[ The easy way that Thor sketches Loki's motivations would have enraged him once (of course Thor centers the narrative about himself, always, always), but now he can only bow to the bitter truth of it. Indeed, he is here now to cause mischief and destruction, regardless of the comfort his current form may bring, and Thor's succinct reprisal of whom - and what - he was cultivated to become serves as a much-needed reminder.

Because he is Loki, born of winter, raised in shadows, ever scornful of all that is good and true. Thor, for all his new-found wisdom, cannot see that Loki has strengthened his hold simply by keeping away.

Esja winds her arms about Thor in return, holding him to her breast as he weeps. The mighty Thunderer, risen to the level of the Allfather himself, and yet still he is but a squalling babe. ]

And what would you do, as King of Asgard, if he were to return to you in disgrace and disrepute? [ It's phrased as a question, but the answer lies in her tone: as you must. ] Would you prefer the inevitable suffering and destruction to the grief that now plagues your heart alone?