Thor was very excited at the premise of training Ingemar. Normally, for quite some time Ingemar was only trained by Loki. If she had been trained by anyone else, Loki was present. For the first time, Loki was away guiding some travellers home once more that were worried about bandits. It was on Odin's orders so Loki happily accepted to get in his father's good book. Thor was kind and gave the previous day off to Ingemar, but today was a day of hard work. Part of it was so Ingemar could give her muscles a day to relax.
It started out well, with Ingemar avoiding the hits and lunges that Thor flung at her. The two decided to leave the weapons alone this time and stick to hand to hand. He could see that Loki was preparing Ingemar to be one of the finest fighters, even if she was not the most graceful.
Ingemar had managed to take Thor to the floor, resting a bit too low on his body as he was able to fling her off. She slid across the floor until she pressed against the wall. Thor was quick as he lunged up and rested his forearm with a bit of pressure against her throat as he grinned.
"That was good." Thor began as he lowered his arm. "Shall we take a break?" he did not wait before Thor stood up and held his hand out for Ingemar to take. She smiled up at him as he hoisted her up as if she was as light as a feather.
Ingemar and Thor walked to the side table as she stretched her arms over her body, working out the stiffness and aches. "That was great Thor."
Thor had to agree. She did have a similar style towards Loki, but that was expected since she was more brain than brawn. So, Thor taught her some of the brothers' tricks. She caught on quick for the fake out diversion and 'Help my brother' before throwing them. He had also shown her the greatest way to fall to minimize injury and get back up quickly. Thor was also kind enough to have the mats on the floor.
He poured the pair each a glass as he pushed one to Ingemar.
"Ingemar, I am hoping you could answer a question for me."
Ingemar raised a brow as Thor gave her the best pleading eyes as he began.
"So, Loki's 500th birthday is coming up quite soon, as you know…" Thor began as he diverted eye contact. "I may have delayed in doing most of the planning and I was hoping that would be able to help me. After all, you know Loki best."
Ingemar stifled a laugh. "I wouldn't say that I know him the best but I am close to him."
"Out of everyone, you are by far the closest to Loki." Thor reasoned. "I have no idea what I'm doing. Please help me."
Ingemar leaned over as she let herself laugh quietly and patted Thor's forearm. "Of course I'll help."
The pair decided to call it a day and meet in a sitting room after they showered and changed since they both stank. He had it set up so that lunch was brought to them. Thor waited until they got food before starting the party conversation.
"So, its less than two weeks until we are hosting Loki's party."
"What do you have planned so far?"
"The music is already taken care of, and there's notice of his party starting at sundown here for an open party since it is something the people want to celebrate with their prince." Thor began as he rested his face on his hand. "I feel that we are missing something though to really have Loki's tastes involved." Ingemar was surprised at how serious Thor was taking this.
"Well, the night before I know the theater has a play to show Loki. One of his childhood favourites. But I want to do something to really show Loki I know him."
Ingemar pulled out a journal as she started jotting notes before looking up. "Well Loki does enjoy people but they can tire him out. Maybe try something to give him a break where he can breathe without having to put a mask up."
"Loki doesn't put a mask up."
"Loki can only handle people so long. He definitely wears a mask of false pretenses when he has to listen to people needlessly chatter about things he deems unimportant." Ingemar raised a finger, stopping Thor from speaking as she continued. "If we do the dinner, it can be just your family, myself, Lady Sif and the Warriors Three. Any other close friends you know about could be invited. Treat Loki to his favourite meal and ale before the party."
"Oh! We could make it a surprise!" Thor began as his smiled dropped a bit as she shook her head.
"I suspect he understands that something will be happening at such a milestone. Add onto people casually telling him about their excitement." Ingemar grimaced as she added. "Your brother may also both stab us if we overwhelm him like that."
Thor nodded, "That sounds great." Ingemar saw that Thor was not surprised by her answers. It was almost as if he had already had these thoughts. She did not word this though, since she knew that Thor was doing it for a reason.
They continued to work together, with Ingemar writing notes and due dates for the plan, all of which which were close since they had less than two weeks. There was plans of keeping a cherry theme for the wine and dessert. Thor was asking some of the hunters to collect an Asgardian boar for a fine ham.
As they finished, Thor looked at Ingemar as she drank some of the wine brought. "See, you know Loki well. I wouldn't expect anything less from his swain."
Ingemar immediately sputtered as she began to cough as she patted her chest and wiping the wine off her face. Her eyes were wide as she took a moment to think about what Thor had spoken. "Pardon?"
"You know, his swain? You and Loki clearly are lovers or at least courting each other." Thor spoke as if he was saying "the sky on midgard is blue."
Ingemar shook her head quite rapidly before letting out a deep breath as she set her hands on her lap. "Thor we really are not." Thor seemed confused by this information as he raised a brow and leaned close.
"Really? Well why not?"
"You know why." Ingemar tried to say as if it was a full answer. Thor stared at Ingemar with intense focus as he was determined to solve this. He continued staring until Ingemar answered him. Last time he was this determined, Thor followed her asking for thirteen hours before she broke."Alright fine! I cannot possibly court your brother since I am nowhere near the person who he requires as the partner." She began waving her hands around to speak Ingemar's eyes were full of life as she poke.
"Loki is clever, charming, and so many people love him. He's witty, a quick learner that is great at reading emotions and using his brains. Loki cares about his appearance and looking like the royalty he is. I've never met someone so ambitious." Ingemar groaned as she rested her head on her crossed arms on the table.
"Loki needs someone who can hold their head high so that they aren't torn apart. A person who will trust Loki's plan purely because it is Loki and he is smart. That will push him to strengthen his weaker sides, provide him comfort and meet his expectations. A person who can flow through this castle and the nobles with charm and grace. Someone who CAN dance."
"You are pretty awful at dancing, your feet just do not want to listen." Thor teased as Ingemar laughed.
"Better than you by the end of the night." Ingemar kidded before she continued, head still on her arms.
"Look at me though. I do not have all the social etiquette and grace since I spend most of my day hiding as I work. I enjoy doing the grunt work and digging in the dirt. Literally. Loki and I get competitive and challenge the other, to the point of annoyance. Remember how Loki and I went on a stroll and for over two days we played hide and seek. Neither of us wanting to admit defeat." Groaning, she added. "He wants to toughen me up, but I'm also treated like a precious porcelain doll sometimes. And to conclude, I hate the effort it takes into looking formal in any sort of way because I could spend the time I used to work on so many other things."
Thor shook his head, pushing himself away from the table. "I disagree. You are someone who is wonderful for Loki. Besides, I only choose the best people to be my friends." Thor teased as he patted her shoulder. "Come now, we have things to do."
When Thor had come to personally tell Loki about the plans for his birthday, he was honestly surprised. Thor loved the idea of surprising him and Loki honestly had been preparing himself to have Thor do something as a revenge for all the pop out surprises that Loki has done to him. He was still mentally prepping himself in case, but there was a sense of trust in his words.
On the morning of, Loki trained with Ingemar as usual, finding that she was nearly at the point Loki may be okay with her just doing weekly sessions to keep up. But he would rather be safe than sorry. He still had a few weeks of plans made up in his mind on different weapon moves he could try based off of the enemies Asgardians had and their choices of weapons. It did mean that he would need to read more on the Frost Giants.
He was thinking of this when he noticed Ingemar was waving a hand in front of his face.
"Pardon?" Loki asked as he refocused himself to listen to Ingemar.
"I was wondering if you would join me to the library or somewhere with a table in an hour or so?" Ingemar began as she gave him a soft smile. "I need to make an updated books of potion but it gets awfully dull all alone. Unless you have plans since it is your birthday?"
Loki shook his head. "No, that sounds lovely. I'll meet you at the library in an hour." He waited until Ingemar had left before he left to prepare his own things.
When he arrived at the library, Ingemar was not yet there so he set up at a large table. She arrived a moment later, looking around as Loki jaw dropped a bit. Ingemar was dressed up, probably for convenience later but it amazed him. Her hair fell down in waves from being braided, with half having been put into a braided crown on her head to draw it away from her face. Ingemar had a periwinkle sleeveless halter dress, with the sides cut out diagonally on either side leaving her mid back was a band of gold under the breast, running along where the top of the cut outs were. She was wearing gold upper arm cuffs that looked like leaves, with a gold choker band.
She came and sat down, setting down a handful of loose pages, a book and her writing set. Ingemar gave him a raised brow. "Are you alright Loki?"
He gave her a soft smile. "Yes, I was just taken back by your look." Loki spoke as he whispered. "You look radiant."
Ingemar flushed. "I figured I would be here for the entirety of the afternoon, so I saw no point in having to change again."
Loki smiled as he whispered to her. "I suppose that means I should dress up before dinner for my own birthday."
Ingemar laughed at Loki as she placed her hand over his. "Loki, you always dress as presentable. You'll have all those nobles fighting one another to dance with you."
Loki turned his hand to he could grasp her fingers with his own. "As long as you promise me one dance."
"As you wish," Ingemar said as she pulled her hand back so she could start work. They worked in relative silence as Loki read up on the fighting habits from past warrior's notes as Ingemar wrote. Sometimes he found himself getting quite distracted on occasion watching Ingemar's pen glide across the paper. At some points she would stop writing to try and carefully draw precise images on the page.
This calming afternoon continued until a servant came to tell them about the dinner. Loki stood up first as Ingemar was putting away her stationary. She took everything she had and placed them in the room behind the library desk before the two headed out to dinner together. Their hands brushed occasionally against one another's as they walked and resisted the urge to simply grab it in his own.
When they arrived to the dinner, Loki was expecting a large table of twenty people minimum. He was pleasantly surprised to find only ten seats. Ingemar leaned over and whispered in his ear at this point. "Unfortunately the party will be much larger."
He chuckled as he walked over to the two open seats and pulled Ingemar's out for her before sitting beside her. Thor was grinning at Loki as the dinner was brought to the table. It was all things that Loki enjoyed greatly and he was enjoying the conversation that he was having with his mother as Hogun spoke with Odin. Loki could see Volstagg and Thor almost competing for how much food they could eat. Lady Sif, Ingemar and Fandral were all speaking about a board game that Hogun brought to Asgard and the strategies.
"Volstagg, do you really need to eat that much?" Fandral asked, with a look of disgust on his face.
He was quite delighted by the slices of cake that came out for he knew that Ingemar or Frigga had something to do with it. Loki took a decent slice as he savoured the taste. He could see that Thor and Volstagg were eyeing everyone else to see if they would finish the cake or not. Loki saw Thor look towards Ingemar as she immediately gave him an unimpressed look that seemed to get Thor to turn away.
Loki smiled at Ingemar as he moved his hand under the table to pat at Ingemar's knee closest to him. He found that once he placed it though he did not want to take it off, so Loki decided to not to. From the corner of his eyes, Loki could see Ingemar's face reddening as she stumbled to keep focused on her food. Her own hand came to rest on his, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Ingemar chuckled a bit as she noticed Loki getting flustered as well.
Soon the group headed towards the party. Ingemar and Loki were towards the back of the group, as they both were hesitant to go inside. Loki looked over at Ingemar as they let the doors shut behind Thor so they could have a moment to speak.
"Thank you for the dinner beforehand with a… tamer group size."
Ingemar looked at Loki as she smiled. "Thor was the one who decided it, he planned your birthday." She was trying her best to lie to Loki, although it was a tough endeavour to do.
"Thor had to have your help." Loki spoke as he took a step closer as he looked down at her, his voice a whisper. "Also, although you may fool a normal person, but I can tell you are lying. I doubt my brother knew my like of chocolate and cherry."
Ingemar rolled her eyes at him. "Says the master silver tongue of Asgard." Her expression softened as she put her hand on his shoulder. "Just know, Thor wanted to make it the most suited to you but the whole easily offended nobles made it kind of difficult on him."
Loki nodded as he gave her a small smile. "Well, shall we?" Loki spoke as he grinned. "But you do know that you owe me a dance later."
Ingemar was going to tease him, but instead just gave a small nod. "Yes."
Loki ended up being pulled away from Ingemar the moment he arrived on the dance floor, with her being grabbed by Thor and he was grabbed by a noble. For the next few hours having to dance with all the people who had approached him. It was difficult with roaming hands, and people demanding his attention constantly. It flattered him everyone was eager to appreciate and worship him, but Loki was honestly ready to hide away from the crowd to unwind. He stayed however, since he knew how much effort his brother put into planning it, and the citizens loved to socialize with the princes. Plus when would be the next time he would be celebrated like this?
When Loki finally got a chance to get away from his latest dance partner, he noticed that Ingemar was dancing with Volstagg. Her movements were sloppy, but it seemed that Volstagg was well on the way to intoxicated so it rarely mattered. She was laughing as Volstagg twirled her and she stumbled her way into Fandral. Loki watched them dance, Fandral taking more of a lead as he leaned down. Curiosity got to Loki, wondering what they were talking about until he noticed Fandral nudging his head in Loki's direction as Ingemar glanced over.
Her smile widened, as she spoke something before walking towards Loki. When she got close, Loki smiled at Ingemar. "You owe me a dance, sir."
He held out his hand as Ingemar took it. It was an upbeat tune and Loki took the lead, making sure to help Ingemar so she seemed to be a better dancer. "Enjoying yourself?"
Loki nodded, "All in all, it is a lovely evening."
"I'm glad to hear it." Ingemar spoke as they continued to dance. Her hand resting on his shoulder, and the other in his hand. There was no need to force a conversation between the two, as Loki enjoyed the song. Ingemar did not notice, but Loki could hear at least two song changes before Ingemar looked at him.
"I think I need a drink and to sit down." Gesturing to her feet, she laughed. "I'm not used to this much dancing."
Loki reluctantly let her go as he followed her to grab a refreshment. "I'll meet you at your seat." Although the table had been picked at, there was still plenty of treats and casks of ale. Ingemar poured two glasses just as Thor arrived. "Ingemar, I hope you don't mind, I am just going to steal my brother for a moment." Loki had picked up one, as Thor poured his own before turning. "Thanks!"
Thor did not wait for an answer as he threw his arm around Loki and drug his brother to a little side room. "So?"
"So what Thor?" Loki asked with a confused expression. What was Thor doing?
"Is Ingemar not your lover?"
Loki looked at his brother with wide eyes. "Excuse me? No! Of course not, she- she's just my friend." Loki was watching Thor, trying to figure out if he believed Loki.
Thor did not believe Loki in the slightest. "Ha, now we both know that isn't true." Leaning against the wall, Thor began to speak. "I see that ridiculous lovestruck look Loki. Just tell her."
Loki said nothing as Thor decided to continue. "Now I know there's been some stuff in the past, but you are both just dancing around the subject waiting for someone to make the first move. Do it brother." Thor smiled as he put a hand on Loki's shoulder. "I could always just go with Fandral's alternative of locking you two in a room together."
"You wouldn't-"
"I would. I could also have Volstagg sit on you and I'd hold Ingemar to make you two talk." Loki paused as he sighed. "What could go wrong?"
Loki gave Thor a look, answering the question before throwing his hands up. "I'm working on figuring it out, okay?"
"Stop thinking it, just go. You two need to get out of your heads, what with your fear of rejection and Ingemar creating an image of your 'perfect' woman." Thor spoke as he threw his arm over Loki again. "If it doesn't work out, we can help you forget about it."Thor added with a grin as they entered the room again. "But you both need to speak about this."
Ingemar was sitting at a table, speaking with Lady Sif as the two came over again. Lady Sif was smiling at Thor as Thor held out his hand. "Would you like to dance?"
Sif agreed as the pair left. Ingemar glanced at Loki, pushing a cup towards Loki. "Everything go well with Thor?"
Loki smiled as he nodded."Yes," he began as he noticed the area was finally starting to calm down. Ingemar seemed to notice this as well, as her shoulders dropped a bit and leaned against the chair, in a not so ladylike manner, not that many people were sitting a poised position by that point in the evening.
"I am not sure about you, but I am beginning to feel quite tuckered out by this event."
"Honestly, if it was any other celebration, I would have left ages ago." Ingemar confessed as Loki stood up, putting his hand out for Ingemar.
"May I escort you out?"
Ingemar glanced at Loki's hand before finally taking it. The two walked out, but instead of just walking towards Loki's room as usual, Loki began taking the long route that would go past Ingemar's room.
She loosely held onto his hand as they walked, and although casual, Loki could feel his heart racing. The walk was quiet between the two for almost half the journey. Loki knew there was words he wanted to speak, but they could not come out.
"Did you have an enjoyable time?" she spoke, as Loki paused before nodding.
"It was quite enjoyable, even with all the dances i was asked for." Ingemar laughed at that as she nodded.
"I think Asgardians are starting to see that you are also a viable bachelor." Ingemar began as she thought about it. "After all, you are starting to show that you are quite the warrior and far better at Thor in politics."
Loki smirked, he was enjoying the ego boost and the feeling of worthiness. "Is that so?"
Ingemar rolled her eyes as she stopped them and yanked on Loki's arm so that Loki was facing her. "Loki, you are a wonderful person and finally people are seeing this." Her free hand moved onto Loki's shoulder. "I know Odin and even Thor create large shadows, but you'll have all Asgardian eyes admiring you soon enough. If they could see you how I know you to be, you'd have all sorts of plays and stories written of you." She smiled up at Loki.
Loki looked down at her as he squeezed onto the hand. Maybe Thor was onto something when he spoke to him earlier. "How do you see me?" Loki questioned as he leaned down a bit. He watched carefully as Ingemar's eyes widened as she glanced down, cheeks flushing.
"How do I begin? Uhm.. well.." Ingemar spoke as she glanced up to Loki one more as she was trying to come up with the words to speak. Having her so flustered from a simple question that it gave Loki the answer he truly needed.
Loki let go of her hands as he immediately grabbed her face, and kissed her. It was rough and full of need as Loki backed the two towards the wall. Ingemar's back whacked against the wall as she gasped. Loki pulled away from a moment as he looked down at Ingemar. He wanted to check with her in regards to the kiss but Ingemar pulled his face back down, kissing him with a desperation.
Loki felt Ingemar's hands on his hips, fingers digging in under his jacket as he continued the kiss until he could no longer breathe. Ingemar leaned against the wall as she stared up at Loki while she smiled at him. "Well then," Ingemar spoke as she bit her lip, afraid to continue.
"Should we talk about this?" Loki offered as Ingemar looked at him as she shrugged a bit.
"Is there a lot to talk about?"
"I suppose we should but…" Ingemar began as Loki smirked as he leaned close again. One hand teasing some strands that fell out of the braided crown.
"But we could discuss that in the morning?" Loki offered as Ingemar suppressed a giggle before she nodded.
"That works."
Loki pulled his hands away as he nodded to her. Ingemar frowned for a moment until Loki moved in a swift motion. He grabbed her around her hips and hoisted Ingemar up, tossing her over his shoulder.
"Loki!" Ingemar squealed out with laughter as she squirmed a bit on his shoulder.
"This is quicker!" Loki argued as he took the pair back to his room.