We touched solid ground and pain laced up my leg and across my side. I faltered and would have fallen (oh the irony) to the ground had massive arms not caught me. I looked up to gold eyes, bright on dark skin. This had to have been the famous Gatekeeper.

"Easy princess, you've lost quite a bit of blood."

He was right. Blood was seeping down my leg and on his armor.

"Let me."

I relinquished my hold on the prince into his hands. I stared hard into his face, my message clear. 'Only you'. He nodded and I lost consciousness.

When I came to, bright lights and the scent of herbs greeted me. Sore and stiff I threw back the blanket and sat up. There were bandages from my ribs to my right knee. In my battle fever, the wounds went unnoticed. With a sharp nail I cuts the bandages away, revealing pale skin crisscrossed with scars and engravings over top muscle. I look so… young.

I pushed myself out of bed and immediately collapsed. With a huff and well placed curse I was up, though shakily. I fingered many hip length braids, presumably to keep out of the healer's way.

My armor and trousers were replaced with a revealing gown, the fact that I had been that far gone for others to re-dress me was disturbing. With my wings unfolded nearly the entire room was taken up by the span. At least it was open backed. Jotuns naturally bare much of our skin; why should we be ashamed of the stories it tells?

"Very impressive."

I spun wildly, teetering and knocking multiple supplies to the floor. Holding my Little One in her arms was the All-Mother. She gazed at my wings with a child-like wonder. Realizing my attention was one the one in her arms, she held out Loki.

Eyes wide I put up a hand and stumbled back, slipping and crashing to the floor.

"No. I - I can't." She stopped, confusion evident in her eyes.

"Whatever do you mean? You are the only one he has left now."

In my turmoil, my eyes must've changed for Frigga shied away. I put up a hand dejectedly.

"It is because of that, I just… I can't."

Hesitantly I stood and walked forward. The Queen stood fast and I kneeled, placing a hand on Loki's head. I caught her eyes.

"His name is Loki. I fear if he were to stay with me, he would perish."

Avoiding her look of shook I continued.

"You know my name."

"The Fallen." She whispered, I nodded grimly.

"I am a warrior, a murderer. Not someone capable of raising something as pure and innocent as a child. One day I might just snap. Please. Take him. Let me waste away where I can do him no harm."

Frigga's face hardened in such a maternal that that was truly intimidating. She settled Loki in my arms and crossed hers.

"I won't always be the one he looks up to."

"But you will be the one he calls 'mother'."

She took my face in her hands, golden orbs penetrating my mind.

"Will you not stay Lorelei? If not for yourself then stay for him. You may be a fighter with the heart of the nine realms, but you are every bit his mother too. Even Loki can see it."

Indeed he did, for he nuzzled my chest, cooing softly. I looked at her, speechless.

"Me? I - I can't! I'm not - "

"You could if you so choose. Or would you rather I fetch a wet nurse? He took well to one earlier."

She turned towards the door. Something in me rose and screamed 'mine' and I growled.

"None but I will care for him. Especially not a wet nurse!"

Frigga turned and grinned. I realized I had been duped, had played right into her hands. Shyly I smiled back. The motion, made without malice or hate felt foreign.

Assured that I could stand without support I was led from the infirmary to a set of rooms swathed in green, near everything was notably larger than things elsewhere. Chambers for a representative from Alfheim most likely, they are rather large beings. I pushed the thought away.

I glided past Frigga into the bedroom, noting the bassinet already placed by the massive bed. I placed my cooing brother on the soft surface. It began to rock and I looked back to the Queen.

"Sorcery?" She looked at me innocently.

"Hmm?"

She gasped as she began to rise off the ground.

"You as well?"

I shrugged and her feet graced the floor again.

"I've never had the best control over it. It awakens with my battle lust."

She nodded then turned away with a slightly self-conscious look.

"What?"

"What do you really look like?" My back straightened and she was swift to reassure, her hands coming up.

"I don't mean to pry! I shouldn't have asked something so insensitive."

I held up a hand and she halted her apology.

"You need not apologize to me. It's just, no one has ever wanted to see me."

Slightly apprehensive I walked to the windows and drew the drapery closed while Frigga closed the door. I looked about the room with a practiced eye, this should be big enough if I don't move too much.

I lowered myself to my knees and closed my eyes. I had never altered my form for something that didn't result in death. My breathing slowed and I felt my bones grinding and shifted, my skin stretched, wings grew.

I heard a soft noise and I slowly opened my eyes. They would be blood red and my skin the color of the night sky. On Jotunheim my height hadn't stood out until I called my magic. Then I grew even more. My teeth were sharper and my nails clawed. My hair was wilder, moving in an unfelt wind as it came alive with energy.

The Queen stepped forward after a moment and reached out. Her fingers followed the markings and the scars forever engraved in my skin.

"What does it mean?" she whispered, I flinched as I felt her nails tracing a scar between my shoulder blades.

"It is the story of my life. Each achievement and every failure is scored so that others may know us and our lessons forever known."

"There is so much. What if you run out of room?"

I thought for a minute, the question had never before crossed my mind.

"I shall tell you if the time comes."

She stopped circling me and met my gaze.

"They're beautiful."

I ducked my head under her praise, sitting back on my feet.

"I am a monster."

She pulled me close and I reacted on instinct, grabbing her by the neck and dropping her to the floor. My larger body dominated hers and my eyes widened at what I had almost done. I jerked my hand from her throat and pulled my magic back so I could move away.

Frigga had not made a single sound, despite the fear I knew she felt. My fists clenched and relaxed. She held her throat and I was relieved that she had not sustained a mark.

"I am not worthy of this."

She sat up from her spot on the floor and I extended my hand, looking at how dainty her hand was against my battle-hardened palm. She was weightless as I brought to her feet.

"It was my fault, I should have warned you before moving. May I?"

I took a knee, tense as she wrapped her arms around me. I slowly relaxed, I have never been simply held before. Well, not in a long time at least. She shivered against the cooler temperature of my skin. She pulled back with a smile and I rose.

"This is for you."

She pulled a vial from a pocket in her dress and pressed it into my hand. It was a cloudy white and I instantly knew what it was for, glancing to Loki's bed. I could feel his content and happiness. It was such an odd notion, to have someone incapable of complex thought in my head.

"There is something I need to see to but I shall return."

I acknowledged her words with an incline of my head, studying the vial. She threw me one last look before walking out. Before I could think about it I downed the liquid, feeling an instantaneous burning sensation at my chest. I gathered my infant in my arms and settled down on my bed. This is simply another skill I must conquer.

My skin felt as though it was ripping and healing and swelling. The feeling was most unusual. My bust was enlarged and I frowned, my armor would need to be refitted to accommodate. I idly wondered where in fact, my armor was.

Loki seemed to sense the change in me, making a soft noise. I pushed the fabric of the dress aside, recalling the Jotuhn babes and their mothers. I distantly wished I had paid more attention.

The skills I lacked were instinctive to Loki who opened his mouth wide and took hold of my breast. His feelings pushed through the bond and I examined each one. He felt home in my arms, sleepy for he was so young still, and the most basic but potent form of love. I suspected Frigga didn't truly have other matters but that is her business. I gently ran my finger over his features, a hint of smile on my lips as his eyes drooped shut. I may not know how to care for a youngling but this I can do.

AN I figured why not? I have it anyway. Remember I have the ability to edit this kiddies. Pic for show!

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