A/N: And we're back! Finally got the bug to finish up this chapter since you guys seemed to enjoy the first. This one is a little more world building that funny antics but I hope it's still enjoyable! Not sure how many chapters yet but I'm writing as I go along.

Notes on names/ mythology: So I picked a few names and characters from Nordic mythology. I don't follow the stories completely but I did pick some characters I thought might add something extra to the story. Feel free to research the names on your own if your interested but again, not trying to make something accurate to the myths.


Sif insisted that her and Hogun's help in this scheme was only offered so as to ensure an even bigger mess did not arise. Fandral would have been offended had he not seen the mischief in Hogun's eyes, sparkling in his ever stoic face or the way that Sif had registered the information of Loki's interest in Darcy. Sif lived by the sword and would gladly die by the sword. A fact that was known throughout the court. It was also known throughout the court that since childhood, Aina, Sif's mother, and the Queen Frigga had often teased the young girl about a betrothal to Thor or even Loki. It had frightened the her; a wild youth who would rather fight with boys than learning to run a household. Other boys, eager to ignite Sif's anger, picked up on this. One goad too far on the matter made the young Sif take out her frustration on Loki. A rather public wrestling match with the Prince ended with Loki's pride wounded and a few days later, Sif's long hair shorn.

Once her vanity had time to heal, Sif made use of her short hair as it allowed her to dress up as a servant and sneak out of her daily lessons with even more ease. Despite her finding a silver lining, a lesson had stuck. Though her hair was longer now, Sif had up till now, stayed far away from the affairs of Loki when at all possible.

Now that Thor's marriage had been decided upon, all eyes looked towards the younger Prince in anticipation for another romance. One involving a female of high rank, of course. Fandral knew that the knowledge of never having to endure a forced marriage to Loki was too tempting for Sif to resist. And Sif was important if the Warriors three wanted to succeed in this matter. At times, she could be just as clever and manipulative as Loki. The initiative to not go about the convoluted way, at least in Sif's eyes, just needed to be presented.

Despite the motives behind Sif and perhaps even Hogun, who shed no opinion on the lady-in-waiting and Prince finding comfort in one another, all four were ready to do what was needed to tie the two lovers back together. It was decided among them that it was best to keep their plotting from Thor for the time being, as they were afraid he would insist on talking to Loki directly and potentially making matters worse. Since the night of the ball, Loki was growing more volatile. Finding out that his private affairs were not necessarily private could prove to be the breaking point of his temper. Once Loki and Darcy were reunited, then they would involve Thor. Out of anyone, he was the best option to challenge Odin. Though Sif agreed to try and befriend Darcy and occasionally slip in remarks about her virtues to the Queen.

Unfortunately, any immediate plan was put on hold when they were needed back on the battlefield. The Jotuns made a surprise attack during the night of the ball and consequently gained some land. Yet, time away from court only proved valuable, as they were able to hone their plans. They also observed how the fight and time away from Darcy continued to affect the second Prince. Loki grew more agitated and short tempered in camp and during battle, lashing out at anyone and anything that got in his way. Much like an angered viper. It reinforced their decision to quickly mend ties between him and Darcy. Particularly the resolve of Fandral, Hogun and Sif as they were not letting their hearts lead them as Volstagg was.

A month passed, battles grew intense and there was still little hope of the soldiers getting leave. The only one who had been able to spend time back at the palace had been Sif. While the reason for the trip was to visit her wounded father, Sif made her absence from the Asgard battlefield valuable in the battle of love the warriors found themselves waging. Sif had been able to befriend Darcy within a short period and convinced Darcy to stay in Asgard for another month or two longer when she had considered leaving for Midgard. Although Sif had not been gone for even a week, she had accomplished more than Fandral or Volstagg could have hoped for. Soon, correspondence from Darcy came steadily and were filled with information that would aid in trying to pair her back with Loki.

By the third month of battle, there was word that Laufey, the King of Jotunheim, had been slain without naming an heir, resulting in a scramble for power within Jotunheim. The Asgardians were at a standstill, not wanting to leave Asgard vulnerable but also not knowing what was happening behind Jotun lines. A few weeks of restlessness and some word began to trickle through. Heidrek Hofundson, a young cousin of Laufey was the victor who intended to end the war through talks with Odin, rather than by sword. As such, rumblings of soldiers finally going home became louder. The Warriors Three were almost certain their battalion would be one of the first to leave. And so they sat around a campfire, working out the wrinkles of their latest plan.

"Should we invite Lord Baldur?" Wondered Volstagg.

"No, Darcy wrote that he had shown some interest in her. And she thinks he is dashing for some reason. Would not do to have them flirting in front of Loki," pointed out Fandral.

"Perhaps that is good. If he is jealous, it may renew his feelings," Hogun suggested.

"Well, I still think we should avoid him. Perhaps I can flirt with her. Our history may make Loki even more jealous."

"You just want to impress her with the witty banter you spend all that time perfecting," Volstagg teased.

"I will do nothing of the sort!"

"Fandral, you are simply afraid of the competition Baldur poses to you," Sif said, walking up to the resting men and joining them with a letter in her hand.

"A new letter from the fair lady Lewis?" Volstagg asked.

"Yes. You should have seen the look Loki gave me when he realized who it was from. I thought he would stab me where I stood. He has gone to sulk by the horses."

"Perhaps there is more to this jealousy matter than I originally thought," Fandral rubbed his chin.

"Does she intend to prolong her stay in Asgard?" Hogun asked softly.

"She does indeed. You lot feel free to thank me at the earliest convenience," Sif smiled, pleased that Darcy had decided to stay longer in Asgard. It would do both Jane and eventually Loki good if the young woman did not go back to Midgard at her father's wish that she start a search for 'appropriate' suitors.

"How else does she fare?" Fandral asked, happy that Sif seemed to be successful in the team effort. Even if she was gloating.

"She fares well enough though I can tell she mourns secretly. She writes mostly of Jane and the wedding preparations. Unfortunately, her father has grown discontent that she is vocal on her dislike of the suitors he suggests. She has of late, become unsure of how long she can or should stave off advances from various suitors. But there is more good news than bad. She is slowly becoming a favorite of Frigga. You can thank me for that one as well."

"Pride is so unbecoming on a lady," joked Fandral and Sif smiled sourly at him.

"Should I even ask how the planning for this dinner has come along?"

"The food has been decided on," Volstagg offered with a shrug.

"They are unsure of whether not we should continue to keep Thor out of this whole affair," Hogun explained.

"Let us keep quiet for now. He has enough on his mind with the war and wedding," Sif said after thinking for a moment. "If we say this is a friendly dinner to honor Thor and his bride, we can ensure all the guests we need shall attend. No one would want to risk insult to him. Also, Thor will be so enamoured with Jane, that he will not notice what we are up to. And do not worry about Baldur. Invitation or not, Darcy is no longer a fan."

"What has he done to earn the displeasure of Lady Darcy?" Wondered Fandral, noticing the slightly darker tone to Sif's voice.

"She found him-"

"My friends! There is news from my father!" Thor announced, causing everyone to shut their mouths and turn towards the prince. "It seems this war has reached the inevitable conclusion. Heiderk is willing to admit defeat. In but a fortnight, we shall be in the palace and in the midst of the agreements!"

"This is indeed great news. It surely merits celebration!" Fandral stood up, taking his surprise at Thor's sudden appearance in stride.

"Let us not celebrate prematurely, the Jotuns have employed spineless tactics in the past to create false ease before striking," Hogun noted gravely. "There has been discussion of Heidrek's character. I hear he is a rash and ill tempered man."

"Yes, but Jotunheim has not only suffered losses from a war with us but also from their own brothers. Let us have some hope of momentary peace. A war cannot be fought on grim determination alone," Volstagg joined in when he saw Loki slowly making his way towards their direction. The prince appeared to be wandering aimlessly and it unnerved Volstagg somewhat. Loki normally had purpose in his strides. "In fact, Thor, we were just discussing how Fandral intends to hold a feast in honour of success in this war and your upcoming marriage. Loki! Do you not think that would be a marvelous idea? It would surely boost spirits in the palace while a treaty is being decided upon."

"I suppose. Though would not our Jotun guests take offence if the future King did not dine with them?" Loki supplied, caught off guard by the question posed to him but quick to read the scene he was dragged into.

"Come now, they would not grow discontent if we spend one night away from them. Who knows how long these talks shall last and we are due one night of merriment in the midsts of it all!" Thor said.

"Yes, a night of feasting and the most beautiful ladies you will set your eyes upon. I only offer the best entertainment," Fandral said with a grin that was perhaps a little too big.

"Ha! Perhaps we will find you a wife among the ladies. I'm sure Fandral can find a woman who suits your temperament. He knows all the women worth knowing in court," Thor patted Loki on the back.

"Rather not take his sloppy seconds," mumbled Loki with more vehemence than was suitable for joking among friends. When Thor rose his brow at the violence in the remark, Loki smiled and said in a polished tone, "though I would love to see those efforts. I would be more than willing to meet a woman Fandral believes suits my...sensibilities. If you were to accept the challenge, of course."

"Ah, well, of course I will do my best," Fandral said after clearing his throat. The fear that Loki knew exactly what they were planning caused his back to stiffen.

"I am sure Fandral will find a fine maiden for Loki. One with beauty and a tongue to match his wit," Volstagg spoke up. A tense moment was had when Loki gave the two men a look of suspicion- but it passed as soon as it came. Sif had already steered the conversation onto other subjects before Fandral could determine the real source of Loki's mistrust.


They had been back at the palace for a only a few days before Heidrek and his advisors arrived. Heidrek was a tall, broad shouldered young man, whose gaze would have suited a someone much older. Yet, he seemed determined to end the war with Asgard on somewhat agreeable terms so that he could begin to rebuild Jotunheim back to its former glory. It was obvious from the dress of his small court that times had been tough. Heavy furs and plain wools appeared to be a favourite. They looked almost out of place in the opulence of the Asgardian palace, though they did not seem to mind. The luxuries around them were so foreign that they were not missed and no jealousy was openly shown by the guests.

One of the surprising accompaniments of Heidrek was his cousin, Angrboda. She was a rather shy, homely woman, who took in the palace around her with the curiosity of a child when she wasn't looking somber. Even more surprising, she had been asked by Heidrek to join him because he valued her opinion. The whole court had yet to hear her utter more than a few words at a time though, so her wisdom could not be judged.

This was all well and interesting to Fandral as he truly cared for the future of Asgard and surrounding countries. He actually intended on inviting Heiderk and Angrboda to his dinner in a show of Asgarian hospitality. But at the moment, he was on the search for Darcy to invite her personally. She seemed to be harder and harder to find around court since the reappearance of soldiers and princes.

Finally walking down an open corridor facing the gardens, Fandral spotted her engulfed in a crowd of gossiping ladies.

"Lady Darcy! I have been searching throughout the castle for you!" Fandral called out after her. All the ladies in her company turned to stare at him and he couldn't help but throw a dashing smile their way. A number of them burst into whispers and titters but Darcy's resigned expression stayed the same. When he was within respectable distance, he gave them the customary bow and received curtsies in reply. Standing right in front of Darcy, Fandral noticed that her skin was paler and she looked more fatigued than he remembered. The fire behind her eyes had been extinguished and it was a pity because that spark was what had drawn him to her originally. He was sure it was what drew Loki to her as well.

"I am sure a page would have been more than happy to leave a message with one of my maids," Darcy said.

"But I wanted to deliver this message personally," Fandral insisted, earning exaggerated gasps of shock from the other women. Normally, he'd enjoy playing along but he could tell from Darcy's wary look that she was in no mood for jests. "Please ladies, if you would excuse us? Perhaps the lady and I can take a stroll through the gardens to discuss private matters."

"With your reputation?" Baroness Hariasa, one of the women who was obviously not one to titter or to ever intend to, stood forward like a lioness. "I hardly think a lady-in-waiting galavant around the gardens with a soldier fresh from battle. What would the court start whispering about this time?"

"I assure you, I pose no threat. If she is utterly bored of my talk, Darcy will shout and you all can rescue her in a flurry of petticoats. I daresay, that would be one army that I would enjoy battling."

"I think I will chaperone," the Baroness continued with finality. Her tall, elaborate wig and relentless stare did pose a rather threatening opposition. She stared at Fandral with distrust and Fandral suddenly was struck with memories of seducing a young lady who shared her features. The reason for her distrust began to make more sense. Why she had suddenly chosen to act as mother hen to Darcy was not as apparent. There was no mention of Baroness Hariasa in any of Darcy's letters and he was sure he'd flirted with many of the ladies present without hassle.

"The Baroness has, from the kindness of her heart, recently decided to act as a guardian of sorts to me," Darcy explained. Her tone didn't convey whether or not she was happy with this arrangement.

"So you see, her welfare is of the utmost importance to me. So whatever it is you wish to say to her- whether it be about the weather or intentions of courting- are matters I wish to hear."

"Of course, how rude of me. You are more than welcome to join us if you so wish," Fandral relented, getting annoyed and rather worried about the plans they had intended to spring upon Darcy and Loki. This was getting trickier by the minute. Perhaps in the future, he should send one of the other warriors. The Baroness might not be as hostile with them.

Soon enough, Darcy had taken his arm and they began their stroll through the gardens, nosey Baroness in tow.

"So...how is word from home? Pleasant I hope?" Fandral asked casually, knowing the answer she would give was likely far from the truth.

"Yes, pleasant enough. My father fares as best he can without me. He asks in all his letters when the wars will stop stalling the royal marriage so I can come back home."

"Will you not continue to be a lady-in-waiting once Jane is married?"

"I am only one of her many ladies at hand. As of late, I am juggling the wedding plans for her so she can continue with her studies. I cannot imagine how I would take care of an entirely foreign court on her behalf," Darcy said with a hint of fondness.

"Ah yes, Thor has mentioned the Princess' love of astronomy and alchemy."

"Do not let Jane hear you say alchemy. She has a sermon ready for you. In Midgard, it is becoming known as fact and science. Jane has ensured that," laughed Darcy, a bit of her spark returning. Her laugh was somewhat withdrawn but sweet whereas before, they had been girly and flirtatious. Fandral was pleased to have brought a smile to her melancholy features. Her love of Jane was also quite apparent and seemed new if his last conversation with her was anything to go by. He decided to later weigh Jane's affections towards Darcy and consider her as a potential ally. The princess was hard headed enough to be helpful in some aspects. Perhaps she would know of ways to dodge the Baroness. Fandral could feel her glare burning holes into his back.

"I can assure you that Thor has been one of her victims in that account. If I ever wish to learn more, I will remember to offend her."

"You have been warned, sir," Darcy laughed once again. It was sincere and Fandral took it as a personal victory against her disputes of his wit. They walked in amiable silence. Fandral thought it amusing that they seemed to be getting along much better now they were not flirting. His thoughts were interrupted when Darcy took on a serious tone. "Now, I know you have not dragged me out into the garden to discuss sure methods of earning lectures from your future Queen."

"Ah, ahem, yes. I wished to extend a personal invitation. You have heard that I intend to honour Thor and Jane with a feast within three days time?"

"Yes, I may have heard something. I suppose you want my advice on the meal? Jane can be...difficult with her diet at times."

"Oh, that would be most appreciated. I had intended to throw a hedonistic feast. That is, a feast designed to pleasure the eyes and the stomach. I had not stopped to consider if there was any real differences between our preferred foods."

"I can write down some suggestions for platters that are favourites of Jane. They are simple but are not often found here. I am certain Thor would greatly appreciate you accommodating his future bride as well as showing her the splendors of Asgard."

"You have many doubts about your abilities as a lady-in-waiting but I must say, you seem to have an instinct for it. Schooling me when I had only intended to secure your promise that you would attend."

"While I may have wished to resign early on, I am understanding more and more that my place is by Jane's side. For the time being," Darcy said slowly, suddenly looking at Fandral as if she had discovered a completely unknown aspect of him. "I am surprised you remembered me telling you my reservations from so long ago. You should be careful on the conversation you recite back to single ladies in need of husbands. Might make them think that you intend on courting them. It would be terrifying what a little rumour like that would to do your reputation."

"Whoever has the honour of marrying you is a lucky man and I hold no false hope that you would be happy to settle for me. Though I should hope whoever earns your hand has a brain as quick as your tongue. Would be a shame to waste a wit like yours on a stuffy old general."

"Wh-" Darcy began, surprised. Fandral was silently cursing his word choice but kept an innocent expression.

"Hm?"

"Oh, just...I thought- no matter."

"So I can expect you?"

"Yes, Jane would throw a fit if I was not in attendance. Is it to be a large celebration?"

"Not anything like the feasts the King has put on. Sif, Volstagg and Hogun of course. A few other ladies from court. I am even hoping for Heiderk and Angrboda to join. I am dying to hear whatever wisdoms she secretly whispers into his ears," Fandral listed, noting that Darcy appeared pleased with the group. "Oh and Prince Loki, of course."

"Loki?" Darcy's features fell but she lifted them back into a fake smile.

"Yes, are you very well acquainted?" Fandral tried.

"Oh, a little. One is bound to run into the future brother-in-law to the princess you attend."

"Of course. I will let my cook know you will be suggesting new additions. Till another day," Fandral bowed to Darcy and the Baroness, taking his leave and searching for Sif and the Warriors to impart the information he learned.