Prince Sindri's Chambers, Koganusan Palace, The Second Ring, Nidavellir.

Being the only child of King Ivaldi Noblebane, it was expected of Sindri to master every facet of rulership; and to be king of the five rings of Nidavellir, one needed a thorough understanding of the paradoxical nature of the Dwarves.

When examining history, the Dwarves often pointed fingers at the Asgardians for their conquest of the Nine Realms and, more recently, the Jotuns for their invasion of Midgard as evidence of their warlike nature. However, his people were not exempt from violent tendencies. In fact, they were just as guilty as any other. For it was the Dwarves– the craftsmen, the creators, and the forgers– who devastated their own planet in a genocidal campaign against the Rock Trolls despite not having started the conflict.

While Asgardians and Jotuns were known for starting wars, the Dwarves had come to embrace it eagerly. After all, what better way to advance technology and craftsmanship than through an arms race? A hammer may be a tool, but it could also be used as a weapon just the same. Recognizing this dual nature, Sindri was determined to steer his future reign towards a focus on civility and peaceful innovation, moving away from the aggressive legacy left by the Asgard-Jotunheim War.

This resolve was reflected in his choice for the craftsmanship competition. Sindri intentionally selected entries that emphasized creative innovation over weaponry. Despite his belief, or maybe because of it, two incidents of Dwarven's "tenacity" knocked right on his doorsteps before Sindri's coronation. Whether Master Throyo was some sort of prophet or merely the Norns playing their games, the Dwarven prince couldn't say.

Sindri smoothed out the intricate embroidery on his royal robes, trying to maintain an air of calm as he listened to Prince Thor's request. "Excuse me, could you please repeat that?" He asked politely, hiding the bubbling unease beneath.

"Of course, Prince Sindri. We simply require the location of Lord Amberchin's manor, and we will be on our way." Prince Thor's confident tone didn't falter one bit as he leaned forward from his chair.

Sindri, on the other hand, slumped back in his seat, hoping for some kind of comfort or support. The week had been long and he was a hardworking Dwarf. Lord Amberchin's outburst and accusations against the Byleipt children only added to his already rising stress. And now, he had to adjust to the ever-changing desires of the Asgardian royals.

Sindri's eyebrow quirked in disbelief. "So, just to be clear, you want me to give you confidential information so you could potentially interfere with an ongoing investigation? One that centers around a Lord of Nidavellir, I might add."

"Only if you put it in that way." Prince Loki interjected from his chair, his hands clasped together in front of him. "I would prefer it if you called it what it is. A simple exchange of favors."

Sindri contemplated the offer. "An exchange." He repeated. "I take it that means I would receive a favor in return?"

Prince Loki mused. "I assume searching a noble house's manor is a complicated and extensive affair if Nidavellir is anything like Asgard."

Sindri nodded in agreement, but he was not fond of the direction this conversation was going. "You would be correct."

Prince Loki pointed out. "Then it's unlikely the situation would be resolved before your coronation."

Sindri sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "It would not halt my ascension if that was what you were angling for, Prince Loki."

"But it would not reflect well on the new king to have his first days in office overshadowed by an ongoing investigation into a noble family." Prince Loki countered smoothly.

Sindri let out another exhale. "And you believe sending the three children of The All-father to the Amberchins' home would help with my public image?"

Prince Loki continued. "Should we manage to uncover the truth, your current predicament will be resolved. And, should we be discovered, we will take sole responsibility and owe you a debt in return—a favor for a favor."

"As you say, we are the sons and daughter of Odin All-father. We're more resourceful than you may think, Prince Sindri." Princess Diana spoke up from her seat on the other side of Thor. "All we need is a chance to prove it."

"If you are discovered without conclusive results, the nobles will be outraged. They would pressure my father to appeal directly to King Odin. This could result in temporary house arrest on foreign soil or even imprisonment until your father intervenes. Not to mention the strain it will have on the relationship between our realms." Sindri explained gravely. Since they planned to interfere with another realm affair, Sindri thought they should at least know the potential consequences. Although, he had no doubt that Prince Loki was already well aware of these risks.

"As emissaries, are we not granted some flexibility with the laws of Nidavellir?" Prince Thor added sheepishly, clearly taken back at the mention of his father.

Sindri narrowed his eyes at the three Asgardians, especially at Prince Thor. It had been clear to Sindri that the oldest Odinson was not as astute to politics as his younger brother was. If the Asgardian Crown Prince harbored the belief that he could act however he liked in Nidavellir, Sindri was determined to correct that misconception. "Not nearly as much as you like to believe."

Prince Loki turned a scolding look at his older brother and flashed a sly grin towards Sindri. "Prince Sindri, we understand the consequences if we fail, and we're willing to take that risk."

"Tempting, Prince Loki." Sindri pondered the options before him. Either outcome would greatly benefit him. Adding to that, the advantage of fostering goodwill with the royal children of Asgard. However, if words got out, the lords of Nidavellir would not take kindly to Sindri's involvement. He was reasonably certain the three before him would not betray his trust. Yet, Sindri couldn't ignore the warnings from his ancestors of Odin's reputation for cunning and deceit. How far could the apples fall from the tree?

Sindri continued. "Tell me one thing. I fail to see the motive behind your actions. Why are you doing this?"

Prince Loki turned to his sister with a gentler look. "You would have to ask my sister that." The Asgardian Prince believed that his sister could convince him to help them, and Sindri was curious as to why.

Princess Diana spoke up confidently, her voice unwavering. "Because Somr and Angrboda are not the thieves, Lord Amberchin believed them to be. We will find the truth and do what is right: to prove their innocence."

All Sindri saw in that moment from the princess was pure conviction and belief in her own words. Her eyes emitted a subtle white glow that the Dwarven prince dismissed as a trick of the light and nothing more. While a bit naive, Sindri now knew one thing for sure. "I trust you will honor your words. In return, I will provide the information you seek. Begin your search in Lord Andvari's study. Like most noble families, they maintain such a room in their manors."

"Thank you, Prince Sindri." Thor said with a nod of appreciation.

"Your gratitude can be shown by ensuring that none of this leads back to me." Sindri said, allowing a small smile to escape. While he was skeptical about their ability to uncover the truth, part of him truly hoped they would succeed—he was not keen on dealing with this drama any longer than necessary. This way, he could refocus on his coronation.

______________________________

Noble Sector, The Second Ring, Nidavellir.

Hovering above the pristine streets of the Noble Sector, a golden boar flew through the air, carrying three riders on its back. Even with what was arguably one of the best experiences of her life—flying on top of Gullinbursti—Diana couldn't fully give herself to the moment.

"Come on, brother! Live a little. We're flying on a golden boar!" Thor, in contrast, exclaimed with excitement behind her as he addressed Loki. It seemed that the thrill of the moment eclipsed any potential danger or fallout to her brother.

"We really should have planned this out better. A harness or saddle would have been nice." Loki yelled over the rushing wind, clinging tightly to Gullinbursti's fur for dear life at the back.

"Just hold on to his fur like this…" Diana curled her fingers in demonstration at the golden boar's ever-soft and fluffy bristles.

"She knows I can't see what she's doing, right?" Loki remarked dryly to Thor.

"I don't think so." Thor replied, casting a worried glance towards his sister, who wasn't paying attention to them at all anymore.

"...Or you could wrap your arms around Thor's waist. I used to cling to his neck whenever he carried me. It really helps…" Diana wasn't really sure why her brother was so worried about falling off. Gullinbursti said he would not let them fall in his own strange way of talking. Although, she did sometimes forget that Thor and Loki couldn't understand others like she did. She didn't really have the time to tell them. Everything moved so fast.

"She's really caught up in this." Loki noted.

"Maybe you can grab onto Gullinbursti's tail. I bet that would help. I can ask him if that's alright…" Diana rambled on, her suggestions growing increasingly creative at her brothers' bewilderment.

Thor gently placed his hand on her shoulders, bringing the princess back to the moment. "Everything will be alright, Diana. We will find something to help Somr and Angrboda. Just breathe, sister."

Calmed by her brothers' words, Diana nodded and settled into a more contemplative silence. The mission ahead—to break into someone's home and gather evidence to clear their friends' names—felt like it was ripped straight from one of Sir Ratatoskr's chivalrous tales. Despite the entire situation, Diana couldn't deny a thrill of excitement bubbling within her. Yet, this feeling was predominantly overshadowed by a deep-seated nervousness that clung to her more persistently. She was determined to see through what they were doing to the end. It didn't mean she wasn't anxious.

"Statement: Destination reached." Gullinbursti's legs ceased moving, allowing the boar to glide gently to its intended location or at least far above it.

Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Diana reached out from her seat near Gullinbursti's head to scratch his ears. "Thank you for carrying us, Gullinbursti. We'll prove their innocence in no time."

"Affirmative." Gullinbursti responded in his characteristic flat tone, but Diana detected a subtle hum in his engine—a sound she interpreted as contentment.

As they slowed to a stop above the neat rows of manors and estates, Diana noticed their architecture, similar to the rectangular and metallic style she had become familiar with from the Dwarves. What was different was that each house had its own unique decorations, showcasing the personality of the noble family within. Not only that, each residence boasted a vibrant green garden – a rare sight in the utilitarian rings of Nidavellir.

"Now, which manor are we heading towards?" Thor scanned the landscape below, and his brow creased in concentration.

"That one right there." Loki answered reluctantly as he released one of his grips on Gullinbursti to point. Diana and Thor followed his gesture to a grand villa with a distinctive gold-plated roof—quite expected of Lord Amberchin by now. Loki's eyes ignited in seidr while he surveyed every corner of the estate.

"What can you see, brother?" Diana squinted towards the manor below. She wasn't sure why she was doing it, just as she wasn't sure why Thor was doing the same. Neither of them could utilize Loki's sight enhancement spell, but she hoped she could at least spot something—she couldn't.

Loki listed "Invisibility, illusion, and intruder detection wards, along with teleportation and scrying protections." Diana was glad Loki wasn't looking at what she and Thor were doing; otherwise, he would have many, many irritating words to comment on.

"That sounds like a lot. Is it a lot?" Thor shifted slightly from his seat.

"Goodness, yes, but not any more than I would expect from any ruling class." Loki's eyes returned to their normal state as he directed them on Diana and Thor.

"So what do we do?" Diana asked. She knew Loki wouldn't have downplayed the situation if he didn't have any way to counter it.

"Luckily, most intrusion wards tend to overlook smaller creatures, pests, or the like." Loki explained, his lips curling into a mischievous grin. "I believe I've found us a ticket inside."

Thor's face fell immediately at the hint of Loki's smile. "Have I ever told you how much I dislike that look on your face, brother?"

______________________________

Amberchin Manor, Noble Sector, The Second Ring, Nidavellir.

Silent wings beat the air as a sleek black raven flew through an open window. It expertly navigated around furniture and knick-knacks before releasing two plump acorns onto the ground with a gentle tap. The nuts rolled across the smooth stone floor and harmlessly came to a stop. The raven's emerald beads narrowed while it inspected the surrounding hallway for any other presence. With a final graceful flap of its feathers, both the raven and the acorns were restored back to their true forms.

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"You turned us into acorns!" Thor growled in discontent.

"Shhh, we need to be quiet, Thor." Diana clambered her hands to cover her brother's mouth, but Thor quickly pushed them aside to glare at Loki.

"I don't have enough reserve to turn all of us into Ravens. This was the next best thing. And look, it worked—we're in, aren't we?" Loki reasoned with their brother with half a mind. He deemed his time better served to peer up and down the corridor once more, just in case.

In truth, he could have transformed his siblings into any number of smaller animals for his raven form to carry, but where was the fun in that? And as always, Thor's simmering anger towards him was quite a sight to behold. Despite his mother's previous warning to refrain from his pranks, Loki had been the epitome of a poised and dignified prince thus far. With the additional worries for the Jotun siblings, more specifically Angrboda, he felt that he deserved at least a little bit of mischief.

"That may be, but...I'm not happy about it." Thor grumbled as he crossed his arms over his chest, determined to dig a hole straight through Loki with his sight.

"Thank you, brother." Diana, on the other hand, had the decency to be grateful.

"You are welcome, sister." Loki joyfully beamed at her before unimpressively staring back at Thor.

Thor remained silent as he stewed in his irritation until Diana's voice cut through the tension between them. "Thor…"

"What?" Thor snapped, not yet ready to let go of his anger, and Loki knew why. Clearly, unlike his oh-so-trusting sister, Thor knew he was messing around. That didn't mean Loki didn't deserve the recognition he was owed.

"Thor. Loki. Brothers." Diana's tone hardened in impatience.

Thor gave Loki a look that often meant 'truce.' To which Loki gave a returning nod.

"Fine. Your use of Seidr was very useful, Loki." Thor mumbled.

"I appreciate your approval, brother." He considered this a victory for himself. But now, it was time to focus on the task at hand. Loki peered out the windows. "The perimeters wards are still active. If there were any intruders before us, I doubt Lord Amberchin had the time or the sound mind to reactivate them."

"So the thief or thieves came from within?" Diana questioned.

"Either that, or they possess the ability to shape change as I do. I highly doubt that is the case, though; Nidavellir is not known for skilled spellwork, let alone ones of my caliber." Loki mused. "Ward engravings are more to the Dwarves' preference." He shrugged. "It complements their forging."

"I suppose that we'll just have to find Lord Amberchin's studies like Prince Sindri recommended." Thor added. Loki looked around the corridor and rolled his eyes. There were so many doors, even just on this floor.

Since Thor was hopeless at stealth and Diana wasn't much better, Loki led the way as they searched room by room. Each room they entered was meticulously decorated, showcasing the wealth and oddly Asgardian taste of the Dwarven noble. But despite their thorough and exhaustive efforts, Andvari's studies remained elusive.

After slowly traversing through a long and winding corridor, Loki, Thor, and Diana finally reached the last door of the floor. With a creak, the second prince pushed it open to reveal a massive room that seemed to overflow with piles upon piles of golden bracelets. The gleaming metal caught the light and reflected it in dazzling patterns across the walls. Loki stood in annoyance as his eyes darted from one glittering mound to the next. Beside the stacks of treasures were rows of intricate schematics, unfamiliar tools, and mysterious materials, along with a marbled pedestal at the center of the room. Loki wasn't sure why but he felt like destiny was having a laugh at them. What are the chances that the last room they entered was the one they needed?

Diana tapped her foot impatiently with Loki's lengthy frame blocking her view into the chamber. "What's in there, brother?"

"Did we find it?" Thor loudly exclaimed, craning his neck to see over Loki's shoulder. In response, Loki gave him a sharp elbow jab. Truly, his brother knew nothing of subtlety.

As the trio entered the room, Thor, rubbing his side where Loki had struck him, asked. "What exactly are we looking for here?" He scanned the room. "It seems like Lord Amberchin has all the bracelets he could possibly need."

Diana peaked her head in thought. "The real one, Draupnir, is supposed to be able to duplicate itself. Lord Amberchin thoroughly explained that to me yesterday." She answered, pointing at a pedestal's empty display. "That's probably where it was stolen from."

"Look for anything out of place." Loki instructed. "Signs of breaking in or theft. I'll look for any residue magical signatures."

Thor, still dubious, countered. "We don't even know what's supposed to be out of place. This whole manor is foreign to us."

"Doesn't mean we can't try, Thor." Diana rolled up her sleeves and got to work.

Half an hour later, the trio had rigorously rummaged through most of the room. Even with nothing to show for it, they pushed on nonetheless. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps in the hallway snapped them to attention. "Someone's coming." He whispered urgently to his siblings.

Instantly, the trio hushed and ducked behind towering stacks of bracelets away from the door. As the footsteps neared, a clumsy nudge from Thor sent a pile of bracelets clattering loudly to the stone floor.

Quick on his feet, Loki dashed to the door, assuming the likeness of Otr Amberchin just as it began to open. He managed just in time, catching the door as it began to swing open. On the other side, a cleanly-shaven servant paused mid-step, startled at the unexpected sight of his young lord.

Loki peeked his out of the doorway. "Yes?" Loki asked with a steady voice.

The servant's eyes widened in surprise as he looked to Loki. "Young Lord? Was that you who caused all that noise? I thought you were still tending to the gardens." He questioned.

"I was trying to help and find any clues but everything seemed as it was in this room." Loki replied, his head swirling back to look at the clattered pile on the floor. "Relatively." He added.

"It's alright, my lord. We've already searched this floor thoroughly. It's all so strange. We found no signs of forced entry or any changes throughout the manor. It's as if a ghost came through here." The servant explained with frustration evident in his voice.

"No matter. We must help my father in any way we can. Please resume your duties while I search this room once more." Loki commanded with assurance.

"Of course, Young Lord." The servant bowed before heading back down the hallway.

Loki kept his head poked out of the door, watching carefully until the servant had completely turned the corner and disappeared. Once certain they were alone, he ducked back inside. "We're safe."

Right beside the door, Thor came up to him and gave him an apologetic pat on his back. Loki's head collapsed lightly to the wooden frame in relief. If he were to stab his brother right now, would Diana still blame him for it? Talking about his sister. "What? No comment about me lying, Diana?"

"She's over there." Thor pointed towards Diana, who seemed a million miles away in thought. Her gaze was fixed on a painting that depicted Lord Andvari, his arm tenderly wrapped around a Dwarven woman, presumably his late wife. Loki wasn't entirely sure what had captivated his sister so deeply—a family fractured by tragedy, a tale all too common. Tragic indeed, but they were running out of time. If the servants decided to check the garden and found the real Otr, they would certainly come back here.

"Diana, we need to hurry." Loki urged.

"Oh ok." Diana replied absentmindedly before she walked to where Loki and Thor were standing.

"It doesn't seem like they found much in the study. I doubt we'll fare any better here." Loki scanned the room once more.

"We go to the garden." Thor suggested. His brother was annoyingly assertive when he wanted to be.

"Why the garden?" Loki questioned. Why head to the center of the storm and expose themselves?

"Because Otr is in the garden. If it was me, I would be at my father's side to confront the supposed thieves or search through the manor to find any clues. But Otr? Tending to the garden?" Thor reasoned.

"Lord Andvari could have placed him there for safety. What with the manor being intruded." Loki countered.

"You saw them yesterday. Lord Andvari didn't even notice that his son was missing. Otr could go anywhere he wanted, and I doubt he was happy with his father." Thor added thoughtfully.

"You think he is the one behind this, brother? It's possible, now that I think about it." Loki mused. Otr did have the means to walk through the manor freely and, as Thor pointed out, Andvari didn't seem to care much about his son. Spite was as good a motive as any.

Diana, who had been quietly listening, finally broke her silence. "We need to talk to him."

______________________________

Navigating their way out of the manor and into the garden was a breeze, they only needed to leave the same way they came in. But as the three made their way towards Otr, Diana couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Thor's grumbling about being turned into an acorn again fell on deaf ears as she tried to connect the image of the nervous, timid boy she had met with the villainous role he played in the events of that morning.

"Otr." Diana called out to the Dwarven boy with his back turned to them.

"Wh…what?" He spun around in surprise upon seeing her and her brothers. "What are you guys doing here?" Otr asked nervously.

"Something happened at the palace." Loki's tone was neutral but sharp.

"What happened?" Otr stammered, the worry clear in his voice.

Thor took a step forward to take in Otr's almost shaking form. "Your father stormed into the palace, accused Somr and Angrboda of theft, and tried to attack them. Now, the king has taken the matter into his own hands."

"No…" Otr whispered, deeming to look anywhere else but their eyes. Diana knew this was it. His reaction had confirmed her brothers' suspicions. But Diana could see it clearly that Otr wasn't some master schemer; he was just a scared boy in over his head. She could relate that.

"Is there something you'd like to tell us, Otr?" Thor pressed, not unkindly.

"There's nothing here. We couldn't find any sign of intruders." Otr replied quickly. Too quickly.

"Then perhaps, there wasn't an intruder at all. Maybe it was one of your servants." Loki walked around the Dwarve with a flair for the dramatic. Diana wasn't sure if it was necessary to cause Otr even more distress than they already had.

"No!" Otr protested, panic rising in his voice.

"Brothers, please…" Diana interjected calmly. The princess stepped closer to Otr slowly and gently. "Otr, I know you're scared, but it's important that you tell the truth to King Ivaldi and your father."

Otr's tense body language betrayed his intention, as he frantically scanned around for a way out. After a moment of internal struggle, he finally gave in and let his shoulders slump in defeat. "They'll be angry." His voice barely audible. "Father will be furious."

Diana stood to his level, her expression gentle. "I understand why you did it, Otr. You wanted your father's attention, didn't you?" It wasn't malice or spite that drove him to take the bracelet. Diana could empathize; she too had often wished she could throw the throne to some deep dark pit so her father would step away from his duties to spend time with her. They all did.

Otr nodded, tears brimming in his eyes. "He never has time for me anymore. It's always the palace, the studies, the forge... I thought if the bracelet was gone and he couldn't attend the exhibition, he'd have to take a break. He'd have to..." His voice trailed off as he struggled to maintain his composure.

"Otr, what you did was wrong, but continuing to hide the truth will only make things worse. Your father is worried, and innocent people are being blamed."

Otr's face contorted with emotion, his brows furrowed and his lips pressed into a thin line. "I don't want Somr and Angrboda to be in trouble because of what I did." His voice wavered and cracked. "They didn't do anything wrong."

"That's very brave of you to think about them." She then took a moment of pause before continuing. "You made a mistake, but you still have the chance to fix all of it. I think it will take a braver person to admit they did wrong. Do you think your father would think the same?"

Otr shuffled his feet, looking unsure. "I don't know... Father's always busy. He gets really mad when things don't go his way. What if he doesn't want me anymore?"

"Otr, it's normal for our parents to get upset sometimes. I know mine does. But making a mistake doesn't mean he'll stop loving you as his son."

Otr searched at Diana for any sign of doubt. Finding none, he took a deep steeling breath. "What if they punish me?"

"They might." Diana admitted. "But facing the consequences is part of doing the right thing."

The young boy nodded slowly. "Can you... can you be with me when I tell them? I think I can do it if you're there."

"Of course." Diana replied without any hesitation. Loki nudged Diana and gave her a questioning look. However, she remained firm in her decision. She had made up her mind and there was no changing it now. "We'll face it together. That's what friends do."

Otr slowly but surely gathered himself before her and said. "Okay... I'll go with you. I'll tell them everything."