The Invisible String Theory

Chapter 5 - A Flicker for You

(Teach me How to Love - Galdive)

The portal shimmered open like torn silk, its edge snapping softly as we walked through. My boots touched cool marble first, polished smooth under a silver sky. The sharp scent of mountain air and faint garden florals teased my senses, a contrast to the fire-warmed light we had just left behind. The grandeur of Asgard unfolded before us– gleaming spires, distant song, and the hum of magic woven in the very stones.

I felt so out of place. Quite literally actually, I still had on the outfit I wore from Liora. I panicked, as the eyes of several asgardians weighed on me.

"Loki!" I snapped, just above a whisper. "Fix this, your people are staring holes into me!"

He grinned, "What's the magic word?"

But then–

A broad laugh echoed a moment after.

Loki jumped, and with a twirl of his wrist my original attire phased over me behind the trace of his green enchantment. I guess he'd rather avoid the mockery from whoever is approaching than to tease me with humility.

"Brother!" A stranger said as he strode toward us in a flourish of crimson and gold, his grin far too wide. "I see you've finally decided to visit without a trail of chaos behind you. And–" His eyes shifted to me, widening with open curiosity. "You've brought company?"

I raised a brow. Brother? The man wore gold-accented armor and a red cape that flared behind him in the wind. And he was heading straight for Loki.

"Brother?" I echoed under my breath, incredulous.

Loki, sighed. "Yes. That would be Thor."

"You never mentioned you had a brother."

"I never mentioned many things."

I gave him a side-eyed glare as Thor closed in, grabbing Loki into a crushing embrace that made even the god of mischief wince.

"It's been too long!" Thor pulled back, eyeing you with a grin that was entirely charming.

Loki's tone went dry. "Yes. I meant to keep it that way."

Thor turned to me and offered a hand. "My lady, I am Thor Odinson. You must have the patience of a saint to travel with my brother."

I blinked up at him, still reeling from the revelation. "Hi, I'm Miravyn– You're his brother?"

Thor chuckled heartily. "Did he not tell you? I supposed he wanted to impress you first."

Loki muttered something under his breath, and I felt myself smirk, already amused by the dynamic.

Thor leaned in, not-so-quietly whispering, "Don't worry. We'll tell you all the embarrassing stories over dinner."

Loki's expression turned murderous.

"Come– there's a festival in the making, and the preparations have already begun. It seems your timing is impeccable Loki, even if your memory isn't. You did forget the solstice celebration, didn't you?"

Loki groaned, "Utterly."

"Well then," I said cheerfully, "I guess we're staying."

Thor laughed and offered me his arm like a gentleman. "Would you care to help us prepare?"

I slid my hand into the crook of his elbow. "Absolutely."

Loki muttered to himself again, "One celebration after the other I suppose."

I looked back and caught the smallest twitch of a smile at the edge of his mouth.

The palace was alive in motion. Vibrant banners hung from columns, fluttering gently in the breeze, and golden threads wove their way between archways as if the sun itself had left trails behind. The air carried scents of warm bread and sweet cider, mingling with the laughter of children and the occasional clang of a hammer from the market square.