"Well," he said, releasing her. "I deal with fire in our pantheon, obviously."

He walked a few steps to stand at a window and stared out into the night. "Isn't it remarkable how everyone has always been all over Thor and his like? And what did they do, when there revered God of Storms walked their world and showed them his strength? They huddled by my fire, seeking warmth and shelter from the storm. If I'd ever expected them to thank me, I'd've been severely disappointed."