Watch What You Wish For

Chapter Thirteen - The Invitation

When Thor returns to Avengers Tower he pulls Steve to one side "how is the Lady Olivia I am concerned for her wellbeing?"

Steve is surprised by Thor's comments "well I haven't been to see her since she moved into her new home Fury has had us out on a few relatively minor missions and she seemed happy enough then. Why do you say you're worried for her wellbeing?"

Thor shrugs "it may be nothing but when I greeted her the day she came to the tower for your help" he pauses and shrugs again. "I can't be sure but she didn't look as well as when we first brought her home to Midgard, plus she has definitely lost weight since I carried her through the Bifrost last time, a considerable amount of weight."

"Fury has called us to a meeting in 15 minutes so after we know what that is about and if you still feel uneasy about things maybe we should go and pay her a visit."

"That would be good, I am ashamed to say that I lied to Loki when I spoke with him last. He asked if she was well and I said yes, he is still not speaking to Odin after he sent Olivia away without any forewarning I did not wish to enrage him further with my worries about her health in case they are unfounded."

As they walk towards the conference room "but that was months ago I hoped he'd have calmed down by now."

"I think Odin thought so too but it is not the case" Thor laughs as they walk in and take their seats "he even has a sign hung on the outside of his door warning all but his maid Astrid not to attempt to enter his chambers. Father thought it one of Loki's tricks at first until he walked away with a burnt hand."

Steve laughs now too "you could say it serves him right, for all he keeps saying he loves Loki as a son he has a funny way of showing it."

The others sitting at the table have been listening to the tail end of the conversation between Thor and Steve "when is he going to learn that he needs to talk to Loki before he forces his decisions on him, he may think they are for the best but has he not realised yet that he is wrong?" Natasha asks.

"Unfortunately the All Father listens to few and takes advice from even less. Where Loki is concerned only Mother has ever been able to get through to him but even she was ignored when it came to withholding his heritage from him. I fear that is the case this time too."

Just then Fury enters the room so they all fall silent. Once the meeting is concluded they all head for the Quinjet and off for another mission not returning until late the next day. Over lunch Steve turns to Thor "so do you still feel uneasy about Olivia?"

He nods "I do I would very much like to see her again I have a letter for her too."

"Okay well since we only just got back from a mission I'd say we've earned a day off so let's get the Quinjet and pay her a visit." He turns to the others "anyone else in for a visit to Olivia?"

Tony declines as do Bruce and Clint but Natasha says she wants to tag along so the three of them head to the roof and into the jet. As they take off Natasha texts Olivia to expect them in 40 minutes.

Sitting outside in the sun with a cold drink Olivia feels her phone buzz in her pocket, taking it out she sees the message from Natasha just as she spots someone leaving the forest at the back of her home. Looking up she sees Helblindi and Glymir "well this is well timed Your Highness it appears that I will have two royal visitors today, I've just been informed that Thor is on the way to see me too."

"Ah that would be good as I can speak to him with regards to a message for my brother."

"Good, so do you both wish to come into the house it's much cooler inside?"

Both Frost Giants accept her invitation wishing to get out of the warmth of the day and follow her up the steps then into her home. They have just sat on the special seats that Olivia purchased specifically for if Helblindi could visit as they hear the Quinjet arrive, so Olivia goes out to meet her other guests.

Once they are all inside the talk is very animated about the recent events on Asgard, Jotunheim as well as the latest Avengers mission. While Natasha and Steve go back out to the jet to prepare it for the return trip Helblindi turns to Thor "I am pleased you chose to come to visit today for I wish to invite my brother Loki to the feast celebrating my marriage, it will take place in 15 days' time. Could you ensure that he is told of this invitation as well as Odin. This is particularly special occasion and I expect him to be in attendance, Odin would do well to remember that he is my heir until I sire one."

Thor beams "I will of course pass on your invitation to Loki and mother, I will leave it to her to speak on your behalf to Father. I must leave now but Lady Olivia I wish to give you this letter from Loki before I leave." He pauses "also I would ask if you are feeling well" he pauses again as she stares at him "forgive me but you have lost weight and look pale."

She smiles at him "thank you for your concern I will admit that I have been feeling a little unwell of late but it should pass soon I hope and thank you for bringing the letter. When will you be here next so that I can give you my reply?"

"I shall come back in two days will that give you enough time?"

"It will thank you Thor I'll see you then" with that she shows him back to the jet to join the others and watches as they leave before returning to her kitchen and her guests from Jotunheim.

"So now that they have left I have an invitation for you too Olivia" Helblindi takes her hand "as you heard I am to undergo my wedding ritual in 15 days and would deem it a great honour if you would attend, would you accept the invitation?"

"Oh Helbindi I would love to attend your wedding although I know nothing of what that involves."

Glymir smiles showing his pointed teeth "if you would come to Jotunheim 2 days before the ceremony I will be glad to instruct you in what will take place so that you do worry about making any mistakes or not understanding any part of it."

"Thank you Glymir I would appreciate that very much." With that both Jothun stand wishing Olivia goodbye as they too leave for their journey home leaving her to open her letter from Loki alone.

Dearest Olivia

I was heartened to receive your last letter but you should not worry that you miss me for I miss your company too, that you are not royalty does not bother me only the likes of Odin care or worry about such things. When I told my mother of your plan she said you are as cunning as me which is saying something I can tell you. I hope that you have had a chance to meet with Helblindi and that he can indeed come up with some reason why I should be invited to Jotunheim, I fear it would need to be a very good reason. Odin let me accompany you last time for your protection as much as anything else it was not as a kindness to me. I hope that I am given the chance to visit Jotunheim when you are there.

Thinking of you

Love Loki