When your master told you to run, you ran. Asgard was filled with new activity and the whispers were off of Thor All-Father and onto the idea of the new. It would be some time before any of the new blood was ready for ownership and the unclaimed Village would have to be expanded to hold the vast majority of the culled. Sorcerers would need to be prepared to find good genetic matches between existing slaves and new slaves. Compliance and beauty would be bred into the new stock and in sixty or seventy years, a century at most, the status quo would resume. There were many Advisors who spent the evening at the shipyard and roaming the courtyards recounting the tale of the first culling they took part in. The atmosphere around the kingdom, despite Odin's and Frigga's absence, was jovial.

Come the following evening, Thor made himself known in full armour, shining like the sun though it had long since hidden. Heimdall had arrived to gift Loki with the ability to guide their ship and those chosen for the task were already on board and looking out at those that would bid them a safe and successful journey.

Loki and his two slaves were joined by a regal looking crowned Prince, whose eyes did not stay to Steven, stood just behind the shorter Anthony.

"Bring me home someone strong and beautiful," Thor said, hand clasping Loki's forearm. "And someone clever for yourself." The Aesir on board hit their weapons against their shields and called their captain and commander onto the deck so that they could shove off. Only when Thor was away enough that his gaze might not be registered did he finally gaze upon his heartbroken lover.

And, selfishly, he hoped that Steven looked upon him too. Fondly. And without hate. He wished for understanding.

As the ship broke free from the ground, Thor lifted his hand. All of Asgard cheered that night with him and all would wait for Loki's return as well, already guessing the sorts of wonders that will be brought to them when next they saw the ship.