Loki smiled slightly at Elva, squeezing her hand lightly as Odin spoke. He could not see her properly through her veil but he knew her well and knew the expression she would be wearing.
Elva was able to see Loki clearly and was almost trapped in the intensity of his bright green eyes. Her heart was racing and her skin tingled where he was rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand. She twisted her hand slightly and squeezed down before turning her eyes back to Odin.
Loki's focus was entirely on her as Odin spoke, only distantly listening to Odin as he spoke. He ran his eyes down Elva's body, taking in the dress as it hugged her figure before returning his gaze to her face again, smiling softly. He looked up at Odin in time to hear him start about his history.
His near past was a touchy subject, but he had agreed to have some parts discussed.
"Though the younger Prince has brought dishonour on himself and done many things he is not proud of, Loki bears the scars of his actions on his back and in his heart. He will bear the hardships he brought our people on his shoulders and carry them before the gates of Valhalla at his passing. But now, he will take on a new challenge. He will take on the role of protector, of guardian and most importantly, as husband," Odin called to the people.
"Let us set aside the deeds of the past and celebrate this day with love and care due the couple that stand before us as they join their fates together and undertake one of the largest steps in their lives. Their decision to become one." Odin lowered his hands and looked at Loki.
Loki took a deep breath and drew himself up, standing tall and strong as he looked at Elva.
"I, Loki Odinson, take thee Elva Bestlasdaughter to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love, I would be lost in a cold dark hell without you by my side. I will cherish our friendship and love thee today, tomorrow, and forever. For where you go, I will go and where you stay I will stay. This is my solemn vow to thee."
Elva smiled slightly and squeezed his hand gently. "I, Elva Bestlasdaughter promise to love you, Loki Odinson and keep you closest to my heart forever. I promise to be a faithful and devoted wife throughout the end of all days until eternity ceases to exist. I promise to ask nothing of you except that you love and desire only me as I will love and desire only you."
Odin smiled slightly and nodded. "The ring is an ancient symbol used to seal a solemn promise. These wedding rings, the perfect circle of love, will serve as symbols of your unending love and faithfulness and remind you of the vows and covenants you have made today."
Thor stepped forwards with Frigga and knelt in front of the couple, presenting a purple silk cushion on which rested two intricate golden rings, one set with diamonds and the other with a ribbon twist design.
Loki took the ring with diamonds and softly slipped it onto Elva's finger. "I give you this ring, as a token of my love and adoration. Let it be a symbol of my commitment to you and my undying passion and honest love for you," he said calmly, his voice ringing clear over the hall.
Elva took the second ring and slid it onto Loki's finger as Thor stepped back down. "I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love and affection. Let it show the endless love and unwavering passion I feel for you." Her voice, softer and more delicate, rose over the crowd ringing with confidence.
Loki took her left hand in his and interlaced their fingers. "I join my life with yours, and give you my heart to keep."
"When I say that I love you, I will love you forever, keeper of my heart," Elva said back to him, smiling brightly.
"Thus it is. There shall be one end for you both; one bond after your vows; nor shall your first love aimlessly perish. Happy am I to see my son win the joy of such a consort; you shall not go down basely in loneliness. So let the encircling bonds grip your throat in the midst; the final anguish shall bring with it pleasure only, since the certain hope remains of renewed love, and death shall prove to have its own delights. Each world holds joy, and in the twin regions shall the repose of your united souls win fame, your equal faithfulness in love," Odin said deeply, standing tall as his voice echoed around the hall.
"As you have stated the vows which now bind you together in your love and, by the giving and receiving of rings, you have pledged yourselves to one another, I declare that you are partners in marriage. You may now share your first kiss as a married couple," Odin called, watching over the couple.
Loki lifted Elva's veil, smiling as people gasped, recognising Elva as Frigga's hand maiden. "I love you," he whispered very faintly before leaning in.
"I love you too," Elva whispered back as she slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him gently.
As Loki's lips met hers his magic surged through him, sweeping through the hall and turning the white ribbons black and green. The light flowers turned to a shining gold and the candles shone brighter.
Elva stepped closer to Loki, pressing lightly against him.
Loki smiled through the kiss, resting his hands on her lower back. Under his fingers, her dress began to change. The diamonds turned from crystal to a shining black stone, pure diamond but deepest black. The cream lacing turned to a dark green, matching Loki's cape and the flowing skirts turned to a dark black, purest midnight.
The crowd of Asgardians murmured and smiled as the younger Prince claimed his bride as his own, marking her with his colours. When the two pulled away, slightly pink cheeked and smiling brightly, a cheer swept through the hall, almost deafening as the people of Asgard shouted their approval of the match.
