The Realms United

“Hela?!” Loki says surprised to see the beautiful woman with ashen skin and long straight black hair standing in front of him. The only article of clothing she is wearing is an intricate golden belt studded with green stones and long gossamer strips of green cloth dangling from the front and back. Her long black hair flows down the front of her curvy body to her waist hiding her perky full breasts though just barely.

“Hello… Father.” She says bittingly as she saunters closer eyeing Loki like a cat ready to pounce. Loki doesn’t quite understand how she got here and in such a very physical state. He knows magic is the answer… and it has to be powerful at that.

“What do you want, Hela? Speak plainly I have no time for games at the moment.” Loki says going for disinterest and impatience. She circles him and touches one small hand to his shoulders.

“You are wondering why I’m here… simple. I am powerful enough to cross between the dimensions… if only for a short while… and because I want something from you, Father.” Hela then says as she stops before Loki and moves in until her body is flush against his armor-clad frame. “You gave me your blood when you made me… this allows me to cross the Rift temporarily. I require your aid in making me a more permanent member of the Living, so that I can stay longer in this rich and varied Universe.” Her lips brush close to his and Loki knows what she is after now.

“You want me to bring you to Life? What for? So that you may gallivant here… with your lover? Who would take your place upon the Throne of the Forgotten Tomb and sit with the other Wraith Lords upon the Death Council?” Loki asks as he pushes Hela away and laughs at her scheme heartily. “Your thoughtlessness amuses me, Daughter. Though what should I expect from a lump of fashioned clay?” Loki says with a bit of a bite to his words and Hela’s lovely face scowls at the taller man. Her green eyes blaze fiercely.

“Do not mock me, Father.” She says in her anger.

“Or what? You’ll kill me? I cannot die so easily dear Hela. Not now.” Loki says calmly as he turns away smiling. Hela rushes up and hugs him from behind.

“Please, please, Father. I don’t want to spend Eternity in the wastes and despair of the Realm of Death. I want more than a taste of Life… I want to LIVE!” She pleads as she holds him tightly and weeps upon his back. Loki feels detached from her plight. Hollow and uncaring. It’s the same feeling he had after pressing that big red button and sending Thor hurdling down to the ground below in that circular cage the Midgardians had made for the green Ogre known as The Hulk. He feels emptiness. No compassion. No anger. Just… nothing. After all, why should he? She is lying.

“Please?” She begs once more seeming to try an appeal to his parental instincts. “One more ritual, one last chalice of your blood… and I’ll be free.” She then says silkily and hugs him tightly. Loki reacts and breaks her hold upon him then spins to look at her with angry, icy eyes.

“Give me a few days to think on this. Plus, I need to research if what you ask is possible. It may not be… so don’t be surprised if you can’t get what you want.” Loki says and waves a hand in a dismissive manner. Hela slowly fades away and as she does her shocked look turns to one of low, simmering anger.

“I will get what I want… one way or another… Father. You have two days to make your decision. Two days!” Hela says just before she completely disappears. Her words hang in the air like a promise more than a threat. Loki sighs. What has he gotten himself into?

“These are troubling times indeed.” Loki whispers to himself as he slumps into an easy chair. He wonders what Hela will try and pull if he completely refuses her… but should he give in and actually give her what she wants… who knows what further trouble she’ll be. If only he could employ Thor’s method of ‘slay the monster, save the day’ but then that would leave a terrible imbalance in the cosmic order for there must be a Ruler of the Dead. There is a Convening of many such Lords of Death in the Realm of the Dead but the loss of Hela from it would still throw things into chaos.

That alone makes Loki smile at the mere idea of pulling it off… but then the dead would crawl up out of their graves, the dying would never find release, the gravely ill would suffer on… All Realms, not just the Nine would be affected… so no, killing Hela is NOT the answer to Loki’s problem, tempting as it may be. But to finish the ritual and bring her from half-life to fully alive would free her from the Realm of the Dead… and if he doesn’t… she slays him a thousand-thousand times. Of course, he will not stay dead, but he will remember the pain from each death.

The more he thinks about this, the more he sees no way out but to give her what she wants… and with no benefit to him. Such a thing is an outrage to Loki. If she wants to live so desperately then she’d better be willing to give him something of tremendous value in return… and then another thought strikes Loki… and he grins suddenly. He could turn this to his advantage and come out on top all around in the end. He just has to get the timing perfect.

He then hears the sound of Heimdall’s horn blow once more… ‘Ah… that is most likely the Norns arriving.’ Loki thinks as he lets his Odin disguise shimmer over his body once more and stands to look out the floor-to-ceiling window behind the King’s desk. Sure enough… there is the Norn entourage. ‘Now to placate Karnilla.’ Loki thinks and turns from the window.

___________

Natasha feels herself come up out of the blackness of unconsciousness. Her limbs feel heavy as she becomes more and more aware. She’s in some pain… but nothing feels broken. Why does she feel this way? She should know… she should… The Latverian Mission! Natasha sits up suddenly as she recalls the intense fight with the only other Black Widow to make it out of the Red Room’s ending (by Natasha’s own hands of course). Natasha had been rendered unconscious… but her teammates must have brought her back to Xavier’s School or the Tower… or did Hydra get her?!

“What the hell?” Natasha whispers out in surprise as she looks around puzzled. She is in a huge circular room with golden walls decorated with various tapestries and paintings there are some bookshelves as well. On two opposing sides of the room are floor-to-ceiling windows with an archway door in the center that both lead out to balcony areas. Green gossamer curtains bellow in the slight breeze as golden light filters in from one set of windows.

Natasha looks down and notices she is on a black leather couch draped with… furs? The wood is dark and etched in intricate gilded knot-work patterns. The couch she is on is one of three that surrounds a central fire pit area that is curtained by fine golden chains. A small fire burns within giving heat to the large space. She looks to her left and notices a doorway (with a closed door). She is certain it leads out into another interior space… perhaps a hallway. She then looks to her right and notices another doorway that contains a staircase that leads up… to where… Natasha cannot see from her position. She notices that by these stairs is a bar area.

She licks her lips noting how dry her mouth is right now… so she slowly stands from the couch. Her legs are a little unsteady at first, but after a couple of steps she can walk normal. She examines the bar area… a countertop of a rich dark wood that shimmers green when the light hits it just so. It even curves with the wall. She looks behind it and finds a wine rack with several bottles. She doesn’t need alcohol right now… just a plain old glass of water will do nicely, so she starts hunting for a tap as soon as she grabs a wine glass from under the countertop. The only problem though is that there is no tap to be found.

Natasha decides to go looking up the stairs… She finds herself walking up the short flight and through an open door into the most stunning bedroom she has ever seen. This room is huge and circular as well with the same floor-to-ceiling windows on opposite sides of the room. Various tables and mirrors can be found along the golden circular wall there’s a few bookshelves in here as well, even a set of busts and an ottoman for dressing and undressing… but what really captures her attention… is the huge circular bed located in the exact center of the room!

It is massive and looks like it could sleep six people easily and with room to spare! A green tent canopy with golden trim hangs from a large golden chain over the bed. Black lacey curtains hang down from the edge of this emerald canopy and are tied back to the five thick wooden posts around the bed’s edge to expose the expanse within. The wood frame of the bed looks dark but shimmers green were the light strikes it. The wooden headboard curves with the bed between three posts and several pillows are piled up along it. They are covered in green, gold, and black covers. The bed is covered with a thick looking dark green duvet with shimmering gold silk sheets. She’s starting to see a pattern here.

Natasha makes her way across the huge room to the next set of stairs. She climbs them up to the next area. She is surprised to find a curving hallway with another set of stairs before her… but she chooses to go left since light comes from that direction. Natasha is greeted with a wondrous sight.

She finds herself in another large room… which is actually half the size of the bedroom she was just in. It too is circular and half the wall is nothing but windows. She ignores the round pool-sized tub in the center and the latrine and washbasin area on the left side of the room to move slowly to look out the massive floor-to-ceiling windows to look out upon the marvelous sight before her.

She sees spires of gold, glass, and stone hugging the rise and fall of the mountainous landscape that is cleaved in the center by a sea bay… and stretching out and away from the building she is in… is a bridge of crystal that shimmers with every color of the rainbow…

“Why am I on Asgard?” Natasha asks out loud to the empty bathroom as she takes in the alien world and surreal sky before her which she remembers Thor describing to her and the others over drinks. It is so stunning a sight that she doesn’t notice when she isn’t alone anymore…

“Your enemies sought to hold you prisoner.” Comes a woman’s soft voice. Natasha turns and comes face-to-face with a woman whom she has only seen in video images Stark took when he was out on a night flight after the Winter Soldier escaped Stark Tower some months back.

“You’re Lady Phoenix.” Natasha says as she takes in the woman before her.

“Please… call me Sigyn.” Sigyn says as she moves to stand near Natasha at the windows. “Eat this… it’ll make you feel better.” Sigyn then says as she hands Natasha a golden apple. The redheaded spy takes it and studies it for a moment. She is hungry… her tummy growls in eager anticipation, so she takes a cautious bite. The metallic-looking gold skin gives and the sweet flesh of the fruit crunches under her teeth. It is the best apple Natasha has ever eaten and she hums in approval.

Natasha then notes the green and gold get-up Sigyn is wearing as she eats her apple, the leather corset and golden armor pieces which seem more for show (though she really doesn’t want to take a blow from the bracers or the grieves Sigyn wears), and Natasha notices that Sigyn is a good four-five inches taller than herself (considering the spy is shoeless right now and stands 5’3 herself).

“Thank you… for saving me.” Natasha then says and Sigyn nods her head as she offers a gentle smile. Natasha can’t help but smile as well though she still feels unsettled by all of this. The former spy wonders if and when she’ll be able to return to Earth… to Steve… as she sighs turning her gaze out the windows once again.

“You will return to Earth in the near future… but… there is something I must ask of you to bear witness to before you can leave.” Sigyn says and Natasha notes there is a hint of sorrow in her tone. An unspoken apology lingers between the two women.

“Okay.” Natasha says simply… then she looks at Sigyn curiously. “What is it exactly that I will be witnessing? And why me?”

“Because you are Midgardian… and as the only Mortal in the Realm Eternal currently, your presence is needed to bear witness to the formation of a Peace Agreement between all Realms, all Worlds, all beings. It is a Congress of Worlds that is to be known as ‘The Realms United’.” Sigyn explains simply. Natasha nods her head slowly… this sounds familiar.

“Kinda like the United Nations.” Natasha says with a smirk.

“Kind of… but this will be on a far greater scale than what you are used to, Natasha Romanoff.” Sigyn replies. She then turns and gestures to the large tub. “Feel free to freshen up.”

“Whose rooms are these?” Natasha asks curiously as she eyes Sigyn.

“These are my husband’s chambers… and mine. You are free to use them during your stay.” Sigyn says as she walks by the tub and several bottles of varying shapes and sizes float out of a nearby cabinet to land lightly on the edge of the tub.

“Do you miss him?” Natasha then asks suddenly and Sigyn stops in her tracks as she makes for the door. The Asgardian woman sighs sadly.

“Everyday.” She whispers sadly.

“Thor has spoken to me… and the other Avengers about Loki. About how he wasn’t always so… dark.” Natasha says. “He even told us about you. Was it your intent to break Loki’s heart? Or did you just runaway because you got cold feet?” Now there is a cold edge in Natasha’s tone as she eyes Sigyn’s back.

“I loved him with all my heart… I still do.” Sigyn says as she turns around and Natasha can see the tears in the woman’s emerald eyes. “Odin deemed me a thief and so I was banished from Asgard two nights after my hand-fasting to Prince Loki. I left by King’s Command. Perhaps things would be different if I had just taken my husband with me. He would’ve been happier, and his heart of gold would’ve never been blackened by grief and hatred. Excuse me.” Sigyn says tearfully and quickly flies from the room out the open window. Natasha watches her go and understands now that it wasn’t nearly as simple as she thought. Everything concerning the Royal Family of Asgard is just so damned complicated… and Odin is always at the center of it. She looks at the large tub.

“Now if I can just figure out how to heat this thing…” Natasha says as she inspects the tub. Her hand ghosts over the edge and as she nears the stairs to climb in, she touches a gilded rune and the water starts to bubble and steam. “Bingo.”

___________

After a good, hot soak… Natasha steps out and towels off. She doesn’t want to put the black catsuit back on but she does find a green and gold robe. She wonders if she can get her cat suit washed and returned to her quickly since she has no other clothes here. Apparently, Sigyn must’ve taken her gear as well for Natasha has no weapons whatsoever. She does feel much better… in fact, she feels the best she has ever felt in a long time.

Natasha notices there is a simple yet gorgeous looking red and black dress waiting for her on the bed. The corset is black leather and is a snug fit. It has accenting gold armor pieces upon it, making Natasha feel more secure in this new environment. She slides her black combat boots on and decides it is time to do some exploring and see what the rest of the palace looks like. As soon as her hand reaches for the door… it opens…

“Ah, good… you are ready.” A slightly taller, dark-haired woman in silver armor and dark red cloth and leather says as she looks down at Natasha with a somewhat grim countenance.

“You must be the Lady Sif.” Natasha says as she studies the warrior woman that Thor has spoken much about (Natasha has learned through Thor’s stories that he cares a great deal for his lady friend… and that they are just that… friends… even though Odin has pushed Thor to court her in the Past).

“I am… and you are Thor’s Mortal friend and shield sister, Lady Natasha.” Sif says and she holds out her right hand. Natasha takes it and they shake hands… or rather Natasha shakes hands whilst Sif hesitates at first expecting to clasp wrists. Sif then smiles at the redheaded Mortal. “It is good to see another woman unafraid to step into battle.” Sif then gestures to Natasha to follow her. She does and soon they are walking down the golden halls.

“I wouldn’t say I’m ‘unafraid’… just better skilled at controlling my fears… and kicking lots of ass.” Natasha says and grins at her jest.

“I am familiar with this phrasing… when I brought Lorelei back from Midgard, I worked with a team of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents under the command of the Son of Coul. They were an interesting lot. I hope I get the chance to work with them again some day.” Sif says grinning as well now.

“Phil is a good man. I’m glad Director Fury was able to save him… but I am afraid you may not get to work with S.H.I.E.L.D. anymore… the organization was dissolved due to a… an enemy group… infiltrating it.” Natasha says letting Sif know about what has happened on Earth. Natasha had heard about the Las Vegas Incident as it was called before the fall of S.H.I.E.L.D.

“I am truly sorry to hear that… I really enjoyed working with that team.” Sif says solemnly. “Traitors are a cowardly lot. I hope they have been dealt with swiftly.”

“The fighting continues… though mostly in secret… sometimes it spills out into the media and both S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra are seen as terrorist forces evading the Law.” Natasha says.

“Does your King not see the folly of that?” Sif asks curious and unsettled that such disrespect can befall a noble core of protectors.

“We don’t have a King in America… and nothing is black and white… it’s all subjective so anyone will see what they want to see. Sadly, most of the populace doesn’t give a damn if it isn’t directly affecting their daily lives.”

“Such a thing would not stand here on Asgard. Traitors would be put to death or banished to the frozen wastes of Niflheim as soon as they are caught.” Sif says as they walk.

“Well, that’s Earthlings for ya.” Natasha says with a shoulder shrug.

“Sounds like a foolish lot… though there are notable exceptions.” Sif says as she smiles at Natasha. She smiles back and then looks around at the grandiose architecture. Then Natasha notices the other people milling about in these vast halls… There’s a ten foot tall man with a huge swollen bald head and glowing white eyes, there are also groups of people (if they can be called that) of varying skin tones from blue to orange and pink to green. Natasha then bumps into someone.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I should’ve watched where I was going.” Natasha says as she lays a hand lightly on the shoulder of the woman she bumped into… this woman has black hair, or rather long black feathers in place of hair and sharp features that remind Natasha of a bird.

“Remove your hand from the Majestrix of the Shi’ar Empire at once!” A towering blue skinned man says as he turns his glowing yellow eyes at Natasha. His own feathery hair goes up along the center of his scalp like a Mohawk. It moves from flat to standing on end in seconds and Natasha is stunned into silence for a moment though her body is ready for any attack.

“Be still, Praetor. There is no offense made.” The woman says as she raises a hand and the man takes a step back.

“My apologies, Majestrix Lilandra.” He says as he lowers his gaze to the floor and bows his head. Lilandra then eyes Natasha curiously.

“You look Human… from which world do you hail?” The Majestrix asks.

“Uh… Earth.” Natasha says and she wonders… “You’ve encountered Humans before… on other worlds?”

“Yes. The Shi’ar Empire’s Capital is mobile. Unlike the Kree and the Skrull whom have a Throne-World… it makes us less vulnerable to attack and allows me to tour the colonies freely.” The Majestrix of the Shi’ar says. “Forgive me… I have forgotten my manners this day. I am Lilandra, Majestrix of the Shi’ar.” Lilandra says and as she gracefully gestures her arms out wide and bows slowly. The Praetor guy with the blue skin and now flattened Mohawk bows even deeper bending at the waist to Natasha.

“I am Natasha Romanoff, Agent and Avenger.” Natasha says and offers her hand out to the straightened Lilandra who cocks her head at the Human woman’s hand curiously before slowly presenting her own. Natasha takes the hand and slowly shakes it as she smiles at the woman.

“I like you, Natasha Romanoff… Terran. I wish to converse with you more about your planet and how it is that Humans live.” Lilandra says with a gentle smile as she eyes Natasha and occasionally tilts her head in certain ways that just screams ‘bird’ to the super spy.

“I would enjoy that… for I have questions about your… people… as well and how they live.” Natasha says with her own returning smile.

“Majestrix… this is unwise.” The Praetor says in a low voice next to his Queen.

“So you keep saying.” Lilandra says a touch snippily to the man. “But I trust that the Praetor of my Imperial Guard can keep me safe if and when danger presents itself… otherwise I am here to establish contacts amongst the visiting Other-Worlders in the hopes of creating peace and gathering knowledge.” Her Praetor of her Imperial Guard nods his head and says no more.

“I shall talk to you later then, Majestrix Lilandra.” Natasha says deciding to take this out while she can.

“I look forward to it, Natasha Romanoff, Agent and Avenger.” Lilandra says and her voice is happy and musical. Natasha and Sif walk away further down the hall.

“I take it they are bird people.” Natasha says simply in a near-whisper to Sif.

“Aye.” Sif starts. “Avari is the old name for their Race. They are one of the oldest Races known to come about after the Coming of Light.” Natasha and Sif move on.

“She mentioned the Kree… Coulson had located a buried city not that long ago connected to that alien race. What do you know of them?” Natasha asks Lady Sif.

“They predominately have blue skin and eyes like the Dark Elves… black with glowing blue irises. There is a minority of them colored like us with cream-colored skin. In fact… if you look to your left… you will see the delegate from the Kree Empire.” Sif says and stops, halting Natasha as well. The spy casually scans the room to her left and spots three blue men with bald heads dressed in odd black and dark gray clothes.

“So the Blue Man Group are cosmic bullies.” Natasha says as she smirks to herself. She then turns her eyes back to Lady Sif. “Tell me more about them.”

“They are deeply religious… for one… and they are nearly as war-like as Asgardians.” Sif then adds in hushed tones for only Nat to hear.

“That sounds like a recipe for disaster.” Natasha says under her breath.

“Aye. They have few friends amongst the other Races in the Universe. They have answered King Odin’s invite though if you wish to speak with them directly… I will warn you… they are very stern and take offence easily so take care, Lady Natasha.” Sif says as they then continue to walk on.

“Who are their most notable enemies?” Natasha asks eager for as much intel as she can get.

“Aside from Asgard?” Sif says and lifts her brows up quickly before furrowing them. “The Novas of Xandar.” Sif says as her dark eyes scan the various peoples loitering about. She then spots a trio of Nova Corpsmen a short ways away… One looks human but has magenta skin and dark purple hair, the second looks like a seven foot tall white tiger cat man with a scar over his right eye and the third… looks human. The human Nova is a taller man with a pug face and curly brown hair. There is a woman and little girl accompanying him… their skin is also magenta in color but their hair is more of a coppery color than purple.

“Those are Corpsmen of the Nova Core. They look like they just arrived not that long ago for that seems to be the family accompanying one of them. They can tell you everything you want to know about the Kree… and the Shi’ar.” Sif says then leads the redheaded Midgardian from the golden halls to the training grounds. Once there, a golden clad Einherjar approaches.

“Lady Sif… the All-Father requests your presence in the throne room at once.” The guard says relaying his message.

“I will be along shortly.” Sif says and then gives Natasha a glance. “First, I must leave you in some pleasant company.”

“The All-Father says this is of utmost importance… The Norns have arrived.” The guard then adds. Sif gets a serious look upon her face at that.

“Very well… then please escort the Lady Natasha here to the Warriors Three and introduce her as Thor’s friend.” Sif says to the guard. He nods his helmed head and looks to Natasha.

“If you would please follow me, Lady Natasha.” The guard says in his most professional tone. Natasha knows not all of the Asgardians seem to like Mortals… well, they can kiss her shapely ass about that.

“We shall see each other later, Natasha.” Sif says with a small smile before she turns away and walks off briskly back to the palace. The guard escorts Natasha to a nicer section of the training grounds where several warriors, Asgardian and Other-Worlders are busy keeping their physical prowess in peak. She watches as a tall (taller than Thor even) red haired and bearded man fights off six other Asgardians with his large battle axe and rounded belly… all the while a dashing blonde man sitting on the stone railing is laughing as he makes commentary upon the portly, ginger warrior’s fighting style.

“Lord Fandral, this is Prince Thor’s Mortal friend… the Lady Natasha of Midgard.” The Einherjar says curtly. “Lady Natasha… this is Lord Fandral Leifson.” The guard renders the introductions then steps back a pace and turns smoothly then marches off leaving Natasha alone with Fandral.

“Thor’s Mortal friend, huh?” Fandral starts as he eyes Natasha appraisingly.

“Perhaps you’ve heard Thor talk about me and the other Avengers.” Natasha says nonchalantly as she looks out to the fighting square where the huge redheaded man laughs heartily as he hops forward and slams an opponent back with a gut rush maneuver.

“So you’re the Black Widow.” Fandral then says as his brows shoot up and his hazel eyes grow wide. “My, my, my… now I simply must see you in action. The Mortal who outsmarted Loki, was nearly felled by Midgard’s Green Ogre, and yet you still managed to go on to fight the Chitauri Horde. Impressive.” Fandral adds with a wide grin.

“I don’t think you could handle me out there on the sands.” Natasha then says simply as she watches the rotund man defeat his final opponent.

“That sounds like a challenge.” Fandral says and there is an excited glint in his eyes.

“Maybe it is.” Natasha counters.

“Sounds like you two need to work this problem out inside the square.” The large man says as he comes over sweaty and smiling. “Volstagg Tyrson.” Volstagg then adds as he presents his hand to Natasha.

“The Voluminous.” Fandral says adding in. Volstagg ignores the slighter blonde man.

“Natasha Romanoff… of Earth. I’m also known as the Black Widow.” Natasha says and Volstagg’s blue eyes widen.

“Thor has spoken much about his Avenger friends. Most impressive that even a Mortal woman has risen to become such a mighty warrior. After you soundly whip this curr… we shall make for the nearest tavern, posthaste!” Volstagg bellows out and smacks Fandral on the back to get the blonde man to start for the square. Soon he and Natasha are standing face to face on the sands. No weapons save for fist and foot. A crowd has gathered to watch.

“I’ll go easy on you, my lady.” Fandral says as he takes a relaxed fighting stance. Natasha just stands there simply waiting. Fandral dashes towards her but Natasha dodges keeping just out of reach from his grasping hands. As this continues to happen over the next few minutes… jeers start coming in directed at Fandral and how a woman (a MORTAL WOMAN at that) is evading him.

Fandral chuckles light-heartedly and then he makes his mistake… he laughs and looks away to retort to a rather colorful jab about his manhood… and that’s when the Black Widow strikes. Natasha slides forward quick as a flash across the sand… her sweeping leg catches Fandral and he falls backwards onto his rear. She then springs up quickly and lands straddling his chest with her knees on his elbows while his hands are up by his head. There is a very surprised look upon Fandral’s handsome face and a silence befalls the gathered crowd for a second… then comes the roar of laughter and cheering. Natasha then moves off of the prone Asgardian man and she offers him a hand which he gladly takes and is helped up to standing.

“I must say that was a rather impressive fight… and a rather titillating view once I was put on my back. Care to have a rematch… say on softer ground?” Fandral then says attempting to charm her into his bed.

“Fun as that was… I don’t think my boyfriend would appreciate such… candor from you.” Natasha then says and smirks as she dusts herself off and walks away.

“Wait? Boyfriend? What does that mean?” Fandral asks perplexed at the terminology as he hurries to follow Natasha out of the training square.

___________

“Lady Sif!” Odin says as the warrior woman approaches the throne dais from the gathered courtiers. She takes a knee with fist over heart before the first step.

“Yes, Sire?” Sif says with lowered eyes as she remains in position.

“Stand… and go down to the dungeon and procure Lorelei from her cell. She is to be brought before me at once.” Odin commands calmly. Sif’s eyes flash up and she stands quickly.

“Sire?” Sif says and the question hangs unspoken… is that wise? Odin narrows his single eye at her.

“It is not your place to question… but to obey. Now go and make haste!” Odin then says as his anger edges into his tone. Sif swallows hard and nods her head.

“As you wish, my King.” The warrior woman says and hurries off at a brisk pace. Odin sighs as he sits upon the throne once more. He shifts with a grumble for the golden seat is uncomfortable. Several minutes pass and soon the doors open and in walks Bragdi to herald the Norn Royals approach.

“Presenting her Magnificence… Lady Karnilla, Sorceress Queen of Nornheim. And the Mighty Troll King, Ulik.” The herald declares. Odin’s eye widens as the beautiful Norn Queen and her blonde sister, Amora, enter with the massive Troll King that Thor supposedly had slain more than a century ago following close behind. His scaly yellow skin is scarred by fire on his left side and his long brown hair is tamed in several tiny braids that are pulled back out of his squared face. The Troll eyes Odin hard and the look does not waver. A dozen Trolls armed and armored step in marching close behind in two rows.

“All-Father.” Karnilla says in her husky tone which is as smooth as silk from her redden lips as she curtsies before the golden stairs. Amora mirrors her older sister perfectly. They then stand and look disinterested.

“Hail, Odin… All-Father.” Ulik grumbles out and gives a stiff nod of his shaggy-maned head. Loki notices the gathered Einherjar grip the shafts of their spears tightly. Odin stands keeping his spear between him and the new delegates in full view. It is a show of power without needing to call upon the spear’s might… a warning to all present.

“Greetings fair Norn Queen, Karnilla. My sons spoke highly of your beauty and I see now that words do you no justice.” Odin then looks to the Troll King. His single blue eye is hard yet questioning. “My son, Thor, spoke of your death following the ransom of Lady Sigyn PhoenixSoul. How, pray tell, did you survive my son’s might and the flames of the Phoenix unleashed?”

“These.” Ulik answers as he lifts his fists and the gauntlets set with Norn stones gleam in the light within the throne room. Odin arcs his left eyebrow high.

“Clearly you are a lucky one, Troll King.” Odin then says and offers a cold smile. “I welcome you all to Asgard… and whilst you are all here, please refrain from antagonizing my people and my other Honored Guests. Otherwise, I shall have the Lady Sigyn deal with you personally as she did Surtur.”

“So it is true.” Karnilla then says with an amused smirk. “The Demon King snuck in and was dealt with expediently… to Jotunheim was it?”

“She dealt with him accordingly… and the same shall be done with anyone else looking to stir up trouble while they are here within Asgard.” Odin then says calmly and taps his spear. The sound reverberates around the throne room and all murmurs are silenced.

“Then let us hope none are foolish enough to test your hospitality, All-Father.” Karnilla says with an elegant bow of her head giving him full view of her very busty chest. Loki wants to roll his eyes at the Norn Queen’s attempts to seduce the All-Father. He knows her full curves well… very well indeed… but his fleeting fancy towards her had waned long ago. Now she is simply annoying to him.

“I have gifts for each of my guests… they are to be presented at the feast later this evening, but I feel the pressing need to give you both yours early.” Odin then says with a small smile. “Bring the prisoner forth, Lady Sif!” Odin says and his voice carries about the throne room. Lady Sif walks up with a gagged and shackled Lorelei in tow. They stop before the dais and Lorelei eyes Odin.

“You are dismissed, Lady Sif. Leave the hall.” Odin orders and she gives the All-Father a hard stare before briskly walking away and out the huge double doors. Odin looks down at Lorelei and his single eye narrows. “You have caused much trouble whenever you are allowed your freedom, Norn Princess… but your freedom is the gift I give to your eldest sister, Karnilla.” Odin says and taps his spear. As he does so… the chains and shackles fall away. Even the gilded cage of her necklace falls down to reside as a wide golden trinket upon her throat. “However, in light of your recent gamble on Midgard… I am forced to take precautions. That necklace you wear shall remain upon your throat until the day of your death. Should you try and enchant any man with your voice it will activate and cage your siren’s song. This is my decree… your freedom for your magical voice’s cage.”

Lorelei glares at the All-Father hard. She wants to say everything at this moment and expose Loki, but she knows that if she so much as says anything out of the line right now then ‘Odin’ will cage her voice and declare her a deceiver… so the redheaded Norn Princess stays her tongue for now.

“Sister.” Amora says as she happily embraces Lorelei. Karnilla smiles and hugs her youngest sister as well though with more of a detached air. The Norn Queen runs her fingers over the golden metal and feels the thousand-thousand woven enchantments crafted into it. This necklace will be impossible for even her to remove alone. Karnilla then turns to Odin and bows gracefully.

“Many thanks to you, Odin, All-Father… for this gift.” Karnilla then says silkily.

“What of my gift!” Ulik growls in his impatience.

“You already have your gift, Troll King…” Odin starts coldly. “Your head is still upon your neck… for I pardon you from your past misdeeds towards Asgard. Act villainously towards my Realm again and I shall reclaim your head myself.” Odin then taps his spear upon the ground and the sound rumbles low around everyone. Ulik just glowers at Odin and sneers through his protruding under bite. Loki wants to smile in his amusement of the ugly brute desiring a greater gift than walking out of here with his life. The horn blast sounds once more.

“Chambers have been made ready for all of you. Your guards will be given a barracks close by for their use.” Odin says then waves his hand and the magic shimmers about the Trolls on their shoulders and the center of the women’s chests upon their dresses. The golden badges with the winged eye symbol of Odin appear as the green light fades. “These will ensure to all that you are under my protection whilst in my Realm. Go and rest from your travels. We shall speak again at the feast.” Odin then says and gestures for them to leave. The Norn women and Trolls do so after giving respectful bows to their host. As soon as they are gone, Odin sits upon the throne huffing out a sigh.

___________

Natasha and the Warriors Three head to the closest tavern to the training grounds and Natasha quickly learns much about Thor from them. Some things she has heard before… but the way his friends tell it, showcases another side of the Asgardian Prince… or rather the multi-facets of Thor.

Volstagg tells of Thor’s heroism and bravery, Hogun recounts to Natasha how Thor once saved his life (as well as his village) from the fiery breath of a Fire Wyrm and so now he follows Thor on every adventure to repay the Life Debt owed, and Fandral talks about how Thor used to go through women like his father, Odin, went through all the Realms on his wanderings.

The Thor she knows now seems rather… tame… compared to the Thor they have known for much, much longer. Thor has had several opportunities to stray from Jane with other women (including Natasha)… but he has never once faltered. He has shown how strong his hand is when pushed… but never has he bullied anyone. Natasha understands the Life Debt… she, too, owes Thor her life… for he saved her from being swatted and smashed like a bug by the Hulk. The murderous rage in the towering green, rage monster’s eyes still gives her chills to this day. If it hadn’t been for her accelerated healing, she’d have suffered from a couple of broken ribs and a slight concussion at the time.

Hogun gives her a nod of his head after she tells Thor’s Asgardian friends about how he saved her life from the Hulk. They all comment on how brave and lucky she was to come out of the encounter with ‘The Green Ogre’ alive after knowing what Thor has said at length of Midgard’s Giant. They toast to Natasha then to Thor… and the redhead notices that she is starting to feel fairly buzzed. This is so super rare for her that she notices the slight tingle in her fingertips immediately… then the slight fuzziness in her mind… and Natasha just relaxes and drinks no more. Asgardian liquor is far more potent than anything on Earth. Steve would finally be able to get drunk if he were here and the thought of that brings a small smile to the redhead’s lips.

…Steve…

The thought of her All-American, old-fashioned Boy Scout boyfriend pains Natasha. She misses him now as she lays on a couch in Loki’s Chambers a Universe away… but sleep is eluding her at the moment. She wants this ‘Realms United’ thing to hurry it up and be done with already… but that is not the case. She still has a few more days of this before she can go back to Earth. She sighs and finally manages to slip off into a fitful slumber. Perhaps tomorrow will prove more productive along that front.