49
A Wedding To Remember
The day of the wedding arrived as the palace was abuzz with activity. Servants were preparing food for the guests, who had arrived earlier in the week, as well as the Royal Family.
The throne room was being polished and cleaned within every inch of floor space and frost blue and gold beeswax candles were placed in the chandeliers.
Frigga's handmaidens and other palace staff hung thick swags of gold satin and ice blue over the floor length windows and decorated the walls with pretty white and gold roses and Frost blossoms sent from Jotunheim by Queen Farbouti.
Farbouti and her son were not sure if they would be accepted by the court when they arrived at the palace, but Frigga and Odin had given them a warm welcome and their rooms were furnished with furniture Odin had sent from Jotunheim. Farbouti enjoyed her conversations with Frigga and they found out they shared a wide variety of interests.
Amidst the decorating, Loki and Thor worked with Odin and the Council to draft a new treaty between Asgard and Jotunheim now that Byleist was king. This included returning the ancient relic known as the Cask of Ancient Winters to its rightful owner so long as Byleist agreed to be bound to never use the artifact against any peaceful realm ever again. The promise was binding for his lifetime and that of his heirs.
Byleist examined the treaty as he had silent conversations with Loki about what he should or should not agree to then he signed the treaty.
Loki was impressed with how more confident his brother had become and he gave his brother a nod of approval.
But, like with some weddings, things did not go smoothly.
"I am carrying the ring!" Balder said as Leif pulled on the blue silk pillow and his little lower lip stuck out.
"No! Me do!" Leif screeched.
"Papa!"
Loki quickly walked in the room as he saw his sons pulling on the small pillow and he placed his hands on his hips.
"What is going on here?!" Loki asked.
"I was practicing walking with the pillow, but Leif keeps getting in the way!" Balder said.
"Me do!" Leif said, pointing at the pillow.
"But Papa said I was going to do it!"
"No!"
Loki felt a small headache behind his eyes as he sighed then he shook his head. "Balder is right. He is going to carry the pillow," Loki said.
"No!" Leif said when he let go of the pillow and he swung his little fists at Balder, but Loki caught them in his larger hand.
"Leif Lokisson, you do not hit your brother," Loki scolded as he lifted his son off the floor and Leif wiggled in his arms.
"You need to share the ring," he told the upset child. "Balder can carry it to me and you can carry the pillow back down the aisle. All right?"
Leif sniffled, not liking the soft disapproving tone from his father. He nodded reluctantly.
"That's my boy!" Loki smiled at him.
He hugged Leif then he placed Leif back on the floor and he watched them practice with the pillow.
At that moment Hela came racing in. "Papa, I can't get my hair to stay up so I can wear it like Sigyn's!" she wailed. The child's silky dark hair was very fine and difficult to manage with combs.
"How is she going to wear it?" Loki asked.
"On top of her head with a pretty jeweled tiara and silky veil behind her." His daughter explained. "I just want mine up with some pretty hair pieces but it won't stay!"
She held out some beautiful gold and emerald combs Frigga had gifted to her.
Loki led her to the small vanity as she sat down and Loki picked up the comb. He looked at her hair for a few seconds when he started brushing her hair then he gently began to braid it. He swept the braids up into little waves. which he used the emerald combs to hold into place, and Hela smiled with how pretty she looked.
"There! How's that?"
"Wonderful! Thank you!" She hugged him. "Now I need to finish getting dressed."
Loki watched as she skipped out of the room and he realized he needed to start getting ready too.
"Papa! I can't find my other shoe!" Balder suddenly said and Loki sighed, rolling his eyes.
"Me find!" Leif offered and proceeded to crawl under the bed to look.
Loki knelt down as he watched his youngest son crawling under the bed when Leif found his brother's shoe and he crawled to Loki. He handed Loki the shoe as he crawled out from under the bed and he was covered head-to-toe in dust and dirt.
"Wonderful," Loki sighed.
"Dirty, Papa."
"I see that," he said, standing up then he lifted his son into his arms and they headed for the bathroom.
"This is the wrong shoe!" Balder said, loudly, and Loki flinched.
"Stay there and I'll go find it after I clean off your brother!"
I wonder if Thor and I were like this as small children? He mused as he ran the bath. Then he snorted. We were worse, Trickster, and you know it!
After Leif had another bath and the missing shoe was found, Loki headed for his chambers to get ready for the wedding.
In Sigyn's quarters:
Sigyn had woken with a stomach of nerves. She hated the idea of spending the last few days at her parents' home, but tradition dictated she wasn't allowed to see or speak to Loki before the wedding.
"We don't want to jinx anything," Tyr had reminded her, but she admitted she missed her Trickster.
She had taken a bath with rose water and lavender oils and her maid was now brushing her hair.
"Prince Loki is going to faint when he sees you, Lady," Marvi said with a grin.
"I might faint if these butterflies don't go away. I don't think I can eat a thing."
Marvi softly laughed when the door to Sigyn's room opened and Sigyn's mother and sisters entered the room.
"Mother, what is it?" the bride queried, seeing the alarm on Elsa's normally serene features.
"Your father seems to have gone missing," her mother sighed. "I cannot find him anywhere, and when I asked Hans, his valet, he told me that your father left early this morning on some errand and has not returned yet."
"And it's almost ten o'clock!" gasped Amaya.
"The ceremony is at noon!" groaned Tyra, as if Sigyn could forget that detail.
"Did he take his armor or his sword?" Sigyn asked.
"No," Elsa said with a shake of her head.
"Maybe he went to the barracks. He did say he wanted the guards to form some sort of line for the end of the wedding."
"I sent Hans to look, but one of his men said Tyr wasn't there."
The green mage pursed her lips thoughtfully. "Perhaps he went to speak with Loki?"
Loki, have you seen my father? she sent.
No, I haven't. Is there something wrong? Loki sent.
We can't find him. Mother said he went out early for an errand, but he hasn't returned.
I can ask Huginn and Muninn to search for him, the prince offered.
I can also send Skybolt, Sigyn sent back.
Amaya rolled her eyes. "Father always seems to pick the worst times to go off on his little journeys."
Elsa frowned. "While I do admit he can sometimes be a bit annoying, I am sure he has good reason for doing so."
"Loki told me he hasn't seen Father and he will send Huginn and Muninn out to find him," Sigyn told them and Elsa sighed. "I will also send Skybolt."
"Where could he have gone?" Tyra asked when they heard loud footfalls and they looked at the doorway.
"Where has who gone?" Tyr asked. He was covered nearly head to toe in mud, pieces of grass and dirt and he had something in his hand.
"Where have you been!?" Elsa demanded, walking to him and, even though he was a mess, she hugged him.
"I went to get Sigyn her favorite flowers for her bouquet," he said and Sygin looked at the slightly crushed flowers in her father's hand.
"That was sweet of you, Papa," she grinned at him. It was funny to see the celebrated general holding flowers in his large fist instead of a sword and she appreciated his gesture. "Though you look like you've been wrestling with dryads!"
"What did you do, roll in the grass?" Tyra asked, aghast at the grass stains on the general's pants.
"Ah," the general said with a quick clearing of his throat and his wife swore he was blushing. "After I found the flowers and placed the flowers in my pouch, I started walking home. The problem was my mind was so focused on the wedding that I didn't mind my footing and I stepped off the top of the hill."
"Are you hurt!?" Elsa asked.
"Just a few bruises and scrapes from sliding down the hillside."
"But you're filthy!" Amaya gasped.
"That was from the large puddle of mud at the bottom of my descent," Tyr said with a smile.
"Did you bathe in the mud?!" Sigyn asked. Her insides hurt from trying not to laugh and he sighed.
"No, I just had a time getting my footing."
"Well, let's go get you washed up and I'll find some salve for your scrapes," Elsa said and he noticed the twinkle in her eyes.
"You are never going to let me live this down, are you?"
"No, I'm not."
The girls giggled as he sighed then he handed Sigyn the flowers, kissed her on the cheek then he let his wife escort him out of the room.
Tyra exchanged glances with Amaya. "I hope they remember they need to be at the ceremony at noon! Because I saw the look in their eyes!"
Amaya chuckled, sounding like a bird. "Mother will remember, even if Papa gets carried away!"
"You two are awful!" Sigyn scolded, wagging a finger at them.
"Just wait till you discover the joys of wedded bliss with Prince Loki!" Amaya grinned. "Then you'll understand! Right, Tyra?"
"Indeed, Sister!" Tyra nodded sagely, then they all burst out laughing.
"Come, we need to finish getting you ready!" Amaya sang.
Loki, my father has returned, Sigyn sent then she explained what happened. She heard him lightly laughing in her head as she smiled and she held the flowers to her chest.
I am glad he is home safe and sound, Loki sent.
So am I.
As they assisted Sigyn with her hair and makeup, Amaya asked, "So what token are you going to exchange with your groom during the ceremony?"
It was tradition for the groom and bride to exchange tokens representing their life paths to each other. Usually a warrior exchanged a sword with his bride, to indicate he would protect her, and a bride would exchange a spoon if she was a baker, or a jeweled brooch if a lady.
"Well . . . since I am a green mage, I am going to exchange a vinestaff with him," Sigyn answered. "For new life and new beginnings and green magic."
Her vinestaff was made of pure white wood from a grape arbor and bore beautiful flowers entwined about it and small grapes.
"What do you think Loki will exchange?" Tyra wondered.
Sigyn wondered the same.
"Perhaps a crown or a scepter?" mused Amaya. "He's the Prince of Asgard."
"Or one of his daggers,' Tyra said, but Sigyn knew he wouldn't give her a weapon.
"I guess we'll just have to wait and see," Sigyn said and they helped her into the wedding dress.
Her wedding dress was elegant yet simple, of soft ivory silk with climbing green vines and gold roses about the hem and bodice. The sleeves were sheer lace and flowed to her elbows, allowing her arms freedom of movement. The dress just brushed the top of her beautiful emerald and diamond encrusted sandals.
Amaya had painted Sigyn's toes in gold dust polish and her nails in the same, so she sparkled every time she gestured.
"You look like a fairy queen," Amaya said with a grin.
"Or a goddess," Tyra remarked, her eyes twinkling.
Sigyn felt the blush moving over her cheeks and Amaya placed the veil on Sigyn's head.
The veil had belonged to Elsa and had been worn by each of her daughters on their wedding day. It was made of expensive Alfheim silk and embroidered with beautiful tiny aquamarines, seed pearls, and silver thread.
Thor had sent a green and white lace garter as a gift and she had blushed at the thought of Loki seeing it.
Sigyn had studied the marriage customs of Midgard and was happy that Asgardians were more modest and did not have a ceremony where the groom removed the garter in front of all the wedding guests to throw it. But the bride did throw a small flower wreath to the young maidens and if one was lucky enough to catch it, she might find the man of her dreams.
The bride and groom also performed a dance called the Shower of Coins where they threw gold and silver coins to the guests as they whirled about the dance floor-it was to indicate the couple's wealth and generosity for good luck in their marriage.
Amaya and Tyra stood back while they looked at their little sister and they sadly smiled.
"Now, no tears," Sigyn said with a laugh and they gently hugged each other.
"We wish you all the joy in the Nine," Tyra murmured.
"Only it's so strange to see our baby sister a bride!" Amaya sniffed. "I feel like it was only yesterday you were toddling around wearing Mother's heels!"
"And painting your face with MY makeup!" Tyra chuckled. "And now look at you!"
"I am so glad I was blessed with such wonderful sisters. You and Mother taught me so much," Sigyn said then she shook her head. 'No. Enough. We keep this up and we'll need our makeup redone."
"Yes, today is for rejoicing! May you and Loki know happiness everlasting!" Amaya trilled, and she removed a silver tambourine from the bedside table and began to shake it, which was also tradition-that the bridesmaids accompany the bride to the temple with laughter and music.
Nodding, Sigyn walked to the doorway while her sisters made sure the veil was straight then they exited the room. She felt a knot in her chest at the thought of leaving the room which she had spent the last few months for the last time, but she shook the thought from her head and they headed down the hallway.
Viva's bedchamber:
Viva admired the gown Frigga had made for her as she looked in full-length mirror and she smiled from the thoughts and feelings she was receiving from her twin.
Someone is excited, she sent and Loki softly laughed in her head.
You are correct, Loki sent then she felt there was something wrong.
What's the matter?
It's nothing. Just a small sense of uncertainty.
You have nothing to feel uncertain about.
True, but old habits die hard.
She sent some calming thoughts into his mind and he send some love back.
See you at the chapel, he sent then she felt his mind moving away.
She looked at her reflection again when her vision blurred and she saw the image in the mirror change. She saw Stephen standing in a courtyard and he was wearing tan linen clothing. She watched the others around him preforming magic, but he just looked at his shaking hands with a look which broke her heart. He moved his hands in the same pattern the others were doing and a small spark of yellow light appears between his hands then the light faded. She could sense his anger and frustration as she placed her hand on the cool glass and the image faded.
"Are you well, Lady?" her maid asked while Viva turned to look at her and Viva blinked the tears from her eyes.
"Yes. I'm fine," she said, wiping her eyes with a small handkerchief and her maid nodded.
"Then let's get your hair done."
Viva walked to the small stool in front of the vanity as she sat down and her maid started fixing Viva's hair and makeup. Viva's mind focused on Stephen as she sighed and she silently prayed for him to be alright. A knock on the door made her stand as she walked to the door and the maid opened it. Odin stood dressed in his amor, his hair brushed back and shining in the light and he held his helmet in his hands. Frigga stood next to him as she smiled at their daughter then Viva took her father's hand and they walked down the hallway. Thor joined them halfway down the hallway and he gave her a smile.
"You look amazing," Odin commented.
"Thank you, Father. I just hope I don't outshine the bride," Viva teased and he laughed.
"I am sure she will shine just as brightly," Frigga assured her then she noticed the look in her eyes. "Is there something wrong?"
"It's nothing to worry about," she assured her mother and they headed out of the palace, got in the coach that was waiting for them and the coach moved down the road toward the chapel.
Along the King's Way, people lined the avenue, cheering and throwing flowers and ribbons, as was customary during a Royal Wedding.
Loki and the two small princes and Hela rode in the groom's coach, decorated with green and gold swags and pulled by Slepinir, who wore green and gold plumes on his harness and glided lightly above the avenue. Loki and his children leaned out the windows and waved to their people, who cheered and clapped at the sight of their prince so joyful.
Sigyn's coach was ahead of his, and it seemed to take forever to arrive at the chapel, though in reality it was only about ten minutes.
Once at the chapel gates, Sigyn and her sisters, Tyr and Elsa, processed down the aisle of the great temple and the guests gasped at how beautiful the bride was.
"She outshines the sun and stars in the sky!"
"I envy Prince Loki," whispered a nobleman to his brother, who also nodded.
Once she ascended the dais, Sigyn turned to face the guests present and wait for Loki to arrive. In an Asgardian marriage ceremony, the groom came to the bride, to show his willingness to stay and make a life with her.
Tyra and Amaya played the tambourine and the bells and sand softly the traditional wedding songs that wished the new couple long life, happiness, and children.
Soon the royal coach with Odin, Frigga, Viva and Thor arrived, and the royals disembarked, and processed up the aisle, taking their places to the left of Sigyn's family. They then all waited for Loki and his children to make their appearance.
First Hela came down the aisle with Leif, strewing flower petals and small golden grains of rice which represented abundance and fertility, harking back to when Asgard was a kingdom of agriculture.
"Mama, I want my hair like hers!" a little girl proclaimed loudly and was hushed by her parent.
Hela smiled in delight.
"How adorable!" the ladies gushed at Leif.
Next was Balder, his little face serious as he carried the satin gold pillow with the wedding rings knotted to it. But Thor winked at him and the small prince grinned back, making the guests laugh.
Then the music swelled to a joyous refrain and Loki appeared in the doorway, his handsome form haloed in golden sunlight for a moment.
Sigyn felt her heart stutter as she beheld her groom in all his finery for the first time.
Suddenly she gasped, the mere sight of him stealing her breath for an instant.
Loki wore skin-tight leather breeches of ivory that accented his long well-muscled legs to perfection. Sigyn could hardly take her eyes away from him. His shirt was of the finest elven silk in a soft green shade with golden accents. He wore a sweeping gold cloak with green satin lining and the collar was pure white arctic mink with an emerald and gold clasp. Upon his head was a gold diadem and his boots were gold snakeskin. His hair flowed in soft waves to his shoulders, and one side sported a single braid twined with gold and green cords. He wore gold bracers on his arms and his daggers were sheathed at his sides. He looked every inch the prince he was born as . . . and her heart swelled with love so deep it made her shiver in longing.
By the Nine, but he is magnificent! And he is all mine! I wish the ceremony were done with already!
Then she flushed at where her thoughts were taking her and composed herself, giving her groom a smile that held all the warmth in the world within it.
Loki did not hesitate, but grinned back at her as he processed down the aisle, his joy radiating from him and making his face light up with incandescent brilliance.
He saw Byleist and Farbouti sitting in seats near Odin, Thor, Viva and Frigga and Byleist gave him a nod.
Nervous, Brother? Byleist sent.
Not anymore, Loki sent then he looked at Farbouti. She was wearing an ice blue gown with lace cuffs and collar and she wore a silver diadem which marked her as Queen Mother. She gave him a nod as he made a little bow then he continued down the aisle.
Do you have any idea how handsome you look? Sigyn sent as he made his way to her and his eyebrow arched up.
Not as beautiful as you look, Loki sent and she held out her hand.
He held her eyes in his while they stood facing each other and Loki prayed for the service to start.
Vidarr, the High Priest, approached in his ceremonial robes of sky blue and gold. "Welcome all here to this joyous ceremony. We are gathered here to witness the wedding of Prince Loki Odinson and Lady Sigyn Tyrsdottir."
Vidarr held out his hands for silence as the cheering died down and he continued.
"Who gives this maiden to be married to this man?" Vidarr asked.
"Her mother, sisters and I," Tyr answered as he stood and Vidarr nodded.
"Who gives this man to be married to this maiden?"
"His father, mother, sister and brother," Odin said, standing and Vidarr nodded.
"And his other brother and I," Farbouti said as she stood and some guests as well as Loki gave her a surprised look.
You are my son, she sent with a smile and Loki nodded.
Tyr, Odin and Farbouti sat back down and they waited for Vidarr to continue.
"In the sight of the Norns, All Wise and Knowing, do you, Loki Odinson, take this woman for your wife, forsaking all others, in this holy bond of marriage?"
"I do so swear," Loki replied calmly, holding Sigyn's hand.
"And do you, Sigyn Tyrsdottir take this man for your husband, forsaking all others, in this holy bond of marriage?" Vidarr looked at Sigyn.
"I do so swear," she replied, squeezing Loki's hand.
"Further, do you, Loki Odinson, agree to provide for and protect this lady against any that would do her harm?"
"I shall."
"And do you, Sigyn Tyrsdottir, vow the same of yourself?"
"I shall."
"Then bring forth the tokens of protection," Vidarr intoned.
Tyra came forward with the vinestaff and handed it to Sigyn. Thor handed Loki a long black staff topped with a brilliant blue crystal orb.
"I, Loki Odinson, do pledge my eternal protection with this-the Scepter of Power." Loki then handed the scepter to Sigyn, who gasped in astonishment before taking it.
"I, Sigyn Tyrsdottir, do pledge my eternal protection with this-a vinestaff of green magery."
As she handed the vinestaff to Loki their tokens flared brightly with magic-and one green and one blue strand of mystic energy wrapped about the other, binding them together.
Everyone watching gasped in awe.
Vidarr cleared his throat.
"It seems the Norns approve! Rejoice!"
The cheers echoed through the air as the guests stood and clapped their hands.
Vidarr smiled and waited for tumult to die down before he spoke again.
The guests sat while Tyr looked at Odin and both of them nodded and smiled to each other.
"Do I give them the rings now?" Balder whispered in a loud voice and some of the guests laughed.
"You do, young prince," Vidarr said genially and beckoned the boy to stand beside him.
"Will the couple please take these rings, symbols of their undying love, each for the other, and place them on each other's fingers?"
Loki lifted the gorgeous golden vine patterened band set with triple emeralds and slid it onto Sigyn's finger. "With this ring, I thee wed."
Sigyn felt the tears in her eyes at his words as he gently squeezed her fingers and she looked at his ring sitting on the pillow.
She gently placed the gold and jet band set with a single teardrop shaped green fire gem-a gem that could store magic- and slid it onto his finger. Gazing into his eyes she said clearly for all to hear, 'With this ring, I thee wed!"
Loki's heart swelled in his chest as he smiled then he felt a tug on his pants leg. Leif had run to join them as he looked up at his papa then he pointed at the pillow.
"Me!" Leif announced and Loki softly giggled.
"Yes, you can carry the pillow back to your seat," Loki said and Balder handed his little brother the pillow then they walked back to their seats. Vidarr chuckled then he looked at Loki and Sigyn.
"May the Norns forever bless this union! Now seal thy vows with true love's kiss!" Vidarr boomed.
Loki had a sparkle of mischief in his eyes when he moved closer and he gently cupped the back of Sigyn's head in his hand. He leaned down to place a light kiss on her lips then he deepened it. Sighing, Sigyn slid her arms around him, but neither cared about the cheers and whistling coming from the others.
All except Balder, who made a face and whispered to his siblings, "Kissing! Yuck!"
"Well done, Brother!" Thor cheered as he stood and Sif, the Avengers, who had been invited to the wedding, and the Warriors Three joined him, clapping their hands.
Loki laughed against her lips as Sigyn shook her head and they moved back, looking deeply into each other's eyes.
I love you, he sent and she could feel the passion within him, it caused her kneed to go weak and fire to sweep through her veins.
I love you too, forever, she sent back, and he trembled with desire at her heartfelt words.
"Are you done kissing yet?!" Balder asked.
"For now, Imp," Loki told his son and Balder pouted.
"Ok."
"Yeah because otherwise we're gonna have a baby right here!" muttered Hela.
People nearly fell on the floor, convulsed with mirth.
Loki's face turned red as he placed his forehead against hers and she brushed her hand over his cheek.
"Are you really sure you want to be a part of all this?" he whispered.
"I wouldn't miss it for anything," she whispered, lightly kissing the tip of his nose.
"Just remember you said that!" he teased, then he took her hand and they processed back down the aisle together, amid the cheers of their people.
Neither could recall ever being happier, and both were anticipating a glorious future, as they ducked the showers of rose petals and wheat kernels.
They headed out of the chapel when they got back in the coach and the footman closed the door. Loki slid his bride against him as Sigyn leaned her head up and Loki kissed her.
"Norns only know how much I love you," he said,
"And I you."
"Let's make this a wedding to remember!"
He slid his hand out the window as he cast an illusion and bright fireworks flared in the sky. Those gathered on the side of the road cheered as the coach moved back to the palace and she smiled at her wonderful Trickster.
She could hardly wait to get started. Then she laughed softly at her own impatience. For they had all the time in the Nine to become one in mind, body, and spirit, to learn each other's ways, and to build a new life together out of the ashes of the past.
Loki looked at her as he thought of how a once broken prince was now a whole man again and she was his life now. Her and his children.
He gave her a slow smile of delight as he found the bottle of sparkling wine Thor had stashed beneath the seat and conjured two glasses. He poured the sweet wine and then toasted his new bride. "To us, and our new life together!"
Sigyn clinked her glass against his.
"To us," she said as she took the glass and she sipped on the sparkling wine.
It tasted of honey and summer and it caused heat to curl in her midsection, or perhaps the heat was caused by the way a certain Trickster God was staring at her, as if she was the answer to all his prayers.
The bubbles tickled her nose as she giggled and Loki slid his arm around her shoulders.
"Patience," she said to herself more than him, but Loki heard her and he pouted.
"I am trying to be patient, but it's not easy," he teased and she blushed.
"We have all the time in the Nine. A few more hours..."
"Will feel like forever."
She agreed with him as the coach arrived at the palace and the footman placed the small set of stairs at the bottom of the door. Loki opened the door when Tyra and Amaya appeared to help straighten the train of her dress.
Amaya and Tyra noticed the looks Loki and Sigun gave each other as the sisters lightly giggled then they went inside the palace.
Loki took her arm and escorted his new bride into the Great Hall. All the dignitaries of the Nine were present, and all stood and applauded as the newlyweds processed to their seat at the High Table.
Odin stood in greeting as he raised a goblet of sweet wine and Loki made a low bow while Sigyn curtsied.
Loki was astonished to see a tall handsome golden-haired man that looked like Frigga wearing a crown dripping with sapphires and rubies standing beside his father. Why, it's King Frey of Vanaheim! I've not seen him since I was a small boy.
"Greetings," Frey said with a bow.
"Greetings, Your Highness," Loki said, bowing back.
The realization struck him then that here was his blood uncle, though he hardly knew the man, and he wondered if Frigga had let him know about his true parentage-and his twin's also.
As if he sensed it, Frey gave him a pleased look.
Your mother told me about you and your twin, Nephew, he sent,
I had hoped she would. We must get better acquainted after the wedding, Uncle. Loki replied.
I will look forward to it.
Loki sent to Sigyn who Frey was as she nodded to Frey and he grinned.
Greetings, Niece, he sent.
Greetings, Uncle, she sent.
Loki then led Sigyn to the two empty chairs as he helped her sit down then he sat on the chair next to her.
Odin then lifted his glass in a toast to the new bride and groom. After everyone had drank, he called out, "Let the wedding feast begin!"
A horn sounded while the servants appeared with trays of food and pitchers of wine, mead, ale and goat milk for the children.
As servers in royal livery began distributing the food and drink, Loki squeezed Sigyn's hand under the table. His mouth watered at the savory smells coming from the platters, but his heart was singing a different tune as he beheld his lovely bride. He wished for an instant that he could make time stand still-and then he got a rather naughty idea. Maybe I can't make time stand still . . . but I can make people see what I wish them to see.
He cast an illusion of him and Sigyn sitting at the table as he gently pulled her to her feet and she frowned. He motioned with his finger for her to follow as they headed for the balcony and he took her to the far corner of the balcony.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"I want some alone time with my wife."
"Here? In the middle of the banquet?"
"No one can see us," he said with a gleam in his eyes.
"You're certain?" she hissed, feeling her blood quicken.
"Positive," he murmured, then his mouth captured hers and she was lost with the sensations he conjured.
"Do you doubt my magic?" he asked, arching his eyebrows.
"No, my love. For you are the Trickster, and you can fool anyone," she laughed and kissed him back.
She marveled at how his hands moved over her body while the kiss deepened and she felt her knees weakening.
He moved back just enough to move his finger over her lower lip and she blinked.
"By Yggdrasil, you are amazing," he whispered.
"Loki!" she moaned.
"Aye, darling?"
"We should stop . . ." she sighed. Then her arms tightened about him once more. "Oh to Hel with it! Kiss me again!"
So he did, and eventually they returned to the feast, tingling with delight at the wedding night still to come.
Thor gave his little brother a nod after he had seen them return and something told Loki his brother had an idea of what they had done.
After the food was eaten and they had their fill of drink, Odin stood and announced it was time for the Bride and Groom's first dance.
Loki took Sigyn in his arms, and the mere touch of his hands upon her made her quiver with longing. So much so she almost forgot the steps to the dance. But she soon regained her equilibrium, and was twirling gracefully with Loki across the floor, as light as thistledown upon the breeze.
"You dance divinely," he murmured in her ear.
"Only with you," she laughed. "Ask Tyra. I used to step all over her feet!"
Laughter was in his eyes as they danced and, for Loki, it was like no one else was in the room, but them. He lifted her up while twirling her around in circles and she placed her hands on his shoulders.
"Your love gives me wings."
"And yours makes my heart soar," he said, lowering her down.
Their lips brushed each other while the music stopped and the cheers echoed around them.
Others joined them on the dance floor as they took turns dancing with their guests and Frigga teared up while she danced with Loki.
"Have I made you proud, Mother?" he asked softly, echoing the words he had said to her upon his return to Asgard all those months ago.
"Yes, you have," she said with a nod.
Her words nearly caused his heart to burst with happiness. "I am glad."
"As am I. You have suffered so much, but you never gave up."
"There were times when I had."
"But you always found a reason to keep trying."
"Yes, I did."
He looked over at Sigyn dancing with her father then he glanced over at Viva and his twin was still sitting at the table. Frigga looked at her then nodded and Loki walked to his twin.
"Are you well, Sister?" he asked and Viva looked at him.
"I am fine," Viva said, but he knew something was wrong.
"Don't lie to me."
"It's... I saw him again."
"This man from your dreams?"
"Yes. His pain. His anger. It calls to me, but I have no idea where on Midgard he is."
"Let it go for now," he said, holding out his hand. "Dance with me."
She placed her hand in his and rose, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor, silently cursing herself for letting this vision get the better of her. This was her twin's wedding and she was not going to let it be ruined by anyone, least of all herself.
She shoved her worry back behind her shields and focused instead upon how happy her twin was with Sigyn. She let herself feel his joy and soon it became her joy also. The Mind Healer danced gracefully with her Trickster twin, two halves of the same whole.
"I wish you happy, Twin," she said sincerely.
"And I wish you the same," he said honestly.
Viva gave him a bright smile, though she feared she would never know the happiness that Loki did right then. She shook her head. My destiny is in the hands of the Norns, she reminded herself. And she hoped they would bless her as they had her twin. Until then, however, she would enjoy this day of celebration, for it wasn't every day a prince was married to his one true love. May you always know laughter and always know love, may your family always stay beside you and the Norns bless and keep you, Little Brother, she prayed fervently, then she sent her own blessing over the newlyweds, with all the power of her empathic gift, and suddenly her troubled heart was at peace.