Thor put his hands on his hips and looked up, not because he felt annoyed by his slave, but only because he did not want to see what was done to him now that he could not have him in his service. "You have done nothing wrong. This punishment... This is my indiscretion, and mine alone. If I do not gift you to my brother... If the All-Father sends you away, we will never meet again in Valhalla."

Thor did not look heartbroken. There were no tears in his eyes. It was as if the last of his passion had slipped into that final kiss.

"To serve my brother will be equal to service to me. He is in need of another slave, as we discussed. And I know of no better slave in this household." Thor exhaled. "Stand. Dry your tears. You are a warrior. You are strong. And this is not goodbye nor is your reputation tarnished by my mistakes. Loki will take good care of you."