Beyla ~ (Loki)

17.

I walk around the garden lowly. I run my fingers over the brittle leaves. "They're looking better." I turn to see Thor smiling brightly. I grin, looking back to my plants, I pick a flower off. "You're back." "You're outside." I nod picking the petals from the flower. "It was time. I haven't felt the sun in a year. The plants were calling." I replay walking ahead of him, under the arched trees, taking a seat on the marble fountain. "Loki and I spent a lot of time here." Thor sits down next to me, his reflection in the water looking pained. "How are you feeling?" I shrug, "Dysfunctional." Thor sighs, lowering his head. "We have a mission. If you would like to come your help would be very much appreciated."

I shake my head, lifting small water droplets into the air. "No. I'm not interested." "We could use you, Beyla." I turn to him with blank eyes. "You need this?" I muster all the power I have to blast the bees out at him, once they leave my hand, they fall limply, buzzing lowly near the grass. "I'll be here once you return." "Still here?" I look down at the reflection. "I feel no need to move, Thor. You will find me here." He looks down at me, kissing my head, before walking along the path.

~

Odin and Thor lean against the stone railing of a balcony of the castle. "Is Vanaheim secure?" Thor nods, "As are Nornheim and Ria. Though our work would have gone more quickly with you at the fore."

"You must think I'm a piece of bread that needs to be buttered so heavily." "That was not my intent."

"For the first time since the Bifrost was destroyed, the Nine Realms are at peace. They're well reminded of our strength and you have earned their respect and my gratitude." Thor smile towards his father, "Thank you."

"Nothing out of order except your confused and distracted heart."

"This isn't about Jane Foster, Father."

"Human lives are fleeting, they are nothing. You'd be better served by what lies in front of you. Odin's view is drawn to Lady Beyla, then to Lady Sif. "I'm telling you this not as the all-father but as your father. You are ready. The time has come for you to take the throne. Embrace and celebrate what you've won. Join your warriors. Eat and drink, revel in their celebration. At least pretend to enjoy yourself."

As the Asgardians celebrate, Thor watches the others enjoying themselves it's obvious his heart is not in it, he walks over to the balcony to join Beyla as she stares at her cup alone. "We meet again." She smiles. "Congratulations." "You could've helped." She shakes her head, tipping her drink up. Thor notices the grey markings around her heart have now shrunk to the size of an apple. "It doesn't mean I'm getting better." She throws the drink of the future, grabbing another from a tray. "Just means I have no heart."

The Goddess quickdraws herself in another drink, leaning her weight on the stones. "I think you've had enough." She rolls her eyes, walking away as Sif walks forward.

"There was a time you would celebrate for weeks. Both of you."

"I remember you celebrated the battle of Haragon so much that you nearly started a second." Sif smiles playfully, "Well, the first was so much fun. Take a drink with me. Surely the All-Father could have no further task for you tonight." Thir disagrees, "No, this is one I set myself."

"It has not gone unnoticed that you disappear each night. There are Nine Realms. The future king of Asgard must focus on more than one."

"I thank you for your sword and your counsel, good Lady Sif." He turns and walks off, making his venture to Heimdall.

"You're late."

"Merriment can sometimes be a heavier burden than battle."

"Then you're doing one of them incorrectly." Thor chuckles, "Perhaps. How fare the stars?" "Still shining. From here I can see Nine Realms and ten trillion souls." Heimdall looks at Thor for a moment. "You recall what I told you of the Convergence?"

"Yes, the alignment of the worlds. It approaches, doesn't it?"

"The universe hasn't seen this marvel since before my watch began. Few can sense, even fewer can see it. A world that's infected can be dangerous. It is truly beautiful." They both look out into the stars.

"I see nothing."

"Or perhaps that is not the beauty you seek." After a silence, Thor asks, "How is she?"

"She's quite clever, your mortal. She doesn't know it yet, but she studies the Convergence as well. Even..." Heimdall stops as he senses something.

"What?"

"I can't see her."

~

Red flowing through the veins, torching each cell. What is that thing doing on my land? Even in my realm? I see fingertips touch the stone containing the Aether, the arm leading up to a familiar face. She gasps as the element is absorbed in her.

I sit up letting out a gasp. "Jane."

I throw on my green robe, running to Heimdall. Upon my arrival, Thor is already there. I place my hands on my knees. "Beyla, what-" "It's Jane! She's in trouble." "How do you know?" I shake my head in frustration. "I saw her. I saw something evil. It's attached itself to her. I just... knew."