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As the sun set over the mountains, basking the trees in an orange glow Sorcha wrung the last of the water from her long tresses. His boots crunching against the pebbles and sand Thor came to stand in front of her tilting her head upward with his finger. Smiling she knew what he desired, standing on her tip toes Sorcha kissed him laughing softly against his lips as he grasped her by the hips lifting her up and on to the saddle of their horse.
"I believe it's in our best interest to return before they send a search a party."
Swinging up in to the saddle adjusting the reins in his hands Thor kept one arm wrapped protectively around her slender waist. Back resting against his solid chest Sorcha traced her fingers along the surface of his arm encircling her as they began the short journey home. The horses steady gait reminding her that Thor had stayed true to his word, the gentle ache between her thighs evidence as such.
When they returned to the stables Thor dismounted first turning to help her as she slid from the saddle. His touch lingering against her elbow he tilted his head to the side noting the hint of worry etched across her brow. Her attention turned towards the lanterns lighting the gardens.
"Sorcha?" He asked, imploring her to look at him.
Wringing her hands together Sorcha decided to that if she were going to trust Thor, they needed to be honest with one another.
"When your brother first brought me here, he told me I would be accepted and though your family's affections for me are genuine now, at the time...it was clear they thought the union between us was a mistake. I am not ignorant to the gossip, that the people of Asgard say I am a witch...that I willingly helped Loki commit the awful things he did. Are you certain you wish to pursue me?"
Taking hold of her hands he gladly interrupted her.
"They are fools to speak such ill-mannered lies I care nothing of what they think. I know that my feelings are true, we will find our own way Sorcha. "
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Call it caution, call it whatever you may but Sorcha could not help but safe guard her new-found affection. In the weeks and months that followed she could feel her sorrow lessening, hope growing stronger as her heart was allowed to heal. Thor's love, like a spade was helping her to fill the hole Loki had left behind. He was showing her that she did deserve happiness, that she was indeed worthy of love. Sitting with her legs tucked beneath her on the bed she had started the tedious task of plaiting her long tresses. Looking to the closed windows the snow bathing the world in white. Frigga sat near the fire keeping a watchful eye on her grandson as he toddled about the room, happily talking to himself as he explored. The Queen took a moment to spare a glance towards the bed, studying Sorcha as she worked unaware of the polite scrutiny. How curious it was that both her children should fall for the same woman with such strikingly different outcomes. It only served to cement in her mind just how poorly Loki had handled his opportunity with the mother of his child as he had many other things. While there were some who held strong reservations of Sorcha's presence in the Palace, the Queen in her years of wisdom saw what those who would hold doubt could not.
This young woman was changing her son in ways his banishment never could. A once restless and brash young man there could be seen a quiet humbleness now. His decisions chosen with care, no longer formed around his own needs but for others around him. Thor's request for an audience with Odin only days ago had come as no surprise to the pair. The God wanting them to harbor no doubts of his intentions towards his brothers widow.
It had not prevented Odin from testing his notoriously headstrong son.
"You are prepared then to raise another man's child, teach him what is moral and good. To stand by Sorcha, dedicate yourself to her as you have to your oath to serve this kingdom?"
The answer had come easily and with confidence.
"I am, I would wish nothing less."
The All-Father gave him a level stare, able to sense his son understood what he was asking. It gave Odin a well deserved sense of hope. Many mistakes had been made and this was a chance for wounds to be healed and hearts to finally mend.
"Then you have my blessing, May your lives be fruitful and you never know the sorrow of war. Take care my son...heed the warnings of the past."
Frigga had known in her heart Thor's intentions had been true even before he had come to them, she was able to see the happiness Sorcha brought to her eldest son. His love for her shining brightly for all to see. There was nothing he would not do for her, for her son.
"Sorcha...May I say something?"
Looking up she gave a subtle nod, curiosity peaked.
"Of course."
The All-Mother smiled kindly.
"It is not wrong to love them both..."
Struck by her words Sorcha could only stare at the Queen.
"Rarely are we allowed to choose the path Fate sets before us...but every so often we are granted a rare and wondrous opportunity. This is your chance Sorcha, hold fast to it."
Overwhelmed with emotion she could only smile. She would hold on, with everything she would hold on.
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The hour was late when Thor finally made the trek from the training grounds to his chambers. Drenched in sweat and dirt his arms and chest aching from the strenuous work. It had been some time since he had challenged himself to such an extent and it was a comfort to know he could still endure such a workout, chuckling to himself he could only imagine how the others felt. Opening the doors to his chambers the thought of sore muscles and sleeping late into the morning quickly vanished from thought as he took in the view before him. Standing in the shimmering light of countless candles decorating the marble floor was Sorcha. With her arms at her sides Sorcha took her hand and gently caressed the tips of her fingers along the naked skin of her torso and up to the swell of her breast. Encouraged by the hungry gleam in his eye, she ghosted her middle finger along the right nipple until it would pebble against the sensual touch her emerald eyes never leaving his. Wearing only a crown of white roses she was a sight to behold basked in the glow of the candles they glittered like stars, her new-found boldness only serving to set his desire anew.
Peeling his armor away slowly he let it drop at his feet and when he reached her she was rewarded with a deep and consuming kiss feverish in its passion. Easing her back against the bed, he eagerly readily forced her legs apart with his hands. Leaning over her vulnerable form the feeling of his warm breath against her breast caused her to shiver in anticipation. Mouthing hovering over her nipple he flicked his tongue across it once before taking it into his mouth. The action caused Sorcha to give a small cry, hands gripping the sheets her head turning to the side against her shoulder. He blessedly merciless paying the same dedicated attention to the other. When he could take the sound of her moans no longer Thor stopped and pushed her further along the bed his hands running along the inside of her thighs his breath softly labored.
"In the name of the Ancients, of the Gods old and new will you give yourself to me. Become my Wife, my companion in all things."
Without hesitation Sorcha spoke the words, her voice strong in its certainty.
"By the Ancients, the Gods old and new I give myself to you Thor Odinson, I give myself to you so that we may live anew."
The steam rose off the water's surface as the occasional white rose petal floated past. With her legs wrapped around his waist Sorcha sat in his lap, fingers combing through his wet hair smoothing it from his eyes. Smiling contentedly she kissed him laughing softly against his mouth as he was unable to help himself, slipping his hands beneath her backside and lifting her up to slip inside again.
"You are insatiable...ah." She said gasping. His lips finding just the right spot against her neck his hands strong against her hips as he encouraged the gently rocking of her hips.
The sweet sound of her gasp causing him to smile against her shoulder before raising one hand to turn her face towards his. Happily swallowing down the soft echo of her breathy cries and she no longer needed his encouragement. Holding her to him, the warmth of the water dissipating with their activity he knew their love-making this time would be short-lived but no less enjoyable as she struggled to hold herself against him more firmly. Arms sliding against his skin as she reached the brink, his not long to follow. Pulling her back enough to see her face he ran the pad of his thumb along her lower lip, pressing a tender kiss against her brow.
"I intend to bind our vows Sorcha...Keep you safe and by my side."
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Winter is ending...
Standing on a pedestal Sorcha held perfectly still, the seamstress making small adjustments here and there to what would become her wedding gown. It was nearly complete, the entire gown made of delicate soft cream-colored lace sewn in a soft floral pattern. Tear drop shaped pearls were sewn in various places along the bodice giving the material an angelic sheen when she turned in either direction. The train intended to be nearly 5 feet long.
Frigga watched intently a small smile pulling at the corners of her mouth as she approved the design, her musings interrupted by Lucian who until then had remained quiet, he tugged on the long sleeve of her dress trying to gain her attention.
"Bee's grandma!" He exclaimed, pointing to the picture of the buzzing insects inside his book.
Smiling down at him, Frigga ran her fingers through his soft black ringlets that were adorably long for a boy his age. His mother unwilling to cut the locks just yet despite the way Lucian continuously pushed them out of his bright green eyes. He looked and acted so much like his father at this age there were times when Frigga had to remember this was not Loki, that her son was gone and had been for what felt like an eternity. Nearly two years old she wondered where the time had gone.
"Why yes my sweet grandson they are bees how smart you are, just like your father!" She said leaning down to kiss the crown of his head.
Marveling at his quick wit, the origins of Lucian's impressive vocabulary no mystery to her. He had always been such gifted child, exceeding the other children around him by leaps and bounds always observing quietly taking it all in.
"Lucian, would you like a honey cake? You've been so good today you deserve a treat."
The toddler nodded excitedly, his smile infectious. "Yes please!"
Smiling at his response Frigga gave him a gentle hug feeling a solid object in the pocket of his small shirt.
"Lucian, what do you have there?" She whispered pointing to his pocket not wanting to trouble Sorcha who was unaware of their conversation. The toddler looked down at her finger and touched the object through his shirt as she reached inside to pull it out his voice growing quiet.
"Nothing." He said his voice hushed.
Pulling the small object out of the pocket, the Queen found it was an emerald ring; she turned it over in her hand for a moment before she realized this was the ring his father had given to Sorcha. Frigga could only guess Lucian must have been admiring it in her jewelry box and for whatever reason Sorcha had felt compelled to allow him to play with it.
"Did your mother give you this?"
Lucian began to nod and then seemed to think better of it, shaking his head green eyes wide. No doubt wondering if he was going to be reprimanded. However no scolding words were spoken and his grandmother simply tucked the ring back into the tiny pocket, knowing now she was not the only one to look at the small boy and be reminded of things that were out of reach.
"You keep that safe Lucian…"
He gave a nod, slowly realizing his grandmother was not upset with him and Frigga stood up now gently picking him up in her arms, the two of them making the journey up through the garden and towards the kitchen.
Sorcha watched the pair walk up away and disappear through the golden columns leading to the corridor. A servant passing them, tray in hand she offered Sorcha an array of small pastries and wine. The strong scent of the wine as she brought the glass to her lips strangely unappealing and gently she set the goblet down clearing her throat. The past few days she had found herself uninterested in much food and drink, she'd attributed it to nerves. The celebration of their engagement was tonight and the idea of being the centerpiece of attention caused anxiety to rise. Loki had never been interested in such festivities, more comfortable with keeping to themselves.
The old seamstress raised a curious brow to the refusal of the wine.
"If I am not to bold to say my dear...Have you and His Grace remained celibate?"
Blushing scarlet Sorcha shot a look to the older woman.
"...No...Quite the opposite."
She smiled knowingly, finding it sweet that Sorcha was still blissfully unaware.
"His appetite has been quite insatiable then?"
A humorous gleam to her eyes Sorcha gave an embarrassed smile.
"I dare say yes, morning and night...I cannot complain."
Finishing the cap sleeve the woman began adding the beaded embellishments.
"And now your body turns from food and drink? My dear you cannot mean to tell me you do not know then?"
Frowning at her words Sorcha was suddenly quick to comprehend her accusation, her hand moving to cover her lower stomach. Addressing the servant she had to remind herself to speak calmly.
"Please leave us..."
Without question the servant obeyed and once out of ear shot Sorcha looked to the old woman.
"I cannot be with child, not so soon."
It was the seamstresses turn to laugh now.
"If Fate wills it there is little we can do...One way or another it will happen as it may. What a wonderful wedding present for the Prince, a child of his very own. A son no doubt."
Unimpressed by her insinuations Sorcha took a step down from the pedestal.
"The Prince has a son..." She answered confidently.
Setting the pins down the Old woman's answer made Sorcha's stomach turn.
"A stepson, who is not of royal blood...A bastard frost giant, that is what he has if we are truly honest."
Clenching her fists in the fabric of the gown they trembled with quiet fury.
"You do speak to boldly...How dare..."
The old woman stepped towards Sorcha her boney hand reaching out to slap her cheek.
"...And you reach to high." She replied her laughter cruel.
Unprepared for the assault Sorcha cupped her cheek the slap stinging sharply. She let out a yelp of when the old woman grasped a handful of the her long tresses startling her with a vicious tug that caused to her stumble. Crawling a few feet away Sorcha scrambled to pick up a pair of scissors on the nearby table but as she turned to face her attacker she was met with an empty room. Wrought with confusion and fear eyes scanning the empty space before rushing out vision blurred by tears.
Hand covering her mouth to stifle her sobs she made it not twenty feet down the hall before a guard stopped her.
"Your Grace? What is wrong..."
Shaking her head Sorcha fought to form the words, the scissors still clutched tightly in hand.
"The seam..seamstress she attacked me."
The guard tried to comfort her now, speaking in hushed tones as he smoothed a gloved thumb across her cheeks wiping her tears.
"Shhh, Sorcha you must breathe. I would not see you so distraught."
Trying to obey his words she stilled against the touch of his hand. His words striking a cord.
"...You would not see me." Pushing his hand away she made to step back from him when his grip tightened.
"No...no Sorcha do not be afraid it is I...It is Grayson." He blurted, fighting to calm her fears.
Ceasing her struggles Sorcha's eye's narrowed in disbelief.
"Grayson?"
He gently let go of her wrists, glancing in either direction before removing his helmet. Face covered in stubble and hair longer it was him if she was completely honest he looked a little worse for wear. A long scar running from the corner of his mouth towards the ear.
"What are you doing here?" She questioned.
He sighed looking to the floor before he spoke ignoring her words.
"Are you alright Sorcha, the woman she did not hurt you?"
Wiping at her cheeks she sniffed loudly. She could still feel the ugly sensation of the old woman's slap.
"She did no true damage...I am more frightened than anything else, nothing more than someones idea of a wicked joke."
Assessing her condition himself he tilted her face from one side to the other until he was satisfied.
"Beyond this incident you and the little lord have been well attended to? They've kept their promise."
His question frustrated Sorcha, nerves rattled and frayed she answered curtly.
"Yes, yes! Thor has kept us protected and well cared for...Until just now I have had only idle threats from outsiders. You still have not told me why you are here Grayson. Last I saw you it was not safe for you to stay within the borders let alone Palace grounds."
Grayson took a deep breath.
"It is not...but I had to see you. Make sure you and Lucian were alright. I would not have risked entering the palace otherwise but I heard a rumor in the villages that you are to marry the Prince. Do they speak the truth?"
Licking her lips Sorcha nodded.
"It is no rumor, there is a celebration tonight for our engagement. Grayson, the old woman she told me I was with-child. I haven't seen the healers yet but I think she speaks the truth."
A look of concern and disappoint crossed the mans face.
"I cannot risk being seen...I will visit you again before spring has ended there's something I must tell you. Please tell no one you have seen me."
With a chaste kiss to her cheek Grayson pulled the hood of his cloak over his head and without another word walked briskly away from her. Left to stand alone Sorcha could only stare at what had been his retreating form. His words leaving a hollow feeling in her chest.
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On a night such as this did she find herself thinking of Loki. She supposed it was only natural to do such a thing. Brushing her long waist length hair, Sorcha kept a watchful eye on the two men in her life as she sat at the vanity humming a song softly. Lucian sat on Thor's lap near the fire-place listening as the God of Thunder enthusiastically told him one of his many exciting tales of battle, the child's eyes struggling to stay open despite his clear enjoyment of the thrilling tale. Setting down her brush Sorcha made her way towards the pair her smile knowing and sweet. Realizing her intent Thor easily stood up handing over the drowsy child to his mother as the quiet whimper of protest escaped Lucian's lips.
Holding the boy to her Sorcha ran her fingers through his soft curls.
"It is well past your bedtime young man, you've already charmed two extra stories. It is time for all good little boys to go to bed. Say goodnight."
Lucian gave a sleepy nod. "Nigh nigh daddy."
This small innocent phrase caused both adults to pause, it was a slip of the tongue Thor had known may happen but hadn't dared to hope for. He'd never sought to replace his brother but he could not deny the part of him that felt a sense of pride in hearing it.
Laying her son down in his bed Sorcha gently pulled a few of the fur-lined blankets up, tucking them against his shoulders and she found herself coming to sit on the side of bed. Moments like this tended to cause Sorcha to feel the distant tug of melancholy tug against her spirit, turning to look down at her son she was consumed with the old crones nasty words, Grayson's mysterious visit. She'd been wrestling all day with the decision to tell Thor there had been more to the incident but something kept her silent. It burned her to know people thought such hateful things of her and her son, the most terrible thing being, that wasn't even the worst she had heard. There were those who would believe Loki had gone as far to be violent towards her and their son. That particular rumor sickened her most. Despite Loki's misgivings he had never raised a hand to either of them, he would sooner die than harm the two of them physically. No one would ever convince Sorcha that he had not loved his child with every waking moment.
Playing with the empty space on her ring finger, Sorcha took a deep breath telling herself she should not let the old woman's disgusting words haunt her. They may have suffered great loss, but the rewards for remaining strong were showing the potential for true greatness. She need only trust Thor. He would see them through.
Outer regions of Asgard…
The rain poured down in a steady unforgiving downpour, the temperature dropping by the hour and yet Grayson refused to budge. Bow drawn tight in anticipation for the kill, he remained perfectly still hidden among a rocky cluster of boulders. The large buck that had grazed in the upper ridge of the forest all afternoon had finally wandered in near the river. With winter ending any day now there was no way he was passing up the opportunity for fresh meat. Lining up the shot he exhaled slowly fingers ready to unfurl and release the notched arrow, when suddenly the buck perked its head sniffing the air experimentally. A loud and sharp cracking noise sounded first, before a wicked bolt of blue energy shot out in the air succeeding in scorching the tree nearest to the animal before frightening it away.
Lowering his bow he stood up flipping off the hood of his worn brown cloak, watching as the tree splintered at its top. The middle of the trunk buckling in on itself as it caught ropes of thunderous lightning shot out from a space between two fallen trees and Grayson moved swiftly down the rocky embankment to what he could only assume was a safe enough distance away from the strange anomaly. The air carrying a white-hot charge to it, vibrating with unseen magic. Grayson unsheathed his short sword gripping the handle comfortably as he waited patiently knowing magic when he sensed it.
The ground beneath his feet gave a shuttering quake before a last burst of energy was expelled; raising his arm to shield his eyes from the blinding burst of light. Lowering his arm blinking hard to rid his vision of the floating spots he turned to look to where the portal had opened. Kneeling not fifteen feet away and rising to their feet was the last person Grayson ever dreamed he would see. A hundred miles away from civilization, he wondered if it was just an accident or a well planned move. Whatever the reason he struggled far more deciding just how this was going to bode for him, all answers pointed to something very much unjust and iniquitous. Despite the possible danger to his well-being he lowered the short sword but kept it unsheathed as his guest approached him slowly before coming to a stop a few feet away. The crackling echo's of magic still reverberating through the air. Prickling against the bare skin of his face.
"You look quite spry for a dead man." He replied loudly, failing to raise the sword up fast enough to block Loki's iron grip from sealing around his throat lifting him clean off the ground by a few inches.
"Is that what they say? Well…as you can see I am very much alive." Loki answered hoarsely.
It wasn't long before his arm shook and Grayson took note of this weakness. Bringing the bottom of the swords handle down hard enough to wound he bashed it against the side of Loki's elbow. Effectively causing the God enough pain to release his hold dropping the other man to the ground to rub disapprovingly at his sore neck.
Watching the God grit his teeth and fight to stay standing he took a heartbeat to study his former King more closely, feeling rather shocked by his lack of strength though not entirely surprised by it either. The amount of dark magic that it must have taken to transport him from wherever he'd been unimaginable. The chances of death far exceeding the probability of reaching the intended destination, especially in Loki's current state. It was a miracle he'd accomplished the task at all. The God was in the same attire as the last time he'd seen him, only it was heavily worn the leather cracked with time, the prince's hair curling at his shoulders dark haunting circles beneath his eyes. He looked less than amused with the assault.
"You dare to raise a hand to your King, I should have you whipped." He ground out through clenched teeth angrily as he clutched his stinging arm.
Eye widening in confusion as the soldiers face broke out in a smile, his laughter filled with humorous contempt.
"I would surely fear such a threat if you were in fact still MY king but because you are no one's king…I think I will rest easily and in little fear of your wrath." Grayson answered as he rose from the ground brushing off his pants and sheathing his sword.
Loki tried and failed to ignore the searing throbbing in his arm, the vibrations from the sword handle hitting the bone sending shock waves of pain down his arm. He swayed on his feet unsteadily before stumbling to the ground the last of his energy having been wasted attacking the man the world around him began to fade in and out of focus.
"Sorcha…My son…" He asked as Grayson appeared next to him as the world fell from sight.
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Realization is slow to return. His body fighting to pull him towards consciousness and away from the dark place he has been nestled in blanketed in blessed silence. Just when he wills himself to give into the darkness again a gentle singing reaches his ears. Opening his eyes carefully Loki fought to bring his vision into focus and he saw her just out of reach leaning over him. Long black curls hanging over one shoulder her voice so near and yet so far away from him.
"Rest Loki…you need your strength." Her voice pleaded.
Breaking out in to a feverish sweat Loki tried in vain to sit up only to be coaxed back down on the thin mattress.
"Please Sorcha…don't stop." He pleaded, but there came no reply, no more singing.
A cup was held to his lips and he was unable to fight it, a bitter brew being forced past his lips its ingredients utterly foul but successful in drawing him back down beneath the darkness. Sitting back on the edge of the old mattress inside his simple dwelling, Grayson ran a hand through his chin length blonde hair, sighing dismally.
Looking down at Loki he felt an honest sense of pity for the God. Knowing the moment he gained enough strength to recover from this bout of miserable magic poisoning he would demand to know where his wife and son were. Grayson had only just seen Sorcha a few months ago and it brought him great pain to imagine what this would do to her. Grateful the rain was still pouring down in heavy sheets it would allow no one passage for a few days, hopefully weeks. It would buy him only a short amount of time.
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Asgard
Smoothing his palm over her bare skin, the swell of her stomach drawing all of his attention. Thor kissed her with ever-growing devotion.
"My love, my queen, beautiful mother of my child."