A/N: For this chapter, I'd like to avoid confusion about the ages of Loki's children. I'm going with the idea that Jotuns age about the same as humans, but have the same lifespan as the Aesir. The children are triplets, but with the various forms Odin inflicted on them, their aging was delayed or sped up depending. Hela looks her age (14), but Fenrir looks to be about 12, while Jormagundar (Gunner) looks like he's 9 or 10. I'll stop rambling now and get on with the story.
"Is she here yet?" Fenrir asked, bouncing excitedly. Jormagundar sat next to Frigga on the bench, trying to ignore his brother's enthusiasm. As much as he enjoyed having fun with Fenrir, he was in the middle of learning to read. Loki had started teaching him, but whenever he was absent, Frigga would take over teaching him.
It never ceased to amaze the queen how much the two boys were like her own sons. Fenrir, the rough-and-tumble, outgoing one, and Jormagundar was every bit the quiet-but-mischievous younger brother. Even though they were both the same age (14 years as the mortals counted it), Gunner was noticeably smaller than his brother, both in height and build. Both boys resembled their father, except Fenrir had his mother's grey eyes, not the brilliant jade green that his father, sister, and younger brother were graced with.
In the distance, Fenrir saw the familiar flare of the Bifrost. He raced back over to Frigga and Gunner.
"They're here! They're here! Come on, we should go meet them." He pleaded. Frigga ruffled his hair.
"Very well, but let's see if we can meet them half-way."
"Yes Grandmother." Fenrir took Frigga's hand and waited while Gunner tucked his book into his travel pouch.
"I'm ready!" he said.
When the dome stopped spinning, Darcy thought that she couldn't be happier. Loki held out an arm to steady her, though he avoided eye contact. Heimdall regarded the pair impassively.
"Welcome back to Asgard, my prince." He greeted Loki. Loki inclined his head. The gatekeeper turned to Darcy. "And to you as well, Miss Lewis. Loki's sons are eager to see you again." Darcy smirked a little.
"I'll be sure to brace myself, then. I remember from last time, they're masters of the flying tackle-glomp." Heimdall gave her one of his rare smiles.
"Indeed. Safe passage to you both." Heimdall bowed once more as they left. Loki glanced down at Darcy.
"Looks like there's someone else who wanted to meet you." He said. Darcy smiled when she saw Sleipnir waiting impatiently on the bridge for them. Darcy ran forward and threw her arms around the stallion's neck. Sleipnir nickered happily, snuffling at her pockets.
"What are you looking for? This?" she teased, holding out a peppermint. Loki grinned, watching them.
"Don't give him too many sweets; Hela already spoils him." Darcy glanced up at the horse.
"Is this true, Sleipnir?" The horse shook his mane, snorting derisively.
"Don't lie, son, it's a nasty habit." Loki chided. Darcy snickered.
"Just one won't hurt." Sleipnir snatched the mint and carefully rested his chin on Darcy's shoulder. "Aww, you're welcome, hon." She said, running her hand across the velvety skin of his nose. "Can we go for a ride?" she asked Loki. The trickster shrugged.
"You'll have to ask him." He replied.
"What do you say, big fella?" If Sleipnir had been given a human/Jotun form, he would've been grinning. He crow-hopped to the side, and then stood still, waiting for them to mount. Loki held his hands out for Darcy to step up.
"I would've thought that last time would deter you from any more equestrian pursuits…" he quipped. Darcy laughed.
"You obviously don't know me as well as you thought." Loki smirked a little.
"Sleipnir, shall we show Darcy the true meaning of haste?"
"Dude, that was so Lord of the Rings…whoops, sorry…" Darcy said, accidentally elbowing Loki in the ribs as he hoisted himself up into the saddle behind her.
"I'm not sure I understand…"
"If I ever get to go back to my apartment, I'll have to familiarize you with the awesomeness that is Lord of the Rings…"
"I look forward to it. Sleipnir? Shall we?" Sleipnir reared up, and took off at a canter. Darcy laughed as the wind whipped through her hair, the bite of it nearly taking her breath away.
Loki smiled when he heard her laugh. It was one of the many reasons he had turned to tricks and mischief. It wasn't meant to harm, just provide a little diversion to the dull, serious Aesir lifestyle. All for the sake of a laugh or two.
Sleipnir slowed down to a walk as they approached Frigga and the boys. Finally, Fenrir's excitement seemed to have had some effect on Gunner, and both of them were bouncing excitedly. Loki helped Darcy down, and they were both subjected to the enthusiastic embraces of the boys.
"Darcy! You came back!" Fenrir exclaimed. Darcy picked him up and whirled him around. He laughed as she set him back down. He was reluctant to let go, but knew that Gunner wanted to give her a hug.
"Good to see you too, kiddo." She turned and got down on Gunner's level, pulling him into her arms. The shy little boy buried his face in her shoulder, grinning from ear to ear.
"I missed you a lot…" he whispered. Darcy gave him an extra squeeze before she stood to greet Frigga.
"Hi Loki's mom!" she said brightly. Frigga smiled a little.
"Welcome back, Darcy." The queen pulled both Darcy and Gunner into her arms. "We need to talk later." She whispered so that the little boy wouldn't hear. Darcy nodded, her mouth going a little dry, recalling the attack by the Loki doppelganger.
"Yes ma'am." She said. She couldn't quite bring herself to say 'milady', or 'Your Majesty'. The irreverent side of her just wouldn't allow it. Frigga seemed to sense it, and gave her a ghost of a smile.
"Let us be off, then."
The wind swept across the desolate expanse of Jotunheim. A lone figure approached the temple, finally making it to the throne room at the center. The king, Byleistr sat forward with an eager expression. The figure bowed before throwing back his hood. Odin slowly transformed back to himself, white hair overtaking the ebony, and his smooth pale skin fading back to the wrinkled tan. Upon recognizing the guest, four of the guards leapt forward, with their ice-tipped spears pointed at the traveler's throat and heart.
"All-father, why do you come?" the Jotun king sneered. Odin ignored the tone.
"I have a proposition for you, which may solve both of our problems." Byleistr motioned to the guards, who stepped back to their normal posts.
"I'm listening."
