Thor did not consider himself a scholar or even a particularly wise man- though he was far from being as dense as a certain trickster claimed- but having existed as long as he had, he could not have gone through it all without gaining some basic understand of how the universe liked things to run. One such scrap of wisdom was passing through Thor's mind as he faced an attack by one of the more persistent villains in one of the major cities of Midgard.

Midgard's ability to produce problems was the most astounding Thor had ever come across. After one battle was over, another would surface seemingly instantly and plunging the world once again into catastrophic danger. He pondered this as he regarded the screaming Midgardians frantically scrabbling across rubble and upturned cars as they sought cover from an onslaught of an army of droids steadily ploughing their way through buildings, with his fellow Avengers flinging themselves into the fray.

Thor had fought more battles over the last few years here on Midgard than he had in almost a millennia in Asgard. Not that he minded, he had a strong group of allies with him whom he would die for and Asgard had no desperate need of him for the time being.

Thor grinned as he watched his now close friends take down the droids swiftly and efficiently, causing great plumes of fire to blossom into the air, raining ash and debris. Clutching Mjolnir tighter in his grip, he too joined the battle, taking down a dozen or so of the enemy within moments.

Thor had been stationed on Midgard for almost five years since his first arrival and been part of the Avengers program for almost all of it. One of the most notable reasons for his extended stay on Midgard was that an embarrassingly large amount of all the havoc there was caused by Loki's mischief. Loki had flitted between realms during the time but always came back to Midgard to cause some damage and try to claim rule of it. Thor felt rather responsible for this so felt the need to tackle every one of Loki's crimes personally.

Thor was mid-way through a mighty swing of his hammer, when an unmistakeable rumble of a voice from the heavens boomed out around the site. It sounded as if played out on a loudspeaker, but no mortal technology could make it sound so clear and audible over all the chaos.

"Thor Odinson, your duty as Asgard's prince and keeper calls you back to serve your promise to the Golden Realm."

The voice caused most there to pause and listen, craning their necks up to the sky. The droids, programmed with almost sentient intelligence, seemed to take the opportunity to carry on their destruction of the city unperturbed, which immediately caused panic to set in once again.

Thor recognised the voice instantaneously, and his attention did not shift from the cloudy skies.

"What is it that requires my presence, Heimdall?" He cried up, blinking ash and soot from his eyes.

"That is not for me to say."

Thor would have rolled his eyes at his lack of helpfulness had Heimdall not been able to see.

"Thor, if you need to go then go! I think we've got this!" Tony yelled through his open visor, while almost casually firing lasers into the fleet of droids advancing on him.

"I cannot leave my friends alone in battle! It is dishonourable and cowardly!" Thor bellowed but did so with a sinking feeling. He knew that he must return to Asgard, as no small matter would have forced Heimdall's hand into calling him; still, he loathed to leave any battle.

"Are you kidding? This is just Doctor Doom. His heart doesn't even seem to be in it this time. I mean, an army of droids? Seriously? It isn't the 90's anymore." Tony said, while pulling what Thor had heard Clint call his 'bitch' face.

"Very well, my brave friend. I shall see you upon my return." Thor beamed at him, while stepping back to avoid a stray missile. "Give the others my apologies."

Tony gave him a general wave of his hand while producing a flamethrower with the other to scorch a couple of stray droids as Thor called up to Heimdall to open the Bifrost.

He was pulled up by the swirl of colour just as the beeping missile lodged in the rubble made the area where Thor once stood into a smoking crater.

Thor arrived to be greeted by the stoic guard, who was pulling his sword out of it sheath in the Bifrost.

"Heimdall, it has been a long time, my friend." Thor smiled at him, clapping him on the back. "I hope it is not on a grave occasion that we are reunited once more."

"Indeed it has, Odinson. I only hope your absence has not caused more damage than good." Heimdall said, in his usual non-emotive and cryptic way, completely avoiding Thor's unspoken question.

Thor beamed and clapped the guard on the shoulder again, not having much of a clue what he was talking about. However, it was not a rare occurrence when it came to deciphering the gatekeeper.

After a nod of a goodbye that Heimdall did not return, Thor swung Mjolnir to fly along the glittering bridge back to the throne room, where he suspected the All-Father would be, as he was eager to get back to helping his friends on Midgard. He couldn't help but admire the spectacular view of his cherished home. He had indeed missed Asgard very much, and he did not like being away from it for such a length of time. He made a promise to himself that he would not allow himself to be away from it for such a lengthy stretch as this again.

He entered the hall and saw that it was filled with all the nobles and jarls, who appeared to have been speaking loudly amongst themselves, but the noise died down to a quiet rumble of whispers upon his arrival. A few cried out welcomes to him on his journey down the immense room, and Thor raised his hand and grinned in response. He looked up to Hliðskjálf but saw it empty.

Sif jogged over to him from her position on the dais, her frame set with a rigid tension and an anxious look upon her face.

"Sif, what has made the halls of Asgard so bleak? Not my arrival, I hope." Thor asked, his smile faltering as he glanced around at the similar expression of anxiety or displeasure on the faces of many of the others.

"There have been some complications in your absence, Thor," Sif said, taking him to the side, ignoring any form of greeting. "Thor, I'm sorry, but your father fell into the Odinsleep last night."

Thor just stopped himself from letting out a sigh in relief. All of this was just due to Odin and his absence? He could see why the people would worry somewhat, and he felt rather flattered but did not see why it would cause such extreme concern and demand his immediate presence.

"My dear Sif, all is well, I am back and willing to take the throne until my father's-"

"It's not that, you fool, let me finish." Sif hissed harshly. "In your absence the All-father emplaced a steward in your stead. And now that he is in Odinsleep, the steward has rule of Asgard."

"How can this be? I am true heir to the throne; it belongs to me!" Thor yelled, his voice rising in outrage. This really did cause the hall to fall stony silent; any pretense that everyone wasn't listening was dropped. The statement appeared to be the thoughts of most in the hall if the cries of agreement were anything to go by. Sif hushed him while glancing around the room.

"Who is it that has been appointed this false position?" Thor growled in barely suppressed rage.

"Sumarlid, one of your father's high councilmen." Thor nodded slowly. He knew Sumarlid, he wasn't that outspoken but very sharp, quick-witted, and one of the All-Father's most favoured councilmen. Thor always thought him very loyal and trustworthy.

"Then Sumarlid will have to back down and give me rule in his stead." Thor stated, his angry quelled somewhat now he knew his competition.

"Yes, that's what we all thought, that is why we summoned you back, to rightfully reclaim it." Sif said, although Thor noticed that she still looked worried despite her confirming words.

"This seems simple enough. There should be no question that I should be given rule." Thor said, suspiciously.

"Yes, it does seem that way, but-" Sif bit her lip and pulled Thor further out of ear shot.

Thor noticed that the fellow Aesir of the high council were regarding both he and Sif intently and muttering together on the far side of the hall. He eyed them warily before turning his attention back to Sif.

"We are unclear of how much power the All-Father gave Sumarlid. They had been having many…meetings before the All-Father's sleep, and Sumarlid had become the only one he would take council with."

"This steward position, as you surely know, has been unheard of since the great kings of old and the regulations of such ruling are not that clear to us. We do not know why the All-Father appointed him when he had a fit heir in you." Sif spoke quietly and quickly.

"We dared not speak these things so freely or question Sumarlid position until your arrival. To question him would be treason."

Thor contemplated her words.

"Fear not, Sif. Sumarlid is no fool and loyal to the king. I see no reason why he would not hand power back over to the true blood of the king, even if previous deals had been made." Sif nodded but did not seem so confident as Thor. Thor ignored her fretting and stepped forward.

"I seek council with the steward of Asgard. Will he not hear what Thor Odinson has to say?" He announced loudly.

There was a moment's pause before a door off the hall opened, and the figure of Sumarlid emerged with two guards accompanying him.

Sumarlid's appearance would most aptly be compared to that of a dying tree. He was extremely tall, taller even than Thor, but with a slight stoop to his back. He was willowy and thin but had great strength about his shoulders and arms. His sleek, greying hair always gave the increased impression of quiet wisdom and a serene smile always remained on his lips, but sometimes it did not reach his eyes.

On seeing Thor, Sumarlid's smile increased, and he strode over to him to clasp his hand and shake it.

"Thor Odinson, it has been many moons since these halls have welcomed you. I hope all is well in Midgard now that you are its keeper?"

"Things shall be well as soon as this situation has sorted itself, Sumarlid. I see you have had quite the promotion in such a short time." Thor said forcing a smile back at him.

Sumarlid sighed and rested his hand on Thor's shoulder, turning him to walk with him down the hall.

"I'm afraid the All-Father's sleep came at quite an inconvenient time, what with you missing and your brother, well, let's just say indisposed, shall we?" Sumarlid shot Thor a sad smile. Mentioning his brother did not help Thor's mood.

"But do not fear, Thor, as I am most capable of running Asgard while the All-Father is in Odinsleep."

Thor stepped away from Sumarlid's reach, turning to face him.

"This is something we need to discuss, Sumarlid. I hear you were the All-Father's most trusted advisor while I was away, and I am grateful of this. Asgard owes you much, but I think now it is appropriate to give rule to the rightful heir."

The entire hall was utterly silent and listening intently to the supposedly private conversation.

Sumarlid gave another mournful sigh.

"I was afraid that you might say this, Thor. And as much as I wish to hand over rule to you, I am unable to."

"Of course you are! Just declare me the king and renounce yourself." Thor glowered, the trials of the day taking their toll and really starting to piss him off.

"If only it were that easy." Sumarlid said, regretfully. He summoned a servant with a jerk of his hand who brought forth an aged leather bound book, which gave the impression that it would crumble to dust if one were to grip it too tightly. The boy held it delicately, as if it were worth more than his life, which it probably was. Sumarlid drew a sheet of parchment from his own breast pocket and began to unfold it.

"The All-Father appointed me the steward of Asgard just before he fell into Odinsleep," Sumarlid stated in a way that sounded rehearsed. As he spoke, he absently flicked through the book while seeking a particular page.

"Yes, I am aware." Thor gritted through clenched teeth.

"The role declares me ruler over all but the king, even you, Thor, in his absence. No one but the king can relieve this role and only he can do it when he is fit or in the case of his death. I'm sorry, it is written in the laws of our kingdom. I have no power over the situation."

Thor stared at him in disbelief, then looked down at the open book the servant presented to him. He read the law, written in such old, faded ink that he had to squint to make it out. It only confirmed what Sumarlid has said, and Thor turned to stare at Sif, who had read it over his shoulder with a look of dismay and mild horror on her face. He took the paper Sumarlid had presented with hesitant fingers and read the document bestowing Sumarlid with the title steward of Asgard, Odin's blood red seal staring plainly out at him from the bottom of the page.

"I did not know that a mere steward had such authority." Sif muttered, anger making her tongue much looser than she would be in her normal state.

"Trust me, Thor, I did not desire this role for myself. It was Odin's wish that gave me this power, and if I could give you the throne I would. I have always been loyal to you and your father, and my only wish to serve you the best I can and do right by Asgard." Sumarlid said this with such sincerity that Thor had no choice but to accept him. He nodded jerkily and handed him back the document.

"This is not your madness but my father's. When he wakes, I will surely question him on it."

"I am glad there is no ill blood between us, Thor, and I pray that your father's Odin sleep is not a long one."

Thor retired to his room after leaving the throne room as soon as it seemed proper. His father's unfathomable actions filled him with a blind rage that he had to keep in check until he was safe inside his own quarters. Did his father still believe Thor unworthy of governing Asgard, even just for the length of an Odin sleep? Had he not already proven his worth? Not only by reclaiming Mjolnir but also by selflessly protection another world from any danger! Or perhaps therein laid the problem. Had his father disapproved of the amount of time Thor spent on Midgard instead of spending time in Asgard? But he had only ever shown encouragement to Thor for his activities in Midgard, and why wouldn't he had confronted him on it instead of taking the right to rule away from under him and giving it to someone of no royal claim what-so-ever? In all truth, Thor had never considered whether he would get the throne or not; that was just a fact for him. Something that he had expected since his youth, during which he hadn't even truly considered Loki a threat for it. Now it had been taken away from him in the most unexpected way, and he had no idea what to think.

Thor let out a roar of rage and kicked a chair across the room in anger and frustration, and it shattered against the wall. He stalked out to the balcony and leaned against the edge, silently fuming. Claps of thunder rumbled out over Asgard, making it abundantly clear to everyone how Thor was currently feeling.

"Well now really, Thor. You should keep that temper under control, or I'll have to tell the steward that you are a hazard to the furniture of Asgard, and he'll have you locked away."

Thor rubbed a hand over his face, mentally braced himself, and then turned to face Loki. He was sitting on the once broken chair- now perfectly restored and joined with the rest of the set at the table. Loki was every inch the epitome of elegance, despite his rather ragged appearance he had acquired since his fall.

"Hello Brother, come to celebrate Sumarlid's coronation with me?" Thor said flatly, really not in the mood for a battle of insults with Loki or to worry himself with how Loki managed to slip undetected into Asgard. Nothing really surprised him about Loki's abilities any more.

"Why yes, I have. Once I'd heard the good news, I couldn't help but come here immediately to commiserate you on being second favourite to the king after one of his lowly servants." Loki grinned, positively animated with excitement but keeping it in check behind a smirk.

"As you know, Sumarlid isn't just a servant. He is a nobleman and a great friend to the king." Thor sighed, slumping in a chair opposite Loki once he had judged that Loki didn't appear to be in the mood for a physical fight just yet, as he was far too busy verbally abusing him.

"Hmm yes. Yet he has less royal blood than even me, but he still has rule over Asgard. Just what is wrong with this picture?" Loki's smirk grew as he leaned over the table separating them. "It seems to me that father deemed you quite unworthy of the role."

"It also appears that he deemed you unworthy as well, Brother." Thor growled out.

Loki burst into laughter. He laughed hysterically for about five minutes in which Thor grew more and more enraged.

"Oh my dear, sweet, idiotic brother! You really think Odin would even consider, for one moment, allowing me on the throne? Or should I say back on the throne. Why, if I even touched it he'd probably have it burned and replaced." He wiped tears of mirth from his eyes as he continued to chuckle gently.

"You still have more of a right than damned Sumarlid." Thor grumbled, rather put out by Loki rebuttal of his insult.

"Ah, do I finally detect a sense of resentment towards our brave and noble leader? I can have you done for treason, you know." Loki smirked at him.

It was Thor's turn to scoff now.

"That's a tad rich coming from you, Loki. While you turn me in, make sure to tell them of your several hundred accounts of treason and treachery, as if they need reminding."

Loki clutched a hand to his chest in a mocking way.

"You do wound me so, brother. I didn't think the odd time that I tried to murder you and your little pets would really embitter you so much."

"It becomes rather wearying over time. And it wasn't the odd time, it's been almost constantly for many years, you little prick! You even almost managed it once!" Thor glared at him.

Loki waved off this remark with ease and got up instead to examine his room.

"This has hardly changed at all since I was last here, you are hopelessly sentimental, Brother." Loki said, running a slender finger over his shelves. He picked up a skull from one and studied it with a small smile.

"Wasn't this from that creature we found in the Enchanted Forest that not even the wisest scholar could identify?"

"Now look who is being sentimental." Thor said, reproachfully. He took great pride and pleasure from his possessions; most of which weren't worth much, barring his armour and weapons, but great in personal value. They were all reminders of simpler times before things got…complicated.

Loki threw the skull gracefully in the air and grinned widely as Thor lurched forward to try and catch it, before he snatched it easily from the air himself. Thor glowered at him, giving a little snarl of anger.

"I'm being nostalgic, Thor. There is a difference." Loki scolded, replacing the object.

"If all you are here for is to have a discussion about grammar, then I would ask you to find a better partner elsewhere, preferably not in Asgard, as I don't know what most of the men would do to you if they found you here, and I'm not sure if I can be bothered to intercept them from killing you given the mood I am in." Thor snapped at him, glaring down at his boots as if they were the cause of all this trouble, unable to look at Loki's insufferably smug face.

"Really, why, I was thinking of congratulating the steward on his role in front of the men right now, in fact…"

Thor looked up after a moment when Loki didn't finish his sentence to find himself alone on the room. Thor swore under his breath before tearing out of the room and down the corridors to the throne room. For all his threats, he would not let anyone to actually harm Loki, not fatally anyway.

He burst into the room to find Loki in the middle of it and speaking to Sumarlid with Loki's back to Thor. Loki was surrounded by livid and well-armed men, all of whom were glaring at Loki.

Sumarlid was sitting on a smaller, rather sad-looking throne at the base of the original golden throne's dais that Thor hadn't noticed before. He had his attention on Loki who seemed quite unaffected by rather unusual presence nor the enraged men around him.

Thor strode over to Loki, pushing the men out of his way as he went, and grabbed Loki's elbow when he reached him.

"This is most foolish even by your standards, Loki." He hissed into his ear.

Loki yanked his arm out of Thor grip, giving him a withering look.

"I just wished to bestow my congratulations to the new ruler of Asgard, I see no harm in that." He said, smoothly, as if there wasn't a room filled with vengeful Aesir waiting for any excuse to beat him to death.

"Loki is right, Thor. Why does he not have the right to come into these halls at whim? This is his home after all." Sumarlid said, rising from his chair.

Both Thor and Loki turned to gape at him, along with most of the crowd.

"The way I see it," Sumarlid continued, "Loki is free to come and go as he pleases here. We would be most honoured if you would stay here, Loki."

Loki turned to smirk at Thor before turning back to Sumarlid.

"You are most kind, my Lord. I believe I will accept this most generous offer."

"Excellent." Sumarlid beamed. "Let it be known that Loki is welcome in Asgard as long as he wish to stay here."

The whole room was staring at either Loki or Sumarlid, as if trying to differentiate which one was madder.

"My Lord," someone exclaimed, "This Jotun scum is a murder and a traitor! Why should he be welcome here?"

There were cries of agreement before Sumarlid raised his hand, and they fell into resentful silence.

"Because, Alrik, Loki is the son of our king and brother to our prince. I have seen no law passed to tell of his banishment. And despite his more, mischievous pastimes of late, I think welcoming Loki back into his home will allow old wounds to heal and friendships to be rekindled. The All-father would most surely never turn away his own son, so I do not think it best that I do." Sumarlid stated patiently.

There were mutters in the crowd that clearly wished to debate Loki's true right as son to the king, but before anyone could act upon this, Thor quickly bowed to Sumarlid, muttered his thanks, and pulled Loki from the room.

"I would be careful how you handle me, brother; Sumarlid seems quite fond of me. Perhaps he will punish you for any ill treatment towards me." Loki smirked, adjusting his clothes when Thor let him go safely down the corridor.

"Oh shut up, Loki! Sumarlid is clearly mistaken if he thinks you will be welcomed back with open arms if that display was anything to go by." Thor muttered. "I can still smell the blood lust from here."

"You do not think any friendships will be rekindled, then? I was so hoping to pop over to a few of the warrior's homes tonight to share a tankard of mead with them and reminisce over old times." Loki said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"The only thing that will be kindled is your severed limbs on the fire if you don't watch your tongue." Thor snapped as they walked down the corridor. "You're lucky that your bedroom is on the same corridor as mine as I will be able to hear if anyone intends to murder you in your sleep."

"As if you could hear that, you sleep like the dead! I'd be long since murdered by the time you drag yourself out of bed." Loki scoffed.

"How do you know that?" Thor asked suspiciously, visions of Loki looming over him while he slept creeping into his mind.

"No reason," Loki smiled innocently. "Anyway, I believe I am most capable of defending myself thank you."

They walked in silence the rest of the way back to their rooms; Thor brooding while Loki positively glowed with delight.

When they reached Loki's door, Loki paused and turned to Thor.

"You know, this is going to be exceptionally fun. It'll be just like old times." He grinned in a most unsettling way before cheerily saying goodnight and closing the door in Thor's face.

Thor went into his room, dropped Mjolnir on the floor where it shook the room, slumped down on the bed without even bothering to take off his clothes, and buried his face into his pillows.

It seemed almost incredible that so much could happen in one day. To be informed of his father's Odinsleep, to be told he was not in line for the throne, and to have another take it while he could do nothing to stop it, and then to have his brother return to Asgard once again, all in the space of so few hours. It almost put Midgard to shame with its extensive activities.

'Just like old times' is what Loki has said. Thor couldn't help the weak smile that broke over his face that was stolen by the pillow at the thought. At least one good thing could come out of this mess.

He was just drifting off to sleep when he suddenly sat bolt upright, then grabbed Mjolnir and ran out the room, heading for the Bifrost. In all the confusion of the day, Thor had forgotten the original battle, taking place on Midgard below, which at this point, seemed like a pleasurable interlude from the madness home in Asgard.