Author's Notes:
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First posted 30 April 2013

Music: "Where Are You Now" by Mumford and Sons, "Ride to Observatory" from the Thor soundtrack and (last part) "Counting" by Autre Ne Veut.

Warnings: Depictions of violence and death.


Chapter 14: "Intruders"

I'm counting on the idea that you'll stay, I'm counting on the idea that you'll stay alive
- Autre Ne Veut

It would probably go down in history as the worst hangover, as far as Jane was concerned. She woke up alone in the woods; with a splitting headache and a solemn promise to herself to never ever get that drunk again. As the memories from the previous night begun to creep into her consciousness, she shuddered. Her behaviour was yet another good reason to stay away from mead in the future. While she suspected that Loki could handle anything she threw at him, she still felt embarrassed when she thought about how she had spoken to him. He didn't seem like the kind of person who took too well to harsh truths. She had been very familiar with him, and with words and actions she had begged him for his company and his understanding. In his own way, she supposed he had acquiesced to her not-so-subtle pleading. Jane hadn't meant to take it so far; but she hadn't intended to meet him there yet again either. And in retrospect, she had difficulties remembering what her intentions for getting drunk in the forest had been in the first place. It had been spontaneous and childish, and it wouldn't help her with anything. Still, it had almost been worth it – to feel irresponsible and carefree for a few hours. Almost.

She sighed, and got to her feet. She supposed it was just as well that she had absolutely no recollection of how their somewhat peculiar rendezvous had ended. Jane remembered referring to Loki as her twin – the memory made her cringe – and then everything had gone black. Maybe it was best not to think of it.
The walk back to the palace was cumbersome and when she finally got to her room she ignored the urge to take a bath. Jane simply slipped under the sheets of her bed and promptly fell asleep again.

Later when she woke up by a knock on her door, it was already dark outside. Her head felt better, but she probably still looked a bit of a mess – judging from the surprised look on Thor's face when she opened the door.

"Jane? What happened?" he asked her, concern showing on his handsome features.

"Oh, nothing, I just pretended I could drink mead like Volstagg," she said ironically. Thor blinked at her and then chuckled.

"Oh Jane, that is a task best left to Volstagg himself; no one can best him at that!" he said, giving her a wink. "Would you join us for dinner?" he continued, after a moment of hesitation.

"Right now?!" Jane wasn't quite prepared for the offer, wanting to disappear back under the covers of her bed.

"You have time to bathe and dress, of course," Thor smiled knowingly.

Part of her wanted to say no; but socializing was part of her new "suck-it-up-and-don't-wallow-in-your-misery"-plan, so she asked him to give her an hour before coming back to escort her to the dining hall.

Jane was grateful for Frigg's generosity; a whole wardrobe was at her disposal. Usually Jane wore her clothes from Earth. The rich dresses most women wore here were too different, too nice for Jane's taste. She had always preferred clothes that were practical and didn't restrict her movements. For some situations, however, a pretty dress was better suited. Like for dinner parties with royalty, for instance.
In all honesty, like most women of her age, Jane appreciated the opportunities to "play dress-up" now and then – it did make her feel beautiful. In the end, she picked out a long gown in a brilliant bronze colour with a matching leather corset. The corset, thought not overly comfortable to wear, gave her dress a little edgy look. When Thor returned to escort her to the dining room, he complimented her as his eyes sparkled.

It had been a while since she had dined with Frigg and Odin as everyone had been a little preoccupied lately. Still, Frigg welcomed her as an old friend of the family, and the meal and pleasant conversation was just what Jane needed to soothe her mind, though talking about home was a little difficult. Luckily, they didn't press the subject, well aware of her hurt.

After eating, Odin and Thor left Jane and Frigg alone to a dessert wine on the adjoining balcony. The Queen was good company; she felt more and more like a friend to Jane – though it was hard to forget to whom she was speaking with.

"I have been meaning to ask you, Jane – and you must forgive me for not having done so before – how are you doing? Truly?" Frigg suddenly asked her after exchanging pleasantries about the dinner.

"In all honesty, Your Majesty?" Jane twirled her glass around in her hands, watching Frigg as the Queen responded with a gentle nod.

"It's pretty hard to accept that I might never go home. I miss it. As beautiful as it is here and as wonderful everyone is, I don't belong here – as Loki so pointedly told me." Jane froze as the words left her mouth; she had not meant to bring him into the conversation.

Frigg arched an eyebrow and cocked her head questioningly. He must get that from her, Jane thought as she blushed.

"Loki can be... –" Frigg paused and stared into the shadows covering the balcony wall – "…difficult to communicate with."

Jane snorted softly. The Queen was being very modest in describing Loki's lack of manners – then again, she seemed to bring out the worst in him. Jane had never seen him rude or hostile to anyone except herself and the closest friends and members of the royal family.

Frigg looked at Jane again, apparently following the younger woman's trail of thought. "It is a peculiar trait of Loki, you see. The ruder he is, the more it means that he cares, how strange it might seem. You would never have him admit to it however; but that is why he is so angry with Thor. Because deep down, he does care."

Jane could only nod. She wanted to ask why he then was he so hostile towards her – but didn't find the courage to ask. Besides, how could she hold it against him any longer? Jane neither wanted nor could; not after seeing the few glimpses of his softer side. He had been kind to her, he just hid it well.

"I keep bumping into him," Jane admitted. "He keeps…I don't know, helping me in one way or another."

Frigg looked at her with a soft smile. "How peculiar indeed…Why do you think that is, Jane?"

Jane laughed. "I'm not sure he realizes that he is helping me. Or if he does, I doubt he intends to. I must be such a nuisance to him."

The Queen looked intently at her, as if trying to read her. "Loki was always a special boy to me. So full of life and mischief. He loved to play tricks on his brother and friends – and he was so very good at it. As he grew older, he became a master of subtlety; and he grew more careful – guarded – in his features and actions alike. That had its reasons, I believe. He took on the responsibility of a grown man when Thor was still a boy at heart." Frigg gazed into the shadows again. "They have both made mistakes, my sons. I do not love them less. I am of the opinion that they have both paid for their bad decisions, and will continue to do so before all this is over." She sighed and fell into silence.

Jane was quiet for a while. It made an impression on her to hear Frigg's description of her sons. It was hard to imagine either of them as young boys, innocent and full of boyish pranks. Finally, one of the questions she had carried with her slipped out of her.

"If I may, Your Majesty… how exactly has Loki paid for his crimes? I only ask because, well, where I come from we have a little different view on crime and punishment. Punishment here compared to punishment on Earth are rather different," Jane asked. She was a little worried that her question might be considered rude, but it was asked in earnest.

"I do not doubt that it must seem strange to you. We could have imprisoned Loki, of course. It has been done before, and I am certain there are people among the Æse who would have preferred it that way. But you have to understand-" Frigg leaned closer to Jane, her voice an intense whisper "-that Loki would not become a better man by being imprisoned. Quite the contrary. And I would never allow it, unless there was a real danger to the realm of Åsgard or others."

Frigg leaned back into her chair and took a sip of her wine.

"I know my sons, Jane. And I doubt that any punishment we could give would be more grave than the one Loki is already giving himself," she said, her voice sad.

"I don't know your sons like you do, Your Majesty. But I remember Thor's pain when he thought he had lost everything. He gave up everything he had in order to make things right. As for Loki…I don't understand his actions on Earth. For a time I was just trying to wrap my head around what happened; that creatures from a different world almost destroyed an entire city. I don't think Loki was…himself, although that's just a guess on my part." Jane felt her words were inadequate to explain, so she left it at that.

"Tell me Jane, would you condemn Loki based on his actions or on whom he is?" Frigg wondered. Jane thought it a strange question.

"I would like to think that I don't condemn anyone at all, Your Majesty. If I know anything, it is that good people can make bad choices," the younger woman replied carefully.

"You are wise for your years, Jane. Thank you." Frigg smiled. "Now, I believe you should get some rest. It is well into the night."

Jane stood; she was tired and a little grateful for the dismissal as much as she had enjoyed the conversation. She bid Frigg goodnight and went back to her room, where sleep came easily.

On the balcony, Frigg watched the mortal woman leave with a smile on her lips. She then turned back to the shadows by the wall.

"Loki, kjæraste – kom ut frå skuggane," she whispered. Slowly, reluctantly, Loki came forth. He had the decency to look embarrassed.

"What have I said about lurking in the shadows like that? It is rude and unbecoming to listen to other's private conversations," she scolded him.

"It is what I do, is it not?" he replied in defense, a small smirk toying at the corner of his mouth.

"You choose what you do, only you and no one else, no matter their expectations of you." Frigg shot back, a hard edge to her voice.

"Very well, then I apologize for my rudeness. I suppose I should have known you would know I was there. I can sneak up on anyone in the Nine Realms – save for you, Mother."

"What mother would I be if I did not know my sons?" Frigg told him, her voice gentle again. She cocked her head. "Well? Did our conversation interest you?" she inquired.

Loki looked away. The conversation had interested him, but he was loathe to admit it, even to his mother. But he suspected she already knew that. Frigg looked at him knowingly.

"She is something out of the ordinary, is she not?"

"The mortal girl?" Loki feigned nonchalance – old habits die hard.

"Of course!" Frigg huffed. "And her name is Jane, as you well know! And she is hardly a girl."

"No, I suppose she is not," Loki mused, unwilling to go in that direction of the conversation.

"Your father said you will go to the Rainbow Cave in the morning?" Frigg asked out of the blue.

His eyes narrowed by the persistent use of the word "father". He could accept Frigg as "Mother", but not Odin, not yet. He let it pass.

"Yes. I will bring two of the guards to see if we can use some of the crystals for the new Bifrost when we come to the point of rebuilding it," Loki replied, wary of the sudden change of subject.

"You should bring her with you." The look Frigg gave him implied that it was not a suggestion.

"Why are you so intent on me spending time with her?" Loki snapped.

"Loki –" Frigg warned him "–it is time she saw more of this realm. And if I am not mistaken, you get along just fine in each other's company."

"Oh, so that is what you think? Maybe you think we should become the best of friends and we will both be healed, is that it?" Anger bled through his voice.

"And why not?" Frigg shot back, standing up in a fluid, graceful movement.

"She does not know who – what – I am!" he told her, spreading his arms to the sides.

"Then maybe you should tell her!" Frigg raised her voice to match his. Loki shook his head helplessly.

"What you are, does not change who you are, sonen min. It does not matter to the ones who love you," Frigg whispered.

"It matters to me," he told her quietly before turning around and walking away, leaving Frigg with unshed tears in her eyes.

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

In spite of his objections to his mother, Loki did send for Jane the following morning. He was both surprised and a little impressed that she swallowed her embarrassment he knew she felt and showed up. On Jane's part, she was simply too intrigued by the idea of seeing more of the Kingdom to pass the opportunity. Joined by two Æse escorting them, they traveled by horse to get to the Rainbow Cave. Loki had been there a multitude of times before, of course – but for Jane, it was a real adventure. Anxious about riding a horse for the first time since she was a girl, she barely dared to look around at first as they rode through the city of Åsgard. She had been unnecessarily worried however; her chestnut mare had a gentle temper and it did not take long before she relaxed. Loki and his black stallion led them through the city gates and along a big river to the left, while on the opposite side large trees blocked the view. Once outside the city, they let their horses trot on the dirt road. After a while, Jane could have sworn she suddenly heard the familiar rumble of the Ancient Forest, and she asked Loki about it.

"It is indeed the Ancient Forest," he nodded. "It is everywhere on Åsgard; in every tree it chooses to be. Surely you are not surprised by now that it chooses to follow you?"

Jane was surprised, but that was a surprise she didn't mind at all.

On the way, she got to talk with the two Æse who had joined them; a burly blonde named Arnbjørn, and a more lanky yet muscular red-headed man called Steinar. Arnbjørn was a quiet, solemn type, yet friendly as they all were. Steinar was all smiles and charm; he reminded her a little of Thor when they had first met on Earth. Loki rode on at the front, choosing not to participate in the conversation between the other three. Steinar and Arnbjørn didn't mind to answer all the questions that rushed out of the petite brunette from Midgard. Jane was back in research-mode again and found she had missed it greatly. She lightened up as she hadn't done since her very first days on Åsgard, it seemed like a life-time ago.

The two men were both guards and warriors, but they had also been selected because they were familiar in the area they were going to, as well as to the usage of the material the Bifrost had been built of.

"It is a kind of stone though its appearance is more like crystal or diamond. The description does not do it true justice," Steinar tried to explain. "You will see when we get there. It is a wondrous place, truly. I suppose you could call it a crystal cave, though it is not like any other crystal I have ever seen; the colour is like the rainbow, all in one – you know what the Rainbow Bridge looks like?"

"Yes, I have had the pleasure of seeing it as well as walking on it," Jane replied with a smile in return. "So the colour is all natural?"

Steinar confirmed. "It is strong as well – it is hard work to get even a tiny rock loose. Better to have it done with the help of magic," he gestured towards Loki's back, who promptly ignored them.

"What makes the bridge…I dunno, respond to touch? Is it the material or something to do with the construction of the bridge?" Jane asked.

"It is not the bridge but the material itself," Arnbjørn shot in. "Just you wait, Lady Jane. I doubt you have ever seen anything like it," he declared with a nod of certainty in her direction.

"You lot sure know how to build up a girl's expectations, don't you?" Jane laughed. The two Æse were happy to be able to make her laugh and the rest of their trip was filled with questions and descriptions, making Jane's restless heart swell with the feeling of new friendships and good company. She even forgot about Loki's brooding silence as he led them to the Rainbow Caves.

After a couple of hours they arrived; they had ventured away from the river and into the woods, following a road that was no more than a half-overgrown path that seemed to not have been used for a while. They dismounted and left their horses to grass under the shade of the trees as Loki led them up to the side of a mountain that seemed to rise straight from the ground. Like most things in Åsgard, the colour of the stone was brighter and more intense than anything on Earth. It was a blue- grey colour with specks of rainbow colours here and there. Jane looked around in marvel until she followed Loki and her new friends inside a rather small cave opening. Spontaneously, tears filled up in her eyes as she gasped out loud. It wasn't a big cave, just enough for about 10-15 people to stand inside. Only a little light reached the circular room from the opening, but it seemed to reach all the walls and fill the room. Everything was colour; even as she turned around and looked at her companions, they seemed to be made of the light of the rainbow.

"This is unreal," she breathed.

Loki had to smile at that. He remembered having a similar reaction the first time he had been brought here as a boy. Jane was walking around in awe, gingerly touching the walls and laughing softly as the stone or crystal – whatever it could be compared to –responded to her touch by changing from blue to green to yellow to red. He regarded her in silence. He hadn't wanted her to come today, feeling strangely uneasy around her. His mother's words had not made him more eager to spend time with her – if any of the Queen's words were true then it was a hard truth to swallow for the fallen prince. But as he watched her, he was glad she had come. At least someone could enjoy these sights – because he could not, not anymore. Only through her, for a brief moment could he remember how it had been to be so…young.

A polite cough made him turn around to see Steinar and Arnbjørn wait for him to instruct them. Their faces were guarded, but not hostile like some of the Æse were towards him. Loki knew Jane's non-judgemental easiness around his person had something to do with that as well.

"Right then, gentlemen. Let us begin."

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

After their assessment of the cave and answering almost all of Jane's questions, Loki decided it was time to return to the city and palace. A decision spurred on by the rumbling of their stomachs; they had been out most of the day already and would take some time to get back. The little food they had brought had been eaten. Steinar and Arnbjørn walked out first, followed by Loki who looked back to see Jane lingering, unable to take her eyes off the cave walls.

"Jane," he beckoned and saw her following him as he stepped out into the soft afternoon light. Two things happened then: an angry rumbling sound filled the air at the same time as Steinar called out in alarm as a spear flew through the air and hit Arnbjørn in the neck, killing him instantly. Loki and Steinar threw themselves instinctively to the side as more spears came down on them; one hitting Steinar in the leg. Loki twirled around but saw no attacker. Suddenly a Jotne jumped down on him, and they wrestled on the ground. He saw Steinar get knocked down by a second Frost Giant as Jane came out of the cave, taking in the sight before her with a shocked expression before crouching down and against the mountain wall.

"Jane, RUN!" he pressed out just as the Jotne pinned him down with a grip around his throat. He saw she had heard him; he saw she was running towards the horses before a sharp pain shot through his chest. With some effort, he swiftly conjured up a fire dagger and jammed it into the Jotne's head. It didn't even have time to scream; it just fell over him and died. Trying to get up to help Jane and Steinar, Loki realized he was badly hurt as well as stuck under the weight of the dead Jotne. The pain in his chest increased until he saw red spots before his eyes – there was no time to summon up magic before he slipped into unconsciousness.

Jane saw the Æse get attacked. There was nothing she could do. Two huge, blue monsters jumped them – the gentle Arnbjørn didn't stand a chance. She barely had time to register that Steinar was losing his battle with his opponent when she saw the same appeared to happen to Loki as well. She heard his command to her, and stood up to race towards the horses, hoping to jump on one of them to get help, or something. If she stayed, she would be killed. She had almost reached her mare when another spear shot past her, hitting the horse in the flank. The horses all reared and bolted, except for the beautiful chestnut mare that sunk to the ground whinnying.

She turned around and saw one of the monsters walk towards her, an evil grin on its face. His – its? – teeth were long and sharp, like fangs. Red eyes gleamed menacingly at her. Her eyes darted over to Loki and she screamed out; the second blue thing jammed a short blue spear through his chest, pinning him to the ground. Jane backed away as she moved to looked at the enemy approaching her. Another rumble filled the air. It was an angry and upset sound, but Jane recognized it none the less. The trees, she thought wildly as she turned around from the horror in front of her and attempted to run again.

She didn't get far; something knocked her over and she fell face down on the ground with a yelp of pain and fear. She turned around and saw the blue creature lean over her. Quickly she lifted her foot and kicked it in the face. She saw it was already bleeding several places – apparently Steinar hadn't gone down without a fight. Her kick did little to slow him down however; it laughed at her and gripped her ankle as she scooted backwards. She screamed out in pain; the creature's mere touch on her skin burned, his grip etching into her skin. Suddenly, behind her she saw Steinar fight to get to his knees. He raised a dagger and flung it into her attackers back. He howled out in pain, and in a swift movement, got to his feet, turned around and sent what looked like sharp icicles through the air. They hit Steinar in the chest and that was that. Jane took the opportunity to get to her feet to run again as the attacker turned his attention back to her even as he was badly hurt by Steinar's dagger.

He grabbed her left arm and got ready to strike her with what looked like a huge chunk of razorblade sharp ice; only it was part of his arm. Jane threw her weight backwards, though she knew it was no use. A large crack filled the air then as a nearby tree was uprooted and crashed into her attacker. His wounds had slowed him down and he was crushed under the weight of the tree. Her arm was grazed by the tree as well, and the new pain only added to that of her leg and back. She sunk down to her knees unable to stand any longer. Her heart beat wildly and she was afraid she would pass out – only if she did, if there were more attackers around…Jane forced herself to stay conscious, trying to calm her breath as she looked around for more signs of trouble. "Thank you," she panted. The forest, how impossible it all was, hummed in response. "I don't suppose you can get us out of here?" she murmured more to herself than to it. Even magical forests have its limits. In any case, there was no response. Everything was quiet around her. The quiet didn't reassure her at all, but she kept calm, ready to react if there was still danger. Think, Jane. What do I do next?

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

She had to get help somehow. Her leg and arm was throbbing with pain, and she winced when she cast a glance at her ankle, where the attacker had grabbed her. The skin had turned a dark blue – almost black. It burned. Jane forgot about it as soon as she finally heard something; a soft grunt of pain in the direction of the cave.

"Oh my god! Loki!" she hissed, feeling panic rise as her own survival instinct diminished. She more or less crawled the few meters over to him, amazed he was even alive still. Her amazement grew when she actually looked at him.

"What do I do?" she moaned. Nothing in the worlds could have prepared her for the sight in front of her. He looked like Loki, the hair and facial features were the same, as were his clothes – but his skin was a dark midnight blue, imprinted with intricate patterns. A stray thought about tribal tattoos she had once seen on a documentary flew through her mind. At the sound of her voice, Loki opened his eyes and it was all she could do not to scream again – this time in surprise and confusion. Deep, gleaming red eyes met brown.

"What is wrong with you?" she whispered.

Loki raised his right hand and looked at it. Jane lifted her hand, as if to touch him. It happened automatically, but Loki stopped her.

"Do not touch me!" he barked at her and her hand fell uselessly back down to her side. With great effort, he used his arms and legs to push the dead Frost Giant off him. The toll of him speaking made him cough and Jane saw to her horror that blood trickled out and down from his mouth. That could not be a good sign.

His brow furrowed deeper and Jane thought she could hear a low growl in his throat. He closed his eyes and his lips moved – it almost looked like he was praying – and the blue slowly faded back into his normal pallor. When he opened his eyes again, they were back to the usual green colour.

"I am going to need your help, Jane," he told her, gesturing to the spear piercing his body to the ground.

Jane whimpered. She could not phantom how to get through the next few minutes of their lives. Surely he did not mean…?

"I am going to lift myself up, and you will help me. Once I can sit, you will pull the spear through," he instructed as his breath calmed down. He sounded casual, almost bored.

"How can I possibly do that?" Jane shook her head, her voice pleading.

Loki looked at her, the expression in his eyes cold and focused. "You will do it because it needs to be done, and I can not do it myself."

Jane swallowed heavily, but nodded. With a grunt he forced himself upwards, using his hands in an unnatural angle to raise his weight enough that Jane could get her hands on the spear. Their combined strength worked to pull it loose. She tried to ignore the sound of pain that came from his clenched teeth. Still with the spear going through his chest, Loki scooted backwards until he was leaning sideways against the trunk of a tree. Jane moved closer to him, and put a trembling hand on his arm, seeking comfort as much as giving it.

"What happens after? What do I do if you faint or bleed out, or…?" she asked steadily. The rise of panic had long since subdued to the severity of the situation.

"I will not faint," he snapped. "When it's done, I will heal myself the best I can and then we will get back to the palace and the healers."

How? Jane thought, but she didn't dare to ask. She could only trust him and hope he was right.

"Kneel behind me, grab the handle just above the tip of the blade – and pull it toward you in a straight line when I tell you to," he ordered as he steadied himself to the tree with a firm grip. She did as he said, but faltered when he gave the word.

"I can't Loki, it'll…-" she started, but was interrupted.

"Du gjer som eg seier!" he shouted, and while she did not understand the words, the meaning was clear enough. Without further hesitation she pulled the spear as carefully and firmly as she could. She used one hand on his back to push for leverage. To his defense, he neither screamed nor fainted. When the spear finally went through his body, he slumped forward, clutching the wound with his hands while muttering something that made his clothes from the waist up melt away into nothing. The wound was awful, bleeding profusely. Loki continued to whisper, and she gasped when she saw the skin slowly, almost reluctantly knit itself together. Healing magic, Jane thought, holding her breath. She did not dare to speak in fear of interrupting him.

After a few minutes, he got to his knees. He had dark lines under his eyes and the skin of his face was slick with feverish sweat. He was breathing hard, as if he had been running a marathon.

"Loki?" she eventually said in a hoarse whisper. Twilight was creeping in on them, but Loki took his time and did not reply. After what seemed like hours but was probably not more than a few minutes, he exhaled slowly.

"Help me stand," he told her, his voice strained. Jane walked around to face him and offered him her good arm. He grabbed it by the elbow and hoisted himself up but as soon as he did, he nearly fell over her as his knees threatened to buckle.

"Easy, easy," Jane whispered, allowing him to support himself on her. Loki bent his head and rested his forehead at the base of her neck and shoulder. He was breathing heavily, each breath of air flowing down her chest, causing goose bumps to form on her skin. By instinct as much as practicality, her other hand curled itself around his neck. It was a strange embrace, formed by necessity. But it felt good to be able to help and comfort – it felt good to be able to help him.

His breathing slowed down as he adjusted to the taxation of being back on his feet. A warm feeling spread in her; it felt good to be close to someone, despite the circumstances. Loki don't seem to mind either, she thought. They clung to each other because there was nothing else to do; they were far from the city, with no means to get back since the horses had disappeared. It was dark now; she could barely see his face when he finally lifted his head to look at her. He looked weary, but he had something else entirely in his eyes that made Jane's breath hitch in her throat. If she didn't know better, she'd say it was the look of a man about to kiss a woman for the first time; a kind of fascinated uncertainty that made her heart beat a little faster. His eyelids fluttered and closed for a second before they opened again; his face set in a mask of assuredness.

"Reinforcement," he murmured just as Jane heard the faint sound of thunder above them.

She understood what he meant, and let out a sob of relief, still holding on to him as much as he to her.


In Norwegian:

"Kjæraste – kom ut frå skuggane"= Dearest – come out from the shadows
"Sonen min" = my son
"Du gjer som eg seier!" =You will do as I tell you!

AN: The description of the area around the Rainbow Cave is based on the Briksdal glacier (Jostedal Glacier National Park), which is close to the area in Norway I'm from. I'll post a picture of it on my tumblr account soon. Before anyone comments on it, I am aware that Jane already knows from Thor that Loki is a Jotne (Frost Giant) – but until now she has never actually seen him in Jotun form. And knowing theoretically is not the same as really knowing. So what did you think? Is Frigg still on top of things? Did you like the moment between Loki and Jane?