Chapter 4

Thor's heart stopped: "Maria!"

Thor's face was instantly one of dread as he dropped to one knee, gathering up Maria's body in his arms. His eyes scoured every inch of her with stark concern: her eyes were wide and distant, but glazed with a panic, her chest heaving with breaths. Thor could hear the air rasp from her lungs. She lay there helpless in his arms, hers flared uselessly to the sides.

And Thor didn't know what to do. His mind glazed with panic, every inch of him screaming that Maria was so evidently in pain. He wished he could take it all. He never wanted this.

She convulsed in his hold, but Thor's arms tightened around her, one hand moving to support her head as he cradled her.

"What do I do?" he breathed more to himself than to anyone else, his mind going completely blank with shock. Maria was ... oh gods, she was... the anger at his incompetence flared, his heart aching in his chest: "What do I do?!" growled viciously from his throat.

He heard the scrape of the goblet against the table and seconds later it was at his side. His arm at Maria's back readjusted quickly to free his hand behind her head, snatching up the goblet. He narrowly avoided sloshing the red liquid all over Maria's pristine wedding dress, but that was hardly his concern as he lifted the goblet to her lips, balancing it carefully. He held her firm against his chest to still her writhing body.

Maria wasn't aware of much... nothing much more than the burning. Every inch of her body seemed to tremble, to shake, an unnatural heat flooding through her. She couldn't bear it. And Thor had been wrong: it hurt!

She was completely helpless as the fire consumed her, and something more worrying began to sweep through. Shuddering began to take over as the heat simmered in her cells, and an icy, dark chill set in her body. This felt even worse. Now she just felt... dead. She could feel Thor holding her against him, but her mind was too filled with thoughts of pure pain and panic to even remember what he looked like.

She was dimly aware of a chill reach her lips.

Her eyes flickered and she longed to just pass out, to be spared suffering any more of this. Jerks jolted her body against Thor's. She wanted to reach for him, to cling to him... but she couldn't feel her fingers to do it.

"I'll make it go away, Maria." Thor's urgent voice breathed to her, his tone breaking. The cooled pressure on her lips started to shake. "I promise."

Her lips were open and waiting, hauling in shallow, harsh breaths. She wanted it to stop. She'd thought the heartless moment before their souls had sealed had been brutal, but this... no, this was much worse. This felt like she was being burned from within. She probably was, she remembered; the poison was killing every scrap of her mortality inside her.

Coward, she choked in her head, the very air she sucked into her chest feeling painful. The hateful thought passed through her mind, feeling her body start to violently shudder, like she was having a fit.

Still, she wouldn't take the thought back. Her eyes narrowed, hardening as she embraced the pain, trying to press her lips together bravely. She had to bear this; the whole kingdom was watching, her parents-in-law, Thor, her husband...she had to be strong for him, if nothing else. He wanted her to be alright. He was working to make her better. Somehow... she didn't have the senses to know for sure, but surely Thor wouldn't just be letting her suffer.

She could feel her body shuddering, more than just her own convulsions and realised that it was Thor, the arms encasing her shaking her, as if trying to shake her lightly back to life. Then she heard him; heard him cry.

His voice was yelling, screaming, but he sounded so very distant to Maria, so far away... her head swooned and she forced herself to roll her eyes back to forward, though she didn't have the will to actually see anything. She felt like she was on her own; Thor sounded farther and farther away, his touch getting ever lighter...

A gasping whimper hit her ears at the same time a wetness touched her lips, tugging her back to conciousness. Her heart spasmed at the sound, as she realised she was listening to Thor.

Not very kingly, she instantly thought, before the wave of pain knocked anything detectable from her head. His broken chokes sounded far from impressive, so weak, so desperate... Maria just wanted to take him in her arms and tell her he was okay, hearing his pain almost too much to bear. But she couldn't do that.

Rich, wet flavour filled her mouth, washing away the bitter taste of the apple before it, that had lingered on her dry, deadening cells in her mouth.

But then her throat closed against it, refusing to let her swallow. Breath forced from her lungs and she felt the liquid bubble in her mouth, Thor's thumb stroking away the end of the trail as a line ran thinly from the corner of her open mouth.

She couldn't swallow. Her throat just felt tight, unstretchable, like the sorest throat she'd ever had, and now it really was a threat as she faught for breath and the liquid bared her way. At this rate she'd either suffocate or drown. She was getting choked by her own body.

The cold pressure against her lips vanished, and Thor's hands secured either side of her head, his face looming closer to hers. His was twisted with concern. The liquid was pooled in Maria's mouth, her lips closed to keep it from escaping. But she couldn't swallow it. Why wouldn't her body let her swallow?

Her eyes started to water as the need for oxygen took priority over the burning pain. Her eyes focused at last, a glowing strength starting to warm her core. Maria wasn't sure whether to be reassured or worried by that. Getting better, or the beginning of the end?

Maria felt her eyes widen with panic at that. Was that it - was she really dying? Panic flared afresh in her heart and she felt her airless breaths catch in her throat. In her mind she imagined herself clinging to Thor, tugging his arms tighter around her - but in reality her body did nothing. It could do nothing. She whimpered iin fear and helplessness, not knowing what to do.

"Swallow." Thor begged in her ear. "Maria, you have to swallow!" His arms tightened around her, hands gripping her head just a little bit firmer as his own panic started to set in. Maria could hear it in his voice - real fear. "For pity's sake, Maria, swallow! Swallow and everything will be okay."

She felt so weak. She'd been strong enough to be married to Thor, to become his wife while her heart merged with his. But not to be his forever. Maybe she wasn't worthy of imortality.

Pressure thumbed on her throat, near the base and just to the side, and Maria opened her mouth to gasp. The wine bubbled in her mouth and she felt a fleck hit her forehead and more trickle down the side of her cheek.

But that pressure had done something else, had caught her body off guard - a small trail of the strong wine slipped down her throat.

Maria felt it wash through her system, touching the burning parts of her body and soothing it like cool water. It was so refreshing, so calming. Maria wanted to whimper all over again out of nothing more than pure relief.

That one little taste filled her with hope, the pain evaporating where it touched. And with peace came feeling.

Strength ran through her body again, and she felt herself coming back to life, Thor's hold hard and firm around her, feeling the fear in his heart as hers in her own. But it's alright, she thought in her head, I'm not going to die. It's healing me. Though her body still ached, some places still on fire with pain, Maria smiled. She could smile! She could move again!

Her eyes were able to focus, honing in on Thor's frantic face, eyes wild with panic as they scoured over her. Maria felt the steady throng of her heart in her chest, and hope enveloped her.

Her hand rose from it's limp place at her side and shakily rose to press against Thor's cheek. His covered it in a heartbeat, and he turned his face to press a kiss into her palm.

He still looked shaken, eyes glistening. "You scared me to death!" he spat out. For a second Maria's heart skipped a beat as she took in the truly broken expression on his face - he almost looked like he was going to cry! But his eyes hardened and he clung to his resolve, staying strong for her. "I thought I'd lost you!"

Maria didn't have the time to reply as Thor gathered up in his arms and crushed her to him, hugging her as if his life depended on it. It was a pain Maria welcomed. Her eyes fluttered shut, still smiling as Thor hauled in ragged, relieved breathes, Maria feeling every course emotion he was. Scared - relieved - angry - grateful - apologetic... she loved the ache of his arms holding her body against his, loving her husbands comfort.

She couldn't stop smiling - it was working! She wasn't dying! Screw everything else; above everything else, it meant that she could stay with Thor. And not just for a lifetime... forever...

Suddenly, Thor's arms loosed, Thor pulled back from her hurriedly. "Here." he gushed. "More. Drink some more. Oh gods..."

Maria even had strength enough to touch the goblet as Thor held it to her lips again. That little taste before had unlocked her throat, healed it, and she was able to quickly gulp down the last of what was in her mouth before a new flow took it's place.

It burned her heart as more of the laced wine filled her, the everlasting water powering her previously weak body. It was bringing her to life again. The ache filled through her as the agony died away, her muscles feeling as tired and exhausted as if they'd been working tirelessly for days. But she welcomed it wholeheartedly.

She swallowed thrice before she pushed the goblet away, whining lightly to say it was enough. Her heart was thudding madly, aching - but the pain had gone away. She felt alive again.

But tired. Impossibly tired.

Her eyes fluttered shut as Thor placed the goblet down on the ground and swep her up in his arms, lifting them both to their feet.

Her legs felt weak, and she knew as soon as her knees locked in place that they would not support her. Thankfully Thor's arms stayed laced around her waist, holding her steady as her head span. God, this was strange!

"I don't feel any different." she murmured, Thor's hand cupping her cheek to guide her swaying eyes to his.

His lips stretched in a wide smile, and Thor chuckled, his thumb stroking Maria's cheek lovingly. Her red lipstick had dampened from the drink, still the odd fleck of wine on her porcelin skin from where she'd choked, but Thor still thought she looked gorgeous anyway.

He couldn't stop chuckling, just unbelievably grateful that she was here, alive and well, in his arms. And that would never cease. "Tell me that in a thousand years time." he laughed, swooping her up in his arms and spinning her around.

Maria didn't care about her dizziness as he span them, just clinging to Thor, to the one she loved.

"Now Maria has been gifted with everlasting life." Odin boomed across to the kingdom, Maria hardly hearing him as Thor finally set her down, hugging her close to him. His lips pressed into her bare shoulder lovingly. "She will never die, never wither - as imortality favours her worthy. She is a princess of Asgard, wife of Thor... she is one of us!"

xxx

Thor kept Maria on his lap the whole evening, not willing to let her go for a second. And she wouldn't have it any other way. She let him hold her like a child, her shoulder leaning into him, her hand pressed against his chest.

They sat at the head of the table, all the privilege guests that lined the sides delving happily into the feast. Thor was more content just basking in his happiness with his wife. His arms hugged her close, letting her skirt flow over her dainty legs and his sturdy ones. He knew she was still weak, her eyes flittering as if she was battling unconsciousness every passing moment.

Still... Thor pressed his lips to the side of her forehead, and Maria's hand trailed up to the side of his neck, feeling his warm skin. She needed sleep, he thought, rest.

He wasn't interested in the party. Celebration wasn't something he was particularly interested in - not beyond he and his new wife anyway. Music and food... what enjoyment could they bring him now that he had Maria on his side?

He took up the flaggon on mead from the table and took a gulp, feeling the warm liquid fill him inside. His heart ached from feeling so much. Love, pain, fear.. he'd thought he'd lost her. And at that point he'd been ready to draw his knife and drive it into his heart the minute hers stopped beating. Now though, feeling Maria's heart beat through her tiny body, he'd never been more greatful for life.

He looked down to Maria with love and pride. She looked like a little child, he thought wih a smile. So innocent and in need of comfort. For now at least.

The peace that now spread over her face was going to be a rare thing in the future, Thor thought, remembering the way she could fret and rage - as she had done to him every now and then back in the cottage when he'd do something wrong. Thor always argued back. Half the time, it was a just confrontment, half the time it was not. But he didn't mind. If anything, he was grateful. They'd fight and disagree - and still pull through it, knowing there could never be another they each loved more.

He loved that in her. That she could be a fiery vixen and a tranquil angel all in one body. She'd been brave enough to be willing to surrender her life for her world, a world that didn't know her nor ever would. Yet she'd been soft and kind enough to take him into her home and care for him, even when it should have been the other way around.

Now she was both a woman and a child. The heart of a helpless child in the body of a proud woman. Thor knew it. He could feel her reaching for him with her spirit, needing his love to engulf and comfort her.

He loved that vulnerability. He felt like it gave him a chance to prove himself. He'd proven himself a worthy warrior countless times. Now he had to prove himself a worthy husband, a worthy man...

He looked down to his wife, and knew there was never going to be a more beautiful woman in all the nine realms. Her dark hair against her delicate, light skin, curled back and pinned away from her angelic face. Her Bambi eyes were fluttered shut as she rested against his chest, Thor feeling her tiny torso fill and empty with peaceful breaths.

His hand stroked down and admired the cloth that covered her slender body. The corset that bound her narrow, waist and held her womanly chest was rough but perfect, delicate patterns embroidered into the material. His fingers trailed around it, lingering around her waist. Never higher, not in front of all these people. But he let himself dare to her generous hips, round and shapely, Thor feeling the strong bunes beneath her blooming skirt on the side of her pelvis.

She was such a goddess, flawless in every way.

Suddenly, he really didn't want to be here. His mind snapped with decision. He lifted the flaggon of mead to Maria's lips and smiled when she groaned, trying to turn her head away from it.

Thor didn't let up, chuckling softly as her confused eyes frowned up at him. He could understand her reluctance to eat or drink anything. The last things she'd eaten and drank had brought her pain. It was only natural she was suspicious. "Just a sip." he promised. "It'll give you strength." Amongst other things, Thor added in his head. But he kept that to himself as he leaned down, placing his lips by Maria's ear. "A sip, and we can get out of here. I promise."

He could see the innocent gleam in Maria's eyes as he pulled back, and knew that she knew what he was talking about. She was sitting on his lap after all. The skirt couldn't cushion her from everything.

The blush spread pink over her cheeks, her eyes lowering modestly. She didn't look tired any more!

Thor didn't relant, and Maria soon parted her lips, gulping down the strong liquid without question. He didn't dare to think he was deceiving her anymore - she took the liquid courage of her own choice!

Her hand clamped over her mouth as the mead burned her throat, but she forced it down anyway. She needed it. If Thor was thinking what she thought he was thinking, if that was really burning lust swirling in his orbs, if 'get out of here' meant what she thought it meant...then, by God, she was too nervous to go in without some blind, alcoholic bravery.

She'd seduced Thor at Jane's hen night. Now she had to seduce him again, for her wedding night. Only they wouldn't stop at kissing, wouldn't be satisfied with just making out...

"Good." Thor growled, the sound rumbling in Maria's chest as it shuddered through her. He set the flaggon down on the table hastily, and the hand that had once held it cupped her cheek, angling her head up as Thor swooped down and kissed her. His hands secured on Maria's hips as his tongue dominated her mouth needily.

Her hand clenched in a fist against his chest as Thor rose, lifting her with him. His lips never left hers for a second.

He could feel her nerves, but his own raging desire drowned it out. She was his wife. He was her husband. They were bound in every way but one. Thor pulled his mouth off Maria's, the taste of her lingering in his mouth. Their forehead's rested together, as they each caught their breath.

"I love you." Maria gasped, her fingers rising to lock in Thor's hair. She needed a part of him to hold onto beside hard metal plates of armour. No doubt he could feel her heart going into overdrive.

He held her firm against him, the breaths he hauled in ragged. He forced himself to stay calm, resisting the beast inside that was longing to claim her. "And I love you." He pressed a soft, tender kiss to her lips. Chaste and honourable. "Now let me show it to you."

Thor turned and strode from the Hall, a tidal wave of cheers from behind spurring him on. To him and Maria, the rest of the world didn't seem to exist as they both breathed in time with their matching heart beats.

They were married now. Everything they did, they would do together from now on. He was hers, and she was his - and they would have it no other way.