Chapter Twenty-Five
Jane had never been so nervous in her entire life...
Or for that matter...
So happy...
She was getting married today, getting married to the man she loved. She fidgeted in front of the mirror and Darcy grinned at her.
"Stop fidgeting, you look amazing," Darcy's eyes shined with warmth and Jane took in a breath, her chest feeling is if it were about to burst.
Her dress was a pearl white, falling from her shoulders in soft waves to tapper in at her waist. A long train flowed behind her and her hair was done up in curls and braids.
Eir smiled at her as she gently wove shimmering green wreaths through her hair, touched with gold and silver. Next she placed white flowers throughout the braids and curls. When she was done Jane stared at herself, hardly believing it was her.
"Wow," Darcy commented from her seat behind them. Her own hair was loose about her shoulders, with single braids running through it to form one large one that ran down her back. Her dress was a dark blue, matching her skin tone, hair, and eyes perfectly. Jane smiled at them both, for Eir wore a similar dress though her hair was done in a simple, yet elegant braid with one single golden wreath woven through it.
"I have one last finishing touch," Eir said while bringing Jane to her feet. Jane lifted her arms as Eir pulled something out from behind her.
"What are you doing?" Jane asked with a laugh but Eir shook her head as she clasped something around Jane's waist. When she pulled away Jane looked down and her breath caught in her throat. Above the dress was a light train, embroidered beautifully with shimmering diamonds.
"It's beautiful," Jane breathed and Eir smiled at her.
"It was given to me by my husband," Eir whispered as her eyes clouded over. Jane reached out and clasped her arm tightly.
"I can't possibly accept this—"
"Yes, you can," Eir interrupted while patting Jane's arm, "He told me it represents the stars," a soft smile touched her lips, "we both loved to gaze at them, and I know that you and Loki do the same. Keep it, so that one day your own child may give it to the one they love." Jane felt her throat closing with emotion and wrapped the older Asgardian woman in a tight hug. Eir patted her back before Jane stepped away and wiped at her misting eyes.
"Now," Darcy said while standing and coming around to grin at them, "why don't we get this wedding started?" Jane nodded at Darcy's words and accepted the flowers Darcy gave her. They were white roses, trimmed with green lace and had small particles of golden dust on their petals.
In the distant trumpets sounded...
"Ready?" Darcy asked her and Jane grinned...
"Ready."
VVVV
Loki shifted uneasily at the altar. He wore a long black leather coat, trimmed with gold and silver and his hair was brushed back to fall to his shoulders. He was wearing his good boots, the ones that had silver stitching and shined from the overhead sun. He heard a low chuckle beside him and glanced over his shoulder to see Thor snickering.
"And what are you laughing at, brother?" Loki asked as he ran his emerald eyes over the shining hall. It had been polished and scrubbed until their reflections shined in the golden stones. Flowers stood proud and tall in large stone basins that lined each individual pillar and the flags of his forefathers hung above them. Trappings of silver and gold crisscrossed above the ceiling, catching the light that came pouring in through the large open windows. People, dressed in their finest, stood at each end of the long hall, leaving a path that was draped in red velvet.
It was beautiful...
"That my younger brother is getting married before I, and to the woman who for a while I had lost heart to." His words were warm but Loki looked over his shoulder at him.
He was dressed in a dark blue tunic, stitched in silver and gold, his breeches a dark leather with boots that reached his knees. His unruly blonde hair had been washed and combed, a single braid keeping his bangs from his face and his prickly beard actually looked manageable.
"Usually I am the one who sees such humor in such ironic situations," Loki commented as his eyes shined with genuine mirth and Thor chuckled.
"Exactly, but I am happy for you Loki, Jane is a fine woman." He murmured and Loki grinned as the trumpets sounded.
"I know," he whispered and the hall grew silent as the doors swung open.
The first maiden was Sif, dressed in a dark blue gown that showed her strength, yet her feminism as she walked with fluid and grace towards them. Her hair was loose, coming to her waist and her blue eyes showed with love as they fastened on Thor beside him. Loki glanced at his brother and a smirk touched his lips when he saw that his brother could not remove his eyes from the captivating creature before them.
As she continued to walk voices filled the hall. They were soft and angelic, lilting over the crowd to caress his ears and tingles raced up his spine.
The Valkeries...
Sif smiled at them, a slight blush stealing over her cheeks at Thor's heated gaze. Straightening, she took her place and Eir, dressed similarly to Sif, entered the hall. Loki smiled at her, his heart filling with warmth and she returned it. As she took her spot beside Sif, Darcy entered the hall. His eyes ran farther down the crowd and he snickered when he saw Vandral staring at her. The woman blushed, but a smile played around her lips as she walked up the aisle. Finally she took her spot beside Eir and the lilting voices of the Valkeries halted as a woman stood at the far end of the aisle.
Loki stared as Jane looked at him...
She was beautiful...
Beyond beautiful...
Her gown shimmered as she walked and autumn leaves, golden in color, floated down from the ceiling...
It seemed so unreal...
The voices from the Valkeries began to sing once more...
His heart swelled...
Jane smiled at him, her beautiful brown eyes shining with such a radiance he felt his throat closing. He stared at her, the world fading around him as she approached him.
Her eyes never left his but a soft disturbance made her turn her eyes away from his. They widened and he frowned slightly, following her eyes and halted at the figure they fixed upon.
Erik...
He stood there, a broad smile covering his face as his eyes shined with warmth and pride. Jane stared at him, her eyes clouding over with happiness and Erik dipped his head. She smiled at him, the tears misting over and Loki smiled. She nodded to Erik as she walked past, her eyes coming back to Loki's and he saw the happiness in them.
The gown parted softly as she approached him. It shimmered like the night stars and warmth flooded throughout him. She was so beautiful. Ascending the steps, her eyes never left his as she halted beside him. He smiled at her, emotion forcing his throat close and she returned it.
They stared at one another...
He would never love another...
Never...
Together they turned to face the All-Father. His one good eye shined with pride and warmth. He raised his hand and the Valkeries halted their song.
"We are gathered here on this day to join two souls in the most sacred of vows; vows that bind the two together for all time." Odin's strong voice sounded throughout the hall and Loki glanced at his bride. He saw her cheeks flush as she grinned at him and he grinned in return.
"Loki, Son of Odin," Loki gazed up at him and though he knew who his real father was, he no longer felt the stabbing pain lance through his heart at the realization of it. He felt only calmness, for he'd accepted it. "Do you take this mortal woman as your wedded wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her for all eternity? Do you promise to care for her in sickness and in health? Do you promise to treasure her till you both reach the Gates of Valhalla?" Odin asked and Loki smiled.
"I do," he replied and his heart swelled as Jane's eyes misted over. Odin nodded and gestured with his hand. A maiden, dressed in a flowing white gown with her head bowed offered Loki a golden cup filled with red wine. He took it while Odin turned to Jane.
"Jane Foster," Odin's eye filled with warmth once more as he gazed at her, "Do you take this Prince of Asgard as your wedded husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him for all eternity? Do you promise to care for him in sickness and in health? Do you promise to treasure him until you both reach the Gates of Valhalla?" Odin repeated and Jane smiled.
"I do," she answered and Odin nodded. Another maiden stepped forward, bearing a similar cup and Jane passed her flowers to Darcy before taking the cup.
"Then drink from the sacred cups and seal your vows to one another for all eternity, until Valhalla calls you home." Odin raised his hands and together they raised the cups as one, though Loki noticed that Jane barely took a sip and his eyes flashed with knowing mirth and Jane flushed while throwing a silencing glare at him.
He resisted the urge to chuckle...
"Bring forth Iounn's Fruit," Odin commanded and another maiden, her hair long and white, stepped forward. The aura around her was ancient and mystifying. She bowed her head, her ears coming to point as the wreath that adorned her brow shimmered from the sun. In her hands she held a small golden chest with vines that wove over it in beautiful carvings. Odin turned, the golden robe shimmering around him as he raised his hand and opened the lid. Inside was a deep red velvet and in the center sat a golden apple.
Loki heard Jane catch her breath and he looked at her, but her eyes were filled with awe and she smiled at him. He returned it and Odin carefully picked the apple up. Turning he offered it to Jane.
"This is a treasured gift bestowed upon us from the Gods, do you accept this, Jane Foster?" Odin asked and Jane looked at him. Her gaze was level and her smile grew.
"I do," she replied and Odin dipped his head in a small nod. She offered her hands to him, palms up and Odin placed the apple in them. Loki watched as she straightened, gazing down at the golden fruit.
Silence...
Then she looked up at Loki...
Smiled...
And raising the apple...
Bit it...
He heard her gasp, her eyes widening and she swayed slightly. Loki reached for her, steadying her arm but after a moment she shook her head slightly and gazed down at the apple.
"I'm alright," she whispered and gave him a reassuring smile, "it was really sweet." She murmured and he smiled, a slight chuckle leaving his lips.
The apple flickered and the golden color began to fade, seeping into her arms and Jane gasped, closing her eyes as her whole form shimmered. Loki watched, mesmerized, as she seemed to glow and when her eyes opened they were dazzling.
Then it faded...
The apple disappeared from her hands and Jane lowered them, smiling broadly at him and Loki reached out, taking her hand in his.
"You may exchange your vows, as is custom among Midgardians," Odin said and Jane turned to face him fully. Loki ran his thumb over her knuckles, his heart soaring as he felt her shiver at his touch.
"Jane," he murmured, "when I first met you, I was intrigued by you, by your wit, by your charm and gentle heart. I did not realize that my curiosity ran far deeper than I could have ever thought." His grip on her hand tightened, "I was afraid when I realized what really drew me to you, for I realized that I loved you, and that I would love no other besides the woman who ensnared my heart and mind, and I have no intention of ever loving another." He raised her hand to his lips and gently kissed her knuckles, "Not even till the end of time, for I shall love you always, for you are mine Jane, and no other's." He smiled at her, "I only hope that in the years to come, you will find that same love I have for you in your own heart," his grin widened as his eyes glimmered, "if not, then I will convince you otherwise." Jane smiled at him as a soft wave of laughter ran over the crowd before it was silent. She reached up and took his hand, squeezing tightly with emotion.
"Loki," she began while raising her face to his, "from the first moment I met you, I felt that there was something different about you, like you, I was intrigued, and like you, I was afraid when I realized that my curiosity had grown to something more," her soft smile grew, "something far deeper than I could ever have imagined. I fell in love with you, Loki, and I will love no other like I love you, not even till time itself ends." She smiled up at him and Loki tightened his fingers around her own.
"Bring forth the rings." Odin commanded and Loki reached out and took the single band from Thor as Jane turned and took the single band from Darcy. Loki slipped the band over her finger and Jane slipped the band over his finger. Their fingers intertwined and Loki smiled at her.
Jane...
She was his wife...
His wife...
"You may seal your vows now as husband and wife," a smile spread over Odin's face as he said the last words and Jane grinned up Loki.
With his free hand Loki reached up and framed Jane's face. He tipped her chin up while slowly lowering his head. He heard her soft sigh as his lips hovered over hers and he grinned against them before claiming them.
As their lips met the hall erupted into cheers...
Jane laughed as did Loki and he wrapped an arm around her waist as they faced the cheering and clapping crowd. He kissed her brow and she leaned into him, tightening her hold on his arm and he smiled.
Never in his life had he been so happy...
"Well, let the feast begin!" Thor thundered and the crowd cheered once more. Loki laughed again and Jane did as well. Grasping her hand tighter they descended the steps and raced down the aisle as leaves and petals of flowers rained down around them.
VVVV
Jane sat at the table, her hand clasped in Loki's as he sipped at his wine. The feast had gone on for hours and her feet were starting to hurt, but Loki had never left her side.
She gazed at him, her lips spreading in a smile and he glanced at her. A grin touched his lips as he lowered the wine and leaning over he whispered in her ear, "Stop looking at me like that or we'll have to leave sooner than expected," his low voice caressed her skin and she shivered.
"Can't keep your hands off me?" She teased and he nibbled her ear, causing her to gasp.
"That's not the only thing I can't keep off of you," he whispered and she flushed, her body tightening deliciously. He chuckled as he leaned away and raised his wine to his lips once more. She eyed him but before she could say anything Thor strode towards them, a wide grin on his lips as slow music started to play.
"My I ask the lovely bride for a dance?" Thor asked and Loki sighed.
"If you must," he replied and Jane eyed him, though a teasing smile touched her lips as she stood, letting Thor guide her out onto the dance floor. Loki watched them, warmth filling his heart and he felt a gentle presence beside him.
"Hello, Sif," he whispered and she nodded to him as she gazed at them, her eyes glowing with love as she gazed at Thor.
"Loki, I wanted to say congratulations, and..." she trialed off and looked steadily at him, "that I'm sorry." she murmured and he frowned slightly at her.
"For what?" he asked while standing and she laughed at him.
"Oh the list goes on for forever," a slight twinge of pain entered her eyes, "I'm sorry that none of us believed you, that we left you alone in your darkness for so long, that we weren't there for you when you needed us most, that—" he raised his hand, cutting her off.
"I forgive you, Sif," he whispered and she stared at him, her eyes watering. Wordlessly she stepped forward and hugged him. He stiffened in surprise but after a moment relaxed and hugged her back. She sighed and stepped back, wiping at her eyes.
"I swear, I've never cried so much in a long time. In fact I don't ever remember crying as much as I have in the past few weeks." She laughed and Loki smiled at her.
"You do not always have to be so strong, Sif," he replied and she stared at him a moment before nodding.
"Yes," her eyes looked to Thor, "he has told me as much." Loki grinned as he too, looked at them as they danced.
"What a surprise, I do believe he is becoming wiser in his old age," he taunted and Sif chuckled.
"Yes, I do believe so," she replied and Loki bowed his head, offering his hand to her.
"May I have this dance, Lady Sif," he asked and she nodded.
"I would be honored," with that she placed her hand in his and he guided them out onto the dance floor. They danced elegantly for a few minutes before the song ended. Loki bowed to her as she curtsied and Thor and Jane crossed to them.
A soft, soothing song began to play and Loki grinned...
Reaching out he took his wife's hand and kissed it...
"May I have this dance?" He asked and she grinned at him.
"If you must," she replied and his lips spread into a dark grin.
He brought her in close to him, keeping his arm securely around her as he held her. She looked up at him, the gentle music guiding them as they danced around the room, their bodies moving in time with the soft notes.
They blended together...
Moving as one...
Jane smiled up at him as her heart soared inside her chest...
Reaching up she framed his face and he cupped her hand with his own, his eyes looking down into hers.
"I love you," she whispered and he smiled.
"I love you, Jane," he answered and a shiver raced up her spine as he said those words.
"Say it again," she murmured and he chuckled. Leaning down he brushed his lips over hers as he twirled them about the room, their bodies flowing together like water.
"I love you, my Jane," he whispered and she laughed, her heart flying inside her chest.
"Promise me you'll say that every day," she murmured and he chuckled.
"Only if you do," he replied and she smirked softly up at him. Wrapping her arms around his neck she went on tip toe as his arms settled around her waist.
"Alright, it's a deal then," she murmured and he laughed against her lips as she kissed him tenderly. The people watched silently, their own hearts and minds filling with unimaginable warmth and pride.
For their Prince had found the one thing he'd always yearned for...
Love...
Love that never hurt...
Never wavered...
Never died...
The love that lasted...
For all eternity...
VVVV
AUTHOR NOTE: Alright here is the last chapter! I might write an Epilogue later but for now this is the end of my story! I hope that you all enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it! Thank you all for the reviews! I really loved reading them! Even the critical ones ;) Thank you all for encouraging me to write this story! I loved doing it!