“You should just kick their butts.”

“Nah. Too many of them. I’d never have time for anything else.” I didn’t turn to look at Loki. “Although I could use a butt to kick. Know of any vermin around that need dealing with?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure where you got that particular brand of bloodthirstyness.”

“Hanging out with valkyries?” I did turn at that point to flicker him a grin. “Seriously. I could use something to fight.”

“Give it time. I’m sure something will come up.” He glanced at the sky. “Skadi’s busy again.”

“Climate change?” I repeated with a shrug.

“Yet another reason to consider wiping the board clean.”

“Nah. Let them clean up their own mistakes.” Maybe that was uncharitable, but it was the best argument I could think of right now.

“Surtur might not agree with that.”
“Surtur can…oh wait, he’s practically from there.” Except that what he’d shown me had been beautiful. Really beautiful.

Well, I could resist Surtur. His world might be beautiful, but I wasn’t going to burn this one for it. Or for anyone.

“You really think so?”

I shook my head. “Nah. He showed me. I can appreciate the beauty. But he can keep his hands off me.”

“Good. You have taste.”

“I dunno about that. I did almost sleep with that demon.”

“Eh, well. Demons are good at being your type.”

I laughed. “Speak for yourself, shapechanger.” I felt better, though. Less like I needed to go punch something. He’d probably shown up just to cheer me up.

“Still want to learn?”

I shook my head. “Not right now. I think I need to wait until I’m sure who I want to be. I’m still not.”

Or maybe I was sure, but not sure it could happen. I shied away from the thought.

“Good. You have plenty of time. Don’t let Odin push you into anything.”

I made a face at the name. “He’s not my favorite person right now.”

“He wouldn’t have let you actually kill them.”

“I know.” I fell silent, heading home at a slightly quicker pace. I still didn’t have to be happy about it…