Though Thor and the Companions scour the Nine Realms for Loki and Darth Daeva, no sign of them is found, and Anara reports that though the twin bond is restored, the only sense of her sister is so far distant that she can only guess that the two have returned to Loki's palace beyond the Jotun portal.

Life in Asgard slowly returns to normal – mostly. Monitoring devices are placed around the Jotun portal, and a constant watch is kept for any sign of Loki and his Sith companion within the Nine Realms.

Anara makes frequent trips to Earth to aid SHIELD in the creation of a space-capable fleet of fighters, as well as to continue the Jedi training of Black Widow and Hawkeye. Both efforts show signs of success, but progress is slow. She has yet to encounter any more thugs on her late-night beach runs.

After a year and day, Thor and Anara decide to make their betrothal permanent, and marry in what becomes Asgard's largest celebration in hundreds of years. Species from all across the Nine Realms attend, including a large contingent from Earth.

Though similar to modern American weddings, the Asgardian ceremony doesn't call for best men and maids of honor, but for 3 witnesses each for the groom and bride to testify to the willingness of the couple to wed without outside influence or coercion. Anara asks Sif, Pepper and Natasha to witness for her, and Fandral, Volstagg and Steve Rogers witness for Thor.

Odin presides over the ceremony which is held in the great hall and attended by thousands. Thor dons his ceremonial armor and helm complete with red cape, and Anara wears a pale blue silk fitted gown cut with a heart shaped neckline, cap sleeves, high imperial collar, and 10 foot train. Her hair is done up in an elaborate headpiece of braids, and her ever-present silver armor bracelets grace her wrists.

The wedding itself is simple and unpretentious with just a simple "Aye" from each witness when asked if the couple comes to wed of their own choice and an exchanging of vows and rings.

Everything goes flawlessly, and Frigga even manages to hold back the tears that so desperately want to flow at the sight of her son finally looking so happy after the loss, seemingly for a second time, of his most beloved brother.

That is, until the reception.

An entire army of servers and staff convert the great hall into a dining hall in just under an hour and proceed to begin feeding the thousands of attendees. The hall takes on a festival-like air, and the mead flows freely from multiple fountains set up throughout the space.

The main wedding party and a hundred select guests retreat to the Mead Hall for a slightly quieter repast. Just as Volstagg pounds on the table to get everyone's attention for the first toast, as one, Odin and Heimdal go suddenly still, their eyes taking on a startled but faraway look, and Anara's face drains of color. Before anyone can ask what's wrong, the doors to the Mead Hall slam open to reveal Loki - Darth Daeva at his side.

"I hear congratulations are in order, Brother."