The doors opened, and I saw Thor's family, all in the same position they had been in for the last few days. I walked slowly and sat down. When everyone was eating, I got rid of all my fears for a second and spoke as quickly but as understandably as possible. If I delayed any longer or if what I wanted to say wasn't understood, the fear would come back to me, and I wouldn't be able to repeat it.
— All-Father, I was wondering if someone could let my father know that I'm well and will be staying here for a while. — When I stopped talking, I took a long breath. — Please.
— The bridge is not yet fully finished, Lady Elizabeth, — Thor replied.
— But... there must be another way, right? — I said, looking at Odin pleadingly.
— What way? — he asked me.
— With magic? — I looked at the Queen. — You can do it, right?
— No, not really... — Frigga thought about it. — Have you seen anyone do it?
— Well, when Thor was on Earth, he made a whole show about the hammer and couldn't lift it. — Thor looked at me strangely since I had said "show". — Your son was locked in a room, and Loki appeared in front of him and spoke to him.
— Oh, yes, that's right, — Thor said. — When he told me that my fa... — He stopped for a moment. — Yes, he did... Did you see him?
— Exactly, — I said, happy. — My Queen, you taught your son everything. Would you do me the favor of talking to my father? I just came, and nothing has been heard from me since I arrived in Asgard.
— Dear, I don't think I can do that.
— No?
— I've never done it, the truth is... I don't know how it's done. — I looked at the Queen with doubt. Did she not know? Or was there a plan in this?
— All-Father? — I looked at him with a plea. Someone must know... right?
— My dear wife is the most powerful sorceress in Asgard. If she doesn't know, I doubt anyone else in my kingdom can help you.
— I understand, — I said regretfully. What I was about to say would be suicide. — And if... we ask your son?
— I doubt my brother can or would want to help you.
— But he doesn't have to want to; he's in prison, — I blurted out. — Technically, he can't refuse an order, can he?
— It's a bit risky to take him out of where he is just to communicate with your family. I'm sorry, Elizabeth, but... — I didn't let Odin finish.
— Please... — You interrupted a God, Eli. Excellent.
— I'll think about it. — That was the last thing said at dinner.
After finishing our meal and having said everything, we each retired to our rooms. I walked slowly to mine, but felt someone following me and stopped.
— You can walk beside me, — I said.
— Of course, — Thor said, and he stood beside me. — Do you think, Lady Elizabeth, that this is a good idea? I know you're very intelligent... but I don't think you know my brother well enough. — He stopped when we reached my door. — It's a very risky thing to do.
— I don't know Loki well enough, or well... maybe he doesn't know me well enough. — I thought for a bit. I really knew very little about him... about the real Loki. — If you think about it, the best thing he can do is stay in Asgard. That way, they won't come after him for failing...
— Failing? Who? — I didn't answer. Could I talk about Thanos?
— He managed to disappoint the one who gave him the scepter; they want him dead, Thor. His head would make me a millionaire. — That was all I said. — Good night, Goldilocks.
— Goodbye.
It was hard for me to fall asleep. Hours passed, and I couldn't stop thinking about whether what I had proposed was a good idea. But there was no other way, was there? I didn't know what to do. With magic, I made my doll and my backpack appear. I didn't know what the spell I had done was called, conjuration? I learned it when I started to notice that my dear Benjamin, in a way, made me seem weaker. I never separated from him; he was always there by my side. Safe from any being who wanted to take him hostage.
Would someone take a stuffed animal hostage? I didn't know, but either way, I kept him safe there. I took him and left him on my now-bed.
— Is this a good idea, Benjamin? — I asked him. — Maybe I should read some information. I'll get the phone out of your backpack, friend. — I took out my phone and tried to turn it on. It only lasted 15 minutes, and the battery ran out. — Well, I tried. We just have to trust, don't we?... We just need a little of his help.
The next day, I woke up early and made my rabbit disappear again, along with my backpack. That was my big secret. I got clean clothes every day with a spell. I had never worn what they left me; there was a new dress every day. But I never took them.
At breakfast time, I was led by the guards until I reached where the royal family was.
I sighed and went in. I sat next to Thor and ate slowly, without an appetite. It seemed that everyone had already noticed my discouraged attitude.
Thor started coughing very hard, but I didn't pay attention to it, not like the other day when it had happened. That day, I was so worried about him that I almost took him to the healing room, which seemed to amuse his parents. In the end, I just offered him water and left him, although later I followed him to see if he was sick. He wasn't, and Frigga seemed quite entertained by my attitude.
— Lady Elizabeth, — Thor whispered to me. — My father asked you something.
— What? — I said loudly. Odin was talking to me. Why today? Why, when I'm most distracted? — I...
— I was just saying that I thought about what you said, — I looked at the All-Father's face. — I would be very worried if some of my children disappeared, just like that, especially considering your age and that you are in another world. I will ask Loki to notify Earth about you. — He stopped talking for a bit and continued. — You will accompany us to the dungeons, and we will tell him.
— Thank you, — I said very quietly. — Thank you very much.
I gave a smile to those present; they seemed happy to see my spirits a little high. When we finished, I got up to follow them to the dungeons. I walked slowly behind Thor, but as we passed some guards, he took my hand and put me by his side.
— I'm not scared, — I told him. — Nor am I your little sister.
— Sorry, I thought...
— It doesn't matter, — I started to laugh quietly at the face he made. For a moment, I thought I had sounded very harsh to the God. — If you wanted to hold my hand, you just had to ask, — I winked at him.
— What? — He said.
— Just kidding. — I let go of his hand and continued walking by his side. — I'm sorry; it's just that sometimes it makes me uncomfortable when people touch me. I'm usually the one who 'initiates contact,' so to speak.
— Oh.
— Did you ever want to have a little sister? — I asked to change the subject as we reached the right cell.
— Honestly, I never thought about it.
— Loki was enough, I suppose. — I thought about the comics where Lady Loki appeared. — He'd be quite handsome as a woman, wouldn't he?
— My brother?... I don't know. — He seemed to think of a female Loki version and started to laugh.
Like a good companion... his laughter made me laugh, and we ended up causing a commotion when we were already at Loki's cell.
— Well, to what do I owe this unexpected visit? — Loki looked at all of us. — All Father with his family and... — He looked into my eyes. — The pet. What were you laughing about?
— You, — I said, looking at him seriously. — About how Hulk hit you. I have a video; do you want to see it? — I told him mockingly.
— You two get along wonderfully, — He ignored me and spoke to his brother. — Did you find a new girlfriend?
— It's always good to see you, Prince, — I told him, ignoring the other thing and replying before Thor. — But you're the pet, only you've had your muzzle taken off.
— You're a...
— Loki, stop, — Frigga said, looking at him with reproach.
— We have come because we need you to send a message to Earth, — Thor said.
— You need me? — He started to laugh and approached. He was about to say something, but Odin interrupted him.
— You will tell Elizabeth's father that she will be staying here for a while, and that everything is fine. — He looked at his son. — It's an order.
— Fine, — He said. He didn't seem entirely convinced, but he didn't say anything else. He just put on that arrogant smile.
We stayed with him. Odin had left after talking to the prisoner. He looked at me and then at his son. I didn't know what was going through his mind, but something seemed to amuse him. He just left us there. Frigga and Thor looked at Loki and warned him what would happen if he disobeyed or tried anything.
— Ha, anything else to tell me, Mother? — He said to her. The Queen didn't answer him. — So much you do for the pet. — He looked at me. — Anything you want to tell me?
— You look good, — I winked at him, and he looked at me strangely. — Better than when you had the scepter washing your mind. Much better.
— Fine, just give the message so this is over quickly.
— Anything for the family, — She said, laughing.
— Who's your father, girl?
— You don't remember our conversation? — I looked at him, raising an eyebrow. — The only one with an eye patch, Loki, he's my father.
— She's adopted, — Thor said, as if clarifying everything... But Loki already knew.
— So the mortal didn't lie to me, — He stopped for a bit. — About some things.
— I never lied to you, — I told him. — Not even when I said you looked handsome, — I shrugged. — Although those weren't my words. The first time we met, you were completely haggard, and I told you... But you didn't even pay attention to me. You just played at being all-powerful and kidnapped Barton. Although when you got into the van, you looked quite 'scared', — I said, using air quotes.
— I think we'll talk about that later, dear, — Frigga said to me.
I fell silent, and Loki prepared to give the message to Fury. I was very relieved not to have to tell him myself, but having the God who tried to destroy the world tell him didn't leave me very calm. Heimdall arrived to ensure that Loki said what he was supposed to.
The God of mischief smiled at me and disappeared. Minutes later, the guardian of the Bifrost said that he had finished and said the correct thing. I wondered where Loki had gone because he didn't appear until something moved my hair and whispered to me.
— All done, pet. — He said very close to my ear. A shiver went down my spine, feeling him so close.
— Thank you very much, Prince, — I told him, and I hugged him... because I wasn't going to be the only one who felt uncomfortable.
— Alright, Lady Elizabeth, don't hug my brother, — Said Thor, who started to laugh when he saw Loki.
— You didn't see that coming, did you? — I separated from him and pushed him towards the guards. — Thanks, Pet; maybe we'll see each other again.
— Why did you do that? — Thor asked me when his brother had already been taken to the cell.
— He owed me, — I said, not giving it any importance.
— Well, it was fun, the look on his face. — He started to laugh. — I thought I would never see him disconcerted again.
— You must miss him... after all, he's your brother, and you grew up together for years, — I said with a little pity. — It's obvious that you still love him, but that you clearly won't be able to forgive him very easily... he always finds a way to... 'stab you in the back'.
— Mmm, — That was his only answer. I walked out of the dungeons with him by my side.
— Where's your mother? — I whispered to Thor.
— I don't know... maybe she's talking to Loki.
— Of course, he's her son... just like you, Goldilocks, and just like... — I stopped talking. Was I going to talk about Hela? — I mean, she's worried about you and your people.
— Do you want me to escort you to your room, Lady Elizabeth? — The blond man asked me.
— Is it an obligation to say 'Lady'? — I asked him, facing him. — The truth is, it's a bit uncomfortable; I'm not a 'Lady' at all. — I said, making air quotes with my fingers. — Well, it doesn't matter. I think I'll go to the library. I still have to study. Maybe your mother will look for me there, right?
— Alright, I'll accompany you to the library — He replied. — And no, it's not an obligation, Elizabeth.
— If you call me Eli, I'll stop calling you Goldilocks — I looked him in the eyes.
— Deal — He smiled at me.
— Excellent — I said happily. — I'm going to train, and you should do the same, Thor. Beat everyone... Tell Volstagg that he won't be able to eat if he doesn't complete the training. — I started to laugh and ran off.
— She's a very evil girl, — Hogun said next to Thor. He had been waiting for him. — But evil in a... good sense?
— Good? — The God asked.
— Something like that... — Hogun replied. He still didn't know what to think about the human who was visiting the castle.
— It's time to train, friend.
After the son of Odin's words, the two went to train. The visitor to the people of Asgard was right about one thing: the nine realms had entered a state of chaos after the bridge incident, and it was something they had to fix.
Elizabeth stayed in the library for a long time and practiced a bit of what she had learned so far. She had to admit that magic wasn't that difficult for her, but she still had to practice a lot for it to turn out well.
On Earth, she wasn't really the smartest person. She just liked to pretend she was. The truth is that it was very difficult for her to learn some things. She had to spend days reading and looking for information, while her body rested, her astral self continued to study. It was hard for her, but she had to learn everything to help; that was her purpose in this life, wasn't it? The only good thing was that once she learned it, she didn't forget it.
After being in the library for hours without her Teacher appearing, she decided she would go rest, but she got lost. She ended up in a beautiful garden. It must have been the Queen's.
She walked slowly through the whole place and noticed many plants, trees, and flowers. Everything was very beautiful, and she stayed for what seemed like hours observing. She noticed that some resembled what on Earth were called medicinal plants.
— Will they be used for something like that, or will they help in the same way? — She asked herself.
— What do you mean, dear? — She jumped when she heard the Queen speak behind her.
— I... your garden is very beautiful, my Queen — I said to her. — Are any plants in your garden used for 'healing'? — I asked, looking at her.
— Healing? No... the plants that are normally used for that are in another place — She replied, surprised.
— Oh, it's just that they look like some that are in my world — I said, looking at everything slowly. — The tree there looks like a 'Ginkgo Biloba'; its leaves are used in infusions, and they say it helps with many things... — I finished talking about that and looked at other places. — Your garden has a lot of variety. Do you think it serves the same purpose? Or could it be even more effective?
— Well, I think you could find out for yourself — She looked at me strangely. — If you want, I can take you to see the healing room, and you could ask about some things... You seem interested in knowing about that.
— Really? — I said, looking at her. — I mean, I would be very grateful — I smiled at her and received a smile back.
— Of course, dear. Sorry for taking so long... Do you want to continue with your training?
— Of course, — I replied.
— Alright, let's go, — She started walking, and I followed her. — We won't be able to practice much since your rest will be soon, followed by dinner.
Elizabeth returned to the library with Frigga, who decided to start the more advanced part. She taught her everything; she explained very well. It was so didactic that Eli learned as quickly as possible. When she finished, she went to her room and waited for dinner time.
While thinking about everything that had happened today, she realized that she hadn't had lunch. Maybe that's why she was a little dizzy. Since she only shared two meals with the Royal family, she sometimes completely forgot about the others. She used to eat what she found in those situations, but now there wasn't much to do... in a few minutes, they would probably come looking for her.
She waited patiently for someone to arrive. But after a few minutes, she got bored and took out her phone. It had no battery, obviously.
— Maybe I should ask Thor to use a little of his energy and charge it for me — I thought carefully about whether I could do that. I kept all the important files on the drive, and the last thing I had done, I had already transferred for fear of losing it. I wouldn't lose anything by trying; maybe it would even work.
— Excuse me — Someone entered the room. — I was calling you a while ago, but you didn't answer. — I saw Thor, and my smile appeared.
— Thor! — I yelled at him and took his hand. — Help me!
— With what? — He said.
— I need you to charge my phone, — I looked at him. He hadn't understood anything. — Just use a little of your inner God of Thunder. I just need a little energy.
— I understand... But if I end up ruining it, it will be your fault, Elizabeth.
— Yes, don't worry... if something bad happens, it won't be your fault. — I handed him the phone. — Just a little.
— Alright. — He took his hammer with his hand and put it on my phone. Instantly, my phone appeared with an 80% battery.
— You're the best, Thor; I love you — I said and gave him a quick hug.
— Why is that so necessary? — He said, pointing at my phone.
— Because I have a lot of things on it; that's all — I said without stopping smiling.
— It's important... I mean, what you have saved on that device.
— Yes, very much so. — While I was talking to him, I connected my memory to the phone to see the files.
— What's that black box? — He asked.
— I keep more information in here, Thor... — I looked at him. He seemed very intrigued by what I was doing. — Do you want to see a photo of you and your brother?
— I don't want to see our fight — He said, a little sad.
— No, it won't be that. — I searched the gallery. I had many photos of the Avengers. I found one of Thor and Loki smiling, one that wasn't from what would happen in the future. I found a GIF and showed it to him. — Maybe it's not the best, but you were both smiling.
— Thank you. — He looked at my phone carefully.
— For what? — I asked him.
— For reminding me that at some point... my brother hadn't ruined everything and was 'happy,' in a way. Although I wonder how you have something from when we didn't even know each other.
— You're welcome — I replied, ignoring the other thing.
— Do you like my brother?
— What? — I replied a little loudly. — No... He's just... fun? — I thought carefully about my next words. — Annoying the God of Mischief is fun... that's all.
— Right. Well, I came to get you to go to dinner — He got off my bed and walked to the exit. — Come on, Eli; they must be waiting for us.
— Wow, — I said, following him. — You did call me Eli. Excellent.
— Walk, we're already late — He stopped for a bit and looked at me. — Can you show that 'image' to my mother?
— Of course I can, Thor. — As we walked to the door, I looked for the photo again, left the GIF playing, and locked the phone to go in.
As I entered the room, I saw Thor's parents. Both seemed amused. Just like me when I'm about to play a prank... What prank could two Gods like them want to play?