Clodagh stood beside her sister as she declared her love for Hogun to the realm, reciting the words of marital bond as the ribbon was tied around their wrists and they became husband and wife. The usually stoic warrior looking at her lovingly as she spoke, telling Clodagh that he was perfect for her sister, it was clear to see, he worshipped the ground she stood on. It made her all the happier. She looked to those gathered. Thor was officiating the ceremony, something he had been honoured to do, since being named officially as the Crowned Prince on the announcement of his engagement to Princess Kaitlyn. Volstagg and Fandral stood beside Hogun and Clodagh and Regina beside Amelia.

Regina, to Clodagh's shock, did not abandon her friendship but decided that she was all the more in need of non-judgemental people around her. Her ability to look past Regina's often criticised appearance and befriend her, to begin with, was all that the other princess wanted or needed to know apparently. She insisted on helping Clodagh to get used to etiquette and other such things. The pair spoke quietly to one another as Amelia gave them a warning look and the pair erupted in giggles as she did so, trying to look innocent, but failing miserably.

It was then that her attention came to Loki, who was standing nearby, with her family, Liam beside him, making a comment that it would be them soon enough, Loki grinning more at the thought.

The day was pleasant, Amelia and Hogun were not overly overt people, so they had a small affair with their families and closest friends. The meal was pleasant, and after came a small party. Loki and Clodagh were never far from each other the entire time. They did dance with others and speak with people, but they were not far from each other. When the bride and groom were being led from the hall for the night, Loki wrapped his hands around his fiance's waist.

'That will be us soon.'

'If I ever get this princess stuff sorted.' Clodagh commented back.

'I have it on good authority you are doing exceedingly well.'

'Your source is lying to you.' Loki chuckled. 'I am just…'

'Do not let it overwhelm you, my beautiful Clodagh, wait and see, it will not matter in the end.'

'Why?' She asked, turning to look at him in concern.

'Because as soon as we say our vows, you and I are heading away.' She frowned at him. He guided her to a window to the far side of the room and pointed to the distance. 'Can you see the mountain, shaped like an arrowhead?'

'Yes.'

'There is a palace there, in the wilderness, surrounded by only a small village, it is our agricultural land, and you and I are going there for a time, with Rua and Mortimer of course, and we are going to enjoy a life free of the palace, royal roles and duties, and who knows what else.'

'What are you implying?'

'I see you with your nephews and nieces…'

'You want little troublemakers?'

'Hmm, plural?

'Do you?'

'With you, yes. I want a small army of terrorising little half-elven children knees grazed as they run through the bushes chasing some poor animal they want to "save".'

'And using their seidr to turn a younger sibling into a rabbit to play "animal rescue" with.'

Loki laughed, 'Norns, yes. That sounds like utter bliss to me, what about you?'

She smiled and bit her lips together. 'Is four too many for you?'

'Light Elves like big families.' She nodded. 'I will bow to what you request on that matter, though I do not think we should set a number until you have endured a pregnancy. It may alter your feelings on the subject.'

'As long as they are legitimate.'

'If they were not, I would not deny them, I would not treat them differently, I would love them and declare to the worlds that I am their father and I love their mother, and dare them to say anything against them.' Loki declared. 'Besides, it is hardly a deterrent when the most incredible woman I have ever met is…well' He gave her a loving smile.

Since the open declaration of the old law that allowed for Clodagh to be deemed legitimate, she and Loki seemed to speak more about the fact she was not born so, as a way to work through Clodagh's self-esteem issues. It was working, very slowly. She seemed to accept herself a little more every day.

'No.'

Loki put her hair behind her ear. 'In all fairness, there is little risk of it happening, we have behaved ourselves.'

'Thus far.'

'True.' Loki conceded.

Clodagh hardly noticed Loki enter the room. 'Hello, my dear.' She did not turn to look at him. 'Clodagh?'

She turned slightly, not looking at him, instead keeping her gaze of Mortimer, who was falling asleep after a meal of grubs. 'Hi.'

'Hey, is everything okay? Is it something to do with the wedding?' Loki asked worriedly.

As they readied themselves for the wedding, Loki was concerned by the severe lack of cold feet he was certain Clodagh would get.

'My sister has decided to ruin everything.'

Loki frowned. He knew she was after meeting her sister for the first time in six months, Amelia and Hogun having spent a month in Asgard after their wedding before going to Vanaheim for half a year. 'Is she not coming?'

'No, she is coming, she is, after all, my chief bridesmaid.'

'Then what is the issue?'

'The dresses I had the dressmaker make.'

'Yes?'

'Guess who got pregnant on her wedding night? How terribly inconsiderate of her.' Clodagh beamed. 'My sister is having a baby.'

Loki thought for a moment that Clodagh was legitimately upset with Amelia regarding her pregnancy, but seeing her bounce slightly in excitement made him realise she had been joking. 'Another niece or nephew to favour you over the others.'

'Didn't you hear, Uncle Loki is the best uncle, he does magic.' She smiled.

'Forget our little army, we have a legion of nieces and nephews.' Loki grinned, putting his arms around her. 'So you do not mind your sister taking some of your thunder?'

'Not at all, I am just so happy that she is happy. They are so excited, I hope….if it comes to us…that we are as happy.'

'We will be, wait and see.'