Chapter 11: Celebration

£• Loki •£•

Loki left his chambers, and headed towards the Great Hall for the festivities. Rounding a corner, he spied his brother ahead of him. Feeling a bit of mischief upon him, he created an illusion of Jane, dressed in a skimpy French maid's uniform, standing in the hallway ahead of his brother.

"Uh, Jane, do you think that is appropriate for the feast tonight?" Thor questioned her.

"Well, they did say it was a costume ball," Jane replied quietly.

"Who said it was a costume ball?" His voice started to raise in volume, "if Loki is behind this, this… joke, it is a poor excuse of one!"

"No, it wasn't Loki, it was one of the servants, who was helping me to dress."

Thor tried to reach out for her, only to have Jane shimmer into nothingness.

"Loki!" Thor roared when he discovered the illusion was just that – an illusion.

"Couldn't resist, brother," Loki laughingly replied as he caught up to his brother, matching his stride as they walked down the hall, a cheeky grin upon his face.

Both were dressed in their finest garb for the feast, enjoying a chance to set aside their normal gear.

"I do hope you remembered everything for tonight, unlike last time," Thor chided his younger brother, reminding him of the previous feast a few months back.

Loki winced at that jibe. The Þorrablót festival had been an epic failure. Considering that it was in honor of Thor made it even worse. He had fallen short on remembering all the details, especially the proper foods, so when the ritual toasting began, most were toasting on empty stomachs. The resulting hangovers the following day had been rather notable. They had both realized after that fiasco how much their mother had done to keep things moving smoothly within Asgard.

"Actually, I expect this one to be absolute perfection," Loki grinned as he recalled how he had spent his day. Rather than dashing around to check to see what he had forgotten to order, every stop on his agenda that day had been met with assurances that, 'Miss Kiri took care of that my King.'

"Perfection? After that last debacle?" Thor frowned.

"Yes, absolute perfection."

"And precisely how did you accomplish this? I highly doubt you found a list laying about telling you what had to be done," Thor replied.

Knowing Thor was skeptical of his abilities, Loki decided to admit to his brother how he knew it would be perfect, or as close as possible. "Kiri, and her army of three. It seems everywhere I went to double check today, she'd been already been. AND… " he paused for dramatic effect, "I have reason to believe she has swayed Jane to her side. At least one stop had been taken care of by Jane. So now it is an army of four, and quite frankly, I would not dare to argue with those four."

"Four?" Thor looked at him, trying to figure out who other than Jane was a part of this 'army'.

"Aye, Darcy and the Lady Sif round out the team."

"That is an interesting combination, and you say Jane was a part of it?" Thor was happy to hear of this little detail.

"Yes, indeed. If Magda is to be trusted," Loki turned down another hall, only to discover a servant standing there, holding out an assortment of items for the two brothers to choose from before they entered the Great Hall. "Oh, yes. I suppose we need these," he selected several different items, focusing on the ones that celebrated the night.

Thor, noting his brother was choosing the night, selected items that represented the day. Since the festival was in celebration of the equinox, when both day and night were equal, favors were given out to children. Those from Loki and Thor would be especially important, as they were the highest standing in the land. Children were often known to fight over them.

"I had almost forgotten about these," Loki commented as he tucked the favors into his coat.

"I as well," Thor replied, "but it seems like your army has ensured that all the details are in place."

"How was your ride with Jane?" Loki had paused at one point in the day to look out, noticing his brother returning from their ride.

"It was pleasant," Thor's answer was rather non-committal.

"Pleasant?" Loki looked curiously at Thor, "that is all? Just pleasant?"

Thor shrugged, "I do not know brother. I had hoped she would come to consider Asgard as her home, but I fear she does not. She has stayed longer than on previous visits, and I had hoped with Darcy and Erik here, she might consider remaining, but she says she misses her work."

"Darcy does seem to enjoy it here. I had not realized Darcy was not a scientist."

"No, Jane did mention that when I was first sent to Earth. I wish there was something here, in Asgard that would interest Jane as much as Asgard fascinates Darcy. Even Erik finds his time here enjoyable."

"But Jane has not?" Loki felt sorry for his brother, knowing his love for the human was causing him much inner turmoil. Thor's infrequent visits to Earth were clearly not enough to satisfy him. There needed to be some level of compromise for the two to be together. Thor simply wouldn't shirk his duties as the Defender of the Nine Realms.

"No, she claims she misses her work," Thor replied flatly. "Perhaps this trip tomorrow to Earth might help her to make up her mind."

They had reached the doorway to the Great Hall. Thor peered in, noticing that the decorations were well done, and people were milling about in anticipation. The tables were laden with food and drink, allowing as many of the servants to participate as possible. He glanced over at Loki. "You are right, Kiri's army has indeed been thorough."

"I have discovered she has been quite busy these past few days," Loki admitted, "I had figured to be busy all day, dealing with the many details for tonight, only to discover she has taken care of pretty much everything."

Thor grinned at his brother's situation, "She is content here, unlike Jane. I do, however, find it odd that she seems reluctant to return and claim her throne."

"Odd?" Loki shook his head, disagreeing with Thor, "I do not think having to face what the Council has in store for her is a compelling reason to wish to return."

Thor reflected back on what Loki had told him, and then nodded. "I suppose you are right," he paused a few moments before cautiously continuing, "she would make an excellent queen, for Asgard."

Loki laughed, "The thought had crossed my mind, she would indeed be an excellent queen for Asgard, and I will admit that I find her enticing, but she needs to figure things out first. She still does not know what she wants."

"I would not leave it too long, brother or someone else might see her for her worth."

"I will take your advice into considerations," Loki gestured towards the room, "shall we go in together?" Loki stood at the doorway.

Nodding, Thor stepped into the room with his brother. The roar of the crowds, once they noted the two brothers was deafening. Hails for both were resounding off the walls as they walked through the throng towards the raised dais at the front of the hall.

Raising his fist, Thor shouted back at the crowds, while Loki waved and nodded to each. He still did not feel he was as accepted as his brother.

Thor, noticing his brother's reticence, clapped him on the back, "Do you not hear your name, brother? They shout for you as much as for me now."

Loki listened for a moment, then grinned at Thor, "You are right."

The two continued their journey through the crowd, pausing from time to time to either pass out some of their favors, or receive to some gift. Loki glanced up to the dais where a table had been set up for them. Volstagg and Hogun were already there waiting. He noticed that Fandral and Sif were missing.

As they approached the dais, Thor paused to allow Loki to climb up onto it first. Once the two were seated at the table, he leaned over to ask, "Where is Kiri's army? I did not see them, did you?"

Loki quickly searched the crowds, "No, I did not…" A flurry of motion off to one side caught his attention, "maybe over there?" he pointed off to one corner, where a flash of red had captured his eye. His eyes skipped over the red to land on the brilliant yellow figure instead, a smile appeared on his face.

Thor looked to where Loki was pointing. Spotting Fandral first, he practically gasped. "What has happened to Sif?"

Fandral was procuring drinks for two ladies, one dressed in a vibrant red gown, the other in a yellow one.

"I would venture to say, Kiri has happened to Sif," Loki chuckled, although he had to admit he was just as surprised.

Fandral, having provided drinks to both ladies, proceeded to walk towards the dais, one lady upon on each arm. Sif was dressed in a sleeveless red gown, with a scoop neckline. The loose folds on the top, draped appealingly over her figure, gathered at the shoulders in a tiny knot, leaving her well-toned arms exposed. Her waist was encircled with a gold belt, revealing her tiny waist. The skirt fell from the waist in a series of layers, flowing with each step she took. The picture she presented was of complete femininity, but pure power with each step she took, her confidence in her body evident in her posture.

Loki was surprised at the change in Sif; liking the fact she had elected to discard her typical gowns in favor of this creation. But it was Katirya that captured his full attention. He knew Thor was now staring at him, gauging his reaction, but he kept his face as neutral as he possibly could. Katirya had chosen an elegant style, a brilliant yellow gown with split sleeves that were attached only at the shoulders and wrist, almost giving an illusion of wings, the wisps of fabric fluttered as she walked. The v-shaped neckline exposed her slender neck, and the full skirt swirled as she walked, secured at the waist with an emerald green sash. He noticed she wore no jewelry except the tiara.

Fandral laughed when he saw the look the brothers bestowed upon the beauties gracing his arms. "Sorry, boys. I found them first. You shall have to find your own lovelies tonight."

"Speaking of which," Loki prompted, "where is Jane?"

"I have not seen her since we returned from our ride," Thor replied as he continued to scan the crowds, searching for Jane. A smile split his face when he finally spotted her. "There she is! With Darcy and Ian."

Loki looked towards where Thor had pointed, and discovered Ian walking towards the dais with the two ladies. Erik and Micarian were trailing along behind, with three ladies vying for their attention. "Erik seems to have found himself a few friends," he pointed out.

Thor glanced and started to laugh, "All healers too. I can tell where he has been spending much of his time!"

"I must say, I do like Jane's actual choice of costume," Loki teased his brother.

Jane had selected a midnight blue gown that was off one shoulder. The form-fitting gown had a short floor length train, and was split to mid-thigh, exposing a shapely leg as she walked.

"Agreed," Thor responded as he rose, indicating the seat next to him was for Jane. Jane walked gracefully up the steps. He leaned down to give her a quick kiss before seating her.

Loki had to take a second look at Darcy, for she had changed as much as Sif. She was wearing a black, strapless sheath for a dress. Her hair, freed from the hat she typically wore, was loose, and tumbled in waves. A few strands of golden ribbons had been woven into a tiny braid along one side of her face. She suddenly grimaced and tugged at the gown.

"You look fine, Darcy," Ian assured her.

"Indeed, I do not believe I have seen you look quite so radiant," Thor added to the compliment.

"Or without a hat," Loki commented.

This last comment caused Darcy's hands to fly up to her hair. "I'm just not used to all this. Kiri said it was pretty much expected."

"It is," Thor assured her, "and you do look gorgeous."

Fandral was about to escort his two ladies up, when a young boy darted up to his group.

"Miss Kiri!" the boy was almost breathless as he spoke, so excited to finally be old enough to attend one of the festivals.

His father caught up to him, and took his hand. "I am sorry, my lady. He managed to take off before I could stop him."

Katirya smiled, and looked down at the young lad. "No, he is fine," she bent down to speak with the boy, handing him one of the trinkets she was passing out, "is this your first Festival?"

The boy eagerly took the trinket, stuffing it into a pocket, then nodded. "Aye, it is!"

Katirya laughed, "I can remember mine. It is exciting, is it not?"

The boy nodded again, the suddenly pulled out a necklace, "Oh, I forgot! I made this for you," he held his hand out.

Katirya accepted the necklace, and quickly expressed her gratitude, "Why this is lovely, and it goes perfectly with my dress! I shall wear it tonight. Now," she glanced up at his father who was beaming at the boy's good behavior, "you must promise me one of the dances tonight."

The boy's mouth opened into a big, round "O" at the request for a dance.

"My lady," the boy's father began, "you do not have…"

"I insist! It is, after all, his first festival. He must have at least one dance," she grinned up at the father. "Now, your name, young sir? We shall do the first country dance after dinner."

"It's Brant, Miss Kiri," he started to dash off, then remembered his manners, and bowed. "My friends are going to be so jealous!"

Katirya rose, smiling at the father. "He is a charming lad. I am certain he will break many hearts when he grows older."

"That is most kind of you, my lady," the father bowed, then left to follow his son.

Fandral led Sif and Katirya up to their places at the table. Loki and Thor rose as the ladies were seated. Fandral had managed to set it up so that he was in the middle of the two still, although Katirya now had Loki to her left.

Katirya looked down at the necklace the boy had given her. It held a lovely emerald green stone in the center, surrounded by yellow stones made to resemble a flower. She unhooked the clasp and started to put it around her neck, when Loki reached behind her, taking it from her hands.

"And you shall save at least one dance for me," Loki whispered in her ear as he hooked the necklace, his fingers brushing against her neck.

The food was brought out, and the feast began. Once everyone was full, tables were pushed to the side, and musicians set up, beginning to play.

Fandral rose, and extended one hand to Katirya, "My lady, I believe you promised this dance to me."

"Don't forget to save one for me!" Volstagg bellowed.

Katirya laughed, and following him out to the dance floor. Loki, knowing Fandral had done that on purpose, smiled at Sif, "Lady Sif? Would you do me the honors?" He wondered if she would agree or not. Surprisingly, she nodded.

The musicians struck up a lively country-dance, and soon all the dancers were whirling about. Loki noticed that Thor was in deep conversation with Jane, choosing not to participate in the first dance. When the music stopped, he watched as Katirya bowed to Fandral, then stepped over to Brandt who was waiting eagerly by the edge of the dance floor. As the second set began, she was laughing as she danced with the young lad. Fandral had claimed Sif for this dance, so Loki moved off to the edges to watch.

The dance ended, with Katirya and her partner standing breathless directly in front of him. "Thank you, my lord," she curtsied to the boy, who blushed at the attention.

Brandt, uncertain what the correct protocol was, shifted a bit from foot to foot, then spied Loki. "My King!" he led Katirya over to Loki, "I think this is yours," then realizing what he had said, he stammered, "I… I … mean, I …"

Katirya laughed, "Do not fret, Brandt, for indeed, I did promise Loki this next dance."

Brandt stared up at Loki, then suddenly blurted out, "You ought to marry her, you know."

Katirya struggled to hold back her laughter, seeing Loki suddenly being told what to do by a young boy.

Loki looked gravely at Brandt before speaking, "I believe you might have a point. I shall take your advice into consideration."

Brandt considered Loki's answer before replying, "Well, if you don't, I will. You will wait till I grow up though, won't you Miss Kiri?"

Katirya allowed the laughter to bubble up with this charming comment, "Aye, Master Brandt, I shall indeed wait for you if that is the case."

Brandt's parents suddenly appeared to collect their son, "My King, I am so sorry he has bothered you," his mother began.

"Oh, he has not bothered me at all," Loki replied, glancing archly at Katirya.

"My lady, you did not need to dance with him," his father added.

"It was indeed my pleasure," Katirya declared. "I enjoyed it thoroughly."

As the family moved off, Katirya turned towards the tables, when Loki grabbed her hand, "I believe you promised me at least one dance."

She nodded, hearing another dance set being formed. This time, a slower, more intimate dance was starting up. She moved into his arms, preparing for the dance, when suddenly she stiffened, her face going completely white.

"What is wrong, Kiri?" Loki asked.

"We have visitors," her eyes suddenly narrowed, "it cannot be…"