Chapter 7: Speculation

£• Loki •£•

Katirya smiled wearily, still holding Kai close as they entered the city. "I am rather tired. Would you mind if I went and took a short nap?"

Loki shook his head. "No, that sounds like a good idea. In fact, I might join you in a bit," he added with a twinkle in his eye.

"Do that!" she replied, then swatted playfully at him with her free hand.

They reached their chambers, and he escorted her in. "I shall return shortly. Tomorrow we shall evaluate what we can do to help Jane Foster.

Katirya nodded as she settled Kai into his tiny bed.

"One question before I go. Our son – does he have any powers that you are aware of yet?" Loki asked, recalling the reaction Lorelei had when she had attempted to pick up the infant.

"Indeed, he does," Katirya replied. "But I had anticipated that, given who our parents are. I have been watching him closely and starting to teach him a few simple tricks. There is one thing I did notice, though. When he is angry, he gets very hot. I found that odd, it doesn't make sense as neither of us can do that. It is something I want to look into. I keep forgetting to ask Frigga about that. Perhaps she might know."

"I had intended to speak to Mother, so I shall ask her myself. I promise to relay the answer when I return," Loki said. "Now, go take that nap."

Loki took his leave, seeking out his mother. Finding her in the one of the sitting rooms, he sat down next to her. "So, what is wrong with my wife?"

"Nothing is exactly wrong," Frigga quickly explained what Eir had deduced about Katirya.

"Interesting," Loki replied thoughtfully. "So, you noticed odd behavior when she was pregnant with Kai?"

"Yes, it was the primary reason we left her father's. The collection disturbed her. If Eir is correct, ideally we need to keep things here as calm as possible, especially since she carries twins this time."

"Calm?" Loki laughed. "Nothing has been calm since she has arrived in Asgard. I do admit that it would be wonderful; unfortunately, I cannot control the outside world. Perhaps we will continue to be lucky and Thanos will remain in hiding for another year."

"We shall hope that is the case. I will remain here if you like," Frigga offered.

"Please! You cannot leave," Loki implored his mother. "Katirya would be lost without you. Now we just need to find a replacement for Hlif. I am sorry she was a casualty of this latest fiasco. I also need to discover how Lorelei and Althanas managed to remain hidden for so long in Asgard."

"It is not for lack of security. You clearly have spent the past year upgrading the guards and troops. I can see it as I walk around the city," Frigga replied.

"Well, that was no good in terms of Lorelei and Althanas," Loki said ruefully.

"Remember, they have powers as well, so it is quite possible they were able to hide. We were able to hide Katirya when we first arrived as well."

Loki frowned, recalling that incident. "Indeed. I suppose it is possible. I wonder… there must be a way to detect that. I will bring it up with Kiri tonight. She might have an answer. Which brings up another issue – Kai."

"Kai?" Frigga looked at him with a puzzled look. "Is something wrong? Did Lorelei manage to do something to him?"

"No, no, nothing like that. In fact, I think he managed to do something to Lorelei," Loki replied with a chuckle. "Kiri has noticed that when Kai gets angry, he gets very hot. That aligns with what I saw when we found Lorelei. She was attempting to pick Kai up, but dropped him back onto the bed. I saw her hands were blistered, as if she had tried to pick up something that was hot… or burning. Kiri finds it surprising that he has that ability, given both our parents. Do you have any thoughts on it?"

Frigga considered his question thoughtfully. "Honestly, no. Your mother was Jotun, and Odin was half-Jotun, so that is the exact opposite of heat. Beythran was a Cartherion, and while she was known for her powers, that was not one I was aware of. Her powers were one of the reasons I sought her out many years ago, to learn magic."

"I never knew that was why you chose to visit her. I have you and her to thank for my abilities," Loki replied.

"I have noticed since your marriage, but you have grown far stronger than I ever was. Kiri brings that out in you," Frigga replied.

"And the Stones. We discovered that we both can use them, channel their energy together."

"Interesting. You will make a formidable leader for Asgard," Frigga said. "But back to your question, that only leave Kiri's father, Taneleer. I do not think much is known about him. I think your father had several histories in his rooms. I will try to find them this afternoon. They might shed some light on the Elders."

"Thank you," Loki rose. "Now, if you will excuse me, I need to find my brother. I expect he is at the healer's, with Jane."

Frigga frowned. "Yes, most likely. There are times I wish your father had not sent him to Earth."

~ß~ Katirya ~ß~

Feeling something tickling her nose, Katirya swatted at it, coming fully awake. Her eyes flew open to discover her husband standing over her dangling a feather in his hand. She was quick to notice that he was not wearing any clothes.

As she attempted to grab the annoying feather, the covers slid off exposing her body, a view that prompted Loki to join her in the bed.

An hour later, she smiled lazily at Loki. "I suppose we ought to get ready for dinner."

Loki sighed contentedly. "If you insist," he sat up and swung his long legs over the edge of the bed. When Katirya made no move to follow suit, he looked over his shoulder at her. "My lady, if you continue to look like that, we will miss dinner completely."

"Hmmm… would that be so bad?" she asked.

"Minx!" He ripped the covers off the bed. "Now get your lazy self up and moving."

"Yes, my lord," she replied cheekily.

"Saucy wench." He leaned over to kiss her, then stood and began dressing.

Sitting up, she realized she felt better. Standing, she wandered over to her wardrobe and selected a gown for the evening. "I think Eir is correct. Your mother told you what her theory is, did she not?"

"Yes, she did. I spoke with my mother when you came up here for your nap."

Katirya scrunched her face up in a frown. "Well, I suppose they are correct, although I did not figure it out. One would think I would, given that it was my child and my body."

Loki laughed softly. "Sometimes we miss things about ourselves that others can see clearly."

"You are being wise tonight," Katirya remarked with a smirk.

"Only wise?"

Katirya threw back her head and laughed. "No, I suppose other things. Did you get a chance to ask your mother about Kai's powers?"

"Yes, I did," he replied.

She glanced over to the sleeping child. "What does she think?"

"She is uncertain, but thinks perhaps your father might be the source for the unusual heat he exhibits when he is angry."

"Taneleer is an enigma, isn't he?" Katirya began dressing. "I wonder what powers Kai has inherited from him?"

"Well, as he grows up I am certain we will discover them; however, until we figure out all of them, I suggest we keep him away from Lorelei," Loki chuckled.

"What? Kai used his powers on her?" Katirya stopped dressing to look at him. "What happened? What did you see?"

"Kai somehow managed to burn Lorelei's hands when she attempted to pick him up. I will venture to say that he will not be swayed by her charms," Loki explained what he had observed.

"Heat – I do not understand that one. It is not something I can conjure up, I wonder why he can?" Katirya asked.

"Mother promised to look into it," Loki replied.

"Well, I do hope she can figure something out. I would far rather not have to visit my father if I can avoid it, especially now," Katirya said as she patted her still flat belly.

"Mother did mention how Taneleer's collection disturbed you. If Eir's theory is correct, we must avoid things such as that. However, I do hope you will be up to helping Jane Foster." Loki's eyes traveled to where her hands rested on her belly. He moved across the room to stand behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, he put them over hers. "Twins?"

She leaned against him. "Yes, twins."

As her scent assailed him, he leaned down to nuzzle her neck.

"If you keep that up, we will be late for dinner," she laughed softly.

"Oh, who cares if we are late?" He pulled her back towards the bed.

An hour later, they finally emerged from their chambers, laughing as they headed down to the Grand Hall. They entered to discover everyone had been waiting on them. As soon as they were seen, cheers erupted in the hall.

"I guess our absence has been noted," Katirya said, as she blushed furiously.

Loki pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "I do not think they mind."

~∫ Thor ∫~

Thor watched as Loki and Katirya entered, late. From their flushed faces, it was clearly obvious that they had been engaged in other activities. When the couple finally arrived at the head table, he pulled out a chair for Katirya. "My lady."

Katirya sat, smiling up at Thor. "Thank you. I am sorry we are late, but…"

"No need to explain," Thor leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Thank you for making my brother so happy."

"He makes me happy," Katirya replied.

Thor sat down next to her, filling her wine glass.

She lifted it to her lips, taking a sip. "How is Jane Foster? Has she regained consciousness again?"

"No, but Eir did give her a sedative," Thor replied. "I was wondering…"

"I will see her tomorrow. I promise," Katirya assured him, patting his hand. "I am not certain I can help her, but I will see what I might be able to do. I do think she needs to return to Earth before I try anything. Perhaps being in familiar surroundings will be helpful."

Thor nodded. Before he could continue, their meal was brought forth. The evening passed in pleasant conversation over an excellent meal. He managed not to bring up the topic of Jane, although she was on his mind the entire time.

"Could you ask Jane's friends to join us on the terrace?" Katirya finally asked them as the meal ended.

"Yes," Thor rose and sought out Darcy, Ian and Erik. Escorting them to the terrace, they arrived to find Frigga sitting with Loki and Katirya.

A bottle of their finest wine was on a nearby table. He poured himself a glass and offered one to each of Jane's companions. "I imagine you've called us here to discuss Jane," Thor finally said.

"Yes." Katirya nodded. "From what I understand, you observed Althanas with her when she returned to consciousness, correct?"

"Yes, he placed his hands on her forehead, and she began to revive." Thor demonstrated with his hands as he talked. "She did not recognize me at first, then she began screaming that we were evil."

"Thanos had something to do with that, I'll bet," Katirya said.

"BUT, she did speak, right? She was awake. That's more than what has happened in the year we have been here since Niflheim. The healers couldn't do anything for her," Darcy said.

"True, but we are dealing with magic," Loki replied.

Katirya sighed. "It seems Althanas tried what I was going to attempt. I wasn't sure what would happen, but I know I offered you choices. Now I cannot even do that. Since Althanas has taken it upon himself to revive her, I can see what I can do to reverse the process, but as I said before, I can make no promises."

Thor looked at her hopefully. "Do you think you can at least remove those memories?"

"We had discussed it after you spoke to us before Jane was taken. We all felt taking her back to before any of this happened was probably the best," Erik said. "Is that still possible?"

Katirya took a sip of her wine before answering. "I honestly do not know. I have never tried anything like this before, so…" She shrugged. "All we can do is try. Loki is going to help me. We have discovered we can both use the Stones; it seems to amplify our powers. But…" she paused.

"But what?" Thor asked anxiously.

"I think it best if we do this on Earth, in familiar surroundings. If it works and she were to awaken here, it might cause problems," Katirya said.

Thor nodded. "Tomorrow then?"

"First thing tomorrow, right after breakfast. I promise," Katirya replied.