Thank you all for waiting for this! I know it has been awhile but it is finally here! Only 1-2 chapters before we are actually into the Thor movie. 3
Loki had made a decision quite quickly after Ingemar's first mission and that was to trust her wholeheartedly which although stressful at first, made the time he had with her far more special and relaxing. It took a few decades but they found a rhythm that worked for the two. Ingemar was currently away trying to help a sick village, which Loki took as his opportunity. He had slunk into the market, having shifted his appearance to come off as far more plain features that were generic in Asgard with grey clothes as to not give away his normal colouring. Loki pretended to be interested in some of the market stalls until he got to the shop he was truly interested in.
After the first mission, Loki had been plagued with a lot of thoughts regarding himself and Ingemar which led him to easily come to a decision. He was able to trust her wholeheartedly, which at the time may have been stressful, ended up in his favor since now he knew that he wanted to be with her. He treasured the moments at which
It was the goldsmith and silversmith. They were a lovely couple that was renowned for making quite a bit of jewellery; especially for the Asgardian royalty. Loki had messaged ahead for a private appointment with them but would rather no one knew. After arriving to the shop, he shut the door, glad to see the windows were already covered by curtains as he dropped the transformation.
"Ah Prince Loki. To what do we owe this pleasure of the meeting?" The goldsmith questioned as she hobbled over. She was quite old, far older than Odin. Loki had heard there was a new apprentice but they were not in sight as he nodded to the silversmith who was not much younger than the Goldsmith working hard at his desk.
"Well, I was hoping to get a ring made."
"Any specific type?"
"Well yes. It is for someone close to me. I want this ring to be perfect. Hence why I came here. "
The woman smiled as she raised a brow at him and gestured towards following her in the backroom. It was a small sitting room with a pot of tea and gorgeous wooden chair with navy cushions. Loki sat down as the old woman sat on her own chair.
"So what I am hearing is you would like an engagement ring, yes?"
Loki stiffened when he heard this. Although, yes that was exactly what he wanted… saying the word made it all that much realer. "Uh- yes. I know it may not typically be a tradition here but Ingemar has mentioned that her father learned specifically how to as a show of his commitment. Ingemar keeps them to this day with all her family heirlooms. I do not have the patience or skill for that, but still would like to do something."
"I remember… he was terrible at first but eventually made the ring work but i would still never recommend that career to him." The woman smiled as she leaned over and patted his knee. "I'll admit I had not expected this any time soon but I am more than glad to do this. And the wedding rings. Tell me about her."
"She's a healer for Asgard; leading the group with her research but helps with the ill as needed; honestly she spends so much time reading and gathering herbs." Smiling Loki began to continue getting more excited. "She's quite shy compared to most but cares for all Asgardians; willing to put herself on the line for them. Loves water and has a sharp side if you cross her."
Loki began to continue but was stopped by the Goldsmith holding up a hand and smiled at him. "I see, so something practical and likely modest." The goldsmith had a smirk on her face as she started moving her pencil over a page.
"I suppose." Loki offered knowing he'd much prefer something to show Ingemar was marrying into the Royal bloodline.
"We wouldn't want it to get in the way during her work after all. In fact you may want to enchant it with protections."
"Protections?"
"Yes: after all she will be working with various chemicals and liquids, yes? Gold is strong but still has weaknesses. As does everything in this world."
Loki leaned back and relaxed some. Of course, it wasn't as if the Goldsmith would doubt Ingemar… she rarely knew her and if a Prince was saying they're strong well who would question it?
"Of course." Loki spoke as the Goldsmith handed over the book. Already there was a few sketches.
"What about something like this?"
Loki spent a few hours going over the design before he felt content to return home. Even then he was planning on writing tomorrow on if the design was to his pleasure. It was dark out and he felt no need to cloak himself for no one was out. Most at home with their families or at the taverns. As he came back, he noticed that Odin was still with Thor talking over royal duties in a map room. Loki paused as he listened in while cloaking himself. This was strange, and it fascinated him.
"-as a potential king, you need to know the strategy. Therefore, we will practice chess at least once a week to work on this skill with the additional training."
Loki's stomach dropped as he heard this. Why on Earth was Odin talking about future king traits without him. Deciding he was being dramatic, Loki decided to hold off on the information for a week or so since perhaps Odin was waiting to talk with Loki too.
However, that seemed wrong as Loki found Odin was constantly now pulling Thor away for different things. This annoyed Loki as he spent more time in the library at a corner spot. He was currently curled over a book trying to read as he felt a pair of arms wrap around his body.
"Hello love." he heard in his ear as Loki smiled, a tension leaving his shoulders as Ingemar rested her head on his.
"Welcome back my dear." Loki responded as he shut his book, leaning back in his chair as he basked in the attention. "Is everything done?"
"As much as I could do, yes." Ingemar mumbled against his hair as he felt the warm breath against his hair; it tickled a bit. "I thought you had lessons at this time of day?"
Loki sucked in a breath, the stress returning as he let out a deep breath before responding politely. "I think father is focusing on Thor for the moment."
"Probably catching your brother up to where you are in your lessons."
"Think so?"
"You do learn quicker than Thor and we both know he acts before thinking." Ingemar assured him as she stood up. "Now, I must go bathe so I can look presentable for dinner." Deciding to let loose, Loki stood up as he smirked at the auburn beauty in front of him. Before she could ask what he was planning, Loki threw her over his shoulder and began walking to the room.
"Loki!" Ingemar spoke out in a fit of laughter as she clung to his body as her uncle threw them a glare for being loud as the two headed out of the room.
"It is a gentleman's guide to escort a lady to her room." Loki teased as she burst into laughter once more as they walked past the room Odin and Thor were in as Ingemar gave a small wave before they arrived into Loki's chambers. Within a few moments, Ingemar was in the water as Loki was stripping to join her. He sunk in the water with a delighted sigh as he leaned his back on Ingemar's chest.
"I missed you."
"I missed you too Loki." Ingemar spoke as she nuzzled her face against his shoulder as she let out a heavy sigh. "You know, I can't believe I'm saying it but I miss our lessons. You were fantastic helping me out with my magic."
"We can always start those up again."
"You're busy though. Especially preparing to see who's taking the throne."
"I'll always make time for you." Teasing, he leaned back. "And I'm sure I could find it in me to boss you around as we spar again."
Without a doubt, he could tell she crinkled her nose; knowing that she did not like that aspect. "Do that and I'm drowning you." Ingemar teased him right back as he laughed.
It was later that year when Loki was interrupted during tea with his mother.
"Your highness, I'm sorry to interrupt but I highly recommend you both get to the throne room immediately."
"Why?"
"Lady Ingemar and Prince Thor are having a disagreement and I'm afraid it'll get physical soon and All Father may not stop it right away."
Without waiting, Loki ran down the halls as he heard Ingemar's voice midway. It was strange to hear such a loud voice coming from her.
"How dare you speak to the All Father in that tone!" Thor's voice boomed as Loki pushed through to get there soon.
"I challenge him for I see how wrong this is. Why does it seem fair for us to discuss these matters without the other heir? You're not declared to be next in line yet Thor and so your FATHER should give the same respect to you as your BROTHER. I don't need to be his partner just to see how this is."
"As for the original topic, you need to understand that your method is downright cruel and unusual punishment."
"They deserve this!"
"What on Asgard is going on here?" Loki heard as Frigga stepped in, walking to her husband before sitting down.
"There's a mysterious ailment that is going through the Frost Giants. I had been giving Thor the chance to strategize a solution but Lady Ingemar heard about this during her last mission and has some different opinions to which she came to discuss."
"I see. Thor, what is yours?"
"We cannot give our resources to the Frost Giants when other groups deserve it more. They've caused nothing but strife for Asgardians through our rule over them." Thor proudly spoke as he looked at his mother like a child showing off a catch. "Now in fact would be the perfect time to remind them that we are in charge."
"And Ingemar?"
"Your highness, I simply pointed out that this isn't some scenario that could be redone if Thor is wrong- lives of the worlds we rule and protect over can be at risk. Plus for something like this, shouldn't BOTH princes be included in the discussion or given the same rights. It seems awfully that All Father has been favoring Thor lately; even people on the streets are discussing this.
I am a healer of Asgard, and i cannot consciously stand by to let the Jotunn die because of an old battle. We've seen time and time again how ruling with fear does NOT work. We wouldn't want the next heir to believe in this method, now do we? After all that could cause many deaths and problems." Ingemar spoke as she shot Odin a knowing look as Loki raised a brow.
"If we show the Jotunn we want to help with their crisis, then perhaps we can build a relationship on trust like most of the others are so they don't want to attack us."
Ingemar crossed her arms as Thor glared at her. "They've done nothing to earn our trust!"
"We savagely attacked them! As an orphan, I can tell you I'd be just as hesitant to trust those who wiped my family out. Make the first move to help them and we can work on sustaining a future relationship. Do it your way and they'll rebel after all, we stole one of their prized possessions and their planet is dying because of it."
"This is different!"
"I agree with Ingemar." Loki spoke as he stepped forward.
"You're saying that since she's your partner." Thor bit out, angrily. "Have your own thoughts."
"Unlike you, I can separate my feelings from business. Asgard has been trying to establish peaceful relationships so why should we not do the same with the Fros- Jotunn? Work smarter now. Perhaps we could show them that we want to help them and make a deal to help their world."
"We shouldn't waste resources."
"The healers aren't that busy and if you're that set on it I'll go by myself."
"Father you will not send Ingemar alone. She may need support and if there are a few who are still displeased by our actions it isn't safe."
Thor snorted as Ingemar glared at him, before looking at Odin. "Well Father?"
"After looking at all sides, I think we should send Ingemar to see what we can do to help."
"You've got to be kidding me!" Thor stormed out as Ingemar kept looking forward at Odin. "You've got three days to come out with a solution."
"All Father, I need at least a week to diag-"
"Three days and you may head over tomorrow." Turning to Loki, he nodded. "Loki we will meet tomorrow. For now I need to speak to Ingemar in private."
Loki hesitantly nodded as he went to the hallway as he heard briefly that "what we discuss here may never be spoken to anyone".
He raised a brow but knew that Ingemar would not be willing to share the information. Instead, he chose to go see his brother where he hoped he was. Sure enough, Thor had gone to one of the lounge rooms where he was already drinking alcohol. Seeing, his brother, Thor scoffed.
"The little wife send you here?"
" ' Course not." Loki remarked as he took a seat beside his brother. "Also she's not my wife."
"Might as well be."
"Are you jealous?" Loki teased as he poured himself a drink.
Thor sighed as he leaned back against the couch. "Maybe. I just find it annoying that Father would listen to her over his own son." In outrage he threw his nearly empty bottle to the nearby wall as it shattered. Loki cringed. "How did she even know?"
"I think she heard the last time she had been working on people. We aren't the only ones who have to travel through the Bifrost for various reasons." Loki tried to hide his smile since he knew Thor wouldn't like it. "I understand where you're coming from- after all Father lost his eye there but can we always keep the bad blood?"
"Yes." Thor snapped as he grabbed another drink. "Maybe. Why should we start helping them after almost a millennium of not doing it?"
"A new generation should always work to be better than their predecessors. We are in a time of peace with almost everyone." Loki reasoned. "I do admit, Ingemar probably should have sat down to discuss it with you first since it seemed that Father was letting you take the lead on these things as of late. Maybe this rushing in action is just from all the years you've rubbed off on her."
"Me rubbing off on her?" Thor questioned.
"Course. Brother, surely you must see that you are one of her dearest friends. The amount of times she's privately yelled me out when I go too far with you is more than I could possibly count right now. She's become far more open lately." Loki smirked. "Besides, I do need assistance in helping keep your ego in check."
"Ha! You're one to talk." Thor bickered as he smiled. "I've seen how you get preening yourself."
"Fair." Loki reasoned as he took a long drink. It seemed like Thor was in a more positive spirit now and starting to come down to reason. There was an awkward silence for a moment before Thor asked.
"So, she's really not yet your wife? That makes me feel far better knowing you didn't forget my invitation for the wedding."
"Not yet." Loki responded, a smirk on his face as he looked down. "I do promise you'd know."
Thor took a moment to gasp as he pointed his hand to Loki. "You're planning on formally asking her soon, aren't you? Aren't you!?" He was grinning ear to ear.
"Please do lower your voice." Loki hissed as he slapped his brother's arm. "I still haven't even formally talked to her family about this, or ours. Let alone the formal discussions about dowry."
"You don't need a dowry, though."
"It's still the proper procedure. I'm trying to keep things to the letter while adding her family traditions."
"Family traditions?"
"Her father custom made her mother's rings to show just how willing he'd learn something else for her. Ingemar loved this story and then was in Midgard and heard of some Archduke making a ring to show the engagement and wouldn't stop going on about it. So I'm going in that direction."
Thor was smiling as he leaned over. "You're serious about this."
"I am."
"About time, brother. Honestly, I thought i was going to have to ask mother to try and prod you. You've basically been glued at the hip for your whole life. Many people were starting to wonder if your relationship was a ruse."
"Asgardians live long lives and we did only start our relationships in our early years. Half the people would say we are rushing into things if we were to get together now."
"But if you're happy, then celebrate your happiness."
"You're not worried about being a third wheel, are you?"
"Course not. If I was, I'd tell you." That was the truth since Thor was very vocal about all of his issues. Smiling Loki pulled his brother into a one armed hug.
"You do know I would include you in that, right? Just because you aren't likely to ever settle down doesn't mean we won't stop being brothers and close."
Thor laughed as he hugged onto Loki while grinning. "Of course, and you are going to name your first child after me, right?"
"In your dreams."
It was late in the evening, nearing midnight as Ingemar decided to walk towards the Bifrost. The conversation with Odin weighed heavily on her but not nearly as much as the one with Thor. He was so upset with her and it bothered Ingemar greatly. They rarely fought this seriously. She ran a hand through her hair before tugging her jacket closer to her. Although it wasn't cold quite yet, it would be when she arrived on Jotunheim. Odin had told her she could head over tomorrow and decided that it would be best to come over right at midnight to begin.
Heimdall had already been aware so he was going to meet her there; after all he guided the area constantly with his support only coming during his chosen break times; which were far and few between.
As she was walking, she heard a voice calling to her. Glancing back, she noticed Thor running towards her as she slowed down.
"Ingemar-"
"Thor if you are going to try and convince me to not go, you can stop now or I will throw you into the lake."
"That's not your style."
"No, it's yours and I will use it against you. After all, we both know who's at an advantage around all this water."
"I just came to talk." Ingemar raised a brow as she gestured for him to continue. "I realized that we both could have handled today better. I just think about how we had to force the Frost Giants into peace after they tried attacking Midgard and it makes me doubt them. We had gotten word but it just felt like a trap."
"Well if it is, then that's my mistake and I'll listen to you next time." Ingemar responded. "But I just will not sit by and let someone suffer for our pride."
Thor nodded slowly as he smiled at her. "If you'd like I'll come-"
"No, All Father requested that it was for me and me alone." Ingemar spoke. "I need to go; it's nearing midnight and i want all the time possible. We can talk more about this."
Ingemar turned around as she went into the Bifrost.
"Ingemar wait!" Thor called out as she glanced back. "Be careful. I hate when Loki is all upset. He gets moody and unpredictable. It's annoying on a good day. Worse if you're hurt."
Ingemar chuckled as she nodded and headed out. When she passed through the Bi-Frost she was immediately in front of the ruler of Jotunheim as she tensed up. The giants were much larger than her as she immediately bowed. "King Laufey."
"State your presence Asgardian." he asked, with spears and other weapons pointed at her.
"My name is Ingemar, I am one of the prime healers in Asgard. I heard you have an ailment spreading through your citizens and offer my assistance."
"How do I know Odin hadn't sent you to kill them?" he hissed, leaning closer.
"All Father Odin would have sent more if that were the case. I had to fight to get the right to come here. Please, I was only given three days and if you were to think that I am against you, you may do what you may with me." Ingemar knew it sounded like a plea as she gestured to her bag. "I will run everything through your own healers but please let me help."
Laufey seemed to consider it as he yanked the bag from her and rifled through it. Taking a moment he looked at her. "Fine. But you must test ALL medicines on yourself."
Ingemar nodded. "Of course. Now please, show me the way."
The healers were at first hesitant on Jotunheim of Ingemar but as they discussed everything, a small sense of trust began to form. They were a lot of pinpoint bleeding around where hair follicles were, everyone mentioned that there were lots of pain, especially when moving. Tiring easily and unable to keep food down for one way or another. Some of the worse off had been losing teeth, bulging eyes with scaley skin that was bruising and bleeding in between the layers. She had seen this before but didn't realize this right away. After all, this was on Midgard. It was the evening of the second day as she leaned back on her heels while staring up at the most common healer she had been speaking with.
"Cassius, what is your diet like lately?"
"Very poor. Our main foods are starting to grow less and less. Mainly meats and dried foods."
Ingemar nodded as she let out a sigh. "Okay, I think I have a solution." Looking for water, she found a small puddle as she moved her hand over it until it shimmered. It seemed to direct her to where Frigga was, likely her tea pot.
"Ingemar?"
"My lady, apologies for interrupting you but this is important. The Frost Giants are dealing with the Midgardian disease, Scurvy. Due to their planet deteriorating, they've lost many plants that would sustain them. I have an idea for a long term solution but first I NEED supplies brought here to treat them."
"Ingemar? What you do you need?" She heard, knowing it was Loki's voice as a bit of his hair poked into the puddle. Cassius watched in curiosity.
"Send as much citrus fruits as you can and green vegetables. Go to the Healer's storage and the fifth box on the second shelf will have these bottles of liquids and tablets. Send them all to me."
"Okay, anything else?"
"Do that first. Then convince Odin I need to stay here at least another two days after the set time." Ingemar's head was starting to spin as she closed the call; just in time since she noticed that a bit of blood was dripping from her nose.
"Scurvy?" Cassius asked as Ingemar sat on the snow and nodded.
"Bodies need certain vitamins to remain healthy; without these we deteriorate. It seems that due to the rough change in your diet, everyone is being affected by this. We'll see in two days people feeling better but it could take a few weeks." Standing up, she smiled. "If you could direct me to Laufey, please."
Cassius led her there as she bowed to the King. "Your updates, Asgardian?"
"I think I found the solution and the resources should be here soon." Ingemar spoke as she began explaining everything to the king. Including her solution. She would bring viable soil from Asgard to make a large greenhouse or two. This way, plant life could grow there without contamination from the dying earth. Ingemar wanted to figure out what it was exactly that Odin took that was causing everything. She was too afraid to ask Laufey though, for it was a tense subject.
A few hours later, the gateway opened as Loki was the first to appear as he came over to Ingemar, carrying a bag. "Are you okay?" He immediately asked as Ingemar rolled her eyes and smiled at him. "Of course." She took the bag before directing the following Asgardians to follow her to the infirmary area. They set down all the crates as Ingemar shooed them all back to head to Asgard. Loki seemed to hang back as Ingemar sighed.
"I'll be fine." he wrapped a hand around her waist as she sighed and nuzzled closer to him, hands resting on his chest.
"I want to stay around just to give an extra hand and then talk with Laufey to hear what are his top priorities before returning back."
'Please behave." Loki offered her a simple smile as she raised an eyebrow and sighed. "Go on, do your thing. Just let me know when we have to flee."
"Darling, have a little more faith in me then that." he teased as he pressed a kiss to her forehead before heading away. Ingemar got focused. Deciding to first give everyone a round of either drops or the small tablets as she worked out based on the average weight and information Cassius gave her to decide the dosage size. She showed Cassius how to make the drops and tablets through citrus fruit, while working on dispensing the vegetables through the area with help of some of the other Jotuns.
She was far more at ease when Loki returned, everything seeming okay as he gave help where he could. When the two days hit, she would admit she was exhausted from being awake the entire time and rushing around without giving her magic a chance to properly replenish. Loki had been about ready to drag her to take a nap and force her to eat when they heard the good news. Cassius was pleased to say that some of the aching was going away and that it seemed to be doing well.
Smiling, Ingemar nodded at her, afraid to shake her hand due to the freezing property since although she was sure it could be controlled, Ingemar wasn't taking the risk. "I'm glad to hear that. I'll come check in about two weeks from now to check in."
Loki immediately began shooing her to a safe zone as Ingemar dragged him back over to Laufey.
"Asgardians." He spoke, as he let out a small clicking of his tongue. "It seems that you truly are helping my people so I give you alone thanks for this. But please know, this was likely caused by your leader."
"I am aware. I will bring it up to Odin about this." Ingemar spoke. "The people should not suffer forever for the history."
With that, Loki excused them as they came back to Asgard. The moment they got back, Ingemar felt the exhaustion kicking in as Loki caught her from stumbling out as she let out a yawn.
"Come now dear, we still have a fair bit of a walk to go."
"I'm fine, don't worry." Doubtful, Loki rolled his eyes before grabbing her and scooping her up.
"Loki, putmedown." Ingemar spoke through her yawn, before nuzzling against Loki's shoulder. She may have verbally said it but her body was more than content in that location as Loki walked without stopping.
"You've done a lot, my dear. Rest." Ingemar muttered something under her breath as she dozed off on his shoulder.
