants to be mean.

“he was always compared to you, yet he worshipped the ground you walked on.” And Clint always get the last word.

“Ok,” Bruce decided to take mercy on the thundering god “Lets go after him.”

“How?” Bucky questions from the countertop he perched upon.

“We come up with a way to get Fury to send us to Asgard”

“Not going to happen,” Natasha turned away from the slumped over Thor, “if Fury's the one who sent him he's not going to want anyone interfering.”

“What if we convince Fury that Loki wants to take over Midgard again?” Tony quickly began formulating a plan, he desperately wanted Loki's cooking back.

“because if we do mange to bring him back,” Phil informed the group “he would be put under observation and used as a test subject”

“How do you know?” Steve stopped pacing as he asked his question, putting everyone's attention on the agent.

“Because Shield has been wanting to do experiments ever since Thor showed up.” Phil took a moment to take a sip of coffee before continuing “When he ended up being a hero they realized they would have to wait to take you out, fortunately an evil alien- Loki- showed up, unfortunately he was sent back to your realm, and when he does finally return, he’s under Avengers protection and adopts three of the best assassins on the face of the earth.”

“That does not explain why they would wasn't my brother now.” Thor is getting frustrated trying to come up for a solution to solve their new Loki problem.

“They can't have you, so they have been waiting for Loki to slip up, so they can do whatever they want without anyone questioning them” Natasha explained her entire being completely jaded except for the slight narrowing of her eyes and clenched fists

“But,” Bruce spoke up, turning to the facts for a solution “Wouldn't the protection of the Avengers and the fact he adopted Shield's best agents, at least cause a little hesitation?”

“It's not a legal adoption” Steve reminds continuing his pacing.

“Not true,” Clint informed the Super Solider.

“When Momma found out the three of us, at one point or another, was forced to get rid of any documentation of our existence, he used his magic to make new birth certificates with his name on them.” Phil smiled softly at his short story.

“He said we wouldn't ever have to hide from him” Natasha moved over to where Clint was and flicked his ear playfully, the tension temporarily forgotten.

“We gave him a marriage certificate,” Clint jostles Natasha back “You know, for the parent joke?” He sobered up as he looked to the man he considered his father.

“He signed the wife's side, left the husband's side, and framed it.” Natasha studied the Caps reaction to the new information, she was pleased with the sparkle of hope in his eyes. “Keeps it hung up next to our certificates in his room.” She added, hoping he understood that the three of them actually wanted the five of them to be a true, legal family.

“Wait,” Thor leapt to his feet with sudden realization “Did he give any of you a gift of any sorts?” he spoke to everyone in the room, not just his niece and two nephews.

“he gave each of us one” Phil spoke for the three.

“I got something from him a couple weeks ago.” Tony confessed, confused with what this had to do with anything.

“A couple months ago” Bruce confirmed

“Yup” Bucky agreed and Steve nodded.

“Tell me,” Thor grinned, hope skyrocketing “Do you keep them with you at all times?”

“Stuck with mine!” Bucky snorted at Tony's comment and high fived him.

“Me too” Bucky said turning to Thor, who looked around the room at the others expectantly

“Me three” Bruce added shyly, not looking at anyone.

“Yeah,” Clint added his validation “Always, won't go anywhere without it.” Natasha and Phil nodded, confirming that they also kept theirs with them at all time. Steve shifted nervously but also mumbled something about having his with him all the time too.

“What gifts did he bestow upon you?!” Thor could hardly contain his excitement, “You must show me!” he hoped Loki had given them gifts they could use th locate and retrieve his brother.

“Maybe, after work?” Phil pleads as he notices how late for work he is.

“Yeah,” Tony agrees “I wasn't to go down to the lab with Bruce here to see of we can make a portal to your home planet.”

“Me and Nat. have to go apologize to the cadets from yesterday anyway” Clint commented as the group dispersed leaving a pouting, plotting Thor behind.

“Lady Widow,” They had just finished dinner and had just cleared the table to talk about the earlier topic when Thor had spoken up. “Would you like to start?” He held his hand out expectantly, but after a moment he told himself they probably wouldn't want to let go of what whatever his brother had furnished them with, and silently retracted his hand.

“Uh,” Natasha didn't really trust Thor not to take her trinket but brought it out to be seen anyway “I got this ring with weird writing on it” she pulled a ring, glinting on the chain she kept around her neck at all times under her clothes- literally Lord of the Rings ring.

“Amazing.” Thor commended, noticing one of his brothers more reserved magical objects in the hand of this moral both worried and thrilled him.

“Yeah, I guess” Natasha didn't know how but, according to Thor's face, it actually was pretty ‘amazing’, and that pleased her very much. She quietly placed her ring back under her shirt as Clint spoke up about his own gift.

“I got this bombastic bracelet” Clint shoved his shirtsleeve up to his elbow to show an intricate band of what appeared to be seven different types of leather braided and woven around a pair of silver wings that were so detailed the group waited for them to flutter against Clint's flesh, and, nestled in the leather, around the wings were numerous tiny stones.

“Great!” Thor couldn't believe their good fortune “Who's next?”

“Well,” Phil put his coffee mug down to show his own gift “I also got a ring” he pulled the ring off as he spoke, it was a silver serpent looped over for the finger and wound into an elaborate knot, leaving the head to appear as if ready to strike, but is stopped by a ball of rune marked amber.

Thor gasped as he examined Phil’s ring in amazement, “He couldn't have….” as he trailed off he handed Phil his ring back “Put them on the table if you can” he asked. Natasha and Phil reluctantly did as he was told, but Clint found he couldn't take his ‘bombastic’ bracelet off, so, shrugging, he settled for setting his mostly uncovered wrist on the tabletop instead.Thor was honestly confused at this point, all of these mortals had ancient magic that his brother had given to them and they acted as if they were simple baubles.

“Me next!” Tony sounded like a child on Christmas morning as he slipped his shirt off. Along the ribs of his right side was a black scorch mark of an unknown symbol followed by more unknown writing of some sort.

“It's black?” Thor realized why his friends weren't as amazed with their gifts as they should have been, they didn't know Loki had bestowed upon them power that could bring all Gods to their knees. “Bucky, what about you?”

Bucky also took his shirt off, revealing a giant wolf howling, taking up most of his back, surrounded by weird Asgardian runes above his heart. Reading the runes Thor gasped to himself again, repeatedly amazed with what his brother had been willing to give to these mortals.

“My ankle got pierced” Bruce spoke gaining the attention of the now somber thunder god.

“What?” This did not match the other gifts Loki had given the others, causing Thor to rethink his theory.

“It's this thick,” Bruce placed his leg on the table everyone was sitting around like the knights from the round table “Shackle thing, it changes size so it's always in place, even when I'm the Other Guy.” the steel shackle that encompassed Bruce's ankle had three holes where it pierced his flesh all the way through, the side facing out had a large, reptilian like eye. The colors were a kaleidoscope of reds, purples, greens, blues, and yellows. Thor laughed.

“Steve it is your turn, is it not?” Thor didn't answer when questioned on his laughter choosing to address the only person not sporting something from his brother.

“Ummmm,” Steve was awkward as he removed his shirt, much like Tony and Bucky, only with a hell of a lot more reluctance. “He told me not to show my back to anyone, unless i trusted them with my life.” Thors eyebrow rose, but it was Tony who was the first to speak up.

“You don't trust us?” Steve's shirtless back stayed plastered to the back of his chair as he squirmed under their harsh stares, eventually, never answering Tony's question, he stood to straddle his seat. He never looked up from the hole he was string into the wall across from him, but he clenched a fist as he listened to the others gasps and exclamations, hoping he made the right choice.

“By the Norn's!” Thor couldn't keep this comment of disbelief to himself and practically shouted it “Do you know what adorns your back?”

“No, is it bad?” Steve was only slightly worried he had been cursed by the God of Chaos.

“No!” Thor laughed again albeit this time rather hysterically before he abruptly stood and made way to the Towers liquor cabinet. Grabbing the first two bottles he sat back down at his seat, “Would you like for me to explain the WONDERFUL things my brother has given you?” the ‘wonderful’ was somewhat sarcastic with an edge of bitterness that made the mortals worried.

“Preferably?” Bruce spoke, “Yes” he REALLY wanted to know about the eye that was a permanent fixture on his ankle.

“Well,” Thor said gesturing with one of his bottles, the amber liquid sloshing before he brought it to his lips, “None of you noticed the Lovers Marks he had placed on you.” Thor was preparing for story time and figured he might as well tell them about the marks now.

“The what?” Tony was the only one who didn't seem worried, angry, or confused at the moment.

“Lovers Marks,” Thor repeated in a condescending manner, “The Seven Diseases and their lovers The Seven Cures? The back of each of your necks are marked with a pair.”

“Can you explain what whatever you just said is?” Clint mocked Thors tone as he asked his question.

“The Seven Diseases to Befall the Gods,” Thor was no longer condescending, but authoritative as he glared the other man down, “Loki had found a new spell, I was told, if done right, he would be able to grant life to any object. I was a fool and told him I thought him mad, as I left to go train with The Warriors Three he told me he would prove me wrong. A few weeks later he came running into the training grounds, Claiming to have finally had a success to his spell, but when we demanded to see what he brought to life, and he presented a small girl, explaining she was the embodiment of vanity, we all laughed in his face calling him a liar and a sham of a sorcerer. We left him in favor of finding some food, we soon grew bored and went to go tease Loki for his failure again but when we got there he was surrounded by six small children of different Aesir races, we watched in awe as he poured something in a big basin and a child appeared, replacing the water. He named this girl Greed and rubbed a greed paste onto her forehead, we burst into the room as the girls skin went from being a strange, lifeless grey to a chocolate brown and her dead features coming to life with a huge smile for her Mother-”

“Wait,” Bruce interrupted, much to the displeasure of the people enjoying the story.

“What?” Natasha was irked when the doctor didn't continue right away

“I think Loki is the Mother of The Seven Deadly Sins.” Bruce didn't want any confrontation tonight.

“Of course he fucking is” Phil could just see all the paperwork he would have to fill out over the hero’s ‘story-time’.

“We have siblings?” Clint was amazed, he always wanted a big family.

“Could you hold off on planning the family reunion for just a little while?” Tony wanted the rest of the story now damn it “Thor, if you'd be so kind as to continue please”

“Certainly,” Thor loved to tell tales of the happier times with Loki, “I was the one to give them the title of The Seven Lovely Sisters a few centuries later, and men came from all over to try to claim one of the maidens hands, unfortunately they, like their Mother, enjoyed creating a little chaos The only one immune to their powers was Loki, and after a few years of mayhem The Allfather had renamed them The Seven Deadly Diseases of the Gods, and given them a hundred years to marry and stop messing with Aesir men, if they failed they would have a curse placed upon each of them and banished. After eighty years Loki feared for his daughters and used the same spell from before to create the perfect spouse for each woman, The Seven Cures to the Deadly Disease-”

“That is very original! Good for him.” Bucky’s sarcastic comment was loudly shushed, and the group this temporary pause as an opportunity to move the the living room, where Clint made a giant nest and Tony popped popcorn. Once everyone was settled comfortably Thor continued.

“Odin had told Loki that they must find their own grooms, without his meddling magic-”

“Asshole.” Tony muttered just loud enough to be heard by Phil who let out a loud snort that was cut off halfway by Natasha shoving popcorn into his largest face hole.

“Regrettably, none of them were able to find a man to settle down with, and Odin, true to his word, had them separately punished, but, mercifully he allowed them to marry the loves Loki had created for them, before they were all banished from the realm. Loki was devastated and locked himself into his chambers for seven days, and when he finally came out he told me they were all safe but he wouldn't tell me anymore no matter how much i pestered him, and no one has seen the Sisters since.”

“But we have the Lovers Marks!” Clint enthused “That means Loki trusted us with The Sisters!”

“And their husbands,” Bruce reminded “That's fourteen extra people we have to keep safe, if were going to go through with our rescue mission.”

Thors thundering laughter filled the room, “You don't keep them safe, they protect you, besides they are not PEOPLE, you hold the powers of each Disease.”

“If Loki had power over The Seven Deadly Sins we really don't need to protect him, we basically rule the world now.” Natasha added smiling “Besides, The Sins are are married to, what Thor called, The Cures, which means we also have The Seven Heavenly Virtues on our side too.”

“Awesome,” Tony sounded like a ten year old receiving the video game he had been pining over, “Which Mark do I have? I want to know everything!”

“Yea!” the rest of the group cheered for more stories.

“Well,” Thor started leaning back “why don't i explain your gift and mark at the same time?”

“Ohhh,” Bucky liked this idea “I forgot about the gifts.”

“You're still shirtless,” Phil pointed to Bucky disbelievingly, “How did you forget?”

“Shhh!” Tony shushed nipping the argument in the bud, “I'm going to learn about my gifts.”

“Tony,” Thor started in his booming storytelling voice “Bestowed upon you is The Mark of Vosesisahm and The Forbidden Control of Fhurmerahm. They grant you the powers of: a mixture of future seeing and all knowing wisdom, immortality, and you control Fate.”

“I'm IMMORTAL?!” Tony slept around excitedly, bragging to the others of his never-ending life.

“You all are” Thor deadpanned “You're not special, sit back down.” Tony pouted as he did as he was told, the others laughing at the face he pulled.

“Can you tell me about mine?” Phil asked wanting to know about his snake ring.

“You have Jörmungandr literally wrapped around your finger,” Thor was amused as he said this and took a drink of the last bottle of alcohol residing in the nest.

“Who?” Phil wasn't familiar with mythical or magical things, and he now wished he had paid attention at the debriefing they had had on them.

“Jörmungandr is another of Loki’s children,” Thor explained “He is a giant serpent who protects Midgard from foreign attacks and The Allfathers wrath.”

“How?” Clint butted in.

“The realm is held in Jörmungandr’s hold at all times, whether it be protectively in his mouth as he slithers between cosmos or wrapped around his body as he fights deadly foes. This is why I was one of the first to visit your realm, everyone else had not sought out Loki’s blessing, and was easily killed by your serpentine protector.”

“I thought you were banished?” Steve asked confused once more “How did you get your brothers blessing?”

“Wow, Odin really likes banishing people.”

“Yes, Man of Iron, you are correct, he enjoys the drama a good banishing creates,” Thor chuckled as he regarded Tony's snark, “Odin had me cloaked in Loki’s sent before I was cast out. Jörmungandr hates me but, as all his children do, adores his mother Loki. Jörmungandr tried to destroy the realm if he knew i was residing here without Loki’s knowledge.”

“So,” Bucky came to a quick conclusion “Loki pretty much owns our whole realm?”

“Yes.” Thor didn't see much problem in this fact at all.

“Now,” Thor quickly went back to finishing Phil's question, “While the stone on your ring represents the realm symbolically, it’s also the still beating heart of The Goddess Who Must Not be Named, however most know her as Fates lover Fortune-”

“MORE STORY!!” Clint is very excited and very drunk right now.

“I will tell you about Fate and Fortune,” Thor easily agreed to the demanding bird, “They both have a gambling addiction, and are the perfect opponents, it is said that he cannot be cheated and she cannot be beaten. Fortune, having many titles, is often called The Million to One Chance, Karma, or, my personal favorite, Lady Luck. She is constantly opposed to her lover Fate, and she is just as difficult to understand, although where he is implacable, she is considered to be capricious. Her appearance is hard to determine. Not many have witnessed her in person, and the few that have were not able to agree upon what she had looked like, other than that she "appeared to be beautiful" and had green eyes. Her eyes are her defining feature, since Loki had taken her power to change the nature of her eyes they stay green from edge to edge, without iris or pupil. The Lady’s favour instantly disappears if she believes someone is relying on her, or calls her by name -though it is stated that she is attracted to the sound of dice. Since everyone believes in her, she does not need to be worshipped, and would regard such a thing as taking her for granted, the Guild of Gamblers members attempted to worship her some millennia ago, and it led to them dying within a week, proving that being lucky doesn't necessarily mean having good luck. As such it should be noted that she is behind all good AND ill fortune. On the other hand we have Fate, he is still considered one of the most implacable gods, and very difficult to understand. He looks like a pleasant, middle-aged man, much like Bruce, but his eyes are starry voids. It is possible ,although difficult, to bargain with him, but proverbially impossible to cheat him, although this has only been done once. He is known to play games and always plays to win. He also plays against other gods; but The Lady is said to be not only his lover but his only serious rival, as Fate always wins when the players stick to the rules. It is also noted that gods never play by the rules. His Temple is situated in the Gods' Quarter of Ankh-Morpork. It's a small, heavy, leaden temple, where hollow-eyed and gaunt worshippers meet on dark nights for predestined and fairly pointless rites.The couple is often playing games with mortals as pawns, where The Lady never sacrifices a pawn, always playing to win, and Fate rather likes trying not to lose.”

“That doesn't explain why Loki has the power to bestow their powers onto others.” Jarvis spoke, impatiently, from above.

“Thats because he doesn't have their POWERS,” Thor loves to be condescending today “He owns THEM.”

“Again, HOW?” Clint was starting to think his Ma didn't need a rescue team.

“He played them for it.” There's that tone again “Loki was the only demigod to cheat him out of a prize and for that Fate hates him, however you gotta give him some props, since Loki IS, despite everything, one of her favourites. He’s the one who started the commonly-held superstition among gamblers that if they talk about their luck it will desert them, and she can't thank him enough for it. Given Loki’s fondness for setting things in opposition it doesn't surprise me he had separated the lovers.”

“So,” Phil was still confused “I have to deal with a world saving snake, Lady Luck, and a Lovers Mark that gives me unknown powers and a terrible curse?”

“Oh!” Thor sat up in revelation “I forgot to tell you who’s mark you have!”

“You forgot mine too.” Tony is still pouting a little.

“Son of Coul, you have Envy. Like greed and lust, she is characterized by an insatiable desire. She is basically a desire to deprive other men of theirs. With her powers come her husband-”

“KINDNESS!!” The rest of the Avenges cheered happy to finally know something in this conversation without Thor telling them first.

“-Patience and he is famous for forbearance and endurance through moderation. Resolving conflicts and injustice peacefully. He is the master of forgiveness.”

“Thats not the Virtue that matches the Sin though.” Bucky, as equally as drunk as Clint, who was leaning on him for support, even though they were laying down, sounded sad.

“Of course not,” Thor was tired of teaching the mortals things, “Envy and Kindness hate each other”

“What’s their Curse?” Phil hadn't drank any of the booze and was soberly enthralled by his gifts.

“ Envy has had her eyes pinned open, so she can forever look at all the things she will never have. She constantly has bloody tears trail down her face, the least her husband can do is make sure she doesn't ruin the things she DOES have. He keeps her tears from touching her clothing by catching them in a golden chalice, which he happily drinks from when it gets filled to the brim.”

“Ewww,” Tony still acting as a child complained, “I bet mines better.”

“You got Avarice, she is also known as Greed, and is applied to a very excessive or rapacious desire and pursuit of material possessions. Hoarding of materials or objects, theft and robbery, especially by means of violence, trickery, or manipulation of authority are all actions that may be inspired by Greed. She married Humility, who is most known for his modest behavior, selflessness, and the giving of respect. He believes in not thinking less of yourself, but in thinking of yourself less. He rules over Courage and the heart necessary to undertake tasks which are difficult, tedious or unglamorous, to graciously accept the sacrifices involved, and have reverence for those who have wisdom and those who selflessly teach in love.” Thor took a long breath before continuing “The Curse befallen Greed was because she is known for her abilities to manipulate and steal, and because of that she has had her throat cut open and her vocals ripped out, and 4 golden bells placed around her neck, her arms, and her ankles. She talks through her lover and has a tendency to hit people when she doesn't get her way.”

“Ok,” Natasha snickered at Tony’s tone, “Not better.”

“You lady Widow have The One Ring and the mark of Lust.” Thor turned to the snickering woman to inform her of her own gift.

“The ring from Lord of the Rings?” Steve asked before Thor could delve into more facts.

“You've seen Lord of the Rings, but you still haven't seen Star Trek?” Clint was not happy with this development in his father's ‘catching-up-with-the-times’.

“I haven't seen either,” Bucky raised his hand “So, if someone could explain?”

“Yeah, I got it,” Bruce volunteered, “The One Ring was forged by the Dark Lord Sauron during the Second Age to gain dominion over the free peoples of Middle-earth. In disguise as Annatar, or "Lord of Gifts", he aided the Elven smiths of Eregion and their leader Celebrimbor in the making of the Rings of Power. He then forged the One Ring himself in the fires of Mount Doom. Sauron intended it to be the most powerful of all Rings, able to rule and control those who wore the others. Since the other Rings were themselves powerful, Sauron was obliged to place much of his own power into the One to achieve his purpose. Creating the Ring simultaneously strengthened and weakened Sauron's power. On the one hand, as long as Sauron had the Ring, he could control the power of all the other Rings, and thus he was significantly more powerful after its creation than before; and putting such a great portion of his own power into the Ring ensured Sauron's continued existence so long as the Ring existed. On the other hand, by binding his power within the Ring, Sauron became dependent on it—without it his power was significantly diminished.”

“But what does it do?” Bucky seemed unimpressed.

“domination of the wills of their users, effectively invisible except to those able to perceive the non-physical world, acquire an aura of terrible power, ability to read minds,

extend the life of a mortal possessor, and prevention of natural aging.” Steve listed helpfully.

“Seriously?” Clint yanked on his hair in frustration.

“Not that the last two matter anymore anyways.” Pouty Tony was back.

“Tell me about Lust.” Natasha turned back to her uncle.

“Lust is also known as lechery, and is an intense and uncontrolled desire. It is usually thought of as uncontrolled sexual wants, however, it was soon discovered, the word was originally a general term for desire. Therefore, Lust also controls the uncontrolled desire for money, food, fame, or power. She fell in love with Kindness. He is often times mistaken for his brother Charity, probably because he enjoys compassion and friendship for its own sake. He is responsible for both Empathy and Trust, and believes in unselfish love and voluntary kindness without bias or spite. he always has a positive outlook and cheerful demeanor, in hopes of inspiring kindness in others.”

“And her Curse?” Natasha spoke again to ask a question

“Her torso, thighs, and upper arms have been covered in hideous, silver scales, she attempts to hide her body from everyone but her husband.”

“Thats not so bad.” Bruce attempted to be optimistic, “What about me?”

“Your Mark is,” Thor started “ Wrath.”

“Of course,” Bruce was now apparently a pessimist “I just love Loki’s sense of humor.”

“ She is also known as "rage",” Thor continued, “And may be described as inordinate and uncontrolled feelings of hatred and anger. Wrath, in her purest form, presents with self-destructiveness, violence, and hate that may provoke feuds that can go on for centuries. Wrath may persist long after the person who did another a grievous wrong is dead. Feelings of anger can manifest in different ways, including impatience, revenge, and self-destructive behavior. He is the only sin not necessarily associated with selfishness or self-interest, although one can of course be wrathful for selfish reasons, such as jealousy. . In its original form, the sin of wrath also encompassed anger pointed internally as well as externally. she is the lover of Chastity , he is known for his discretion of sexual conduct according to one's state in life, or the practice of courtly love. Prefers cleanliness and his jurisdiction is Honesty - be honest with oneself, one's family, one's friends, and to all of humanity. Wrath, forever, has blood splattered across her person ,and a scarlet strip of hatred painted across her eyes, her husband must remind her constantly of their love so she won't kill him or herself in a fit of rage. Now, for your other gift, it is the Dragon named Dagurashibanipal”

“I have a Dragon attached to my ankle?” Bruce was staring at the appendage in wonder.

“Essentially? Yes,” Thor answered, “Loki had acquired as an egg from a mysterious, hooded stranger in the ever burning realm, Muspelheim, and is supposedly the hatchling of The queen Natsunomeryu II and the ever imperious and infamous Smaug. She was hatched in Daenerys Garyen Tavern a couple centuries ago, and is believed to be the last of her kind.”

“What can she do?” Steve was ever curious and always loved Dragons.

“She’s a throwback, retaining an unusually large amount of intelligence and has an unnatural urge to learn, rather than fight. It has been prophesied that, as The Celestial Dragon queen, she is to ultimately mate with an unknown male Dragon named Icefyre and save the dragon race.”

“Can we see her?” Tony has the sudden urge to ride a Dragon.

“Well,” THor started, “When Bruce summons her, you'll have to ask him.”

“What does she look like” Clint was in awe of Bruce's awesome gift.

“ Dagurashibanipal is a cream-white, female dragon, with a mane of golden, razor sharp spines running down her neck. Named to match the black crescent mark on her head, she possesses the ability to change size, revert to human form at will, summon and control storms, store and channel lightning, manipulate human minds, has mastered all the known elements, and has the ability to conjure and wield magic.She is a kind, fierce, if need be vicious, and at times possessive Dragon, she once slaughtered The Dwarf King Khordaldrum’s clan along with the neighboring dwarf town of Yurdrok because they had kidnapped Loki and planned on murdering him.”

“Sounds like one badass motherfucker.” Tony was thoroughly impressed

“Language.” was Steve's predicted remark.

“Hey,” Phil spoke up, “How come Greed and Envy got such bad Curses?”

“Who cares?” Clint pushed Phil out of his way, “Tell me about my bracelet!”

“It is called a Agimatikaustubais,” Thor brought the boys wrist closer to his face, “The leather is from seven different magical beings.”

“Which magical beings?” Clint wanted answers and he wanted them now.

“You have Arachne who is half-spider half-female, and maybe the mother of all spiders, a Satyresses, which have human upper bodies, and the horns and hindquarters of a goat, Scylla former lover of Poseidon, transformed by Mother into a many-headed, tentacled monster who feeds on passing sailors, a Scythian Dracanae, they have the upper body of a woman, lower body composed of two snake tails,haunches of a lion, the wings of a great bird, and the face of a woman, Stymphalian Birds, they are man-eating birds with beaks of bronze and sharp metallic feathers they could launch at their victims, aTeumessian fox, orr, as they are more commonly known as ,a gigantic fox destined never to be hunted down, and lastly a Unicorn which is a beautiful horse-like creature with a magical horn on its forehead.”

“What about the stones and wings?”

“The stones consist of Baetylus- a sacred stone which was supposedly endowed with life, Cintamani- a wish-fulfilling jewel that also said to perform alchemy without an equal sacrifice being made, such as turning lead to gold, and creating something out of nothing, Stone of Giramphiel- a stone offers protection against the fiery breath of dragons and any magic resulting in the death of the possessor, Adder stone- believed to have magical powers such as protection against eye diseases or evil charms, preventing nightmares, curing whooping cough, the ability to see through fairy or witch disguises and traps if looked at through the middle of the stone, and of course recovery from snakebite, Linguarium-a mythical gemstone believed to be formed of the solidified urine of the lynx (the best ones coming from wild males), Bufoni- a mythical stone or gem thought to be found in, or produced by, a toad, and is supposed to be an antidote to poison, Gjöll- the name of the rock which Fenrir the wolf is bound, Vaidurya- most precious of all stones, sparkling beauty beyond compare, and Draconite- a mythical gemstone taken from the head of a live dragon and believed to have magical properties to control the tides. The wings, however, come from a Naddahabennu which is a shape shifting entity inhabiting the caves of the watery wastelands of jotunheim. It commonly adopts the appearance of a gigantic water bird but it can also materialise in the form of various other mythological creatures such as a water bull. A generally malevolent entity, and typically preys on livestock being transported on ships, but it is also fond of otters, of which it consumes a considerable number. In its manifestation as a water horse the creature is able to gallop across the top of seas as if on solid ground. During the summer months it is seen infrequently as a large insect, sucking the blood of horses.”

“What does it do?” Clint asked in excitement

“You can call upon the wings for flight at any time.” Thor smiled as clint looked at his wrist in wonder

“What's his mark?” Phil asked when it was clear Clint was done talking.

“He is branded with Gluttony, she is the overindulgence and overconsumption of anything to the point of waste. It is considered a sin if the excessive desire for food causes it to be withheld from the needy.She goes so far as to prepare a list of six ways to commit gluttony, comprising: Praepropere – eating too soon, Laute – eating too expensively, Nimis – eating too much, Ardenter – eating too eagerly, Studiose – eating too daintily, Forente – eating wildly.”

“Sounds like a nightmare” Bucky interjected

“She married Charity, or Generosity it some. He really likes self-sacrifice -the term should not be confused with the more restricted modern use of the word charity- to mean benevolent giving. In Asgardian theology, and his wife, Charity is the greatest of the seven virtues. Charity is in ruler of Love, but only in the sense of an unlimited loving kindness towards all others, because it is said to both glorify and reflect the nature of the Gods. Such love is self-sacrificial, and is believed to be necessary for salvation. Gluttony must, now, eat the flesh of men to avoid death, Chastity has taken it upon himself to feed her grotesque hunger, luckily for both he is a quick healer, unluckily, they have both taken a liking to the curse”

“I take back my earlier comment.” Phil winced.

“I want to hear about the stuff on Steves back” Natasha reminded them of how strongly Thor was affected by the soldiers new back art.

“Steve,” Thor began, “Would you mind turning back around, so I have something gesture to as i'm explaining?” Steve complied. Thor gestured to the giant knotted tree, the roots buried themselves into Steve's lower back, as the leaves branched out, explaining its importance before moving on to the crow perched on a scythe to the left, next the rearing eight legged horse, with more Asgardian scripture surrounding its being, and finally to the three tombstones resting amongst the roots.

“This is Tree of Life ,to the Aesir, represents the hierarchical chain of events that brought everything into existence. The spheres of the Tree of Life demonstrate the order, process, and method of creation. We believe the first Gods, Isis and Osiris, planted the tree when they found they could bear no children. It is said that the only time the couple ever visited the tree was to carve the name Ahmadiyya- meaning Tree of Life-, and lay at the base awaiting death to take them, when the tree noticed the people who planted it die, however, it took their souls and gave life to everything in existence today. The first thing it gave life to was Death, who visits the tree often to water and ensure it does not die.”

“How ironic,” Phil mused, “Death keeping something alive.”

“Yes, well next we have the tombs” Thor took a deep breath before he began the story.

“You see, Mother had been concerned with Loki’s well being when she noticed how he refused to spend time with me and The Warriors Three, and suggested he find his own warriors to battle with, in hopes of him finally finding some companions to spend time with. Loki took her advice and set out to find said warriors. He didn't come back for a thousand years, but when he did, he returned victorious, with a family of four Horseman, a mother and her three children, who agreed to come back and be his new friends and family. They were soon dubbed The Four Horseman, and were discovered to be wielders of some strange and new magic, they each had their own powers but shared certain qualities like immortality, teleportation, super strength ,and invisibility. The powers eventually made Odin worry for his throne and orders guards to execute them. They proved to be mighty warriors, but it was later discovered the three kids, Pestilence, Famine , and War could be defeated if you removed each of their rings. Odin wears the rings of the three to this day, and after having them executed, Death buried them in Ahmadiyya roots before she went on a rampage. Eventually Loki convinced her to calm and take the form of a crow to protect her from the Allfathers wrath.”

“Tell us More about Death” was Steve's only comment during the entirety of the Horseman discussion and Thor instantly complied.

“Ahh, The Crow of death., her birth name is Morrigan, but she is often times just called Death. She generally prefers taking the form of a crow rather than riding horseback, but, if she does, she adorns a yellowish green horse that appears to be decaying. Death was the last to be titled as a Horseman, not particularly wanting the job, but quickly took over as leader, once she realized how much she would miss her three children. Her weapon of choice is a scythe, and, due to her advanced age, Death is completely detached from the rest of the universe. She only pays the events vague interest, resulting in her tendency to wander off from his assigned targets. However, unlike her children, Death is shown to have a more civil and calm manner when dealing with anything untoward, and while she doesn't particularly like anyone, she can't help but to have a soft spot for Loki, as the two share a Mother and son bond, Death even went as far as loaning Loki her Ring, long ago, so he could become Death for the day, as a way to teach Loki quality of the Soul, along with the consequences of disrupting the natural order. She hates the idea of souls being used for power, and has a level of respect for beings, specifically the soul. Death teaches Loki that the soul is stronger than anyone knows, and that it can suffer much and be broken but can't be destroyed, not even by her. Her powers include, exemption from any physical harm and pain and cannot be physically destroyed in any manner, except by her own scythe. Resurrection although she rarely does this, as it goes against the natural order, Memory Manipulation, and Pyrokinesis, meaning she can instantly kill anything or anyone at the drop of a hat. She will only ever take orders from her adopted son Loki.”

“So only Loki and Steve can get her to do anything?” Natasha clarified

“Yes.” Thor answered honestly

“How lovely” Clint rolled his eyes hiding the slight fear that may have shivered down his spine at the power his parents held.

“And the horse?” Bucky asked in curiosity

“Another of Loki’s children,” Thor began, “You see this all happened back when my father had called upon Gangleri, one of the best builders in all the land, and demanded he build a fortification for the castle in three seasons, to keep out any Jotun invaders. Gangleri didn't want to build Odin his wall, but eventually claimed he would only do it for my mother's, Frigga, hand. After some debate, the Allfather and the Counsel agree to this, but place a number of restrictions on the builder, including that he must complete the work with the help of no other man. Gangleri made single request to have help from his stallion Svaðilfari, and due to Loki's influence, this is allowed.”

“How did Loki influence that?” Steve interrupted.

“Loki simply adores horses” Thor smiled continuing, “The stallion Svaðilfari performs twice the deeds of strength as the builder, and hauls enormous rocks to the surprise of the gods. The builder, with Svaðilfari, makes fast progress on the wall, and three days before the deadline of summer, the builder was nearly at the entrance to the fortification. The gods convene, and figured out who was responsible, resulting in a unanimous agreement that, along with most trouble, Loki was to blame.”

“Why do they blame him for everything?” Tony also interrupted.

“He is the God of Mischievous,” Phil reminds, “He was the easiest to place blame on.”

“Son of Coul is right, it was much easier to blame him for all the wrongdoing the Æsir

went through.” Thor agreed, “The Council declared that Loki would deserve a horrible death if he could not find a scheme that would cause the builder to forfeit his payment, and threatened to attack him. Loki, afraid, swore oaths that he would devise a scheme to cause the builder to forfeit the payment, whatever it would cost himself.”

“What did he do?” Natasha asked engrossed in the tale of deception.

“That night, the builder drove out to fetch stone with his stallion Svaðilfari, and out from a wood ran a mare. The mare neighed at Svaðilfari, and realizing what kind of horse it was, Svaðilfari became frantic, neighed, tore apart his tackle, and ran towards the mare. The mare ran to the wood, Svaðilfari followed, and the builder chased after. The two horses ran around all night, causing the building work to be held up for the night, and the previous momentum of building work that the builder had been able to maintain was not continued. Unfortunately,” Thors tone was more somber now, “When Odin realized that the builder is a Jotun, he disregarded any previous oaths with the builder, and called for me.”

“What did you do?” Phil asked, confused

“I killed Gangleri by smashing his skull into shards with Mjöllnir.” Thor admits sheepishly, “However, Loki had "such dealings” with Svaðilfari that "somewhat later" Loki gave birth to a grey foal with eight legs; the horse Sleipnir.”

“That doesn't explain why he is a mark on Steve’s back.” Bruce spoke up.

“After the foal was born Odin had Loki put into the dungeon with his mouth sewn shut, as punishment for not producing an Æsir babe.” Thor stared at bruce sadly as he told this part of the tale, “When he was finally let out Loki discovered Odin was using Sleipnir like a common steed, he quickly stole him from the stables and placed his youngest child in hiding.”

“What is the Captains mark?” Jarvis intruded again, after a long moment of silence.

“The Captain has been blessed with the Mark of Sloth, she can entail different vices. While sloth is sometimes defined as physical laziness, spiritual laziness is emphasized. Failing to develop spiritually will lead to becoming guilty of sloth. He has also been defined as a failure to do things that one should do. By this definition, evil exists when good men fail to act, the exact deadly sin referred to was believed to be the failure to utilize one's talents and gifts. Her Love is Temperance and he is known for restraint, justice, and his constant mindfulness of others and of one's surroundings. unlike his wife he loves to practice self-control, abstention, moderation and deferred gratification. He controls Prudence, and enjoys judging between actions with regard to appropriate actions at a given time.”

“Whats her Curse?” Phil asked hoping it was better than the last one.

“Sloth is Cursed to be at her Sister's beck and call, if she were to rest he aching, bloody feet Odin will kill her beloved Husband and Sisters. She would be put in a dark, isolated room to live out the rest of her existence alone.” Thor replied sadly, in his opinion her punishment was the worst.

“Don't worry, Bucky,” Tony teased, after a moment of comfortable silence“We didn't forget about you!”

“Yes, my metal armed friend” Thor turned to the person he was addressing joyfully “You also carry one more of Loki’s children”

“Who?” Bucky hoped his gift was super cool too.

“Fenrir, who is a monstrous wolf, attested to be the father of all wolves, a son of Loki, and, above all, hates Odin. Mostly because Odin, due to false knowledge of prophecies foretelling great trouble from Fenrir and his rapid growth, had the Generals bound him, which resulted in Fenrir biting off the right hand of Balder, Odin's third, and favorite son.” Thors tone was slightly bitter as he said the last part it it freaked out the others because of how much he resembled his beloved brother Loki.

“Your Lover Mark is that of Vanity, or,as she's more commonly known, Pride. She is the original and most serious of the seven deadly sins, since she is the source of the others. She identifies as believing that one is essentially better than others, is always failing to acknowledge the accomplishments of others, and excessive admiration of the personal self ,it also includes vainglory which is unjustified boasting. Odin's curse of pride was "love of self, perverted to hatred and contempt for one's neighbour". her husband, Diligence, has a more zealous and careful nature than his wife and believes in a decisive work ethic, steadfastness in belief, fortitude, the capability of not giving up, budgeting one's time; monitoring one's own activities to guard against laziness. He is the Commander of upholding one's convictions at all times, especially when no one else is watching ,or Integrity, as it more commonly known as. While her Sister, Envy, has had her eyes pinned open, The Allfather had her eyes sewn shut with enchanted wire so she could everything around her, but she is never to gaze upon her own face for all of eternity. Humility often tells her of her beauty so she doesn't go mad and try to kill herself. Again.”

“You said something earlier about summoning.” Tony really wanted to meet a Dragon “Can we summon our creatures now?”

“Do you know how to summon any of them?” Clint sassed back.

“No,” Tony answered, seeing where this was going.

“Then you can't summon them” Natasha decided to respond WAY nicer then whatever was going to leave her brother's mouth.

“Actually,” Thor cleared his throat, “All you have to do to summon anything is have the right spell, If I remember correctly, I could write them out and give them to you tomorrow.”

“BEDTIME!” Tony yelled, excited to go to bed for the first time in fifteen years, running to his bedroom, leaving the other hero's laughing behind him.