Hey guys, thanks for being so patient once again and I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long for this. This is a little treat for you, I know I normally take forever on updates but I think you'll love this one here.
There is a time skip here in this chapter, to where Loki and Thor have been given enough time to advance themselves in their own worlds. Odin and Thor will start us off, and then we will go to Loki and Laufey before our sweet brothers are reunited again towards the end.
I don't own the Marvel characters.
Enjoy!
Asgard, Council Meeting Room:
"That shall conclude our meeting for today gentlemen; we will send word to the other realms of the newly established trade agreements and wait for their response at our next meet. Good day."
"Good day Allfather." the councilmen bowed to Odin. Thor was about to exit with the men when he was stopped at the door.
"Stay behind Thor, we must speak."
"Yes father." the two men waited for the rest of the council to leave, and Odin dismissed the guards to wait outside. "Is anything wrong?" Odin shook his head and pushed his scrolls away.
"I just wanted to tell you how proud I am. You've made great progress these last few years, you have matured greatly." Thor smiled slightly.
"Thank you father." it was true, ever since his last visit to Jotunheim Thor had striven to make himself a better prince and therefore a better future king. After Odin had fallen into the Odinsleep Thor ruled Asgard for three months, and in those three months he managed to keep the peace well with the other realms. He did have help, but he made it through until his father woke again and took back the throne. Thor had since then attended council meetings, studied the laws better with some help from Loki's advising letters, he cut down on training but he made time by the end of the day to have some practice.
"Your friends have told me they don't recognize you at times, but they are amazed." Thor grinned.
"Their support helps a great bit."
"Support from Loki does as well." Odin knew the two princes kept contact through letters. He was happy Loki still cared enough for Thor to help him become a better king.
"There is another matter at hand, and I'm sure your mother has brought it up at least once." Thor thought for a minute.
"You're speaking of…?" he didn't need to finish as Odin nodded.
"You are at that age where you should be ready to choose a wife, a future queen to rule at your side when you are crowned king. As firstborn you are free to choose for yourself, but you must also realize that whomever you pick must be a great choice not just for you but also for Asgard."
"Yes I have been receiving courting letters from many, but father I fear I am not ready to take a wife." Odin gave a light chuckle.
"Fear not my son, I was in your very position long ago when I met your mother. Did I ever tell you how we met?" Thor shook his head. "As it turns out, we met here at the palace. Your grandfather Bor knew I couldn't just choose any particular woman, so he arranged a ball for me to see all the eligible women ready for marriage. I danced and talked with many and I was terribly nervous, but when I saw Frigga…it was love at first sight." Thor gave another light grin.
"Mother did say something about that, but she never went into details."
"We danced most of the ball, and when it quieted down we found a private area to talk. She was expected to marry someone else, but she begged her family to let her come to the ball and she didn't expect to fall in love with me of all people. Her parents were reluctant at first, but when they realized she could become my queen they agreed."
"You married…a year after?"
"Yes, as pertains to our courtship rules. You will have an entire year to court the one you choose, and to be honest I have been receiving countless requests from kings and queens for their daughters and sons to meet you. That is why tomorrow evening we will be hosting a ball for you." Thor's eyes widened.
"A ball so soon? Father is that wise?"
"This will be just a start son, you don't have to choose anyone just yet. This will give you options on whom your bride shall be, whether it be a woman or a man of noble class, you can decide but you only have until the end of the month to pick someone." the prince paled slightly.
"That's in seven days." Odin nodded.
"I wish we could've done something sooner, but due to the recent events our time has been withheld greatly. Royal guests will be there from all realms, including Jotunheim."
"Jotunheim…Loki will be there?" Odin smiled.
"I sent word to Laufey days ago, he has agreed that Loki is ready to take a husband or wife. This will also be a chance for others to pick marital partners, not just you so let's hope this works out for all."
"But father some of the realms are untrusting of Jotunheim."
"Do you not wish to see Loki again?"
"Of course I do but…there are still some who would despise him for reasons not his fault." Odin placed a hand on Thor's shoulder.
"Loki has advanced to where he can defend himself, he is a strong prince and he'll have Helbindi and Angrboda with him. Your mother is glad to have him coming; she's preparing a room for him now as we speak." Thor couldn't help but let his eyes show his excitement, he was happy he'd be able to see Loki again, but then a thought came to him.
"Father…you said man or woman, yet most men from other realms cannot give birth other than Jotunheim, Alfheim, and Svartalfheim. You know I've never…" Odin stopped him.
"That's enough for now, don't think on it too much because you might give yourself a headache. Go on now, you've done enough for today."
"Very well." Thor wanted to say more, but left anyway. He would go see the Warriors Three; they would no doubt be in the sparring arena. Thor couldn't help but feel happy that he could see Loki again, in the past two years he'd been so busy all he could do was write. He missed Loki more each day, but his letters gave comfort.
"Ah Thor!" Volstagg was the first to greet him when he stepped outside. "How was the meeting?"
"Dull as usual, but all is still well within the realms." Thor sat on a bench, Fandral and Hogun came over to the two.
"Care to spar for a bit Thor? You look like you could use a good one." Thor waved his hand.
"No thanks my friend, I'm currently thinking of tomorrow evening."
"Ahh." Fandral smirked. "Thinking of a possible new queen perhaps?" Thor laughed.
"No, but we will see. I dare say some of the ladies might wish for your company more than mine Fandral."
"Ah yes, I shall comfort all you send to the rejects my prince." the blonde bowed and Volstagg just shoved him slightly. "What?"
"You know all those women will be far too stuffy and pristine to look at you Dashing. They'll want the bigger fish." he winked at Thor. "Besides…Loki will be there."
"Loki? He's coming here?" Hogun spoke at last.
"Yes, father invited him and his…brother Helbindi to come. It will be good to see him again."
"That's grand! We'll get to speak with him at the ball."
"True, but you all have to admit Loki looked quite fetching last time we saw him." Thor glared at Fandral. "Forgive me Thor, I only meant he looked well. Who's to say he'll look better when he arrives tonight."
"T-Tonight…?" Thor paled again.
"Yes most of the guests are arriving tonight or tomorrow morning, didn't your father tell you?" Thor sighed and rubbed his forehead.
"No he didn't, now I won't be able to think straight until this evening." he placed his face in his hands.
"Cheer up Thor, it's not like you don't know Loki. It's only been a few years since you've seen him."
"I know, and I've gotten letters from him but guh!" Thor leaned back. "Just so frustrating how my father still surprises me even now." the warriors three all laughed or smiled at their nervous friend.
"Eh don't worry my prince, we will keep a watch out for you." Fandral patted his back.
"Sif will also be there." Hogun said.
"Sif?" Thor looked up.
"Yes, her parents are both gone but she still qualifies as a noble lady. I have no doubts she will try and talk to you." Thor groaned, he was by no means interested in Sif. In the past two years she'd kept her distance, but he caught her giving him longing looks only to glare back and she'd walk away. He suspected she still wanted to reconcile, but after all the things she said about Loki he couldn't forgive her.
"I have no interests in her, never will again." Thor stood. "I think I'll go find my mother, at the very least she'll know what's expected of me at this ball."
"Will we see you for a spar later?" Thor clapped Volstagg's shoulder.
"After dinner my friend, will that do?"
"Of course! See you at dinner." his friends waved goodbye and Thor made his way towards his mother's favorite gardens. It was filled with beautiful white rose bushes and yellow tulips, ones that she and Loki both grew together when he was small. He found her on a stone bench reading a book with her maids, and when they looked up at him he gave a kind smile.
"Hello ladies, might I steal away your queen for a few moments?" the maids giggled at his politeness.
"Excuse me girls." Frigga stood and went to hug her son. "What can your mother do for you dear?"
"I require your assistance, I'm afraid I don't know a lot about dancing." Frigga smirked.
"You never stuck around for lessons, so you're ready for a dance with a possible future wife?"
"Yes, and I have until tomorrow evening to learn. Will you assist your son?" all the maids giggled again.
"Of course I shall, come follow me to the queen's quarters." Thor graciously held out his arm and she took it. "Ladies come." the girls followed after their prince and queen, and Thor knew he was in for a long afternoon.
Meanwhile in Jotunheim:
"Prince Loptr why not take this one instead?" Loki turned around to see Amora holding up a green and gold skirt with a dark brown fur to go over his shoulders.
"I've worn that before, I need something new." the Jotun prince was ecstatic about returning to Asgard, after two long years he would finally get to see Thor and his mother again even if for just one day. He was trying to choose an ensemble for the ball tomorrow evening, and so far nothing felt right.
"My lord we've gone through almost everything you own, and yet you still cannot choose." she laughed and tossed the garments onto the already covered bed. "Why not…" a sudden flashback came and Amora gasped.
"What?" Loki stared as a smile broke through.
"I think I might have something, but I'll need to speak to the king to get it."
"No need." both mages turned around to see Laufey in the doorway holding a large chest made of white stone and silver. "I could hear your rummaging all the way in the throne room, so I went to get this." he set it down on the floor.
"What is it?" Loki stared at the chest with curiosity.
"It's filled with your mother's clothing and jewels, including the very same ones she wore on our wedding day." Laufey opened the chest and Loki could hear the sounds of clothing moving about and jewelry clinking together. "This…" Laufey pulled out a dark blue robe set with silver trimming, and at the sleeves it had snowflake patterns and at the bottom of the skirt. "She wore this the first day we met."
"It's…it's lovely." Loki touched the material, it was soft and smooth.
"Try it on." Loki carefully took the robes and put them on with Amora's help. They fit perfectly, Amora had told him he was about the same height as his mother and the same form.
"Comfortable too." Loki looked up and saw tears in his father's eyes, but they didn't fall. "Father?"
"You look just like her, so much like her." Loki suddenly felt a little guilty about his excitement.
"I…I would like to wear it to the ball." it was old, but Jotuns hardly cared on the latest fashion, most of their clothing looked the same anyway.
"You can, and wear these with it." Laufey pulled some jewels from the chest, a silver crown with blue diamonds, matching manacles with emeralds included, and a large necklace to go with it all. "These were made for her as a gift, I believe she would want you to wear them."
"F-Father I…" now Loki felt incredibly guilty, he was wearing his mother's robes and would be wearing her jewels too. Laufey had loved her so much, and Loki wasn't sure if he could ever live up to her own status as a powerful ice mage.
"Do not fret my son, my memories of her are treasures for me. She wanted to give you these on your wedding day, but I think you should use them to find yourself a mate." Loki took the jewels but let Amora pack them.
"Father…I'm not ready to find a mate. I haven't even had my first heat yet." Loki's body had adjusted to Jotunheim's temperatures, but he still had yet to go into heat as a normal Jotun.
"I have looked into this, it seems until you find a mate you will not have a heat. It's a rare case in the male mages so at least we won't have to worry about unnecessary battles. Your brothers will look after you in Asgard, while I must remain here."
"I thought Byleistr was staying behind?"
"He will be returning after he escorts you to the Bifrost location, but he wants to be sure you'll be safe even with Helbindi and Amora." Loki let go of his guilt and went to embrace Laufey. Laufey returned it and stroked his hair.
"You don't have to pick a mate yet my son, this will mostly be about our people mending ways with Asgard." Loki blushed slightly. "Of course it's mostly thanks to you."
"Father please…" not in front of Amora.
"Hush, now you'd best finish packing you're due to leave soon." Laufey had received word from Asgard days ago about the ball, and while he was extremely reluctant to let Loki go he knew it meant a lot to his youngest. In the past two years the boy had grown in his skills, and became even more of a jewel to the people of Jotunheim like his mother. His magic strengthened and he now possessed new skills that could easily make him enemies or friends anywhere, but his silvertongue nature remained intact. His people adored him, and while most seemed interested in courting the boy his brothers and father prevented it.
"Are you sure you won't come?" Loki didn't want to leave Laufey alone, even if Byleistr was staying behind. They'd grown much closer since he began living here, even Byleistr had warmed up to him more.
"I must remain behind, but I'll be fine." Laufey touched Loki's blue cheek. "It's you I worry for."
"I can hold my own now father."
"True, but not all Aesir have warmed up to our newfound peace. I can only hope the Odinson will watch over you if needed." Loki blushed again.
"It will be good to see him again."
"Alright, finish up and I'll see you at the gates." Laufey left the room and left the chest at the foot of Loki's bed. Loki changed out of the robes and carefully folded them into his bag. Amora started packing the rest, and soon enough Loki was ready to leave. He was eager to see Asgard again, though his guard was up high as it would continue to be.
"That should be everything, let's go." Amora was a bit nervous, she'd never gone to Asgard before and she worried about the warriors. Loki assured her she would be safe with him and Helbindi, he wouldn't let anyone get near her.
Laufey and Loki's brothers met them at the gate, along with several guards to escort them to Asgard. Amora blushed when she saw Helbindi, and he gave a kind smile. Neither would admit it, but it was obvious they liked each other more than prince and maid.
"Are you ready?" Byleistr eyed the one bag Loki carried on him.
"I am, we are." Laufey and Loki exchanged one last hug.
"Take care of yourself, all of you."
"We will my king." Amora bowed.
"Let's be off then, the Allfather is expecting us." Byleistr spoke and the group got into position. "At your liege gatekeeper." a beam of light shot down from the sky, and they were taken away to the gates of the Bifrost.
"Welcome to Asgard." Heimdall greeted them.
"Hello Heimdall." Loki nodded his head.
"Greeting Prince Loptr, Prince Helbindi, Prince Byleistr and Lady Amora." he nodded at the guards. "Your escorts shall be here momentarily."
"Thank you." Loki gazed out at the scene through the gates.
The beautiful city of Asgard shined at the end of the bridge, it hadn't changed much since Loki was last here. He could see the top of the castle gleaming in the sunlight; it was still as glorious as ever. Speaking of glory though, Loki saw coming down the large bridge were five horses, and on a few of them he recognized the faces. He recognized them as the main guards the Einjerhar, four of them, and in the middle with them was none other than Thor Odinson.
I admit this didn't turn out quite like I wanted, but with the craziness going on right now I don't have a good track until the next chapter.
Speaking of which, next chapter we have our big ball for Loki and the other realms. Loki gets to see Thor and Frigga again, but is all going to go well? Drama will come, but we'll see more of Loki's new powers and a little something in store for our former brothers.
R&R
Later!