Hello dear readers! Sorry for the delay in posting - It's been a hectic few months! Hope you enjoy this one!
Disclaimer: I only own Ireth
Ireth yawned widely as the last remnants of sleep left her. She rubbed her eyes and rose from the bed, making her way to the windows. Drawing back the curtains, she admired the steady snowfall and the breathtaking view of the snow-capped city. A smile crept onto her lips as she recalled what day it was. She certainly had a lot to prepare.
Ireth quickly washed up, eager to start the day. Her Yuletide dress had been delivered yesterday, and she knew Loki would love it. As she stepped out of her washroom, Ireth caught sight of Frigga, and with her, a handmaiden.
"Allmother." Ireth curtsied deeply. "To what do I owe the pleasure this morning?"
Frigga gave a warm smile. "I have brought assistance for the ball. This is Olina. She is one of my handmaidens, and she will help you get ready."
"Your majesty, I am honored." Ireth was actually relieved with having the extra pair of hands. Moreover, the queen's own handmaiden would surely make her look like a princess today.
"I could not leave the woman my son is courting without help on this most important of days, could I?" Frigga gave Ireth's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Send Olina to find me if you need anything else."
As soon as the queen left, Ireth turned toward the girl, who was already in a curtsy. "My lady, it is an honor to serve you."
Ireth shook her head, "Please, I am not royalty. No formalities are required." Olina looked up and rose gingerly, never having been spoken to in such a casual tone from nobility. Ireth had already walked over to her desk and picked up a piece of paper, sighing as she analyzed her lengthy agenda for the day.
"First things first…let's have some breakfast!"
After Ireth and Olina shared a filling meal, perhaps the only one they would be able to fit in all day, they got down to business. Olina stayed in Ireth's chambers to prepare everything necessary to make Ireth the most beautiful woman in Asgard, while Ireth went to the city to pick up Loki's gifts. She struggled to come up with something as meaningful as his present to her had been, but she knew he would be happy with his presents nonetheless. It had taken some time, but she tracked down an ancient and rare spell book. She had gone from book vendor to vendor, without any luck, until a merchant from Vanaheim claimed to have knowledge of its whereabouts. For a hefty sum, Ireth had struck a deal, and the merchant told her to come back on the day of the ball to collect it. The man did not disappoint. After trading the coins for the book, Ireth's hands held a very powerful tome. She flipped through it, recognizing some terms here and there. She was not nearly advanced enough to understand the spells, but she knew without a doubt that Loki would.
The city of Asgard was bustling today, with every citizen preparing for the ball. It was one of the few times in the year that folks from all walks of life could enter the palace and experience the grandiosity of it. Because the roads were so busy, the trip to the merchant's stall and back to the castle took bit longer than Ireth had anticipated. Upon returning, she headed straight for the armory. Her present to Loki was two-fold, the primary gift being the spell book. However, she had also asked the palace blacksmith to fashion new set of throwing stars for Loki, one's that would return to him with summons. This too, took a lot of pleading. The talented blacksmith was not very keen on magicking his weapons, but he finally gave in to the requests of the kind and sweet girl.
Finally, gifts in hand, Ireth hurried back to her chambers. Olina was done prepping for the afternoon and was sitting on the couch and reading a novel.
"Sorry I'm late!" Ireth huffed, out of breath from nearly running back to her chambers. Olina looked up from her novel and stood up quickly to help Ireth with the items she was holding.
"I'm going to bathe quickly. In the meantime, would you mind making these presentable for Loki?"
"Of course, my lady!" Without another word, Olina went to work on wrapping the gifts.
The afternoon went by rapidly as the handmaiden groomed Ireth to perfection. Ireth was already in her dress and her hair was complete. Olina had loosely curled Ireth's auburn locks with heated rolls, leaving the woman looking regal. Just as Olina started with make-up, they were interrupted by a rapping on the door.
"Let me get that, my lady," said Olina, resting the stick of kohl on the vanity table.
Ireth called after her, "Tell me who it is before letting them enter!"
Olina opened the door a crack and was surprised to see the younger prince standing at the door, in full armor, holding his helmet in his hands.
She dropped into the deep curtsy she was accustomed to when in the presence of royals.
"Well, I am certain this is the correct chamber…who might you be?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.
Still looking at her toes, Olina spoke up. "I am Olina, handmaiden to her majesty, highness. The Allmother sent me here to assist Lady Ireth for this evening."
"Olina? Who is it?" asked Ireth from inside the chambers.
"It is his highness, Prince Loki, my lady. Shall I allow him to enter?"
"No!" Ireth panicked. He was not allowed to see her before she was ready! "Loki! You know I am to meet you outside of the great hall in an hour."
"Yes, but I wanted to see you before." Ireth swore she could hear him smirking. He was enjoying flustering her!
Shaking her head, she replied. "Absolutely not. Olina, close the door and come back."
With one last curtsy, the handmaiden shut the door, leaving Loki to stand outside of the chambers he had become accustomed to occupying.
With a sigh, he went off to find Thor, or Frigga, or whoever he could find to get his mind off of his lady. He was nervous about a number of things, including the Frost Giants, the possibility of war, and leave he would have to take from Ireth. But right now, he was terrified of how Ireth's parents would receive him tonight. He knew seeing her would quell his nerves, but he also understood that she wanted tonight to be perfect, and that started with a grand entrance.
Loki killed the next hour with Thor. They could hear the ball getting started, with the citizens beginning to trickle in. They were standing with Odin, in front of the entrance for the royal family, ready and waiting only on the ladies. Sif showed up first. Thor let out a long whistle at seeing her, alerting the others to her presence. She was dressed in a deep red number, the silky material clinging to her shapely figure as it fell to the floor. Being the bold woman she was, Sif dared to show plenty of skin, with a plunging neckline and no sleeves. The back of the dress was covered in sheer red lace. Despite the fancy gown and her long black hair being styled to perfection along the side of her naked shoulder, she still retained the ferocity of the warrior Sif. Beautiful, yet deadly, the perfect combination for Thor. Loki watched as his brother strode up to her and started whispering in her ear, no doubt of things he would never want to hear.
Distracted by his brother and Sif, Loki missed the other pair who had arrived. Someone cleared her throat behind him and got his attention. He turned around and slowly felt the rest of the world melt away. Frigga, regal in her golden gown and stately crown, had escorted Ireth from her chambers and let go of the woman to go stand with her king. Loki's breath caught as he was at a loss of words, his brain momentarily shut down, unable to process the vision before him. Never in a million years would Loki have expected such beauty to grace his presence. Ireth blushed under his stare, only making her more desirable. Her hair was fashioned in loose curls, lovely to behold. He was thankful she left her hair down, as her gorgeous auburn tresses did not deserve to be tied up. Similar to Sif, she was wearing a silky floor-length gown that hugged her curves in all the right places. It was covered in an intricate black lace pattern, rimmed with gold near the bottom. The dress flared out, leaving a train behind her. The forest green shade of the gown matched perfectly with Loki's attire, a subtle way for her to show the world she was his. Though not plunging as Sif's, the neckline showed the perfect amount of cleavage and left enough skin to show off the pendant Loki had presented her with. The fitted black lace sleeves further gave the dress a classy look.
Ireth turned so Loki could get a full view of the dress. "Say something…what do you think?" Ireth's bare back left Loki more speechless than before.
He cleared his throat so that he could speak. "You are magnificent," he whispered, audible just to Ireth. She beamed at the compliment and glided closer to peck him on the cheek with her cherry red lips.
"I have seldom been happier, Loki." Ireth said, as she grabbed the helmet out of his hands and placed it on his head. "I think…we make a fine team." Her smile dazzled him once again.
"Your majesties!" said the guard standing before the door. "It is time to make your entrance."
The couples all lined up, with Odin and Frigga at the head, and Loki and Ireth bringing up the rear. Once they were situated, the guard threw open the double doors and made his announcement. "Citizens of Asgard, please welcome your king and queen. His Royal Majesty Lord Odin, Allfather and Her Royal Majesty, Lady Frigga, Allmother."
Odin and Frigga made their way through the grand entrance and down the stairs to take their place at the royal table.
"Please welcome the crown prince, his Highness Prince Thor, accompanied by the Lady Sif."
Thor and Sif went next, the favorite prince waving at the cheering crowd.
"Finally, please welcome his Highness, Prince Loki, accompanied by the Lady Ireth."
Ireth took a deep breath and looked at Loki. She was squeezing his arm in anxiety. He placed a gentle hand on hers for reassurance. "Just breathe." He whispered.
Together, they stepped into the light of the Great Hall. The room was silent for the briefest of seconds, the citizens processing the fact that the younger prince had a companion. Suddenly, the room erupted in applause, akin to that of Thor's entrance. Loki smiled at Ireth, who smiled back at him, before giving a quick wave to the crowd as they went down the steps. They made their way to the table, and once they sat, the crowd quieted down, awaiting Odin's speech.
The Allfather stood at his stately seat, ready to deliver the annual Yuletide speech. It traditionally marked the culmination of the festivities and allowed for each individual to enjoy the night to the fullest.
"Welcome, Citizens of Asgard. Another year has gone by, as has another Yuletide. Eat, drink, and be merry on this night. For among many things, Yuletide is a time of happiness. A time of love, and joy. Now, without further ado, let us begin this ball!"
On cue, doors all around the great hall opened up to palace chefs and servers carrying around trays of nourishment and libations, to be continued throughout the night. Musicians played in the various corners, keeping up the spirited mood. People mingled with one another, sharing smiles and kind words. Additionally, the Yuletide ball was one of the few instances where citizens of Asgard could approach the royal family, if they desired. A line was starting to form slowly, mostly with well-wishers, and a handful of people who just wanted to see the royal family up close.
"Loki…" Ireth eyed the people coming near, "are we inclined to speak with every Aesir who comes by?"
Loki chuckled, "Not necessarily. Honestly, most of the men speak with father, the older ladies with mother, and the younger Aesir with Thor. Not many people care to speak with the younger son with an unfavorable reputation." He winked. "I think that makes this evening more…flexible for us."
Ireth blushed furiously, knowing his suggestion. "We have to be careful, Loki! My parents are here somewhere."
His green eyes gleamed and he laughed. "Worry not, my dear. This will be a great night. Starting with…the food!"
The Royal's table was filled with delectable dishes from end to end. Ireth's mouth watered and her stomach grumbled, reminding her she had not eaten anything since breakfast. "Dig in, darling," Loki encouraged, sensing her desires.
One after another, people came to exchange Yuletide words with the royal family. True to his words, Ireth and Loki were left alone for the most part. Some of the nobles acquainted with Ireth's family came to talk with her, surprised about her status with the royal family. She also spoke with several of her colleagues and a few of the diplomats staying in Asgard during this time. In tune with the season, everyone was kind.
Just as Ireth began to worry, she sighted her mother and father walking towards the table. Seeing them, she jumped up from her seat and hurried to them.
"Mother! Father!" She hugged her mother tightly, thankful that they did not leave her wondering where they were. "I hope you are enjoying the ball," she said, moving to hug her father, who barely reciprocated.
"My dear, of course we would come to see you. Your father wants to speak with Odin as well," said Sylvi, emulating the excited nature found among the crowds, "Now, please introduce us to this young man standing behind you." She smiled sweetly at Loki, trying to make up for the glare Alfar was shooting him.
Ireth did not notice that Loki had gotten up as well and was waiting patiently behind her. "Forgive me. Mother, father, this is Loki. Loki, I believe you already know my father, General Alfar?"
The prince nodded in acknowledgement, "Yes, we have met."
"And this is my mother, Lady Sylvi." Sylvi curtsied to the prince, following proper protocol. However, Alfar did not budge.
Loki bowed deeply in response. "It is a pleasure to meet you both." He looked pointedly at Ireth's mother, "My lady, you look stunning this evening. I can see where Ireth has inherited her beauty from."
Sylvi chuckled. "Oh hush, dear. Ireth, this one is a charmer."
"And General Alfar, we haven't been as acquainted as I would have liked – "
Alfar huffed and interrupted Loki before he could finish. "Yes, maybe we would have if you spent more time in the training yards."
Loki was taken aback by this statement, but he quickly brushed it aside. "Indeed. As I was saying, I would like to make my intentions regarding your daughter clear. I wish to court her, formally. The Allfather can make the announcement tonight, should you accept…"
Alfar stood quietly and stared at Loki intently, his gaze boring holes. Even Loki, the smoothest of talkers, and the most charming of the Aesir, could not break this man's stone wall. It took everything in him to not fidget under the gaze.
"I think, if the rumors are correct, you have been busy courting her already. My permission is merely a formality. Had you deemed it necessary, you would have approached me months ago. Now, if you will excuse me, I must speak with your father." The bulky man pushed past Loki without another word. Loki rarely felt so insulted, and he could sense the anger boiling within. His nostrils flared as he tried to contain is emotions. Ireth placed a hand on his arm, her touch relaxing him instantly.
"I apologize for my husband's behavior." Sylvi frowned at the man, who was deep in conversation with Thor. "He is not particularly…pleased that you are being courted by a man other than that of his choosing. I do hope he will come around though." She looked back at her daughter and wrapped a hand around her shoulder. "I can see the happiness he brings you. And that is all I can ask for." Sylvi placed a gentle kiss on Ireth's cheek, and Ireth embraced her mother once again. Her mother's support meant everything to her, especially when she did not have her father's.
"Thank you, mother" Ireth whispered, trying to keep her tears at bay.
With a gentle smile, Lady Sylvi took leave of the pair and walked over to where her husband was standing.
Loki wrapped his arm around Ireth. "Come, let us distract ourselves. Shall we walk around the hall?"
Ireth nodded and allowed Loki to lead her through the throng of people. Every so often, they would stop and accept congratulations from the citizens and well-wishes for the following year. Pretty soon, Ireth pushed aside the exchange with her father. Trying not to let it dampen her mood, Ireth was never more thankful for Loki's presence, as he could calm her nerves and lift her spirits like none other. They stopped in front of a quartet, listening to the melodious music erupting from the instruments. Ireth rested her head on Loki's shoulder when a thought crossed her mind. "If I recall correctly, there is dancing at a ball." She said to Loki.
"Indeed. The dances begin at our discretion"
Ireth raised an eyebrow, "So…when is that?"
"When mother and father decide it is time, I believe. I haven't participated in the dancing in many years though." He confessed.
Ireth smirked at this new information, "I'll go easy on you, highness."
Loki smiled, but it lacked the usual warmth Ireth was used to. "One more thing…there is a dance where the unwed women will share a dance with their fathers…"
Ireth's smile faltered. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a brief moment. "No matter. I'm sure father will be in a better disposition by then."
After spending a few more minutes with the music, the pair returned to the royal table. Odin and Frigga were in deep conversation, before Loki went up to them and whispered something in hushed tones. Odin nodded and extended his hand to his wife and stood up.
The crowd silenced at seeing the Allfather rise, his voice projecting throughout the hall. "It is time we begin an age-long tradition of the Yuletide ball." He regarded Loki and Ireth for a moment. "This Yuletide, Frigga and I would like to be joined by my son." The crowd shifted its gaze to Thor, surprise plastered on his face. He began putting down the napkin he was holding, when Odin continued, "My youngest son, Loki." Loki's eyes snapped up at his father. No one has ever shared the first dance of Yuletide with the royal couple. For him and Ireth to share it, over Thor and Sif…was truly an honor. Quickly getting over his shock, Loki bowed deeply at Odin and Frigga, noticing Ireth had also fallen into a curtsy.
"My son, you have made me proud in choosing to court such a noble and just woman. She brings out the best in you." Head still bowed, Ireth blushed deeply at the praise. Odin led Frigga to the center of the hall, the sea of individuals parting before them. Loki and Ireth followed suit. Out of the corners of the hall, the musicians synchronized into an enchanting melody. Ireth glanced at the royal couple and was enamored by the love mirrored in their eyes. She hoped that the crowd would see that she and Loki loved each other just in a similar fashion. Loki wrapped a hand around Ireth's slender waist and began to guide her in the dance. Ireth gave a shy smile under her lashes, and saw hunger reflected in Loki's eyes. Hunger solely for her, something no other soul in the nine realms would experience save for Ireth. That knowledge made her giddy and, not to mention, eager to return to one of their chambers, where they could find privacy.
Before long, the tune ended. Reluctantly, Loki and Ireth released each other, awaiting Odin's next instructions.
"I now invite fathers to bring your daughters for a dance." Odin and Frigga moved aside, as did Loki and Ireth, allowing for the loving fathers to escort their beautiful daughters to the center of the hall. Ireth's hopeful eyes scanned the hall, until she found Alfar, not far from where she stood. The General's cold stare held no emotion. Ireth stepped forward, but stopped abruptly when her father turned, grabbed her mother's hand and stalked out of the hall. Sylvi looked back at her daughter and tugged on Alfar's arm in resistance, but alas, she was no match for his strength and anger.
Ireth quickly brushed away the lone tear that escaped her eyes. She felt a hand at her elbow and turned to see the Allfather standing before her. His gentle expression revealed that he had witnessed the scene before him. He held out is hand, expecting Ireth's in return.
"Ireth, it goes without saying that by being so important to Loki, you have become a daughter to me. Allow me to accompany you in this dance." Nodding, Ireth was swept away by Odin. However, the gaping hole left in her heart by her father would not be healed so easily.
Per usual, please leave a review!
This was more of a filler chapter for me, but I thought it would be a good opportunity to explore Ireth's relationship with her parents a little more. And I wanted to show Odin as more of a caring, fatherly figure as well, instead of him always coming off as a grumpy and serious ruler :P
If anyone wants to see my inspirations for Ireth's dress, just send me a message.
Please leave your thoughts. If all goes according to plan, there should be more action in the next chapter. And something else, but I won't give it away prematurely. :)