So here is my second go at a Thor fic. The idea came to me while I was tutoring someone for a class on Norse culture and traditions. Constructive criticism is welcome but flames will be ignored. Special thanks to everyone who reviewed, favorited or followed: muSiC xx AdiCt, Winly Elric, 14cyang, Immortal-Assasin, Packersfan12, disneygirl143 & neko0yue0moon! Sorry for the long wait but the holiday season was super crazy and so has my new class schedule! I do not own any of the characters (associated with Marvel comics). Eir (pronounced air) is loosely based on the minor goddess from Norse mythology but is largely my creation

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"You only know what I want you to, I know everything you don't want me to"

~ The Civil Wars Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxX

Eir waited silently for the palace guards to return the Dark Prince to his former chambers. Bowls of salves and ointments littered the ornately wrought night table that sat beside the colossal black ash bed. Gazing discreetly at the décor of the room she realized that nearly ever item of furniture was adorned in varying hues of emerald and ebony. "Poor soul," she thought pityingly "he was born in grief only to come here and be cast into the shadows. Never to belong to the Aesir or the Jotuns."

The young goddesses knew to some degree what it was to be an outcast among the Asgardians to her appearance. Much like the God of Mischief her own features were at odds with what the rest of the Pantheon considered beautiful. Women from the Realm Eternal were famed for their lithe figures, glowing skin and flaxen locks. Turning to face the gilded looking glass that dangled heavily from the wall Eir sighed at the reflection staring back at her. Fiery auburn curls framed pale grey-blue eyes set against a canvas of alabaster skin lightly dusted with freckles. Equally ample in breast and hip she had never been slight like her peers. "At least my appearance will not matter here."

A forceful rapping interrupted her thoughts. The chamber's large oak door swung haltingly open to reveal not the palace guards but the Golden Prince of Asgard cradling his younger brother as if he were a small child. Infinitesimal rivers of blood trickled down the prince's brawny arms as he shifted Loki in a desperate attempt to spare the poor man's ravaged back from any further damage.

"My Lord," Eir murmured bowing reverently. "Bring him to the bed please." She watched with bated breath as Thor gingerly laid his sibling upon the deep emerald coverlet.

Though he was barely conscious a muted groan still escaped the Dark Prince's thin lips at this unwelcome movement. Leaning over her new ward Eir examined his wounds and promptly reached for a bowl of citrine colored ointment.

"Can you heal him?" Thor asked backing away from the bed to allow her room to work.

Pausing for a moment she locked eyes with the colossal god behind her. "Aye, I can heal the injury to his back. As for the others," she sighed heavily "only time will tell."

Nodding solemnly the elder prince thanked the Goddess of Healing and left her to minister to his brother alone. Once she was certain of Thor's departure Eir began to whisper the incantations necessary to close the lacerations. In mere moments the skin on Loki's back again held its alabaster hue. "I pray you can keep a secret" she mused listening as his breathing slowed and became steady until the sweet oblivion of sleep finally claimed him.

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"Were you here the entire night?"

The sound of a male voice startled Eir as she tumbled from the ebony chair where she sat. The comprehension washed over her that she must have unintentionally dozed off at some point. "I suppose I was though 'twas not my aim" she asserted looking up at the source of the question. It appeared that her magic had done its job well. Dark circles yet rimmed Loki's emerald eyes however his skin was no longer ashen and he was upon his feet, which was always a good sign in Eir's opinion. "Forgive me. You must wonder who I am and…"

"I know who you are Lady Eir," he said cutting her off and offering her his hand in assistance as she rose form her place on the floor. "What I would like to know however is how a simple healer dispatched the wounds on my back so rapidly."

Eir bit her lip anxiously contemplating her answer. The prince towered over her as he spoke. His baleful gaze boring into her as she fidgeted. "There… there are particular balms which can expedite healing."

A harsh sound more liken to a bark than a laugh sprang from Loki's throat. "Surely, you do not expect me to believe that" he stated raising a dark eyebrow. "I am the God of Mischief and Lies or have you forgotten? My lady I can taste the lie on your tongue before ever it leaves your lips. Now let us try again." Crossing his lean arms over his chest he circled languidly appraising the goddess like a ravenous predator who has too long been caged.

The skin on the back of Eir's neck prickled at the nearness of the Dark Prince. "How could I be so foolish as to imagine that he would keep silent?" she reasoned whirling to face Loki who had come to a halt at her back. "You know the answer to your question as well as I do, so please speak plainly. Both of us are much too old for riddles and games," she declared trying to conceal her now trembling hands.

"You fear me." It was a statement rather than a question. For a split second the animosity behind his emerald green orbs softened and Eir caught a glimpse of the man Frigga spoke of so lovingly. Nevertheless it was gone as quickly as it had come. "Odin and Thor may have cause to fear me but you should not," he stated gravely.

"Your father and brother both strove to see you safely returned to this realm. They should receive thanks not scorn," she said lifting her chin in a minute show of defiance.

"My father left me to die, alone in a Jotun temple as a babe," Loki hissed stepping so close that his icy breath fluttered across her pale face. "And I have no brother."

The heat of indignation built in Eir's cheeks until they nearly matched her glowing locks. "I cannot fathom why in all of the Nine Realms I ever felt pity for you! The torture that the Chitauri inflicted upon your was unthinkable but it gives you no right to curse the very people who are trying to come to your aid!"

At her mention of the Chitauri all color drained from Loki's already spectral features. "How do you know about that?" he asked backing away from her. "I have told no one of those days."

Her heart broke to see the trepidation reflected in his countenance. "Healing is not limited to the physical sphere," Eir whispered bringing to fingers to rest on her left temple. "I did not mean to pry Loki. Trust me when I tell you that. Occasionally when someone has experienced a great trauma it is difficult to put up the proper barricades."