[ it's easy to displace in a different universe, and he can't help but feel like this is another chance given to him. it doesn't stop the well of guilt, of course, the sick feeling in his stomach that waxes and wanes in his brother's presence. ]

Oh yes, I'm sure you'll find a way to punish me accordingly. [ he quips back in an amiable, chatty fashion that doesn't quite match the words. ] What am I ever doing? Causing trouble, of course ...

[ he pauses, pursing his lips in a thin line. ]

The All-Father had sealed himself in Asgard former with a nefarious brother of his. [ he doesn't really expect Thor to follow, though he wonders just how much he will. he supposes the questions he asks will answer that. ] I broke him out. We needed him to, ah—stop a possible war, and claim our sister.

It worked out.