*Loki is anxious to return to his bride who is growing uneasy after his departure for a meeting with Thor and the leaders of the other realms.*


The bickering of the other realm leaders died down as Loki stood and pierced each of them with an icy glare. "Enough," he managed through gritted teeth, "we have been here more than a week and are no closer to a negotiation on travel regulation between the realms."

Some nodded in agreement while others' faces twisted in indignation. The leaders from Midgard and Alfheim considered Loki carefully. "And what would you propose? There is no one course of action that we have all been able to agree on."

Loki regarded the Midgardian representative with a plan already forming. "I suggest that we return to our homes and each submit a plan in one week's time. After submitting, everyone will be given one additional week to review the submitted suggestions." Pausing for a moment he allowed everyone to finish their notes and consider his proposition for a moment. "once they have been reviewed we can choose the best proposals from each realm and make one final design.

All around the table leaders nodded in agreement. The Vanaheim leader regarded the brothers closely. So different in appearance and disposition, and yet still like-minded. Addressing Thor, he inquired, "And what have you to say of this Thor?" Slapping his brother on the back, Thor quickly replied, "I believe it to be a good idea. No one else has a better strategy to recommend."

Loki breathed a sigh of relief while mentally thanking his brother. While Thor could be an unmovable oaf at times, he seemed to understand that Loki needed to return to Jotunheim, and more importantly Ashda, as quickly as possible.

He had begun regretting the decision to leave his wife for this useless meeting almost immediately. Once Frigga passed o the news that Ashda had confided her anxiety over his absence, he knew he would have to be back in Jotunheim before the night was over.


Ashda made her way down the corridors to Frigga's chambers. She had been summoned by one of Frigga's chambermaids and she seriously wondered it concerned the secret provision that Loki had left should she start having doubts about the depth of his feelings for her.

Arriving at Frigga's door, she gave a gentle knock. A small, mousy girl who introduced herself as Rori answered. "Please come in Your Highness." She led her into the sitting room. "Queen Frigga will be with you in just a moment."

Only a few minutes had passed when Frigga swept in the room. "So sorry to keep you waiting, my dear. How do you feel about adding one more visitor to our little meeting?" nsure about the conspiratorial gleam in Frigga's eye, Ashda answered cautiously. "I, I don't mind. Tell me though, does this have to do with Loki's 'surprise' for me?"

A rich-timbered voice sounded behind her, "It does indeed Your Highness." Heimdall had entered from the door behind her. She greeted him with a warm smile. "Heimdall, to what do I owe this pleasure? How did you get away from guarding the bifrost this night?"

"When one of my princes has need of something, I make a way," he answered affectionately. Ashda felt a growing respect for the way Heimdall considered the former princes to be like his own sons. "So, what of this plan that I have not been made privy to?"

Heimdall carefully began to explain the plan that Loki had concocted to soften the toll that his absence would have on his bride, should it become too much. "Essentially, m'lady, because can see all things, I can serve as a connection between yourself and His Majesty. This way, you two will be able to communicate in a telepathic-like manner."

After discussing some of the intricacies of the process, Ashda made herself comfortable on one of the couches while Heimdall took his place in a chair at her head. "Alright, m'lady, close your eyes and focus your mind on His Majesty, Loki."

Everything went black.


"Your Majesty. I have Lady Ashda here. She is ready to speak with you."

Loki leaned in close to whisper to his brother at his side. "I must step away. Heimdall has the connection set with Ashda." Thor gave answered with a swift nod and a mischievous wink.

Avoiding the overwhelming urge to roll his eyes, Loki made his way swiftly down the drafty halls to his own temporary bedchambers. After settling himself on the bed, he closed his eyes and allowed every detail of his beloved to wash over his senses.

Slowly, her face came into focus. My gods, how I've missed this beautiful, bewitching little creature." He told her as much and her heavenly laugh filled his ears. It really felt as though she were right there next to him. Oh, how he longed to hold her in his arms again. He brought his focus back to her words.

"I've just missed you so. Do you know how much longer the negotiations will last?" His heart ached at the tinge of melancholy that etched her every word. "I'm afraid they will go on for a while longer…" He wanted to keep his plan to return home that night secret. His next words were meant to soothe. "My darling," he crooned softly, "you have no idea how I've longed for you since my departure. To hold you in my arms again, feel your lips on mine."

Unable to keep her composure, he could see her silent tears making tracks on her delicate features. "Don't cry my love, I'll be home before you know it." A puzzled look crossed her face. "Loki, this connection, can Frigga or Heimdall see or hear what we are saying?" He understood. She did not want to let her guard down for all to see. "No, my love, only you and I are aware of what is being said.

"Oh, Loki. I was beginning to feel so… so, alone. I wasn't sure if you felt the same being away from me and the baby." Her words pierced his heart and he nearly revealed everything about returning to surprise her. "My sweet darling, I can't wait to be back with you and help get the palace ready for our little one."

"Trust me, love, I'm doing everything in my power to get back to you. I have to go now, but I love you so, so much." She gave him a smile that made any other words he had hoped to say catch in his throat. Her gentle words wrapped around him like a sweet embrace, "I love you too, darling. Hurry back to me."

As the connection faded. Loki called for a servant. He would send for his brother and try to be away from this place within the hour.