Despite the incredibly positive outcome of their barn bestowals, Thor’s mood remained muted. The typically-buoyant Thunder God trudged through the palace toward his and Eva’s bedroom. Julian's death had left a mark on the Allfather, different than all the other loses he’d suffered in his long history. This was a child, for who his kingdom, no, for who he was responsible for. Even Hemlock, Warpath, and Auster’s combined confidence at the task of discovering the culprit wasn’t enough to shake the funk from Thor.
He walked shoulder to shoulder with his wife, quiet in comparison to Nathaniel, who strode on Eva’s opposite side. When they reach their door, a possibly awkward intersection in the trio’s relationship, Thor moved past the doorway. “You should rest,” he told his beloved. “I will be unpleasant company,” he assured her with the slightest smirk. “Nathaniel,” he turned toward the dark-haired man. “You're welcome, of course,” he gestured toward the door. The king was very far from his own new chambers in Helheim. Without ceremony, Thor then continued to his private study.
Nathaniel shared a long, silent glance with Eva, which spoke volumes about Thor’s behavior. But rather than argue at this juncture, the God of Darkness led Zap into the bedroom. “That’s disconcerting,” he decided, hands locked with Eva’s. He walked backwards up the platform stairs toward the royal bed. He sat upon the bed and urged Eva closer, his knees closed on her legs. “We should...” Nathaniel was about to say go to Thor, knowing full well Eva would not be able to allow the king to sulk... alone anyway. Luckily, over Eva’s shoulder, Nate noticed a very quiet God of Thunder appear from the darkness. He smirked because that was his move. He watched the larger man’s arms reach around Eva and his mighty head fall upon her, beside her neck.