Loki Misses the Asgardian Prison System

Chapter 194

Thor's been doing a lot of thinking.

He's also been doing a lot of fighting. The universe is a shitshow, and he has the unfortunate job of trying to sort it out.

But more than that, he's been doing a lot of thinking.

There's only one person who knows everything he knows; who's seen everything he's seen. It's about time he had a talk with Heimdall. So as the rest of Asgard's army retreats from Himinbjorg, Thor stays behind, waiting for the area to clear until only he and Heimdall remain.

Sif gives him a strange look as the rest of their people file out. "Thor, are you alright?"

"Of course, my friend," Thor assures her. "I only need a moment."

Sif rolls her eyes goodnaturedly. "At least get yourself fed and cleaned up before you go see your brother."

Thor waves that off. "I will, I will," he assures her. He's been gone nearly two weeks; he's sure a couple hours longer won't hurt. He'll get washed up; he'll have dinner; he'll say 'hello' to his parents. And then, once he's settled back in, then he'll go visit his brother. "But I'd like to talk to Heimdall first – while we're here, you know."

Sif frowns. It probably does sound rather suspicious. "Are you sure you're alright? Would you like me to stay with you?"

Thor shakes his head. "There's no need," he tells her. "I'll only be a few minutes."

Sif doesn't seem convinced, but reluctantly, she bids him farewell and follows the rest of their army out.

Thor turns to Heimdall, who still stands behind Hofund, hands grasping its hilt. He's expressionless, as he frequently is, but there's still an air of welcoming about him.

"Heimdall," Thor greets him with a polite nod. It's nice to see him again. It's nice to be home again.

"Thor." Heimdall gives him a nod in return. "How was your battle?"

"Oh, you know," Thor says, "it was battle." That's not what he's here for, though, and he's sure Heimdall knows it.

"Your brother's asked for you," Heimdall tells him. "Many times. He is in no immediate danger, but a lot has happened on Midgard in your absence that I imagine you'll want to hear about."

Thor grimaces. "I'm sure it's too much to hope that this is good news."

"Unfortunately not," Heimdall says. He'd assumed as much.

"How bad is it?" Thor asks. "Do I have time to talk to you? And my parents?"

"Of course," Heimdall tells him. "As I said, there is no danger. Your mother already spoke to him this morning. He seems to be doing better now."

"That's good," Thor says. "Thank you for sending her. I hadn't expected to be gone nearly as long as I was."

"You have a duty to fulfill, as crown prince of Asgard," Heimdall says. "Loki understands that – as do I, and as does your mother. We do what we must in your absence."

Thor smiles gratefully. He'll admit, it doesn't make him any more eager to hear what he's missed, but it does make him feel better to know that his brother is looked after even when he's not here.

"What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?" Heimdall asks.

Thor takes a deep breath. This is going to be an interesting conversation. "Do you know what happened to Loki between his fall from the Bifrost and his reappearance on Midgard?"

"I know only as much as you do," Heimdall answers, just as Thor had assumed he would. "He was far outside of the Nine Realms, and far out of my Sight."

Thor nods slowly. "But you've been listening to him, since he returned."