Finally!!! I loved writing this chapter, and hope you do too :) 

~Songs~

Mordred's Lullaby- Heather Dale

Fate & Destiny- Disney*Pixar's Brave

Chapter Nineteen 

~Nobody's POV~

As Thor walks through the doorway, Thea very carefully follows him down the several steps, playing with her fingers. The first thing that hits her is the smell. The second thing is the abundance of unusual sights. 

It smells like an exotic blend of herbs, spices with flowers and incense. Fine whips of silver smoke filter through the air like miniature ghosts. The room, slightly below the ground, looks to be the interior of a gigantic tree, swelled out in a circle. Wooden knots perpetrate the walls, like little eyes watching the intruders. Moss hangs down from the branches at the top of the room, spiraling into the ceiling. Along the walls, there are seemingly hundreds of volumes of leather-bound books, mixed with shelves of jarred items such as feathers, tree bark, and other assorted items. Statues of young women and girls soldified into beautiful stone adorn the room like guardians.

Bird chirp and chatter from the branches above them, birds Thea has never seen before: bright, green, with long, trailing feathers that hang two feet off their plumage. A hawk sits in the corner of the room, its yellow eyes piercing as it preens. A long, green snake hangs from the rafters in the back of the room, its tongue flickering. And Thea jumps two feet when she perceives the lean shape of a small white leopard in the corner of the room- but this leopard has bright silver eyes, and patches of a beautiful red spread throughout its fur, and a silver headdress. 

Orbs of white float around the otherwise dark room, and the entire room has a beautiful magic about it, as if it is shimmering through the walls, waiting for the sorcery to be discovered. 

Streams of water swirl around their feet, in minuscule rivers that pool together and trickle towards a large basin in the center of the room. It's an ordinary basin, with an ivory water pitcher next to it, but at the same time, Thea has a feeling that it's anything but ordinary.  

"Is she here?" whispers Thea, who is having a creepy feeling spreading across her shoulders as she looks at the leopard, which hasn't moved. 

Thor doesn't seem to be concerned, looking curiously around at the shelves, occasionally running his finger across a book, which Thea doesn't think is very smart. "I'm sure she is. We must be patient." 

Thea catches sight of a beautiful, glass sculpture, blue and white in the shape of water crashing onto the shore, but suspended in mid-air. Hesitantly, she reaches her hand out to touch the smoothness of it- until Loki, at the last second, slaps her hand away.

"Don't touch anything, Thea," he scolds, "You should know that." 

Rubbing her stinging hand, Thea glares at Loki but doesn't move to touch anything else: she just uses her eyes to admire the jewels cast around beside the sculpture, probably invaluable jewels, sparkling in the light of the hanging orbs.

She cocks her head, looking directly at a beautiful silver light seemingly frozen in between opal rock. It's still shimmering, and Thea thinks it looks familiar. Taking out her dagger, she compares the silvery threads in the metal to that of the light; they are identical. 

"You're curiosity is admirable for one your age, if only it leads you into trouble." 

Thea jumps, nearly dropping the knife and also nearly treading on the leopard's tail. The leopard doesn't give the slightest indication that she is there.

Whirling around, she sees a woman, standing at the back of the room, in the beaded-curtained entryway to another one. Her entire person screams light: she is wearing a long, beautiful white dress that almost makes Thea's eyes hurt from the brightness. Her hair is pale, too, and ringleted as it falls to her waist. Her face is bright too, seemingly echoing light in a casting glow, and her eyes are a piercing silver. Wise eyes, but nearly see-through so that Thea has the tricky feeling that she can read minds. 

Myrinea smiles at Thea gently, and the girl relaxes slightly, although she skitters away from the leopard and moves beside Steve. 

"I've sensed that you would be arriving at my home soon, Thea," says Myrinea. Her voice is musical and low. 

Thea's eyes widen at the sound of her name, and she looks up at Steve for help. Steve just shrugs, his eyes not leaving the prophetess. "Um. You have?" 

Myrinea tilts her head to the side, "Indeed I have." Then, her piercing eyes flicker and turn to Loki. Quickly crossing the room, she raises one hand to touch his face. Loki regards her with an air of utmost distrust, craning his head up to try to get rid of her hand. 

Myrinea ignores this, "You...you have much darkness inside of you. But light that is filtering through, like the tide that moves towards the moon." 

Loki doesn't move, but Thea can obviously tell that Myrinea's words have not even slightly affected him. 

"We seek your wisdom," says Thor, taking charge as usual. He nods his head at her subserviently and then continues, "We have a need to find-"

"The power to return the Velah to their power?" The word 'Velah' hisses through Myrinea's bright teeth. "So I have seen." She looks around the room, at the gathered travelers, "Do you really think this wise?"

"We haven't been given much of a choice," says Thor, skipping over the details,  "Do you know how we can accomplish this?" 

Myrinea's ghostly smile appears. "If you do not value your lives, then yes."

"Whoa whoa whoa," says Tony, holding his hands up, "Of course we value our lives. Are you saying that we're going to die?" 

"No. But your risk of dying naturally increases if you take to these tasks." 

Thea can hear Tony mutter something like, "That's obvious". 

Myrinea turns back to Thor, "You are prepared for the risks, yes?"

He nods. 

"Very well," Myrinea smiles and walks over to the basin with the pitcher. Picking it up, she begins to trickle water from the pitcher into the basin's bowl. A mist begins to hang over the basin, swirling around it like a witch's cauldron. "Look into the mirror." Her eyes swivel over to Thea. 

Hesitantly, Thea walks over to the basin. Looking down, she frowns. The mist has fled from the bowl so that all she can see is clear water. 

"What-"

"Look closer." 

Thea doesn't say that if she looks any closer, her face will be submerged into the water, because she doubts Myrinea tolerates sass. Instead, she squints, peering as hard as she can into the clear liquid. Then, she gasps. 

Small shapes are floating around in the water, twisting and forming into that of a bubbling fountain. Before her eyes, the fountain, gushing hundreds of colors, begins to grow slower and slower until, with a trickle, it collapses into mud. 

Thea looks up. "What's that?" 

"That is the fountain of life," says Myrinea, "The fountain that sits on the top of Ardhigiza's highest mountain. With the disruption of the Imeldi, it has weakened until it is no more. The Velah no longer have their power, as it now lies in the mud. They are gone."

"So...what do we do?" Thea asks, her voice moving up several octaves. 

Myrinea, who does not look at all surprised by the events of the mysterious basin says in her same melodic voice, "To return the fountain, and the world of the Velah to power, you must complete three tasks. Three tasks that if you do not exhibit caution, will surely lead you to your deaths." She pauses, moving towards the shelves on the right side of the room. 

"What are they?" Thea asks, ignoring Loki's hiss that is clearly telling her to be patient. 

Myrinea looks over her shoulder as she moves her slender fingers over the shelf and smiles warmly at the girl, "Still more curiosity." Taking a small book from her shelf, she continues, "Three tasks. The first leads directly to the second."

The tries very hard not to say anything else, and bites her tongue in the process.

"For the first," says Myrinea, "You must go back to Midgard. Somewhere, in one of the largest nations, you will find a document, highlighting the properties of freedom. That document, like all other parchments like that, have one thing in common: it will show you a path to treasure. You see, there is a code on the back of the document that allows you into a sacred temple, a temple where some of the most beautiful and precious jewels of Midgard are still hidden from human greed." 

"And this document is...?" says Tony.

Myrinea's eyes draw, "This I do not know exactly. But here, in this book, it may answer your question."

Thea looks down at the open book and before she can stop herself, blurts out, "It's blank!" 

"Ah," says Myrinea, "Touch it, Thea. With your finger."

Hesitantly, Thea touches the old parchment. Instantly, as if painted by invisible ink, lines of black begin to filter around the page. It's forming words, and Thea squints, trying to make it out. "We...the...people..." she reads out loud. "'We the people'? What-" She freezes as she takes in Steve's and Tony's mutually stunned expressions. "Oh God." 

"The Declaration of Independence," says Natasha, as if this were ordinary news, "That doesn't make any sense. Videl said that the Velah are an ancient race, and the Declaration was signed in 1776. Old, definitely, but not ancient."

"This may be true," concedes Myrinea, "This document was not forged until much later. But one of the founders of this nation has his own secrets, passed on down many, many generations. The writer, I believe it was."

"George Washington?" asks Thea, and Myrinea frowns.

"No," corrects Tony, "Thomas Jefferson." 

At this name, Myrinea smiles agreeably, "Yes. That would be it, I can feel it."

"So..." says Steve, not able to comprehend this, "Thomas Jefferson wrote down a code on the back of the Declaration? It must be invisible, because I haven't read anything about there being a secret code."

Thor, Loki, Sif, and Fandral stand awkwardly around, not having any idea what anyone is talking about.

"Indeed it is invisible," says Myrinea, "Unless you have the right materials." From a jar, she takes out what appears to be a silvery-blue sponge. "Take this. It will help." 

"Okay," says Tony, "Why do we need the code again? To get the jewels, yes, but why?"

"Jewels are what mermaids prize most," says Myrinea as if this were perfectly obvious. 

"Mermaids?!" exclaims Thea, her eyes brightening.

Myrinea smiles again. "Yes. Mermaids. Unlike me, for their services, they require payment. And for the treasured Mother of Pearls, they will desire a substantial jewel in return."

"So the second task is to use the jewels to get this...pearl from the mermaids," says Steve. 

"Yeah, so how is that deadly?" asks Tony. 

The prophetess raises her eyebrows, "Mermaids, nor their kind that frequent their waters, are not the friendliest beasts. They seek the flesh of men, and will try to enchant you."

"Men," says Thea, "So they don't eat girls?"

"Not if they can help it," says Myrinea, "And neither will their sultry songs trick your ears either." 

"All right," says Tony, who, in fact, looks eager to meet these sirens, "Where are these chicks, exactly?"

"On Ardhigiza. At the bottom of the lowest valley, in the deepest and darkest waters."

"Ah. And we get there how?" 

"That will not be a difficult feat for you, I do not think," says Myrinea easily, "Now the third task is the most difficult. The third task is to melt the pearl of blood, and then feed the liquid into the fountain, on top of the mountain, giving life back to it."

"Wait," says Thea,"The pearl is made of blood?!"

"But of course," says Myrinea, "How else do you think the Velah survive?" 

Thea looks horrified. 

"The difficulty lies in the location. The fallen fountain lies, as I have said, at the top of the mountain, but in the middle of the palace. It's a grand palace, but now, it is infested with the fallen Velah, waiting for power. I fear that if you bring the pearl through their halls, they will begin to revive and attack you, eager for blood."

Silence. 

"Very well," says Thor, "We will do as you suggest. Do you have any recommendations for our journey ahead?"

Myrinea raises an eyebrow, stroking the leopard's sleek white head with one finger, "Survive. That is my advice."

"Oh fantastic," says Loki. Thea slaps him. 

Myrinea doesn't appear to care what Loki has just said. Instead, she gestures to Thea. "You. Come forward." 

Thea very, very hesitantly follows Myrinea through the beaded curtain into the back room, only going after Thor nods his agreement.. This one is even more full of assorted items; dresses, jewels, herbs, wooden planks, and on and on.  Murmuring, Myrinea takes from the back of the room a sort of thick, silken fabric, with swirls spiraling around the material. 

Looking down at Thea, Myrinea says shrewdly, "Your independence becomes you, Thea. You strive to fight for your family and those you love, even if it means going against what those who love you have to say about it. But when I give this to you, you must swear that you will use it wisely. It does not do well to use it for folly or for sport- only for necessity."

"Yeah, I promise..." says Thea. "Uh, what is it?"

Myrinea chuckles warmly, "Try it on and see."

Thea takes the cool silk in her hands and hesitantly throws it around her, like Thor's cape. Then, she gasps. Her entire lower body has vanished.

"Is this..." she squeaks, "Is this an Invisibility Cloak? Like Harry Potter?" 

The prophetess nods. "In essence.If you use it carefully, consider it yours. Perhaps it will save your lives and the lives of others."

"Jack is going to go bonkers," says Thea, looking at the cloak admirably. "Um. Can I hide this somehow? I don't want...uh...some people to know about it." 

Myrinea smiles as if precisely sure who Thea wants to hide the cloak from. "Of course. Fold it up and tuck it in your bag. Its appearance as an ordinary shawl or blanket has its uses."

"Wow," says Thea as she begins carefully putting the clock back inside her bag. "This is wonderful. Ah. Thank you." 

Myrinea, however, stops Thea from exiting the back room. "Theodora, there are some things I can tell you of your future, and some others that I cannot, as they are fixed points in time that my Vision cannot sway. There is one thing, however, that I see in your future. It is dark and full of anguish. Take this. It may comfort that your own does not get used." From one of the lower drawers, Myrinea takes out a silver dagger with a twist at the end.

"Oh," says Thea, taking it and frowning. "But I've got my emerald one. Loki's. Or it was his. Why do I need this one?"

"It may comfort you," repeats Myrinea. "That is all I can say about the matter." 

Sweeping from the room, the prophetess calls over her shoulder, "I wish I could be of more help." 

In the main room, when Tony asks what Myrinea had done, Thea simply shows him the dagger. She wants the cloak to be a secret. From all but a a few, anyway. 

Myrinea considers the travelers gathered around her. In her beautiful voice, she says, "The journey ahead will be troublesome. It will be fraught with danger. One of yours may die."

"Who?" Thea demands, panic rising in her voice as she habitually gravitates towards Loki, who is leaning against the basin of water. "Who will die?"

Myrinea doesn't respond. Her eyes dart around to sink on Thor, "You will need your courage, your wits, and your strength to lead those who doubt you. Take this as a reminder of what is at stake." She hands him what appears to be a minute hourglass on a chain, with sand slowly sifting through the valves.

He nods, although seemingly confused as he puts the chain around his neck, "Thank you for your help." 

The prophetess turns towards Steve. "Your bravery and leadership will be required as well. Seek the impossible in hope to find peace." She hands him the small book, which has once again been wiped.

"Thank you ma'am," says Steve, taking the book in his hands. He glances at its pages and then pockets it. 

"And you," Myrinea turns towards Natasha, "Your soul is made of steel. Your heart lies not on your sleeve but in your mind." She gives her a necklace with a single emerald jewel on it. "This may be of use when all other roads are closed." 

Natasha takes the necklace and inspects it, her own green eyes reflecting in the emerald. 

Myrinea now looks towards Tony, "Your brilliance will only get you so far. You must rely on the hidden brilliance of others to steer you on the right path. To succeed, take this," she bestows upon a slightly insulted Stark the rock encased with the star.

"Uh, thanks." 

Ignoring his stammering, Myrinea turns her gaze towards Loki. Both of their eyes harden as Myrinea says, "Your own journey will be a test of your heart. Which path you chose will affect those around you. Those you chose to influence, even if for their own good, will have their consequences. But you have a hidden soul, and to protect your conscience, take this," she hands him a small vial of an unknown liquid.

Loki tucks the vial away, nodding curtly to Myrinea. Apparently, he knows what it is. As if he has  X-ray vision, thinks Thea shrewdly.

Finally, Myrinea's eyes smile at Thea, "As for you, you must remember to stay brave, and to welcome into your heart even those who wrong you. Rise form the broken ashes of your past to make a path of your own."

Thea doesn't reply, but tries not to hide behind Loki like she has been for the past few minutes. 

Myrinea looks around the confused group, "Your journey will be hard. Remember that purity lies within the soul, and not within the conscience. Go forth and seek what must be done to pay the price of those before you."

And with these words, a bright light emanates from the basin, and the eight of them are thrown into it, stumbling. 

When Thea, confused and a bit sore and still wet, clambers to her feet, her eyes bulge. They are back in Asgard, in the hidden hallway. 

"Well," says Tony, also getting to his feet. "That was certainly enlightening." 

"The sooner we get back to New York," agrees Steve, "The better it will be for all of us." 

ooooooooo

Hope you like it! :D 

As you can imagine, there was a lot of prophetizing in this chapter... And more Easter eggs. 

Anyway, please VOTE and COMMENT!

-Three Tasks Fact-

Myrinea is based off the character of Galadriel from the Lord of the Rings, played by Cate Blanchett

Thanks for reading! Love you all!