Chapter Four: The Visit and The Royal Baby
Loki smiled and gently laid Magnus down for his nap. He'd tired himself out playing with the farm animals at the royal stables and was fast asleep after a thorough wash off. Loki smiled as he stood over his sleeping son, he looked so much like his paternal parent Loki couldn't help but think about him. His father, though their time together was very brief, was gentle and compassionate. Though it was never Loki's intention to get pregnant he couldn't help this conflicted feeling that grew inside him when he thought of Magnus's father. Magnus would never meet him, because in truth Loki had no idea how he arrived where he was in the first place. At the bridge, when he let go, he thought that was the end. He fell into the abyss and expected to die, but somehow he was saved. He didn't even know the creature's name, but the chemistry between them was unquestionable. The deed was done and somehow Loki found himself in the void again. He felt no ill will towards the creature, because he had saved his life, but the idea of Magnus never meeting his other father haunted him. Loki tried to push the idea from his mind, but Loki knew that one day Magnus would ask.
Later that night, while Magnus was star gazing with Freya he decided he would talk to Heimdall. Loki knew that he shared the same genetics as the creature that saved him, for Heimdall was half Asgardian. If anyone would have knowledge on the creature it would be him. Loki left the palace and headed down to the Rainbow Bridge. He entered the solid gold dome expecting to find Heimdall at his usually post, but he was nowhere to be found.
"You're a little far from the palace Loki." Heimdall appeared behind Loki.
Loki stopped with his back towards Heimdall, he could hear the mistrust in his tone, but he ignored it. "Yes, because I require your assistance." Loki responded honestly as Heimdall glared at him suspiciously.
"I am always happy to assist." Heimdall walked closer to Loki. He did not trust him for a second, but he would comply to see where this was going.
Loki smiled. "Do not worry, I mean no malice. I simply came for answers." Heimdall stood and nodded for Loki to continue. "Heimdall, what species was your father?"
Heimdall stared at Loki, as to figure out his motives. "He was Stjarnavatian. Is this about Magnus?"
Loki smiled, Heimdall always hit the nail on the head, very little escaped him. "That obvious?"
Heimdall smiled and lightened up, but only a little. He thought Loki might one day ask him about Magnus's other father. "Yes, he was pure Stjarnavatian. He was a star traveler, but died during the Great War. I had suspected that a Stjarnavatian may be the boy's father."
"You may be right, but I am unfamiliar with the Stjarnavatian kind."
Heimdall moved to the middle of the room to take a seat and offered the same to Loki, who followed. "Describe him to me."
"He was tall, towering over me a great many inches. His skin was as black as coal, with big black eyes that you could see the stars in. His tongue was thick and echoed off the walls when he spoke. It was a broken Eltis language I knew very little of, but could understand. I remember reading something about them when I was younger, a star seer I suspected he was."
Heimdall nodded. "Then you are correct. Of the three planets in that solar system he comes from the farthest one, Eltis is what you heard. Unfortunately, reaching their solar system is a trying and long journey. Their galaxy is heavily protected by their Goddess, Allrmoodr. She makes passage to and from her galaxy impossible." Heimdall explained. "However, there are ways to get there as in any galaxy. Why do you want to know this?" Heimdall didn't need to ask, it was obvious what Loki wanted.
Loki sighed, he had to be honest or Heimdall would see right through him. "I want Magnus to know his other father." Heimdall glared at Loki, knowing visiting Magnus's father, no matter how noble the cause was, would require removing the binds from his arms. "What you seek is not possible. Odin would not allow you to leave Asgard."
"Yes I know, but there must be another way for me to reach him, if only to send a letter." There was a look of clear honesty in Loki's eyes. Heimdall had not forgotten how hard Loki took it when his true heritage was revealed. Heimdall foresaw potential tension with this issue down the road, for Loki was persistent and even with the bindings he was sure he would find a way around it. He told Loki he would see what he could do, but he knew that this was an issue that wasn't going to go away.
Many weeks later Loki continued to have concerns about Magnus's father. It bothered him more than it bothered Magnus and it started to show when Magnus looked at him. He loved his son so much, it was tearing him apart that he couldn't tell Magnus about his other father. Loki carried Magnus into the play room and watched him play. He decided right then and there he would not let this issue go. He didn't know how he would get in contact with Magnus's father but he knew he had to. He didn't want Magnus going through the pain he went through of never knowing about his other family.
Loki's meddling didn't go unnoticed. Thor suspected his brother was up to something the moment he saw Loki sneaking around. Thor hung back the in shadows and watched Loki take secret trips to the grand library and out into town to known magic users. Thor was irritated and didn't feel the need to tip toe around the subject any further. If Loki was up to something, he was going to find out.
It was very late in the night when Loki left his rooms to return the books he borrowed back to the Grand Library. He had borrowed a few books on Stjarnavatian history and was eagerly absorbing all the information he could. It was pitch black in the library and Loki was so concentrated on returning the books that he did not feel someone standing behind him.
"Loki." A deep, throaty voice startled Loki out of his skin. He dropped his books and tripped backwards.
"Thor?" Loki grabbed his chest. He could not see him, but he was sure it was him.
"What are you up to Loki?" It was more of an accusation than a question. Thor lit a torch and revealed Loki, who looked disheveled and in his night gown.
"Thor!" Loki covered his eyes, he had been up all night reading and the light was painfully bright.
Thor reached down and picked up one of the books. He read the title out loud and was confused as to why he would select this one. "What is this? Stjarnavatians? Star gazers? What is this about Loki?"
Loki growled and snatched the book from Thor's hand and reached down to pick up the others. "None of your business Thor."
Thor grabbed Loki's arm as he turned away. "It is not solid ice that you tread on Loki." Thor warned.
Their eyes met and Loki could tell it would do him no good to deceive Thor. Down the road he may need him to accomplish his goals. Loki sighed and swallowed his pride. "I was, looking up information on Magnus's father."
Thor searched Loki's eyes, he wanted to trust his brother, but he knew better. "Why?"
"Because, I want Magnus to meet him." Thor let go. He was always curious about Magnus's father. Loki never spoke of it and dodged the question when ever asked. "I don't want my son growing up not knowing who his other father is." Thor could see the pain in Loki's eyes, and his mind told him not to believe him, but his heart knew Loki better. Thor understood how important this could be to Loki, but he also knew it was not possible for Loki to leave Asgard.
"Perhaps, he can be summoned here?" Thor asked, trying to open up the possibilities and offer constructive guidance.
"Not likely, I would have to request private audience with him. Star travelers do not travel without purpose, unless they have already had a formal meeting."
"But you have already met him?" Thor was confused.
Loki nodded. "But not formally. He only saved me."
"But you shared, relations." Thor whispered, feeling a little awkward bringing up the fact that Loki had carried his child.
"Perhaps it was payment for saving my life. I don't know, regardless it was not what they would consider a formal meeting."
Thor was beginning to get a little angry; even though Loki had done horrid things in his past he didn't like the idea of exchanging sex for gratitude. After all, felon or not, Loki was still his little brother and it was his duty to protect him from things like this. Thor also knew it would be an uphill battle convincing anyone of letting Loki leave Asgard, even if his intentions were pure.
Thor sighed. "I'll see what I can do."
Loki slumped in defeat. "I know, I know, it's a foolish idea-wait, what?" Loki stared at his brother in shock. "Are you serious?" Thor smiled warily and nodded, it was a big risk for him to stick his neck out for Loki, but he wanted to help. "You're serious!" Loki jumped into Thor's arms nearly knocking him over.
"Alright, Alright." Thor laughed as he hugged his brother. He wasn't sure what kind of trouble this would be down the road but he could tell how important this was to Loki. Now the only tough part was convincing All Father to let Loki leave.
"Out of the question!" Odin shouted. Freya tried to interject, but he scowled at her. He would not be played a fool by Loki's tricks, not again. Thor stood before Odin and tried to convince him, but Odin refused to listen. He did not want Loki on another planet so he could bring destruction to that one as well.
After hours of fruitless arguments Thor stormed out of his father's throne room. He was understanding of his father's worries, but his inability to see the situation from Loki's point of view frustrated him. Loki had been on his best behaver for six years. Thor thought that at least granted him a little wiggle room. Thor stopped in the hallway and slammed his fisted into the wall. He grunted and faked a smile, as heads turned. He allowed himself to calm down to think of a better plan. Loki, because of his actions, was not entitled to any rights, however it was not only Loki who hung in the balance. There was Magnus too and for his sake, if for no one else, he deserved to know who his father was.
After Thor left, Odin continued to fume at the audacity his son had to challenge him. He sent Freya away, in his rage. Loki was up to his old ways, he knew it and whatever spell or deceptive words he'd used to turn his own family against him drove him mad. He felt he had done everything for Loki and even now he is still a thorn in his side. Odin decided he would speak with Loki himself, whatever lies or sugar coated tales he told would not work on him.
Loki was hardly prepared for the storm heading his way. He'd just sent Magnus away to play in his rooms, while he tidied up. He was dressed in nothing but a simple tan tunic that was too big for him that he tightened around the waist and a pair of loosely fitting trousers, when Odin entered his room.
"Loki." Odin announced himself, which took Loki completely off guard. He looked over his shoulders, from the ladder he was standing on next to the bookshelf. Tension was thick in the room, which caused Loki to raise his walls immediately.
"Odin." Loki calmly stepped down from the ladder and faced him.
"What is this business with you wanting to leave Asgard?" Odin walked towards him, disapproving of all the clutter in Loki's room. "Because I will not allow it. Whatever it is you used, however you stated it, you will not convince me."
Loki glared and was ready with a response when Magnus walked in. Loki sensed him and changed his demeanor immediately. His son smiled at his grandfather and signed a well formed hello. Loki smiled and greeted his son with a question.
"Yes Magnus?" Loki stood at full attention for his son, ignoring Odin.
"Are you and grandpa fighting?"
Loki laughed. "Fighting would be too strong of a word, we're more like, talking aggressively."
"About what?" Magnus rubbed his eyes.
Loki hesitated. It would hurt him too much to tell his son the truth. Loki would rather have Magnus never think about the subject, though it wouldn't be long before he started asking.
"It's nothing Magnus." Loki spoke this time. Accepting this answer, Magnus smiled and happily returned to playing in his room.
Loki watched him go and Odin could see the full range of hurt across Loki's face. It was the same face of burdened sadness that he'd seen when Loki found out his true origins. Now Odin understood why it was so important to Loki that Magnus know his father. He sighed. He knew it would be an uphill battle convincing the High Council to let Loki leave, but it was the right thing to do.
It was late in the evening when Loki got the news. He was excited, beyond elated. He jumped into Thor's arms and thanked him he wasn't sure how many times. The journey would be long, but it would be worth it. Heimdall told them it would take many weeks to reach the Stjarnavatian system and the journey to and from the plant would take a month both ways. Leaving would mean that Odin would have to remove the bindings, something he was very wary of doing, but despite the doubts he had in his mind he stood before Loki ready to undo the bindings that bound him to Asgard.
Loki grinned and put on a good show to tease Odin, but his mind was elsewhere. On his trip he was not allowed to take Magnus, it was too risky. Their goodbye was a long one. Loki spent every second with his son up until it was time for him to leave. Now his only child stood in the back of the golden room, holding his grandmother's hand. If something were to happen to him, he feared the worst for the future of his child, but this too was important. Though he wasn't sure if he was doing this for him or for his son, either way the gears were already put into motion. Thor stood beside his brother, smiling ear to ear; to him this was a great honor to have a chance to meet the father of his nephew. The bindings were removed and Freya and Odin exchanged worried glances. Heimdall stood in the middle and turned the sword to open the portal. A spiral of wind and energy surrounded the two. Thor smiled at Loki, who smiled back. Loki turned and spared one more passing glance at his son, before they both entered the portal and left Asgard for good.
The tunnel of energy cut through the darkness and deposited Thor and Loki on a giant floating rock that orbited the planet. Disorientated and tired from their journey the two collapsed on the ground. None of these surroundings were familiar to Loki who struggled to keep himself awake long enough to look around. Giant black shadows approached them in Loki's blurry vision. They reached out and took hold of Loki and took him away.
Loki awoke with a startle, from a bed of plush silk and furs. He was still in his normal clothes, but Thor was nowhere to be found. The door to the room was left ajar and Loki quickly took advantage and hurried to the opening. It was quiet down the long wood paneled halls, on the walls hung paintings of Stjarnavatians in their noble garb. Loki stopped and looked at each one, becoming more and more engaged by their large starry eyes. He paused on one he thought looked familiar but a sound tore his attention to the end of the hall. He turned and tried to singled out the noises. There were voices. Thor was yelling. Loki cursed and ran done the hall.
"All I ask is where is my brother?" Thor shouted to the silent creature.
Loki appeared at the other end of the room. Thor was in the middle before a large creature, who stood ten feet from the ground.
"Thor please." Loki rushed to his brother to hush him. In these halls any move out of turn could insult them and have them cast away for good. "Forgive my brother, he knows not when to hold his tongue." Loki bowed.
The creature glared at Loki but did not speak. Loki was not sure what to do; he froze and put on the best smile he could muster under the powerful gaze of the ancient creature. With a flick of the creature's hand and gust of air parted through the brothers and for a split second Loki's true form was revealed. The creature's glare intensified.
"I am not a fool Jotun. There is no blood relation here." It glared.
"Forgive me." Loki bowed again. "Thor Odinson is my brother through adoption. We were raised together from infancy."
Thor nodded. "That is correct, what he speaks is the truth." He tried to defend, but the creature silenced them both.
He leaned back on his magnificent throne made of grey marble and grunted. He was ready to cast them away from his protected planet, when he caught waft of another type of energy coming from behind him. It was more like a gentle hum, a silent call. The creature sat back and listened. He paused before letting out a long sigh.
"Jotun, you may pass." The creature raised a giant golden staff and clanked it on the ground. A door to another passageway opened up behind him.
"What of I?" Thor looked between the creature and Loki. He did like the idea of being slit from his brother again. He did not trust these creatures.
"The Jotun only." The creature grumbled in irritation.
"It is alright Thor." Loki patted his brother on his back. "I'll be fine." Loki wasn't sure what the outcome was, but something called to him through that door, something familiar.
He left his brother's side and walked towards the passage way. He stopped before the creature, their eyes meet and a silent permission was exchanged. Whatever awaited him, Loki was prepared. The doors sled closed behind him as he walked through the portal into a hallway. This hallway was different from the one he was in before, the walls were a soft blue and had paintings of solar systems and galaxies on the walls, some of which Loki had never been before. There was also a great deal of dust and web. Where ever he was, the occupants had not walked these halls in a very long time. A light was on and a door left ajar, Loki crept up to it and paused. He poked his head in and on a canopy bed laid a creature, with skin as black as coal, like his son. He was reading from a leather bound book that looked older than Odin himself. The creature's eyes shifted to Loki when he heard him move. He smiled and rose slowly from the bed as Loki walked slowly towards him. There was an unrivaled attraction between the two as they met each other in the middle. He only paused briefly to hold Loki in his arms, before kissing the mischievous god. The door was slammed shut and the two were left alone together in each other's arms.
That following morning Loki found himself dressed in silk robes in a completely different room. He yarned and stretched blissfully in the late hours of the morning. He turned and looked around the room; it was larger and decorated with books and maps from all over the galaxy. It was a reader's heaven, gems of a star traveler. The door cracked open and Loki turned to see there was no one, but something was calling his name. He stood and wrapped himself tighter in his robes and walked to the door. When he walked in he was shocked to find that the room was in sharp contrast to the bedroom. It was dimly lit and made of stone, with a hand chiseled throne in the back of it. Dust moved around Loki as he found the creature that kept him company through the night setting in the back of the room. His sleep eyes lit up as he saw Loki approach. His smile stretched across is black stone face. Loki returned the smile and felt nothing but love. They had known so very little about each other, but their chemistry and connection revealed more about them than any words could ever do. Loki thought briefly of Thor, but it was a fleeting memory, this was his time. Thor would be fine.
"It is always nice to see you, Loki." The way he dragged out Loki's name made Loki's heart skip a beat.
"I could say the same, though this is only our second time meeting." Loki smiled and stood before the creature. "May I know the name of the Stjarnavatian that showed me such compassion?"
He smiled, his lips parted showing off his light grey teeth. "I am called Tiverus."
Loki bowed. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Tiverus."
Tiverus bowed and stood very slowly. His body was slow and sluggish from the centuries of sleep. "I should say the same." He floated towards Loki and cupped his chin. "Please, tell me, how have you been?"
"Well." Loki could barely breath, he could spend a life time in Tiverus's arms, with the way he looked at him with those starry eyes..
"Good." They shared a kiss.
Tiverus gave Loki a tour of his rooms, showing him his enormous libraries full of books and artifact from across the galaxy. It was amazing, ten hundred times the size of Asgard's biggest archives. It was a splendid sight to see. In the middle of the biggest hall was a group plush couches, old and warn from centuries of use, but still soft and comfortable. Hot tea and cakes were waiting for them.
"Is my collection to your liking?" Tiverus waved his hand and lite floating candles around them.
Loki smiled and nodded. "It is marvelous. Magnus would love it here."
"Is that the name of our child?" Tiverus smiled warmly.
"Yes." Loki took a sip of his tea. "You knew?"
"Aye." Tiverus smiled. "No lapse in time, no gap in space, could part the bound between Stjarnavatian and child."
"Would you like to see him?" Loki asked.
"I would love nothing more." Tiverus smiled, but there was pain behind his eyes. "But I can not."
"Why not?" Loki looked hurt.
"We Stjarnavatians require a lot of energy to travel and I have not in centuries."
"We have means, Asgard's bridge."
"Yes and a magnificent work of architecture it is, I am forbidden however from leaving without my full strength."
"Forbidden? By whom?" But Loki needn't press further. He was aware of how strict Stjarnavatian law was. "How long?"
Tiverus's gentle smiled melted away, replaced by a sorrowful frown. "A century."
Loki collapsed in a sigh. For Loki a hundred years was hardly a hurdle in time, but for Magnus it was a lifetime. He would already be an adult by then.
"I am sorry, Loki." Tiverus took Loki in his arms.
"What am I to tell him? What am I to do to raise him right?" Loki looked Tiverus in the eyes. He was just as sorrow filled as Loki, but he was not strong enough to make the journey.
"Please, I offer you these." And from the bookshelves, texts, maps, and toys filled the floor. If Tiverus could not be there in person he would leave Loki and Magnus with a lifetime of knowledge until he got there. Loki was overwhelmed with joy, with these books he could fill in the gaps he was so desperately in search of. The two spent the remainder of the trip together, which made the trip home even harder.
"Loki!" Thor called out as he ran to his brother. They hugged and he checked him over for injuries.
"I am fine."
"Good." Thor patted him on the back.
"It is time for us to leave."
Thor looked around. "What of Magnus's father? Where is he? I have not met him."
"You will." Loki added, he didn't want to press the subject any longer and for once Thor picked up on this and followed his lead. When Loki was ready to share he would.
The two left the planet and made their month long journey home. Thor was shocked at the amount of gifts Loki received. He was sure Magnus would love them, but there was a peg of sadness in Loki's eyes that wasn't there when they left. Back at Asgard Odin himself was there waiting for them. The Council stood around him to make sure Loki was bond again. The portal open and Loki and Thor stepped through toting all the gifts Loki received behind them. Everyone stood in amazement but also confusion as they expected a third member of their party. As the portal closed and Odin stepped forth to bind Loki, little Magnus pushed through the crowd to his father. It was an emotional reunion. Magnus looked behind Loki for his father. He was confused.
"Where's papa?" Magnus signed.
"He is on his way, but he is not well enough to travel." Loki held his son, who looked more than disappointed. "Do not worry my child, he longs to see you and has given all of this for you." Magnus looked behind his father and was flabbergasted at all the toys and books he'd received from his father.
"Wow!" Magnus hurried to his new stuff. It was more than enough to keep him occupied during the one-hundred year wait, which made Loki fell a little better. It would be a long wait, but a joyous reunion.
It had been over two months since Jane had seen Thor. He brought her to Asgard after he restored peace to the Nine Realms some four years ago. After the events on Earth and having to watch over Loki, Thor decided to postpone taking over the throne of Asgard. He felt that he was not ready, saddened but not disappointed Odin understood. He was instructed to take all the time he needed.
Thor headed to his rooms to see Jane. He had missed her so much. He opened the large wooden doors to his rooms and looked for his love. He checked the reading room and then the common room, but Jane was nowhere to be found. He was confused at first, because Jane loved to read and spent most of her days buried in the ancient text of the libraries. He searched his other rooms. Stumped, he finally checked the bedroom. He opened the door and in the sheer draped window was the silhouette of his love.
"Jane!" He snuck up from behind her and embraced her.
"Oh Thor." She smiled and turned and faced him. "How was your trip?"
"Interesting." He bent down and stole a kiss and pulled her close.
Jane laughed nervously and shied away.
"Do not worry my love, I will be gentle." Thor stepped forward and stole another kiss.
Jane turned. "It's not that, um. Thor I have news." Thor held his love patiently. "Thor, um, we're pregnant." She smiled nervously, worried how Thor would react to the news.
"Jane! That's wonderful news!" He hugged his love and twirled her about. "We must tell my mother and father at once."
Before Thor could leave Jane grabbed his arm. "Will they be mad? I mean we are not married." Jane felt silly asking but she knew very well that marriage before childbirth was very important to some.
"It does not matter my love, when you are ready, we will take the next step together." Thor kissed his love and held her tight as he looked over his kingdom.
It did not take Loki long to realize that he left the Stjarnavatian kingdom with a little gift of his own, the third week of morning sickness confirmed his doubts. He struggled in the morning hours to get Magnus ready and teach him his lessons, so he moved the times to after lunch each day. He knew another pregnancy would last another eleven months and Loki would not let Magnus fall behind on his studies, but he struggled in the early months, as the rest of the kingdom prepared for Thor and Jane's first child. She would carry her child for a normal Asgardian term of nine months and she was already in her second trimester so there was much work to be done.
Thor was excited, but also nervous about becoming a father so soon. He thought he would have more time than this and if he were being honest with himself, he was not ready. He was grateful he had Loki to run to if he had any questions.
"Loki! Loki are you here?" Thor looked around the rooms.
"Aye!" Loki shouted from the furthest room, his reading room.
"Loki." Thor sighed in relief when he found him. "I am sorry to disturb you." Thor stepped in the room, forgetting it was still early morning.
"It is alright." Loki spoke softly from his position on the couch. "To what do I owe this visit?" Loki mumbled half asleep.
"Jane, she wants us to throw a baby shower." Thor clasped his hands together.
"A what?" Loki sat up slowly. "What is that?"
"A celebration, from my understanding of the baby's arrival. And you and Magnus are invited." Thor smiled nervously, he wasn't sure if Loki wanted to be a part of this, but he wanted his brother to be in their life.
"Of course." Loki tried to stand, but he could feel last night's dinner trying to push itself to the surface. So he told Thor what he wanted to hear, in hopes it wouldn't come back and bite him in the butt. "I'll attend."
"Thank you Loki." Thor rushed over and hugged his brother.
"Thor!" Loki retched.
"S-Sorry."
During the months Jane and Thor expected their first child, Loki kept away. There was foot traffic all over the palace and guards placed at ever door. He wished he could say everyone was happy about the new arrival but some did not approve of the Odinson heir to the Asgardian throne bedding a human woman from Earth. She would be presented with the Apple of Life that would grant her immortality at the coronation, which would not be for many months or even years. Thor was not one to push the subject and Jane was far too busy learning all she could to be bothered to ask. It worked out for them and in a way helped Loki. It took all the attention from him, leaving him in the shadows once more and for once he didn't mind being forgotten.
Jane was now at a bulging seven months and Loki lingering around at four months. He was just starting to show. His morning sickness was all but gone so he could return to teaching Magnus his lessons in the mornings, so they could spend their evenings playing together. This evening Loki wanted to take Magnus to the archives and teach him about the Nine Realms, but getting there was hard. There were more soldiers posted at ever door than Loki could ever remember and they did not care for him.
"Magnus." Loki stopped at the edge of the hall, there were soldiers escorting builders to the new royal nursey being constructed in Thor's rooms. "Would you like to head into town instead?"
"Yeah!" Magnus was so excited, he rarely got the chance to leave the palace.
"Alright." Loki smiled and headed for the stables. Today would be the perfect day for Magnus to learn to ride.
Loki took all the back ways to avoid the crowds, who came in droves. He was almost out in the clear when he saw a group of guards gathered at the stables. These were the royal stables, Loki thought he could sneak away quietly, but the palace must have guess from around Asgard. Loki sighed and smiled down at Magnus.
"Don't let go."
Magnus nodded and patted his chest, which he did to respond when he couldn't sign.
"Halt!" A large scruffy bearded guard stood in front of Loki and Magnus, blocking their way.
"Let us pass, we are going into town." Loki demanded.
The guard growled and looked down at Magnus in disgust. He knew the limitations of Loki's binding allowed him passive all over Asgard, minus the weapon's room and treasure vault. The other guards stood behind him, wary of the trickster god.
"Move." Loki growled. The guard back away hot with embarrassment.
"O-of course." The guard shamefully bowed his head in anger.
Loki ignored him and walked right past him, with his son close to him. Some of the guards did not care for the idea of allowing Loki to roam free. They did not care for the transition of power and the new changes in the old ways. Hostility and resentment was not hard to pick up on, but change was not designed to make you feel comfortable. Loki prepared the saddle and hoisted his son on his favorite steed, Tunglskin. Loki was next and took position behind Magnus.
"This is my dearest friend, Tunglskin. I have had him for many many decades. He is a magnificent horse." Loki patted his black steed. "Can you say hi to Tunglskin Magnus?"
Magnus looked up at Loki, unsure how to greet him, but he watched his father and did as he did and patted Tunglskin on the side of the neck.
"Very good Magnus, very good. Now hold on tight." Loki took the reins and commanded Tunglskin on.
Loki and Magnus returned to the palace later that night. He decided to take his time, for there was no privacy back at the palace. While out Magnus wanted to get a gift for his new baby cousin. He was very excited about the baby shower and eager to have another playmate in the palace. It was times like these where Loki questioned whether or not Magnus should be in academy with the rest of the school children, but he was always reminded of the insufflating teaching and bullying that followed. Loki didn't want to subject his child to such pettiness so he continued his course, Magnus seemed happy and soon he would have not only a new baby cousin, but a new baby brother as well.
Magnus knocked on the door to the downstairs kitchen and Loki turned around. "Papa, do you think baby will like these?" Magnus stared at his handful of toys.
"Yes of course and baby will especially love them since they were hand selected by you." Loki smiled widely at his little son. He was so young, so new to the world. Compared to Loki's age, he was nothing more than a baby himself. "Magnus, would you like a taste?" Loki held out a spoon full of pork stewed vegetables. Magnus nodded and opened his mouth, Loki blew on the spoon before offering it to his son. Magnus clapped his hands together as he tasted the delicious stew prepared by his father. "I see someone likes my creation." Magnus nodded and smiled ear to ear. "Now hurry along and select a book for after dinner reading, pick something harder this time and no books on fairies!" Loki shouted as his son hurried up the stairwell. He made a mental note to bake cookies and have milk ready for the night's dessert.
With just two months to go Jane was eager to get this birthing ordeal over with. The experience was not what she was expecting. She was hoping for a quiet intimate pregnancy closed off from the rest of the world, but being the girlfriend of a soon to be king voided all her rights to privacy. She had healers at her side all day long and guards at her door. They built the nursery, picked out the clothes, and set up everything between school and nanny care. It was overwhelming. Jane wished she could have her family here, but going back to Earth to visit was strictly forbidden. They said it would be easier for her to let go sooner rather than later, because once Jane accepted the Apple of Life she would out live them all and it would be too painful to see them go. She sighed in her bedroom, rubbing her hands up and down her belly. She envied Loki a bit, she longed for the privacy he was allowed.
Sif knocked at the door. "May I come in?"
Jane turned and smiled. "Sure."
Sif walked over to Jane's bedside. She no longer carried feelings of jealousy towards her. She knew that Thor would not be happy with her and as his friend she only wanted to see him happy. They didn't have much in common, but for Thor she would put their differences aside and try to get along with Jane. "How are you?"
"Good?" Jane made a face that said she was not handling this well.
"Good?" Sif could easily see right through her. She looked back at the door, at the two guards staring at her. "How about we change things up a bit." She whispered in Jane's ear. "Hey! Guards! She needs to change, shut the door!"
The guards were under strict orders to have a guarded person on her at all times. They were worry about closing the door, but Lady Sif was there so they hurried and did what they were told.
"Good." Sif smiled and took Jane's hand.
"Where are we going? There is no way out?"
Sif laughed. "These are Thor's rooms, there is always a way out." She tugged and toted Jane behind her as she led her to one of Thor's many secret passageways. Just like Loki, Thor had his tricks too, even though over the years he mostly used them to sneak in maidens. Sif led her down a dark moss covered stairwell, with a large stone wall at the bottom. Through the cracks tiny burst of light shimmered through. Sif turned and smiled. She gave the door one big push and sled it to the side. "See!"
The door led out to the royal gardens. "Wow." Jane was so excited. She looked back at Sif. "Thank you."
"Don't mention it. No really, don't." Sif grabbed Jane's arms. "Come on." She led Jane to a secret spot she and Thor use to go to when they were little. It was a circular clearing.
"Wow. This, this is nice." Jane looked around at all the blooming trees and flowering plants.
"Yeah, not bad." Sif laughed. "Once you get us to it, it's easy to get around." She winked.
"Yeah." Jane smiled.
"It's your life Jane, don't let others carve the path for you." Sif said in all seriousness, as the wind picked up through her hair.
Jane looked at her and nodded. She couldn't thrive if she had the voice of a mouse and no one was going to give her a pedestal and hold her hand. If she wanted something done, she would have to learn to be more than just a wallflower, but a giant blooming tree that stood tall on its own.
The baby shower was quite the event. The whole kingdom was there. This was not a tradition of Asgard but the idea was received very well. A magnificent feast was prepared and entertainers from all around Asgard preformed for the soon to be mother. Loki showed up, but stayed to himself. He was happy for his brother and enjoyed watching his son play with the other young children. It was a glorious day and the eve to a new chapter in both Thor and Jane's life. He was curious to see what tomorrow would bring, but hopeful never the less.
Chapter Four End.
Thor snoozed in his chair, unware that Loki had finished his part.
Loki turned to him and smacked him wildly across the face.
"GAHH, I'm up! I'm up!"
"Thor you dolt!"
"What!? I was listening." Thor rubbed his face.
"Hmp." Loki stood and wobbled away.
Thor sighed. "That was indeed a long chapter, but there is more to come. Thank you for spending your time with us. Next chapter my child is born!"
