fossilised | I come from a land of ice and snow

I come from a land of ice and snow

Asgard sat atop the branches of Yggdrasil since time began, and little had changed in their society in the years since. Each Asgardian was long-lived into the millennia, their lands were fertile, their people brave and strong. They had their vassals, their allies, and their enemies. Yet even those who opposed them respected the might of the Golden Dias, and the royalty who sat upon it. Currently that was Odin Borson, though he grew weary more easily now and had begun to consider passing the throne to his eldest son.

He had been blessed with many children, but only two that he considered worthy of his lineage and status. His firstborn, Thor, strong and honourable and everything an Asgardian warrior should be. His second son, Loki, was not natural born, though none knew that but his wife. He was different, a creature of magic and mayhem, of sharp intelligence. Both were worthy, but together they would take Asgard to a new prosperity, he was certain of it.

Midgard, where the mortals dwelt, was a land raided every few centuries for stock. It was seen as a breeding ground, much like a corral for cattle. Mortals were lesser, short-lived and weak, they were fit only as slaves. The last raid had taken place when Loki had been but a baby, nearly a thousand years ago, but the mortals that had been taken had been bred and cared for so that a healthy slave population still thrived. Slaves were given a weakened mixture of Idunn's crop with their food, to extend their natural lives to at least a few centuries in order to make them worth the effort to train. They had no rights, but they were taught well that this was their natural position.

All slave children were raised in a central pen and taught the same when small, those that then displayed talent at cooking, riding, hunting, housework, artisan skills, or singing were then measured off to be specially trained for higher masters. Every five years those who could afford to buy a slave, or those of high enough status to simply demand them, came to the corral and chose. Those who were chosen were special, were envied, and those who were not ended up working the fields out in the far reaches of Asgard, the most menial of work.

Anthony and Steven had been friends since they were little and being raised in the large pens together. Both had excelled, Anthony at crafting and Steven at warrior's skills, but neither were chosen when they were five, nor ten, nor even fifteen. Now, at twenty, it was their final chance to be chosen before they would be assigned to one of the meanest farmers beyond the borders of the great capital. Steven woke Anthony as the dawn rose, mingled excitement and nerves on his face.

"Anthony! Wake up, I've got news! I heard the overseer talking to one of the passing guards, and Princes Thor and Loki are coming to the corral today."

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It was the most foolish of romantic gestures, but Loki found herself smiling all the same. She was not so rash with her heart as to declare love immediately in return but this gave her hope that she might find happiness here on Asgard. He was endearing and she rewarded his tenacity and words with a kiss to his cheek which wouldn't burn for how light it was. His hand, though, may need a healer's attention and would likely always bear some sort of scar. She drew back and contemplated him with eyes like fire.

"Perhaps you have a measure of worth after all, my future husband, and I no longer view our upcoming binding with trepidation. But we still have not accomplished what we came here for, Tony needs the measure of your limbs for the armour he is crafting. He is a great friend of mine, a mortal from a Midgard that no longer exists, his craft is exquisite."

The look she turned on Tony was obviously fond.

Though they had not known each other that long it seemed as if their souls were the oldest of companions, she could not know how tightly they were bound across time and reality.

"Now seat yourself and draw back before you damage yourself further, and be glad that I can change my form so that our furs may yet be shared."

Thor was absolutely going to have to see a healer for the wounds to his hand, the smaller outline of his betrothed’s fingers forever marked on his flesh. As any good Asgardian, scars that held meaning were worth their cost and he loved the beauty of it in the ugly way it marred his skin. Perhaps he would wait until later to see the Healers. He wanted to show off his mark to his friends for there had never been a truer symbol of a bond about to occur.

“Midgard still exists,” Thor said with an arched eyebrow, hand dropping to his side. “Our delegates returned less than two years ago from their centennial visit to the major cities of that Realm. What has occurred, Lord Tony, for the princess to claim your home no longer apart of the branches of the World Tree?”

Oh. Well this meant he was up and Tony had FRIDAY split the armor open so he could walk out of it. At least Thor looked impressed by that. “Start the scan,” he told the AI and Thor was enveloped in light he actually looked as though he might try to fight off. Until Tony started to speak. “We’re from another reality. Another Earth. Midgard. Whatever. Some other Asgard invaded and we’re the survivors. Loki’s helping us find a home.”

Thor blinked. “Is this true? Have you spoken to the All-Father on this matter? I’ve heard whisperings of the fabric of the Void breaking down but I thought it all a jest.”

"No one's laughing."

Loki was still impressed by the armour and its capabilities herself, but she had seen it enough now that she could hide just how brilliant it was behind sparkling eyes. But that enjoyment faded quickly as the subject of the ruined Midgard took hold and she shook her head soberly.

"It is no jest in truth. Our Midgard still stands, but this Midgard stood on an Yggdrasil across the Void. The Asgard there sees mortals as chattel and slaves, purging the world they lived upon and forcing those who lived upon it to do unspeakable acts. They do not use their might with worth to protect those weaker than themselves, but to create themselves as gods among ants."

She took a seat on the grass, legs folded beneath her gracefully. For strength was not her forte, but dexterity and grace were.

"These survivors, numbering a few thousand at the most once more have been rescued, are petitioning my father for assistance in finding a new home in the branches of our Tree."

“I would see their encampment,” Thor suddenly insisted, though Loki might have an inkling, as he sat, that her prince mostly just wanted to spend time with her. Tony didn’t seem so keen on the idea, though. The scan was finished. They should leave.

But Loki seemed pretty keen on having Thor around too. He was doing his best not to let it bother him. “I think for awhile none of us are going to want to deal with any more Thors,” Tony said, crossing his arms over his chest. “And we should go.”

Thor frowned up at him. “You speak far too familiarly, mortal,” he said, making Tony roll his eyes.

“Seriously? I’m over alien royalty.” That made Thor look even more angry. Oh well. He didn’t care at all.

"Why should it matter if he speaks familiarly? Those of royal birth should be secure in their position whether it is acknowledged or not, that is what my father always taught me. I am Loki first and Princess second, he used your name, is that not respect enough?"

Loki might already be quite fond of Thor, but she was clearly not about to take any nonsense from him. He had been spoiled and was not the better for it, she would make sure that he knew a King should be humble as well as confident, a lesson that both Odin and Frigga had been trying to teach him for decades.

"This encampment is not Asgardian soil, nor yet Jotunheim soil, we have no right to visit unless invited. Should you wish to go, I will put your request to their council and they will receive you in state as you should be received."

It was amazing to see Thor so easily back down. Loki already had him wrapped around her pinkie in just a few short minutes. Tony understood that, though. He too had been whisked off of his feet by her. "Aye. That would be... Acceptable," Thor responded, curling his fingers around the near constant ache in his palm. "Will you send for me as soon as you hear? It would gladden me to know my wife before she becomes such."

Tony rolled his eyes. And then marched back to his armor. "Yeah don't call us. We'll call you. I got what I needed," he announced like a petulant brat.

Thor scrambled to his feet to offer Loki a hand. His uninjured one. "I already long for your return."

From inside the armor, Tony scoffed. Loudly.

Loki could not help but be charmed by Thor, he was so genuine and warm enough that the over the top compliments seemed to make sense for him. She squeezed his hand briefly, her own flesh toned in order to not harm him more, and then stepped back to be with Tony. It was good to see what he was willing to learn, that boded well for his time as a king.

She waited until she and Tony were out of earshot, before she turned to him with a smile that was almost pure relief.

"He was not disgusted."

It was a rare moment of truth that she would reveal how nervous she had been about that, for she was still basically a child about to be wed to someone she had never met before. This had greatly eased her heart.

Oh great. Well how could Tony say bad things when Loki was so happy with the encounter? He couldn't. "He was much less than disgusted," he pointed out, using the HUD to pan towards Loki do he could see her. "He was taken with you. That's a pretty good sign."

He didn't have to be so greedy. He could be much happier for Loki if he just let his own hang ups go. And maybe he could have a place with her. The people on New Earth (or whatever they would call it) just weren't a good fit for him.

And he didn't want to be tied down. Not to a single planet any more.

"He's immature but I think you'll make a good man out of him."

"That is what I think also, though he lacks the sharp intelligence I might have hoped for, he is sincere and could possibly develop a wisdom of her own in time."

Loki smiled suddenly and brightly, it felt as though a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She didn't love him instantly, as he proclaimed to with her, but she no longer feared a life being bound to someone cruel or terminally dull. She could be happy by his side.

"I fear his conversation may become dull in time, however, you will have to allow me to employ you so that I have your company when I need it."

Which would be often.

"You're a shapeshifting, teleporting sorceress.. Pretty sure I don't have to let you do anything." But he was grinning inside as he said it, jovial. He didn't have a lot of friends. Keeping any that could keep up with him was incredibly important.

By the time they got back to the other place, beyond the gateway created in Jotunheim, Tony was tired but not as annoyed as he had been. Helblindi would be pleased that his sister was happy and now Tony could get back to finishing up the armor while the rest had their discussions.

Tony was all for the move. He was all for the help Jotunheim offered to rescue people from the training moon. He was about ready to just get on with life.

"Are you staying or going back to the ice palace, Elsa?"

Loki also did not have many true friends. She had companions who's presence she tolerated and visa versa, but it was just as important to her to keep around those who stimulated her mind and made her feel secure. She would have Tony permanently moved to Asgard when she married there if he was not careful.

"I am still a delegate for your negotiations, which you have yet to attend properly I might add, and so I will be remaining here."

Her voice was amused and teasing.

"I do not know how you have come to be on the council when you are so lax with your duty."

"I fix stuff when it breaks and I make stuff when we need it," Tony pointed out. He was on the Council because they needed him to be. Maybe Cap felt some obligation too, but mostly it was because the eccentric inventor belonged there more than anyone else.

And Tony was sort of adept at shirking duty anyway. He was well known for it.

"Aren't you going to run back to your brother and let him know about Thor?"

"I will let him know in due course, be careful lest I think you are trying to be rid of me when I recall your offer for a roll in the furs this evening."

She was fired up from the relief of knowing she would not be wed to some brute or fool, and she had enjoyed what they had done together before. Yet she was sure she had not been particularly good, a novice at any activity had much to learn, and she wished for Tony to be her tutor in this.

"Or perhaps you have another to share your furs tonight?"

Though he had been testing to see what she might do, what he really wanted to know was her continued interest in him. He had plenty to do otherwise. There was armor to work on, after all, and probably maintenance to that skiff too. But why work when there was an alien princess wanting to polish your knob for you?

He leaned against the counter and crossed his arms, inspecting the girl critically.

"I do actually have a full harem that I need to keep satisfied. They're going to be jealous if I keep picking you," he teased, since it was obvious he had no one else. Whatever tugging he felt towards Banner was pale compared to this.

"Then they would be fools to be jealous, the only way to oust someone from favour is to better yourself so that you become their superior."

She knew he did not have a harem, but it amused her to think of a large cabal of women all working on their bedsport skills in order to be desirable to Tony. He was a fine man, but he was no Adonis, and she would honestly be surprised if she ever learned that he had been quite the ladykiller back on his Midgard.

"Must I change myself again for you?"

She was beginning to understand why he had asked her to appear older before, though it still seemed almost nonsensical as she would always be the same age no matter what she appeared to be.

"Having sex with a little girl is still a little weird," Tony said bluntly. There was only so much he could use to get over the visual of a twelve year old girl in bed with him. Being built like a boy wasn't a problem for him. Being hairless was normal anyway since women tended to like to look Infantile. Loki would be married in a year, was smarter and more mature than most, and had quickly become his partner in crime and sidekick.

However. She still looked like a kid. Not just jailbait the way almost 18 year olds looked, either. And Tony wasn't into that.

"Don't think of it as changing so much as putting on a costume. With big tits."

Loki shook her head, sometimes men were very confusing with the things they wanted, but she had heard that those of the other sex had very specific tastes in bed partner more often than not. Only a certain hair colour, or an exact height, that sort of thing. So she obligingly created her adult persona again, this time with larger breasts as Tony seemed to want that.

"Careful, Tony, do not call me a little girl again or we may have our second row. I am near a woman grown and about to be wed, not some child barely out of swaddling."

Not that they would know it, but they may not get a chance to enjoy one another that evening. Something terrible approached in the form of a long-dormant trap laid out on this world for many years, about to be triggered by Bruce.

"But if we fight again, does that make the make up sex twice as good?" Tony grinned, beckoning the now-fully grown woman into his lap. His hands wandered, rubbing against her ample hips as he tilted back his head for a kiss.

Tony was nothing if not sensual. He might be known for wild sex parties but the truth was far more tame. He liked things slow. And he preferred one partner to anything else. His attention span happened to be low and if split too many times, he could lose interest all together.

His hands moved up Loki's back to her hair and he lifted his hips invitingly before FRIDAY snapped his focus from the princess to tell him that there was a code green.

Loki did not know what a code green was and she was already enjoying the friction between them, so she merely mumbled against the soft skin of his throat that he should ignore his mechanical companion for now. Whatever had happened could surely wait just a short while as they had their fun...

"Sir, Dr. Banner is holding off the code green as best he can, but I predict his chances of success are at only eleven percent and dropping rapidly. He is two miles out from the main camp, but his closest source of human life would be the children's building."

Not exactly ideal...

"What?" Tony didn't stop touching Loki but he did jerk his head back. "What's he doing so far out of the city-- damn it. Lok... Lok you have to get up. I have to go. He needs me." You don't just abandon your bestie. Even if your new bestie has a great rack and is willing to maybe go down on you if you show her how to do it.

He tried to budge Loki off of his lap before looking up at her.

"Actually. Need your help. Banner turns into a giant, unstoppable rage beast if he gets worked up. Pretty sure he got worked up. Can you help... Oh god.. And after you can put your hands back there?"

Unfortunately for Tony, Loki had heard him use hyperbole when he spoke one too many times and she assumed that he was being dramatic. That something minor would have happened and his friend losing his temper counted as turning into a giant, unstoppable rage beast. Perhaps Tony aught to be less exaggerated when he talked normally, for Loki was not taking this seriously, though she did get off at the budge for she did not want to continue bed play with an unwilling partner.

"We will see if after I still wish to put my hands there, this depends on the severity of the problem that has arisen. Though it is kind of you to wish to go so urgently to a friend in need."

"Sir," interrupted FRIDAY. "Estimated time to full code green less than two minutes, the armour is on its way."

Seriously, Tony set his hands on suddenly much more diminutive shoulders and then reached up to cup Loki's neck. "People are probably going to die," he said. "If I can't get him to calm down, it's going to be back. So follow my lead here. Don't speak to him. I'm not telling you to stay hidden but you might want to so he doesn't feel threatened-- And be ready to try to help me pin him down until he tires himself out.... He can't die. I'll explain it all later."

He suit was there a moment later and once it had scooped Tony up, an image from the satellite that Tony left in orbit as an early warning device against Asgard popped up to the left of his HUD. "Shit. Get me there," Tony said. "Set me down behind there... I'll walk out. Be ready to come and get me if he goes full Hulk."

"Yes boss," FRIDAY complied and off Tony went.

Bruce had been scouting out of the main compound for anything interesting that they could use, he had inadvertently stepped over a sort of mine that shot him full of enough adrenaline to kill about twenty men. Not that he was dead, but he was struggling... a lot.

As soon as he realised that in reaction to the threat the Other Guy was well and truly awake, Bruce had started running in the opposite direction of their settlement, all the while desperately trying to take deep breaths and calm himself. But by the time Tony touched down, Bruce was on his hands and knees in the dirt. His skin had a green tinge to it, and he was muttering aloud to himself.

"No-- No, you can't... think. Focus. Pi is 3.14159265358... uh...97932384626433... god, focus. Focus! 83279... is it five? Six? Shit."

"Who knows Pi passed the first two decimal places these days," Tony asked, stepping out of the brush without his armor on like some magical angle. He was calm, in a t-shirt and sneakers and still someone looked like he was just in a photoshoot for a watch or some new sort of fun but classy liquor brand. He ended up crouching down just out of reach of Banner, fingers loosely laced together, and watched him groaning and rocking. "Also. It's 8."

He didn't try to touch him.

"What happened?" FRIDAY had secured a scan of Bruce along the way and the prognosis wasn't good. Neither was the usual treatment of downers, however. Tony just wanted to know where he'd gotten a hold of those direct drugs when this was an abandoned for centuries planet no longer in Asgardian databases. And he should have been more careful with their own supply of stimulants.

If he could get Bruce to focus on him, however, maybe he could actually fight this before he killed them all.

Bruce groaned aloud when Tony appeared, terror painting his face. He liked Tony, he really did, but he didn't want the man near him right now. He didn't want anyone near him, that would only bring the chances higher of him hurting someone. But then an idea occurred to him. He ignored the question asked of him, focusing on holding on for long enough for this idea to work.

"Your armour can fly without you in it. Make it take me far away, fast as it can. Now, Tony. Now!"

He knew that he was losing the battle, he knew that the Hulk was well and truly awake and that Bruce's fear was only adding to the problem. It was a matter of when rather than if now.

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