Memory

The Aether

(So right after I published the last thing, I decided to start writing again--)

(+)

I can hear the people screaming.

And when I look out the window, I see the expanding, black cloud of the Aether creeping along the sides of the buildings as the civilians run from it.

They're smart. And I'm dumb.

Because I decide to jump out the window and run towards the Aether and the Dark Elves instead of away from them.

Rowan shouts after me, but I ignore him. If Thor loses this fight because I stole the hammer, the weight of the universe's doom will rest on my shoulders.

I get closer and see that Thor is having trouble fighting Malekith on his own. I run into the building and try to find weapons, anything sharp.

Then there's something cold on my finger. I look at it to see the ring that Rowan gave me.

Funny. I was so sure I gave it to Hela.

I stop and pull it off my finger. There's a tiny, folded-up piece of paper in the loop of the ring.

Unfolding the paper, I try to fathom what the fuck is going on.

Use this as a blade to destroy Malekith. It will cut through anything and shield you. I expect it back when you give me Odin's staff. You have twelve days.

That's all it says. I assume it's from Hela, as the yellowed paper is flecked with blood and it asks for the staff.

I rub my hand over the stone, wondering how to turn it into a sword or knife or something.

I jump as a blade shoots out from under the sapphire, the silver part turning into a hilt with words inscribed on it. I squint at it and see 'I am Cortana, made of the same steel and temper as Joyeuse and Durendal.'

Vaguely, I remember hearing these names before.

But I recall none of the context.

And I have fighting experience that will probably not help me against so many Dark Elves.

In other words, I am screwed.

(+)

Guys, I am working on two new books right now and will not be active on this account very much anymore, and I am sorry and as much as I was excited for Mavi, Loki, and Rowan's story to play out, it's not happening anytime soon. It might be because I was deprived of Loki content (or just Marvel in general) for so long, but I have no motivation at all left. Soplease forgive me and thanks for understanding.