Inanna snorted. Then she chuckled. Swiftly the sound rolled into a laugh. She could not imagine anything further from the truth. There were few things in the night that would scare her these days. Once upon a time when the sun fell and the cold settling on the lands she would shiver in the holes she could find in the freelands. Alone and just a pup she had nothing and no one to turn to. Now the story was different and the dark no longer scared her. Nights were spent with storms crashing into the earth and her and Zeus stood at the mouth of the caves to enjoy the thunder and lightning. For a moment her memories ran away with her and twined their hands with dreams. She wondered what it would be like to watch the ocean storms stir up the world while pressed against Thor’s side, rain beating down on them, or on the stones of her own den.

She shook her head to clear the thoughts. Those were dreams far off, fantasies she did not even know had existed nor contemplated until this moment. Thor had just returned, she was almost sure he had a life he had lived and desires of his own. Others he had met and carried with him… just as he carried her feather…

A smirk lingered on her face as her laughter died away. I don’t think I need anything to save me from the things that stir the night. You… however. She flicked her tail at him. Might need saving from the single females. Or the crabs seeking revenge. Her look turned sly and her eyes glittered. Are you sure you don’t want the Queen of Crab Hunting to protect you? Her voice trailed off as she padded down the beach in the direction of a cluster of her hidey holes. She hesitated and looked back at him. The sun was starting to set. There was a twist of regret in her chest at the thought of letting him walk away from her so soon. And he had felt so strange against her. Do you want to stay, with me? We can look out for a place for you in the morning. She offered a toothy smile. Tonight we can catch up. You can tell me where you have been these past years.