Sylvie's POV

Sitting in my pigeon hammock swing out at the verandah and comtemplating my life had become a part of my routine now. It doesn't need much work. Come out in the open and stare at the moon while getting comfy in the swing. Thoughts and memories come dancing on their own.

It was September already. Wow. Six months passed by a click of the finger. I raised my hand in the air trying to make an imaginary toast. To Sylvie for surviving quite well on Midgard for six months. Cheers!

*****

Jane and I were sent to Midgard but to different locations. Back at Asgard, I told her my address when she enquired about my stay on Midgard during my nine realms tour. Fortunately, she remembered and tracked me down in a day. I knew her address too, but I wasn't that proficient to locate someone in such a big realm.

It had been years since my last stay and was sure the landlord must have sold the house to someone else by now. By Almighty's Grace, that didn't happen. The whole house was dusty, and the only residents present were spiders.
Jane stayed at my place for a few days and helped me set up my home. Set up internet, mobile and TV connections along with electricity and water supply. We revised how to pay bills and get groceries and supplies. Thanks to her, I am now a citizen of America, living under a different name of course.

Last time I was on Midgard, I was a psychotherapist (obviously because of my powers). Unlike other realms, this was the only one which didn't believe in royalty and princesses from other places. In fact, they think they are the only living people in this universe. How self-centred.
This was the only realm where I had to take up an actual job to earn and live. Jane had contact with a person who had a small place out on rent at NYC. We finally converted that place into a clinic after negotiating with him. So now I was a practising psychotherapist with my own clinic in the heart of the country I lived in : New York City.

Fortunately or unfortunately, my clinic and home were far away from each other, and it took me a good twenty minutes to travel in between on my bicycle. Yes, Jane taught me how to ride since I couldn't afford a car or a taxi. Buses and trains were out of question since I lived at the outskirts of NYC, where vehicles hardly passed by. Fortunate because I loved the breeze that hit my face as I rode down the countryside road and observing people around. Unfortunate because all the work and exercise would wear me down completely by the end of the day.

I owned a small cottage at the village part out of New York. A living room, a kitchen, my personal bedroom and a guest bedroom with separate bathrooms, a storage cum laundry room and a verandah. The cottage overlooked a small lawn and a kitchen garden with wooden fences around. The whole property all to me.

It's been the same for six months now : wake up, work out a bit, have breakfast, work at the clinic, treat patients all day, get supplies on the way home, have dinner, watch television or listen to songs and retire to bed. So this is how Midgardians live their life. I still don't know if I enjoy it or not.

So here I was after half a year : a self-earning citizen of America owning a therapeutic clinic in New York and a cottage a little too big for one at the countryside. Yet cool enough for an Asgardian banished on Midgard.

*****

Once in a fortnight, I went to catch up with Jane, who lived on the other side of New York. There was a great deal of travelling for me, but anything for my half sister-in-law. I became familiar with her friends, Darcy and Dr. Selvig. They would ask me questions about the realms and space, and try to prove Midgardian theories and myths true or false. Jane kept a strict eye on the atmospheric changes at all times; in case she got readings like the ones in New Mexico.

Darcy informed me that Jane would be cooped up in her messed up house all day, just keeping her head low in theory papers. Dr. Selvig and Darcy tried persuading Jane get some fresh air, but she refused every time. That's when I come into the picture. I would chat with the trio for a start, then take Jane out to dinner or just an ice-cream late evening, trying to cheer her up.

"I am doing this for us, Sylvie. Thor and me. One moment it was euphoria, next it is misery," she answered as I questioned about her behaviour. "Is there even a future with him?" She asked, depressed.

"Thor will come back for you, I promise." I said, though I wasn't sure.

"I know it, but when?" She looked at me with moist tears.

That was the only yet most important question of our lives.
When would Thor, or any other Asgardian come down and take us back?
When would our lives come back on track?
When would we live our dreams alongside our loved ones?
WHEN?

She looked down at the ring and stroked it with her thumb. Just like Thor did the first time he saw it. Jane has been waiting for her fiancé for six months now. She vowed not to look in the eye of any man until she meets Thor; Dr. Selvig is an exception. She isolated herself from the world, went into a cocoon for the love of her life. Hoping that he would come back and hug her, kiss her, marry her.

"Why didn't you agree to marry Thor?" She broke the awkward silence.
I looked at her surprised. Didn't she know?
"I mean, marrying him would have made you the Queen, and later All-Mother of the nine realms. There was fame, pleasures, fortunes laid out for you if you agreed. Then why say no?"
"You are engaged to Thor!"
"Odin called off the engagement, remember? Why did you sacrifice your pleasant life for us?"

"Marriages are not called one if they are just for gaining power and money. I am strictly against it. Thor loves you as his life partner, and me as his sister. There is absolutely no way I am interfering in your relationship. Besides, Odin's been getting whatever he wants. Someone had to stand up against him for a while. That'll knock some sense in him." I explained.

I took her close in an embrace. "Good times will come, Jane. Just be patient. I am there for you." I whispered in her ear. We stood like that for a while as she wept tears on my shoulder.

*****

Everything is going wrong.

I expected to be living on Asgard; now here I am on Midgard.

I expected Loki to be in my life happily; now he is locked up in prison for atrocious massacres.

I expected Thor and Jane to marry; now I am still not sure whether their engagement still means anything.

I expected Asgard's royal family to be a happy, united family; now look at their state.

I expected to get close to my father once I come back from my tour; now thanks to my rejection for the alliance, I am sure he has distanced himself more from me.

I expected the realms to be at peace; now they are in a state of shock and despair.

I expected my life to be a adventurous, sweet one; now look at my monotonous self.

And all this happened due to Odin.
Everything, all of it.

I am sure no one is happy with his decisions, his rule. Literally no one. That is why Laufey and Thanos are standing up against him. No, I am not going to rebel against All-Father. I have sense in me. But this is just not done.
Odin is a shitty king and father. I am extremely sorry for saying this Heimdall, if you are hearing, and I know you are; but I am stating the truth.

Please Almighty, please fix all this. I cannot keep it together now. Please do it before I break down. Please.

*****

I heard a chime inside. The clock struck midnight. Sighing, I got up from the hammock and went indoors. Time to go to bed.
I went in the kitchen to wrap up a few things scattered on the kitchen top. Suddenly, I heard an unfamiliar noise out in the living room. I ignored it, imagining it to be the wind blowing inside the room through the open window.

I heard it again, recognising it as a flickering sound. I came out to check on the situation. The telly was switched on automatically, with a colourful stand-by screen on it accompanied by an annoying tone.
How did it hap...
A person appeared on the screen. My eyes widened.
He was no other, but... Loki. What in the nine realms?!

He stood against a complete black background, dressed in full green and gold armour he so fondly got it made for his ceremony years back. He looked majestic with that signature horns helmet. Questions flooded my mind.

Loki started off. "You might be wondering what is happening right now. Let me clear the air. I am Loki Laufeyson of Jotunheim, and I will soon be the ruler of your realm. I will be attacking what you call Earth tomorrow at noon, after I acquire what belongs to me on Midgard. Letting you know, in case you want to get your affairs in order in the next twelve hours."

My mind raced with thoughts, but Loki's voice interrupted the flow. "This last part is directed to Sylvie Lushton." I held my breath, anticipating what he would say.
"The challenge is on." He gave me a wide, wicked smile.

I smirked. I came close to the TV and fixed my gaze on him. His eyes were yet blue. It was Thanos speaking.
I knew he couldn't hear but I was so waiting to say these three words to him.
"I am ready."

*****

The screen turned black. Anxiety kicked in but I was spinning on my toes, laughing. Finally.
All these months of planning and contemplating will soon bear fruit. Sweet ones.
Finally my plan will be put to place.

I switched off all lights and took my jacket. Locking the house, I ran into the open ground adjacent to it.
I raised my fist in the air, happy to finally say out loud the words,
"Heimdall, I need to talk to you."