The Winter Witch (A Hawkeye/Avengers fanfic)

Chapter 15

Winter made her way out to the landing pad of the compound where Clint, Bucky, Tony, Thor and Loki were waiting for her. Bucky embraced her in a large bear hug.

"Please be careful," she said softly.

Bucky smiled and kissed her on her temple. "We'll be fine. You'll be back before you know it and we will end this, together."

Winter turned and looked at Clint; she could see the sadness in his eyes. They leaned their foreheads against each other's, taking in their last moment together.

"Promise me you'll be careful up there. I don't want to lose you." Clint signed to Winter.

Winter gently brushed away a tear that was attempting to escape Clint's eye. "Only if you promise to do the same." She signed back. Clint grabbed Winter's waist and pulled her into a kiss.

It was quickly interrupted by Tony clearing his throat, "Ok princess, it's time to go."

Winter broke away from Clint and glared at Tony, making her way to where Thor and Loki were standing and waiting.

"Don't do anything stupid while you're there!" exclaimed Tony as Thor wrapped his arm around Winter's waist, preparing to call down the Bifrost.

"How can I?" responded Winter, "I'm leaving all the stupid with you!" Tony smirked.

Winter looked to Clint. "I love you!" she signed as the Bifrost took her, Thor, and Loki.

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Traveling by Bifrost was the most exhilarating thing Winter had ever experienced. The rainbow colors that shot past her and the speed at which they traveled was unlike anything. Winter felt herself gripping onto Thor even tighter as they hurtled through space. The thought of slipping from his grip and being lost forever made her nervous but once they landed in Asgard, a new fear set into the pit of her stomach. A large man dressed in gold welcomed them.

"Prince Thor, Prince Loki," he acknowledged.

"Heimdall," Thor nodded in return.

"Princess Winter, welcome home," the large man said with a knowing smile on his face.

Winter slowly made her way to the entrance of the domed building they were in and her breathe hitched as she saw the magnificent golden palace standing before her. Leading to it was the infamous rainbow bridge that she heard Thor and Loki talk about often. Winter felt a presence come up next to her. Without looking at them, she spoke up.

"You lied," she whispered.

Loki tilted his head in amusement at her. "Well, I am the god of lies, but what did I lie about this time?"

Winter shook her head, "You never said how breathtakingly beautiful it is here."

Loki smirked and placed his hand on the small of her back. "Come along, Odin and mother are expecting us."

Thor was already on a horse and Loki helped Winter up on the other, swinging up to sit behind her. They made their way down the rainbow bridge and into the outskirts of town. The townspeople bowed as they passed by and Winter could see the curious looks that they were giving her. They made their way to the stables, Thor helping Winter dismount from Loki's horse.

"We'll have the maids take your bag to your chambers. Mother and father are waiting for us in the throne room," Thor said as he looped Winter's arm in his and guided her inside the palace.

Winter could feel her heart beat faster in her chest as they made their way closer to the throne room. Before the guards opened the door, Loki gently took her arm from Thor's and turned her towards him.

"Remember, you are an Asgardian and you have every right to be here. Don't let Odin make you feel inferior."

Thor furrowed his brows. "Brother, you make it sound as if father is someone to fear."

Loki glanced at Thor, "I just know how he can be and with her being our brother's daughter, who knows how Odin will react to her."

Winter let out a shaky breath as the guards opened the doors. Thor led the way and Loki gently put his hand on her back, guiding her into the throne room. There, sitting atop the large golden throne was Odin. His one eye squinting in judgement to their small party as they made their way to the stairs. Standing just below him was the most beautiful woman Winter had ever seen, Frigga. Thor stopped at the foot of the stairs and bowed. As Loki began to bow as well, he glanced over at Winter.

"Curtsey," he whispered.

Winter grabbed the long dress Loki had given her to wear to Asgard and did her best to curtsey. Odin banged his staff, signaling for the three of them to stand up.

"Welcome home my sons. Tell me, who have you brought before us today?" Odin's voice bellowed throughout the large hall.

Thor stepped forward, "Father, may I present Winter Tyrdottir, your granddaughter."

Odin skeptically eyed Winter. The tension in the throne room grew as Thor and Loki waited for Odin to respond. Realizing that he wasn't going to say anything, Frigga made her way down the stairs and quickly embraced Winter.

"Welcome home my girl," she said while hugging her. She took a step back to take a proper look at Winter. "You look just like your father," she said with a smile but Winter noticed a sad look in her eyes.

Odin stood and made his way down the stairs, continuing to look at Winter with concern. "Tell me, granddaughter, where is your father?"

Winter felt a panic in her chest, looking at Thor and Loki for help. She quickly shook her head. "I don't know. I never met him. I didn't even know about him till Loki and Thor told me of my lineage."

Odin continued to eye Winter. "Someone has blocked your memories child," he said barely above a whisper. Winter suddenly saw a new emotion in Odin's eye, sympathy. Odin turned to Loki, "You said she has Tyr's marking?"

Loki nodded his head and gently turned Winter around, pulling her hair to the side. Frigga gasped.

"That's not just a marking, she's been branded!" Winter quickly turned and saw the fear and concern in everyone's eyes.

"Mother, are you sure?" Thor asked.

Odin spoke up, "It appears your father had bigger plans for you than any of us were aware of."

Winter felt her hands began to shake and a heat building up in them. Loki quickly grabbed her arm, trying to help her to calm down.

"What do you mean bigger plans?" Winter hesitantly asked.

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Sorry this chapter is a bit short and it has taken awhile for me to post. But no worries, there is more to come! To those who have been reading, thank you! I hope you have been enjoying it so far!