Putting the pearl barrettes in her silky brown hair, Jennica smiled in the mirror and double checked her appearance. The sunset shone through the window behind her and reflected off of the sparkling sequins on her light blue dress.

A knock sounded at her door and she turned her head, calling out, "Come in." With grace, Loki entered, wearing black and gold robes with a belt of encrusted jewels. His hair was slicked back further than usual, giving room to show every inch of his handsome face. Greeting her with his charming smile, he further entered the room.

"Ready for dinner?" He asked, walking up to her. Jennica smiled through the mirror,

"Just finished."

Loki's arms wrapped around her waist from behind by the time she had finished, and he rested his chin atop her head. Jennica smiled at the intimacy and turned around to face him. She pecked his cheek, saying,

"You really are in high spirits today."

"I have a good reason to be." Loki responded as he offered his arm for her to link with.

"Oh?" She raised her eyebrows, smirking playfully, "And what would that be?" All he did to reply was grin, as if he knew something she didn't. Jennica opened her mouth to protest against his silence, but closed it, deciding not to. She just mumbled afterwards, "You and your secrets." The smile remained on her face.

The pair made their way to the dining room, and the aroma of food was undeniably pleasant. Kvasir and Sol already occupied the table, watching as the servers laid out the remaining dishes.

"Good evening, Father. Mother." Jennica greeted as she sat beside Loki on the opposite side of the table. Her recent diplomatic practice was showing through, and the pride was visible on Sol's face.

"So, how are you both tonight?" Kvasir asked in an affable tone as he served himself a portion of steaming meat.

"Pleasant." Loki responded with a sense of cheerfulness as Jennica passed him a bowl of fruit, "This month here on Alfheim has been a wonderful change from Midgard. There's very little else I could ask for." He spooned some of the fruit into his mouth after having served himself. Sol looked at him with a curious expression as she sipped on her cup of nectar.

"I too share Loki's feelings." Jennica added, swallowing the food she was chewing, "Alfheim seems to be the perfect home for us." Loki stopped himself from smiling too widely at his plate as he heard this.

Sol added, "And we absolutely love having you here."

"I have been meaning to ask," Loki began before sipping a glass of wine, "but what has become of the... old village?"

"Still intact. Not everyone was willing to return." Kvasir explained, folding his hands, "The few families that stayed were self-sufficient farmers. There was no particular reason for them to come back, especially after all that had happened."

"So are they still living there?" Jennica questioned.

"Yes, I believe so."

"I find it strange that the kingdom itself and the small village are the only source of elf population on Alfheim."

"That's not necessarily true, although a good many believe so. This realm is very small, but the world out there is full of life, I assure you, although I do not encourage the exploration of it."

Jennica shrugged at the thought, already picturing the knowing look in Loki's eyes without having to see them.

The conversation continued throughout the night, pleasant and enjoyable, along with the food. They truly felt like a family already. The servants cleared the dinner, and the night's activity continued out in the courtyard. The warm breeze was soothing and refreshing. Jennica's arms stayed linked with Loki's as they walked, alone.

"I never got to say this, but I really like this look on you." Jennica said in compliment, admiring Loki's slicked-back hair and royal outfit.

Turning to face Jennica and bringing her hand to his lips, he replied, "And you look stunning yourself."

A loving smile tugged at Jennica's lips as she continued to walk beside Loki. Her eyes took in the beautiful courtyard that was lit bright with torches. A center fountain sent the sound of trickling water to their ears.

"Remember when we were here a year ago?" Jennica asked, her mind drifting off into its own daydream.

"Very clearly. I remember how much I wished to dance with you. How beautiful you looked. That was the day when I realized you had taken my heart."

A very noticeable blush dusted her cheeks, "I think... I was too frazzled at the time to take too much notice, but deep down, I knew." She stifled a laugh, "This might sound silly, but I think it started the day we made amends. When you escorted me to my room... tilted my chin up so I could look into your eyes..." Blushing ever so slightly himself, Loki tilted her chin up as he had done before. His chest filled with warmth looking at his love. Leaning down closer to her face, he whispered into her ear, "Come with me."

He took her further down the courtyard, to the place where they had danced all those months ago. Where the snow had blanketed Jennica's hair, and the slow waltz enveloped them.

"That was... such a strange night." Jennica muttered, thinking of all the feelings that had filled her heart in the few minutes of being in Loki's arms.

"It was... but I would do it all again just to be with you. I would not be who I am today. Although I have lost nearly everything over the past years, you have become everything to me. Everything." He took her hands in his, the expression on his face flashing with a million memories. He laughed, "I could never forget the look on your face when you first laid eyes on me. My illusion of Odin gave way to my real appearance, and your eyes grew as wide as saucers." He chuckled saying these words, "And despite my arrogance, you still saw room in your heart to find me somewhat bearable."

"It wasn't easy at first." Jennica admitted, remembering his prideful actions, "You teased me relentlessly in the beginning."

"But then you opened my eyes, and I saw you." He cupped her face, his voice fading to a whisper, "The woman I love now."

Their eyes locked and met, the breeze rustling their hair. Loki's eyes sparkled with a rush of sudden emotion and excitement that Jennica had never seen in him before. He pulled a rose out from behind his back, making Jennica smile in surprise as she took it in her hands, being careful not to prick her fingers on the thorns lining the stem.

"It's beautiful." She muttered, her eyes glistening at the memory of the last time Loki had handed her a rose.

"Darling," Loki began, taking the rose off of the stem and putting it in her hair, "May I have this dance?"

She could not deny for even a second the lopsided smirk and the raised eyebrows. She nodded as her smile grew wider, letting him sweep her away. There was no music, yet they danced in perfect unison, the thump of their hearts being the beat in time. What song would have been playing was in their minds to the depths of their soul.

The dance continued until a slowed stop. Jennica rested her head on Loki's chest as he swayed her from side to side, their hands still clasped together.

"I promise you this, Jennica my love," Loki whispered, "no matter what happens or what we go through, I will always be strong for you. I will be your foundation and shoulder to cry on. I love you so much."

"I love you too." Jennica responded, tears pooling in her eyes at his words. Her right hand intertwined with Loki's, and his thumb rubbed the back of hers.

"Loki..." Jennica suddenly asked sheepishly, breaking the sudden tender silence.

"Yes, Jennica?" Loki answered back in bliss.

"Why, out of all people you could have chosen, did you fall for me? You could have the hand of any princess. I'm sure of it. Not one of them could have resisted your charms."

"My dear... my butterfly..." Loki began, meeting her eyes again, "haven't you discovered that answer already? You are different from those princesses and noblewomen. You are different from them because you have everything they and I lack. Simplicity, humility, patience, peace, and countless other virtues. I didn't just fall for you. I love you. I love you so deeply and dearly—"

"You don't need to speak anymore about me..."

"Oh, but I'm not finished. I won't stop praising you until the day I die! I love you for every single thing you do. I love all of your silly faults and heroic traits, and I wouldn't dare stop praising you there. What you have done for me is more than anyone else has ever done. More than anyone could expect for someone who least deserves forgiveness. No matter how ignorant or insignificant you might feel in moments that you don't understand, I still benefit from the wisdom of growing and learning in such a different environment from me. You taught me how to love... you taught it to someone who had very nearly forgotten. You saved me... and I am eternally grateful." Loki stopped and opened his eyes, not even realizing he had closed them being so deeply trapped in his thoughts. His eyes opened to meet her brown ones again, becoming lost in their radiance.

"I won't be insecure ever again, Loki..." she leaned into his arms, pressing her cheek, wet from tears, into his surprisingly warm chest.

"Well, I would hope not," Loki stated with a serious frown on his face as he gently pushed her away, "because I would love if you would do me the honor—" he paused and knelt on one knee, "of becoming my wife."

Jennica's breath caught in her throat with a lump she could not swallow. She was more than aware of the chance of being asked, but it still overwhelmed her with emotions that swirled in her head like a whirlwind. Overcome with shock and joy, Jennica nodded, feeling the tears blur her vision to watch as Loki stood, taking her in his arms, trembling. Their entwined hands made their way up to caress each other's cheeks.

"My love..." Loki breathed out, placing a long, tender kiss on Jennica's forehead. A few tears dripped down from his eyes as a shaky smile tugged at his lips. He overflowed with joy.