It took too long to master himself, and when he finally did it was tenuous at best, but it would have to be enough. He felt the strength of Mjolnir's call and it filled him with dread so strong he ran the rest of the way. His brother would not drop the hammer unless he was safe or unconscious, and Thor did not want to think of Loki alone, choking on his own blood.

He had not spoken the truth in court - it was not done because his brother's lips were still sewn shut. He had no intention of waiting until the Allfather deemed the punishment sufficient before he thought to find a way to undo what he had done. He should have been first to Loki's room. He wasn't.

When he pushed the door open he saw Sif's dark hair first, and quietly he was glad that his brother had not been alone at all. Then he caught sight of Loki and his fists clenched at his sides, but he steeled himself and moved over to his brother. Mjolnir wanted to come to him, but he did not call it. He could not take his eyes from Loki.

He sat beside his brother, careful not to disturb him too much, and tried to put an arm around his shoulders.