Death's Princess

An Unsuspected Guest

I was going to wait to post this, but I couldn't. I seriously tried. But I'm actually ahead (for once in my life!) and so I thought to myself, "Oh, what the heck?"

Will's Music Choice: Home, by Blake Shelton, who we agreed had the most beautiful eyes.

I hope you all enjoy. This one is short, but I'm fairly certain the next is longer.

"Follow me."

Hela stared out into the barren wastelands. It was once again dark. Hela began to wonder if there was any daylight in this place. The wind was strong now. It wasn't the eerie breeze it had been last time. It threatened to pick Hela up off her feet. "Where are you?" She had to shout over the wind.

She squinted and held her hand up to her face to shield it from the wind. "Hello? Where are you? I can't find you!"

"Listen," came a distant voice. It was hard to hear in the wind. "Listen. Listen. Listen!"

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

She woke to a strong hand on her shoulder. "Hela?" a deep voice whispered. Her eyes slowly opened and faced deep blue ones. She grinned and threw her arms around the person.

"Uncle!"

Thor's laughter could be heard within the hallway. He picked her up and spun her, then sat her on the bed. "It's very good to see you again, Hela," he said, "Look at you. You've grown so much."

"At this rate, I'll never make it past 5'5 though," she replied, laughing. She had always been short for her age. Thor chuckled. "It's good to see you, Uncle."

She beamed up at him as she slid off the bed. "What time are we leaving?"

"We need to be back by eleven, Midgardian time. It's nine now. You still have time." He smiled down at her. "Get dressed and meet me in the sitting room."

Hela nodded and watched Thor leave through the door, having to hunch over slightly to do so. She grinned and then as the door shut she dashed over to her closet. She slid on a pair of jean shorts and a simple tank top, knowing she'd just change again when she got there. She never wore Midgardian clothing when she was in Asgard. Her closet was full of dresses and a few pairs of trousers for adventure's sake. This was just something comfortable to arrive in.

When she was done, Hela packed the few things she would take with her. Her sketchbook, all her pencils, her Norse Mythology book Loki had given her so many years ago, the wrapped box from Steve, and a few paints. Once she was done, she slid on her tennis shoes and trudged down the hall, greeting anyone she met who wouldn't simply disregard her.

Once she'd found the sitting room of the Avengers' living quarters, she walked inside to find Thor speaking to Natasha quietly. The red haired Russian had her hands on her hips, a sign that whatever it was, was important. Hela stopped and stood in front of the two a moment before clearing her throat.

The two's eyes immediately fell on Hela and offered a smile. "Good morning," Natasha greeted sweetly. "Ready to go?"

Hela's eyebrows furrowed. "Natasha, are you going as well?"

Natasha laughed. "Don't look so put out, kiddo. Yes, I will be going to stay with you this time. Not a big deal, Thor just says he would like my help with something. And it's probably better I don't turn him down with that." She gave Thor's bicep a punch and he chuckled. "I'll stay out of your hair."