Chapter 3 – The Opposite of War is Creation

Thor had spent days showing Jane every inch of his kingdom. He fully explained every custom and how every invention worked. He'd been like an excited child showing off his new toy, and Jane could feel herself falling just a little bit more for him.

She also got to know those in his life. Frigga was his kind mother, who gave her lessons in manners and proper behavior in this foreign kingdom. Odin mostly glowered and ignored her, and all things considered from what she'd heard about Odin's power, she was fine with being ignored. Fandral and Volstagg (she supposed she should include Hogun as well though he was silent as ever) were the best company by far; with them she always got embarrassing stories about Thor. Although Fandral asked after Darcy far more than Jane was comfortable with. Jane found herself most uncomfortable with Sif, though the warrior woman was never impolite or unkind, but Jane could feel the unspoken tension though she was intruding on someone's man. Jane knew Sif liked Thor and knew Thor was oblivious.

It was the one thought she kept to herself, resolving never to tell Thor. Sif was too beautiful and impressive for Jane to want to turn Thor's head towards her. Echoes of kids calling her "Plain Jane" echoed in her head when she thought about it and she had no desire to lose Thor. It didn't help that there seemed to be no unattractive women in the entire kingdom, as though set in a Hollywood movie. She'd never cared much about her looks, proud of her mind, but she couldn't help feeling inadequate next to Sif, Freya and the rest.

She heard nothing of Thor's brother, Loki, though his presence seemed to linger in the air. Jane wished to know more about the one who'd nearly killed Thor (and her), but knew it would be wiser not to ask. So she said nothing and let herself be impressed by everything else in Thor's vast kingdom.

The one she'd spent the most time with (besides Thor) was the first she'd met, Heimdall. She hadn't been making empty promises when she said she'd help to rebuild the Bifrost and was spending most of her working on accomplishing the task. It sometimes felt like an impossible task as she had to learn about the magics and equipment they used in this world as she helped to recreate the success she'd had in her own.

Thor, visiting her once again, watched her work from a distance. He watched with interest, proud of her quick work and ordering around ones once considered gods by her people.

Heimdall snuck behind him, observing, "Mortals always move so quickly. Probably because we have forever, and their lives are mere wisps of the wind."

Thor frowned at the thought, but before he could answer the watcher, Jane noticed him. His golden face shined as she came over.

"Isn't it beginning to come along properly?" She said excitedly. "I mean, I'm still getting used to how everything works, but I know I'll get it."

Heimdall spoke in turn, "Miss Foster is being modest as she's catching on quickly."

Thor replied loudly, "I'm proud that you're working so tearlessly, but I thought I'd tempt you away for a feast."

Jane smiled and was about to politely ask if he'd rather join her for a moment first when she spotted a group approaching. Thor noticed her gaze and turned to see who was coming. He recognized several of the party members quickly. He called out, "Sif! Fandral! What are you doing here?"

Jane stiffened at the name of Sif, though Thor didn't notice, Heimdall did. Fandral ran up to his friend quickly, "We brought the bride and groom. Apparently, the bride wanted to see the destruction and recreation, and well the bride gets what the bride wants this week."

His smile was it's usual thousand-watts, but Jane's attention immediately turned to the couple that were now here. She struggled to remember their names, but did think they reminded her of Thor and herself, the tiny woman with head lowered with the imposing warrior. The man was the first to speak, "We wished to see Lady Jane's work on what Loki destroyed."

Jane immediately felt Thor's discomfort and took his arm at the mention at his brother. She glared at this other warrior. She'd been wrong, this man was a pale comparison to Thor.

Jane didn't notice Sif's glaring at the her movement, but Heimdall did and whispered to her quietly so that no one else would hear, "Jealousy does not become you, sister."

She bristled and responded just as quietly. "Don't be riduclous. I'm not jealous of some mortal."

Theoric hastened to correct his mistake, by changing the subject, "Lady Jane, all know you by now, but I realize an introduction may be in order, I'm Theoric." He took his bride's hand, "And this is Sigyn."

Jane felt the tension leave Thor and smiled, answering politely, "It's a pleasure to meet you both."

Theoric smiled in the same manner of Thor, who perked up, "Jane, Theoric is one of Father's Crimson Knights, the personal guard of the king and some of the best warriors in Asgard."

"Not as fierce as you, your majesty. Though glory was won on the last battlefield."

It didn't take much before the warriors were exchanging stories of battle and glory. As much as she loved to hear Thor so excited and happy, it wasn't long until Jane's attention wondered. It was then that Jane noticed the bride had taken her leave.

Jane found her on the edge of the destroyed Biofrost. She tried not to startle her, "On my world they say when you stare into the abyss it stares back."

Sigyn turned and when Jane saw her properly for the first time she was startled by the goddess' loveliness. She had not the overwhelming beauty of her mother or Sif's Amazon figure; rather she resembled a delicate white rose petal. But still Jane couldn't help but feel a little insecure. Were there no plain women here? Sigyn's cool gaze met Jane's though her eyes gave away no emotion. "Perhaps such was my intention."

Theoric finally noticed the absence of his bride and when he spotted her, he yelled out, "Careful Sigyn! You could fall in."

Sigyn seemed unaffected by her fiancée's outburst. "I'm perfectly safe here."

He came to grab her and pull her from the edge. "Who knows what enchantments that devil Loki may have placed here."

For the first time, Jane thought she saw some flash of emotion in Sigyn's eyes. "Prince Loki was a dear friend of mine for many years, and while I understand your low opinion of him, I would appreciate it if my future husband didn't say such things about him in my presence." Jane wondered at the woman's past with Thor's younger brother and what their connection may have been.

Theoric looked stricken by Sigyn's admonishment, but recovered quickly, "Of course, with your past history with him, it must painful reminder to hear his name. I shall never speak it again."

Which wasn't really what she said, thought Jane. But Sigyn seemed pleased by the words as she took Theoric's large arm and asked him to show her around more.

She was saying all the right things, and doing all of the correct actions, but Jane still noticed when Sigyn turned back to look at the abyss once more.

"Wait a moment, I nearly forgot why I came." Sigyn meet Jane's eyes. "Lady Jane, Queen Frigga insisted I invite you to my bridal gathering."

Jane was confused, "I don't know what that is. Is it like a bridal shower?"

Now it was Sigyn who was confused, "It's a meeting of ladies to discuss marriage and men. Often accompanied by food, drink and entertainment."

Jane understood. "Oh. Like a bacholorette party."

Sigyn's expression had not changed. "I don't know what that is."

Jane spoke without thinking, "It's when you get the bride drunk before the wedding. It usually involves a lot of embarrassing moments and fake penises."

All of the men in the company eyebrows seemed to melt into their hair, but it was Sigyn who spoke first, "Why would phallic symbols be present in a celebration of womanhood?"

"Um." Suddenly, Jane was very aware of Thor's now interested presence. "For fun?" She

squeaked out, embarrassed and unsure how to answer. Fandral laughed merrily until Thor punched his arm.

For the first time Sigyn, didn't look bored or distracted. She cocked her head at Jane as though she was a puzzle to be solved. "Mortals are strange creatures."

Jane watched as the visitors walked away, Heimdall joining them, whispering with Sif. Thor took the opportunity alone and threw his arms around Jane, kissing her as she laughed. "Alone at last. Will you join me for supper?"

"Of course." Jane's head still thought about the strange bride. She decided to ask Thor, "Thor, what do you know of Sigyn?"

Thor thought on it for a little before laughing, "She may be a little thing but she'll handle a man like Theoric well. Did I tell you she once slapped me?"

Jane couldn't picture it. "No."

"It was when we were younger, it was her, some of her sisters, Loki, me, Sif and the Warriors Three. I made some joke about Loki that Sigyn took offense to. She rose and backhanded me, and said that I may be a prince but I had no manners and held no honor. She then took Loki's hand and said they'd go to the stables and surely find a better class of company. Loki laughed and brought her in closer as they walked away. Funny, I never remembered that until this moment." Thor truly was astonished that he didn't remember Sigyn now, but she always blended in with her sisters (aside from that one moment) in his mind. A lovely girl, but nothing so special.

Jane laughed brightly at the story. She could hardly picture a woman Sigyn's size (which was about as small as herself) backhanding Thor. She snuggled in closer to Thor, putting the couple from her head until Thor spoke again, "They're to married by the end of the week, would you like accompany me at the wedding?"

Jane smiled, "I would love too."

They kissed again, the rest of the world forgetten.

Loki could feel his magical powers grow with Angrooa's teachings. He almost hated how naturally Jotunn magic came to him, as it served as a reminder of everything bad in his life. He also hated taking the form of a frost giant and shifted to his more familiar form every chance he got. And even though shapeshifting was traditially Jotunheim magic, he found he was completely comfortalbe with that.

He was consentrating hard now, attempting to create monsters with Angrooa's help. It was almost asthought they were making children together. She'd create a basis and then Loki would add his touches. They first tried something of a human form, which came out half-right. Now he was attempting a wolf.

It was forming to be a fierce, large thing and he couldn't help but be proud. Though he knew this wouldn't be the thing to destroy Thor.

Angrooa interupted him, "How is it going, my love?"

Loki's eyelid twinged at the term of endearment, but he hid his discomfort well and built on it, taking her in his arms, shifting to a form that was closer to her size. She relaxed quickly in them. "Well, I shall soon be done with our son, Fenris."

"Son?" The monster-breeder looked amused.

"You call them your children, should these not at least be ours."

She seemed pleased with his response, and Loki knew this was the time to ask. "I've been curious, my darling. What is the state of your government with Laufey dead?"

She stiffened in his arms, but Loki was encouraged by the fact she didn't immediately being screaming his blame. "Why do you ask this?"

He thought of a lie, but decided straight-forward would be the best way to go. "I need you to deliver a message to the Jotunn warrior-generals, my love. Whom I assume are in charge now, with no heir to take charge of the kingdom."

She lifted herself from his embrace quickly, suspcious and questioning, "What are you up to?"

He grinned. "I have many irons." And kissed her suspecions away.

When she pulled away, she was contented and began to speak in earnest, "The realm is in chaos as the four generals fight over the throne while our people rebuild." She scoffed bitterly, "If only Laufey had had a son, we won't be in this mess."

Loki nodded, but said nothing only holding her more closely. He took her earlobe into his lips and whisphered to her, "I think we should create a great serpant next."

Angrbooa sighed at his attentions, "Yes that would be fitting for our next son, as blood should destory blood."

He pulled away with a grin, and finished the great wolf with a flourish of his hand. The wolf came to his parents and Loki smiled, caressing the underside of its chin, "Hello, son. We shall have such fun together."

Angrbooa, was delighted by this action and kissed Loki again, then said, "Let us make another."