Chapter 23: Going to Asgard

When Loki first awakens he is surprised to feel stronger than expected. He is not surprised to see Thor sitting close by.

"How do you feel," Thor asks anxiously.

"Better than I expected. Do you have something to do with that?"

"Mother sent me some healing stones and instructions on how to use them to replenish your energy with Huginn."

"You did well. How is everyone," Loki asks.

"Well. Lady Jane and her friends work on science in one of Tony Stark's labs. He is in another preparing for a project. The others periodically come to Tony's home and enquire about you. Brother, I would ask your opinion on something when you are well if I might."

"Get me some food, brother, and you can ask me now. JARVIS please send up some chocolate protein shakes and other foods from the energy replenishment list."

"The food shall arrive soon Loki," the AI promises.

"Tell me of this matter Thor."

"I have feelings for Lady Jane. I am not sure how to pursue them."

"I noticed the potential for such. How to pursue a relationship with her has two aspects to consider. One is the personal dynamic between you. Mortal women, and Lady Jane in particular, may find some aspects of Asgardian courtship rituals unwanted. You can bring her gifts as signs of affection, but she shall require signs of respect as well. She will also want to get to know you in venues less formal than traditional formal royal Aesir courtship rituals dictate," Loki advises.

"You speak of Lady Jane requiring respect and once again show your wisdom brother. She was wroth with me for a time because I saw her in terms of Asgardian views on women. I had to prove that I respected her for herself. Thankfully, she accepted my heartfelt declarations of respect once I, as Darcy put it, 'got my head out of my backside'," Thor replies.

"I am glad you saw Jane's value Thor. She is intelligent and Asgard needs that as well as an infusion of alternate views. I would recommend you two creating guidelines for courtship. That will prevent much offense. You also need to consider how Asgard, and Earth, will view your courtship. Earth won't be as problematic as Asgard. Asgardians have views of mortals to overcome. Also, and not to belittle the lady, but she has not won enough distinction on this world yet to have comparable status to yourself. It would be best to delay mentioning your courtship, let alone bringing her to Asgard, until she gains some more distinction. Then she will have more ammunition to fight against disrespect."

Thor's shoulders slumped.

"I thought of how you have been treated and I feared for her there. I hoped I was being foolish but I am not am I? I dearly wish to show her Asgard, but I want her to be happy. I don't want her feeling disrespected or like she is…in my shadow," Thor tells him sadly.

"My suggestion would be to emphasize her wisdom when telling the tale of your adventures on Earth. Emphasize that she stood up to you and advised you. That, and seeing the capabilities of the humans going to Asgard, will sow the seeds of the idea that humans should be respected. When she has won more honors here, and in the best case scenario built a Bifrost, then she will be received well on Asgard. A slow courtship in which you emphasize your regard for her above any other will also emphasize her position. It will also keep you two from rushing into anything. I think it is possible, brother, to gain the type of long life we have for her but it isn't something to embark on lightly. She will have to prove she deserves the honor or her life would not be a pleasant one."

"That is a lot to think on but I thank you for the advice brother."

"The food is ready," JARVIS announces. Thor shortly returns with a large platter of food. Loki quickly eats it and feels his body extracting the nutrients. He also feels the need for rest assert itself once more.

"Sleep brother. All is well. I will stay by your side and make sure it remains that way," Thor promises.

When Loki reawakens he notices Thor is not with him. He sees his brother has not temporarily left him to use the restroom. It does not seem plausible that Thor would randomly leave my side.

"JARVIS where is my brother?"

"He is downstairs arguing with Agent Coulson."

"About what?"

"He does not wish you disturbed sir."

"JARVIS you didn't disturb me. I asked you. Also, I will feel disturbed if I don't know what is going on."

"Very well. Agent Coulson wishes to speak with you about preparing for Asgard. Thor says you need more rest."

"JARVIS, my brother is an overprotective oaf. I am going down there because I know Thor won't let Coulson up here."

Loki gets up and tests his balance. Another day and my energy will back up to full strength. Then Thor's coddling can cease. He walks downstairs and, sure enough, Thor vehemently protests Loki being up.

"You are not at full strength yet. You won't become so unless you rest."

"Thor, I need mental stimulation. Agent Coulson and his fellows need to be able to make a good impression on Asgard for various reasons. We discussed one of them if you remember."

Thor gives a reluctant nod. He then sits next to Loki and shows every intent of remaining to watch Loki closely. Loki rolls his eyes but decides to placate his brother by leaning against him. Doing so causes Thor's shoulders to relax.

"Loki, what are your thoughts on who should go to Asgard," Coulson asks ignoring the brotherly moment.

"Do you have a preference as to whether Director Fury or you shall go? I can see benefits and downsides of each choice. Director Fury's stubbornness and bluntness, no offense, would win him more respect. Your less high key demeanor would take longer to gain approbation but there would be less conflict.

Tony's skill in building the suit will win respect other realms. His brash personality and exploits will win favor with the Aesir- but, as would be the case with Director Fury- there would be conflicts. I would think of asking Pepper to go to help minimize conflicts and because I think she would get along with Queen Frigga. I am unsure if Pepper would wish to leave Stark Industries unattended.

James Rhodes, if you can somehow secure him, would be beneficial because his status and exploits in his armed forces could be a good point of common ground.

Hawkeye should go because his skills will intrigue the elves. The elves will not interact much with your delegation because they don't believe in establishing relations with realms before members of the realm develop inter-realm travel. Hawkeye's skill with a bow will provide a way for them to converse without worrying about affecting Earth's development.

Black Widow's skills are also ones that other realms will respect. She can also help you in gathering information about the other realms.

I think those individuals should comprise the delegation. The Hulk, even if Banner was willing, would be too unpredictable. Captain America's past would gain respect but we don't need the conflicts sure to arise between him and Tony. Thinking of the captain and Banner reminds me of something. We need to get them into the team before we need them Agent Coulson. Trying to build a team on the battlefield can work but it can also be inefficient. There might be needless personality conflicts and property damage," Loki suggests.

"You have a point. We'll see about getting the Captain and Banner into the Avengers after we return from Asgard. Can you brief us on customs and history so we can minimize errors," Coulson requests.

"Of course. I can begin as soon as everyone is gathered. Not a word Thor," Loki comments.

Thor says nothing, but shows his support and care by gently squeezing Loki's shoulder. It is as if we were boys again. Since Thor respects me again I enjoy this casual affection.

"Brother, you can help me with the briefing if you wish. Until then, would you like to watch a movie with me? I think you will like the explosions in Hot Fuzz and the bond between the two main characters makes me think of you," Loki says.

Thor is laughing exuberantly at the movie's ending when Coulson leads a group into the room. Loki is pleased to find both Pepper and James in the group.

"There's no way we're letting Tony offplanet unsupervised. You'll have too much to focus on to do it," James says while Pepper nods. Loki grins at the dirty look Tony gives them. He decides to start off with briefing everyone about Jotunheim as Thor is unfamiliar with Jotun customs. There are breaks for sustenance as Loki, with help from his brother, briefs the group on the other realms. Night has fallen by the time the briefing is finished. The group pledges to be ready to leave after breakfast.

It is decided that Loki and the rest of the group going to Asgard will take the Bifrost back to Asgard from Puente Antiguo. This gives everyone time to speak more before the Asgard group and the Puente Antiguo contingent go their separate ways. When they reach Puente Antiguo everyone disembarks and goodbyes are said. Loki laughs at Thor's surprised look at Jane Foster's goodbye kiss. His laughter turns into mimed gagging when his brother kisses in her return.

"Keep it PG you two," Tony calls out to the couple and Loki laughs. Darcy laughs as well and Loki grins at her. It is pleasant to find another friend.

The Puente Antiguo contingent boards a waiting SHIELD jeep. After the jeep leaves Coulson, Natasha, Clint, Pepper, James and Tony prepare themselves. Loki feels pride and care for these people. The faces of the others he cares for flash through his mind.

You've made a mistake Thanos. You will rue the day you decided to try to end what I love.

"Let's get this show on the road shall we," Tony asks with a jaunty smile.

Loki looks at Thor and Thor grins joyfully. Loki looks up the sky and speaks with the precision and confidence of a prince.

"Heimdall, open the Bifrost!"

The ending song off the Thor soundtrack, "Earth to Asgard", seems like a great way to emphasize this is a Thor AU.

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