Chapter 36
36
It was taking much too long for the Storm King's liking. His fretting had actually driven his host, his friend, into hiding. Tony knew Friday used every algorithm at her disposal, had followed every avenue of inquiry, but to no avail. She had finally discovered Luka’s changed appearance, but that had taken several days. Once the goddess had boarded the train, even Friday lost track of her. All she could determine was that the now blonde goddess had headed west.
Steve, Natasha and Clint were in eastern Europe again. The trio were sent to assist their counterparts in Moldova. They’d flown to Bucharest, in Romania, then travelled overland to Chisinau, the capital. Driving through the Carpathian mountains took some time and no one expected to hear from them for quite a while. On the order of weeks, Nat had informed Tony.
Thus, the three remaining indwelling Avengers were on their own. Thor had spent the last few nights drinking, trying to make a difficult decision. He’d nearly paced a rut in Tony’s penthouse floor, driven the genius inventor to hide in his lab, and nearly frustrated Banner into Hulking out more than once.
He finally gave in to the inevitable; knowledge he desperately needed more important than hiding that he had lost Luka. He stepped off the Bifrost still trying to think of a way to ask without actually saying the words. Heimdall already knew, slowly shaking his dark head, a deep frown on his face.
Thor closed his eyes on a deep sigh. “That which you seek is not visible to me, my Prince. Has not been for nigh on a week as your mortals measure time. Think closely on where you last saw it. Perhaps it is only mislaid, not truly lost.”
“You need say nothing to my father as yet, please, Watcher. I will find it, I swear!” Thor begged.
“The Realms are quiet, my Prince. I have sensed no disturbance in the aether. Thus, there is nothing to report.” Heimdall reassured Thor. Since he could feel the resonance when a portal opened, he’d just told the Thunderer Loki was most likely still on Earth.
"Thank the Nornir! I will continue to search, then. I’m certain it will turn up soon!” Thor ducked his head with a shaky smile. “You will let me know if you see it? Before anyone?” The Guardian only smiled, one small nod in agreement. So Thor returned to the Tower to continue his hunt for his love.
Friday reported the Bifrost opening twice in one day so Tony was pretty sure the big Asgardian had finally gone home to ask their ‘eye in the sky’ if he had any news. Since Thor was already back, the billionaire guessed the answer might be positive. He decided to go up and check anyway.
Bruce was curious enough to risk getting the latest information, too. He entered the communal kitchen, intent on a soothing cup of tea. Figuring he would find Thor and Tony there, he scratched his head on discovering an empty room. When asked, Friday informed the doctor, her boss and Thor were in the penthouse.
Tony must have been really curious, Bruce thought. Went all the way up to meet the other big guy. His brows lifted as he observed the two men. Both sitting at the bar, drinks in front of them. Uh, oh! So, not good news, I guess. He almost turned around, but Thor saw him.
“Banner, my friend! Come, join us! Another mind to add new thoughts to our discussion!”
“Well, I don’t know what I could contribute, but I can listen, at least.” Bruce sat in a nearby lounger.
Tony patted Thor on his arm, “We’re not quitting ‘til we find her... or him, Point Break. And he reminded Thor FrIday continued to watch every feed she could access.
Bruce suddenly made a surprised noise. “How far have you extended her search, Tony? We know Luka boarded a train going west, at least as far as Chicago.”
“Ooh, right! See, I knew you’d think of something!” Tony grinned at his science bro.
“I shall extend my search for all three identities immediately, Boss. It will take a little time for me to gain entry to certain networks, but I should have an answer by the end of the day.” Friday chirped, quickly. “If I might suggest, you all should consider going through her known associates again. She may have contacted one of them in the time she has been away.”
*
She had, but in a roundabout sort of way. Lady Luka spoke to Vincent Billard, requesting he contact Maria Chuiri’s office in Paris. She intended to keep that avenue open, a secondary sanctuary, in case her plans of hiding with her Hawk’s family did not work out.
The thought of concealing himself in plain sight amused the dark god. The adulation from the mortals was not unwelcome, either. And he knew Thor would not dare to interfere, his female persona had already gained some fame as a charismatic, beautiful, and very public figure. If Luka surfaced in Paris, still acting as a world class model, it would allay some of Thor’s concerns, as well.
Meanwhile, Issa was busy insinuating herself into small town life. She wandered the shops, parks, trails and college campus daily. Frequenting several of the many restaurants, she quickly discovered which were favoured by the locals and which were more tourist oriented. Issa even visited a couple of the local markets, eschewing the chain groceries, filling her hotel room fridge with fresh fruit and snacks.
As a new resident in town, and a visible one, it was only a matter of a few days before she was recognised. Often warmly greeted by the residents as she walked, she’d been invited to several homes for coffee, even once for dinner by an unattached gentleman. That had amused her and though she declined, she did join him for lunch at a local eatery.
They exchanged cell numbers; the fellow saying he’d keep an eye out for a rental place for her. After all, she couldn’t keep living at the hotel, like a tourist. He had a friend at a local realty, another who worked at the college. Ah, what was it the mortals called it? Networking, right! Loki grinned to himself.
The next time Issa visited a local grocer’s, she fortuitously bumped into Laura and Lila Barton. They were shopping to pick up some pre-made dinners as both Lila and Nathan had sports events later that day. Nathan a Little League game and Lila archery practice for her school team.
The goddess stood weighing two dinners, one red meat and the second, seafood. Watching the Bartons make their choices, she listened to the mother okaying or disapproving the children’s picks. When she heard Laura tell Nathan his spicy tacos would be difficult to reheat if he didn’t finish them, she thought it would make a perfect opening.
“Excuse me. I overheard you explaining why your son’s choice was not acceptable. You seem a wise lady. Could you assist me with my choice? I’m not used to cooking for myself and the facilities in my hotel room are minimal, but I weary of restaurant dinners, too.” Issa smiled shyly.
“Oh, you must be the new history professor. I heard my brother mention you.” When Issa gave her a confused frown, the girl giggled and added, “Your accent. Very Scandinavian sounding. You certainly look the part, too. I’m Lila and this is my mom, Laura.” The girl stuck out her hand to shake.
Issa did so with a tentative smile. “I am Issa Engisonn. You are correct; I will be teaching European history before 1450 come the fall.” She winked at Laura, “What does a history professor usually look like?”
Everyone laughed and the women continued to chat. Laura got more specifics on what ‘minimal facilities’ included and helped Issa choose her dinner. “I’d have invited you to eat with us, but Lila has archery practice and my younger son has Little League tonight, so we won’t be home. But we’d be happy to have you at another time.”
Issa still seemed confused. “What is this ‘Little League’?” She turned to Laura, “You have three children? May the gods smile upon you!”
As they checked out, Issa asked what made Lila decide to take up archery. Was she planning to compete? Would she hunt to provide for her family? Or was it just for fun?
“Hunt? Heck, no!” The girl shuddered. “My dad taught me. He shoots, too.” Lila knew she couldn’t say more.
“If you’re not busy this evening, and you’re interested, we could pick you up and take you to Nathan’s game. It’s a lot easier to explain baseball while you’re watching it.” Laura offered to change the subject. “It would get you out of that hotel, too. You sounded kinda bored before.”
“That’s very kind of you,” Issa nodded, “Are you sure I will not inconvenience you?” Inside, Loki was grinning in glee. He had his in.