It wasn't much longer before the dancing was brought to a halt with the announcement that dinner was ready. Though dancing was the most favoured event in an Asgardian wedding, nothing came above food for the Asgardians and dining in the royal halls was an event that not everyone got to attend.It was a rare privilege that few of the lower classes got to enjoy, much to their distaste. It was not by Odin's choice however, and it was still rare for the higher classes to attend banquets with the royals outside of celebrated occasions.

The classes today were mixed however, with no distinctions between the people. The joy of the occasion was to be enjoyed by all. It did not take long before the crowd fell into step behind Odin, Frigga, Thor and the newlyweds. Loki walked behind Thor, feeling slightly resentful but ignoring it as Elva squeezed on his arm gently. He glanced down then pushed the thoughts from his mind, walking on and thinking only of her.

Odin and Frigga led the way through the golden doors and down to their seats at the head of the table. Thor walked around to Odin's right, standing behind the ornate chair as Loki took his place on Frigga's left, Elva beside him. They waited, watching as the people poured into the hall, taking their places behind the available chairs.

The hall was almost as big as the dancing hall, but it was warmer and full of chairs and tables, all arranged in long rows at ninety degrees to the top tables, where the royals were now standing. When at long last, everyone was in place Odin pulled out Frigga's chair then sat with her. Thor sat just after but Loki delayed to pull out Elva's chair and take her hand, guiding her to her seat.

Elva smiled softly and waited for him before she took her place at the table for the first time, sitting with Loki and squeezing his hand softly. As soon as the five of them were seated the masses of Asgardians took their seats and settled into a respectful silence.

Odin stood once more and looked around. "I welcome you all here, on this joyous occasion, to our vaulted halls. It is rare indeed to see the full might of Asgard, assembled here in front of me. It is a wonderful thing to behold. It is an honour to be your King, to rule over such co-ordinated and varied people. We see variation, and difference in everyone before us. Even in our newlyweds, there is difference. Loki, a prince of Asgard, and Elva, once little more than a lady in waiting to dear Frigga, are two very difference people."

Odin paused, looking around. "But it is difference that brings so much to our lives. Without difference, we would not be where we are today. Difference in opinion brings compromises that in turn breed new directions and progress. Difference in method brings new methods forwards, to replace older, more dated ones. Difference in personality breeds dispute but in turn, also results in stronger relationships.

"If we could not debate with each other, there would be no further development in our bonds to each other. Though it might lead to conflict, we will forever be building our connections based on new ideas, new thoughts and new dreams. Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, fellow Asgardians, as you look upon the Royal couple, fresh in their bond, think not only of their differences, but also of the strengths that these will bring to their bond. Join me in congratulating them and welcoming Elva into the royal family as a different, but prominent part of our Prince's, Loki's life."

Odin sat as the people whispered then one by one started to clap, taking in Odin's words and mulling them over between each other.

A short time later Odin raised his hand for silence then watched as servants walked forwards towards the main table with plates of food. "Let the feast begin!" he called as his plate was filled.

Almost instantly a wave of conversation swept through the hall, filling it with the hum of hundreds, even thousands of voices each talking about individual matters and adding to the volume.

Odin and Frigga looked sideways at each other and the Queen gave Odin a loving and knowing smile, placing her hand on his. Odin smiled slightly back and folded his fingers over her hand, squeezing lightly. Thor was already eating, his plate filled with meats and his goblet brimming cool with mead.

Loki glanced at the God of Thunder then look at Elva, rolling his eyes slightly. Elva giggled quietly, placing her hand over her mouth and looking back at Loki, her eyes sparkling with joy.

With a light touch, Loki lifted a strawberry and held it against her lips, watching with amusement as she delicately bit into it, her eyes locked on his. "Interesting," he mused quietly before finishing the strawberry himself.

"What is?" Elva asked curiously, wondering what he was up to. She loved him, but had also come to expect little tricks and pranks from him. It was a rare day indeed when she didn't see the light of mischief in his eyes and she anticipated it every time. It delighted her to see him restored to his former self.

"Oh, nothing," Loki said with a faint smirk. "You'll find out given time I'm sure." He started into his food, giving her no chance to ask further questions. He watched the people in front of him, eyes scanning over the crowds and eyes slightly distant.

Elva sighed and went back to eating, wondering what Loki was up to. She swirled the juice in her goblet then took a sip, pulling a slight face at the faint tang of alcohol. "Loki," she whispered. "Could you do me a favour?"

Loki looked at her then the goblet, seeing the question in her eyes. He nodded and focused on the drink, carefully changing it to a sweeter drink without alcohol.

"Thank you," Elva whispered before taking another sip. She smiled and nodded. "Much better. Thank you." She replaced the goblet on the table and resumed eating, delighting in the rich foods she had only sparingly been allowed before.

Loki watched her for a moment then returned to his meal, eating hungrily. He suddenly had a stronger appetite than before though he didn't know why. He smirked slightly, glad for once to be hungry.

"I'm glad to see you eating well," Elva whispered softly to him. "You'll need your energy later. I missed you and you know what that means."

Loki turned to her, his eyes sparkling with mischief and a slight hint of lust. He smirked when he felt her place her hand lightly on his thigh, squeezing down. "Oh, don't you worry sweetheart," he purred softly. "I'll have plenty of energy."

Elva giggled and took her hand back, looking down at her plate again as her cheeks turned a dusty rose colour.

Frigga glanced at the pair, smiling slightly to herself when she saw the light in their eyes. She looked away again, her eyes scanning over the people below her as she gave the new couple some space to talk.