"Are you ready for the wedding?" Frigga asked, looping her arm through Jane's as they walked through the empty hallways.
"I am; I'm excited," Jane replied, smiling. "But I'm nervous too. I don't know anything about Asgardian weddings."
"Oh Asgardian weddings are quite similar to human weddings. I've had a most glorious dress made for you to wear; you can try it on when we get to my room to see if it fits well. Thor shall wear his armor instead of a suit as it was called. Vows are exchanged in front of an audience of family and friends, as well as other Asgardians as it is a royal wedding. We have no rings in our wedding ceremonies, but the men receive a mark that shows they are married," Frigga said, pushing her bedroom door open.
"A mark?" Jane asked curiously, as she sat on the couch. "What kind of mark?"
"The name of their wife is inscribed on their chest above their heart with ink. They also get the names of their children inscribed on their chest."
"So Odin has all of your names tattooed on his chest?"
"Yes, he received my name many years ago. The ink does not fade; as long as Odin lives our mark will be on him," Frigga replied. "Then he added Thor and Loki's name once they joined our family. When the time comes, he will add the name of your child."
"Does it hurt?" Jane asked worriedly.
"I'm told it does hurt a bit, but the warriors wear it as a sign of pride. Thor will have two names added to his chest," Frigga said, smiling. "His wife and his child."
"He's really excited about the baby," Jane said, her hand resting on her stomach. "We're a little worried, but we're excited about the baby."
"Why are you worried, Daughter?" Frigga asked.
"We don't know how my body is gonna handle carrying a little Asgardian bundle of joy. We don't know what's gonna happen; I don't think there's ever been a half-human, half-Asgardian child, has there?"
"No, I have never heard of such a child. Truly yours and Thor's union is a unique one. I don't think there has ever been one in our history. But you have access to all of our healers in the palace and Thor has told me you have marvelous healers on Earth. Do not fret over your young; you have many people to support you during your pregnancy, humans and Asgardians alike. All will be well with your family," Frigga said, patting her hand.
"Thank you Frigga," Jane replied, smiling at her. "You really are a wonderful person."
"As you are my darling, as you are. Come, let me show you your wedding dress; it is a work of beauty," Frigga said, pulling Jane to her feet. "You shall try the dress and we shall talk of your babe."
"Greetings Brother," Thor said, walking into Loki's cell. "How do you fare this evening?"
"Thor, what are you doing here at this hour? You never visit this late. Is everyone okay? Is everything alright?" Loki asked worriedly, sitting up on his bed.
"Everyone is fine, Brother; be at ease," Thor replied, settling into a chair. "Jane is with Mother discussing wedding preparations so I decided to pay you a visit."
"How do your preparations fare? Did your mortal wedding go well?"
"Yes, the wedding went splendidly. The Man of Iron and Lady Pepper are true friends indeed; they organized much of the wedding. Mother, Father, the Warriors Three and Sif attended as well as the Avengers and some agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. There was much fanfare and revelry; the only thing that was missing was you, Brother. You would have made the occasion truly complete."
"Yes, while I would have liked to attend your wedding, I don't think Odin or your fellow Avengers would have appreciated my presence. Nor would they be pleased with you releasing me from my prison," Loki said sadly. "I am to remain here until Odin thinks I have been sufficiently punished."
"Do not worry, Brother. Although you could not be at the Midgardian wedding, you will surely be at the wedding at home," Thor replied, confidently. "I could not have a wedding without my brother standing at my side."
"Thor, I don't think it is a good idea for you to go through with your foolhardy plan. It is impossible for me to escape this hellhole and even if I were able to, Odin would surely find out and you would pay a heavy price for it. Are you willing to risk your throne simply to have me stand at your wedding?" Loki asked. "You have more to lose than you realize: your throne, your wife, your babe. You cannot risk these things."
"Be of ease Loki; my plan shall not fail Brother."
"How many accidents began with those words?" Loki said dryly.
"You are my brother, Loki and I cannot wed Jane in front of all of Asgard knowing a member of my family is not present. Even if no one else sees you or knows you are there, I want you to stand by my side. I am not the only one; Jane agrees with me," Thor replied.
"Lady Jane wants me at the wedding?" Loki said skeptically.
"Of course she does; you are her family now," Thor replied.
"You want to sneak Loki out of his prison cell and have him come to the wedding?" Jane asked, surprised. They lay in Thor's bed, talking late into the night after visiting Loki in his cell.
"Yes. It is important to have all family members present at the wedding. I know my brother has wronged a great number of people and he has much to pay for, but he is still my brother; I would like him to be there," Thor replied, stroking her arm gently.
Jane was quiet for a moment, thinking over Thor's idea. "He could try to escape that way; he could try to run away to another world and attack Asgard or Earth. It could be dangerous to let him out."
"Brother will not do it. Though he may not say it out loud, Loki searches for a way to redeem himself. He will not make an escape."
"Are you really willing to risk everything for him, Thor? Your home, your throne?" Jane asked.
"Yes, I put my complete trust Loki," Thor said seriously.
"If you want Loki to be at the wedding…then I will stand by you completely," Jane replied. "But how will you get him there?"
"Worry not; I have a plan," Thor replied, pulling her close. "Thank you Jane."
"So what is your plan?" Loki asked.
