I hope you all are staying safe and inside. Things have been crazy around here, and I was busy, busy. I was put on unpaid vacation, so I hope I can write more now.

Please leave some comments guys. Thanks for all the support

The month was almost over and there had been no word from the soldiers, Thor or Loki. Odin was content, saying no news were good news. He was certain that nothing had happened and that the threat had been dissolved. Leiyah was counting the days impatiently. She had been reclusive, spending more time with her friends and in the library. She had almost finished the nursery and had decided that they needed another baby- bed for their own bedroom. For the first few weeks, at least. She had more regular check- ups, her baby was growing strong and healthy. As of late, Leiyahs magic was all over the place. She felt a different sort of magic stirring in her. Junia had assured her, that it was just the baby testing out her own power. The necklace and Mechel were helping her keeping it under control. Her gaze was fixed on the Bifrost. A hand on her stomach, the other on her necklace. She knew what Loki would want if something had happened to him. Return to Vanaheim immediately. Keep herself guarded and shielded. A hard kick from the baby. "Hush, he will be back soon. And then we will have you all to ourselves. Calm my angel."

A voice behind her almost made her jump, "Do you need anything?"

"Calia, you startled me. No, thank you."

Her cousin came closer, "You've hardly eaten today. Come to think of it, you haven't eaten a lot this month."

"I am not hungry, but I do eat."

"Loki wouldn't want you to starve yourself, or the baby."

"I am not." Her voice grew icy. Every time someone mentioned Loki, she wished she could blast them against a wall. Leiyah knew her cousin only meant well, but she was worried enough as it was. "Where are the others?"

"You gave Marielle and Vidal the day off, they went into town."

"Of course. Why don't you go as well? You must be bored."

Her cousin eyed her warily, noticing the dark circles under her eyes; she wasn't sleeping well alone. "I'd rather spend time with you. We hardly have any time just for the two of us. Come, let us sit and talk. I can get some cakes and tea."

Leiyah smiled half- heartedly, "Kind of you, but I assure you I am fine. I am afraid I am not the best company these days."

"Which is understandable, but any day now they will come back. He will come back, and he will only worry if he hears you have been worrying yourself. Why not go to the library. We could continue the work a bit."

"We did that yesterday."

"Shall we call on Mechel, I am sure he has something for us."

Leiyah sighed, moving away from the window, "Calia I assure you; I am perfectly fine. I will go to bed early today and read some, or maybe work on the nursery."

"If I thought you were sleeping, I would leave you to it, but I know you are not."

Leiyah was quiet. She looked to the sofa where he would always sit, his scent still there. She didn't know why she was behaving like he was dead, he wasn't. She would feel it. She was sure of it. "Fine then I will go to the nursery."

"You told us you did not want to work on the nursery anymore without Loki."

She snapped, "What do you want me to do Calia? Sit, eat small cakes and gossip about court? Talk about the weather and the newest way the handmaidens of Queen Frigga are wearing their hair? The new guards which have arrived? Sorting through Asgards' books, to organize it, so that the people can read? Do you wish for me to continue my husband's wish for the library without him? Should I go into town? Buy things? Talk to the people and having them give me advice on this child? None of that matters to me! Don't you understand? My husband is gone! There has been no contact, no letter, no anything. I know it is only a few more days, but it is hard. I don't want to finish the nursery without him. I don't want to go into town without knowing that if I buy him something that he can appreciate it. I don't want to work on the library because it is his vision. I don't want to sit and talk about trivial things, while I do not know where he is and how he is. I… I… I don't know… if he is alright." She sat onto the sofa and tears started forming. Calia rushed to her, to hug her.

"It will be alright. He promised you, he would be back. And he does not break his promises. Has he ever?"

Leiyah shook her head.

"A few more days. And I know it is hard. But we need to keep occupied. You can't worry the whole day. It will only bring more pain. And I know he is alright."

"But you don't."

"What?"

"You don't know if he is alright."

"But you do."

"Do I?"

She kissed her hair, "I think you would know if something were to happen to him. Your love has been deemed right and happy from the ancestors and heavens after all." Calia pointed to her small golden circle on her wrist. She breathed a small laugh. "Trust in him. In a few days he will march in here and will be so happy to find that you have been keeping busy. He will dote on you every second again. I know you miss him but staring at the Bifrost won't make time go faster."

She nodded. "I know. I know. I just… I don't know what I would do without him."

Calia hugged her tighter and smiled when Leiyah groaned, "Look at me; married for almost two years and pregnant and I am a sobbing mess. When did this happen?"

"When you fell in love. And it isn't weakness. It is beautiful and so wonderful. And it gives you strength to fight for something. As he is right now to come back to you."

Leiyah nodded again and rubbed her eyes. "Yes, you are right. We need to keep busy. You said something about cakes?"

"I will be back in a short while." She ran off towards the kitchens. Leiyah smiled and ran her hand over Loki's spot on the couch. There was still power lingering there. "Come back, my darling."

Leiyah did manage to calm herself down enough to not worry about Loki every second. The baby was a lot calmer through it and so was her magic. Mechel and her had been working on different techniques to calm her magic during birth and during the stressful times with the baby. It was truly magical and she felt free and relaxed. She woke up feeling refreshed and put on her favorite dress, left her hair open; just the way Loki liked it, put on her favorite red lip- color; a bright red with light blue undertones in it, kiss- proof of course, and walked towards the family quarters. Frigga was dressed casually, as she would when nothing important was happening at court. "You look beautiful Leiyah. What is the occasion?"

"It is now precisely one month since they left. Loki is coming back today."

Odin scoffed, "My dear, you can't plan a war. It will end when it ends."

Leiyah knew better by now than to argue with the Allfather. She merely nodded and ate a plate of fruits. She didn't know what to occupy her mind with, or her body. She could go to the library but she wouldn't see the Bifrost. Returning to her chambers only made her anxious. Practicing magic now would only be too far away. She summoned a book and sat down on one of the sofas facing a window. The book did engross her, it captivated her so deeply that she forgot the time. Loki had recommended the book to her and she had never had the time to read it. Now she was a third way in and enjoying it immensely. A rapid knock on the door shook her out of her book.

"Forgive me your Majesties," the breathless voice of her cousin said, "Leiyah, the Bifrost is opening." Leiyah looked out the window, and she was right. The bright light was there. The movement. She had enough common sense that she closed her book with a marker and put it to the side. Then she got up and took her cousin's outstretched hand and started running. It was not a long walk, but it felt like an eternity.

Marielle was at the gate, "Do you wish to go closer? The city gates perhaps?" Frigga and Odin were coming up behind them.

"Yes, the city gates. Quick, let's hurry."

The three ran, followed closely by Vidal and Odin and Frigga at a slower pace. People were crowding. Many of the families whose members were soldiers were there as well. Hoping. Looking out. They made way for Leiyah. Horses. Neighing and Trotting along the Rainbow bridge. She could hear them. Soon they were in sight, but too far away still. She let out a silent sob when she saw his horse, then his uniform and then his black hair. Leiyah took another step forward, then three more. Calia stopped her before walking too far. Loki's eyes locked on hers and he urged his horse to go faster. Coming close he got off and ran the rest of the way. Other soldiers were running behind him, having found their families already. Loki was only a few feet away, when Leiyah took her last few steps towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Loki. He was back. Like he promised. He hugged her tight and breathed in her hair. He was here. He was back. She laughed and sobbed at the same time, before moving back a bit. He looked the same. Except for a few small cuts, one particularly deep; on his cheek. The eyes shining bright.

"You are back."

"I promised, didn't I?"

"Yes, yes, you did." She moved her hands over his arms, roaming over his body with her eyes; looking for injuries. Loki looked down to her stomach, which had grown slightly more. "How are you? How is she?"

"We are both well. Better, now that you are back."

Loki saw the pure love in the eyes of his wife and decided he did not care for formalities. He pulled her a bit closer and kissed her. All the fear and worry left her then. The crowd around them applauded and Loki grinned against her lips. She pulled back and grinned at him. "I am so happy you are back."

Strong arms engulfed her and she was being spun by the crown prince, "Leiyah, did you miss me as well?"

Leiyah laughed and answered, "Yes, Thor. I am glad you are both back safe and healthy."

Loki put a hand on his brother's arm, and he released Leiyah, who thankfully took a step back towards her husband. "Forgive me. I was overwhelmed with emotions. I hope I did not hurt my niece."

"Not at all. She is very relaxed, but happy."

Odin and Frigga moved over to them and Frigga hugged her sons and gave them a kiss. Odin beamed and said, "Perhaps we can continue this in the castle? Celebrate?"

Thor looked to the soldiers, those who had come back and were re- united with their families. Those families who did not have a returning soldier come back. To Leiyah and Loki, who looked as if the last thing they wanted to do was celebrate right now with others. "I think perhaps today we should let everyone rest. Tomorrow we should honor the dead and then, the day after, we can celebrate."

"A wise decision" Frigga smiled. Loki shot him a thankful look and took his wife's hand to walk towards their friends to greet them.

"I still need a briefing of what happened."

"That can also wait until tomorrow, father."

Loki walked with his wife back to the castle, slowly, enjoying the quiet bustle of the castle, nearing their rooms. He thanked their friends and excused them for the day. After closing the door, he finally turned to her and grinned widely. "I have never been this happy returning to Asgard."

She had a tear in her eye but was grinning as well. "Me too. I was waiting. It felt like I was losing my mind."

"I don't wish to leave you again."

"We know you might not have a choice. But for now, you are here."

He noticed that she looked tired, a little skinnier in the face, but her smile was sincere. Loki roamed his eyes over his wife and sighed happily, "As much as I wish to just relax with you in our bed, I fear I must wash myself first. The month was not kind to my appearance."

She moved closer, "Yes, I can see. Let me draw you a bath. There you can relax and wash."

"Will you join me?"

"First you wash. I can wash your hair, then we can stay in bed the whole day long."

"Why won't you join me?"

She hesitated, she did not really know why. It was as much a mystery to her as it was to him. "I am not sure. I, I think I just want to look at you for a while… to make sure this is not a dream." He took her hands and placed them on his chest. She could feel the steady heartbeat, the muscles, his chest rising and falling with each breath. She felt the warmth radiating off him and his hands, which were now holding onto her side. Looking into his face; the cool eyes, which could hold so much warmth, the sculpted face, the strong nose, the mouth that could be so wicked and cruel, yet so loving and tender. His beautiful face framed by long black hair. She felt tears in her eyes. She tried to hold in her sob, when she said, "You need a haircut," but she failed and the tears fell. Loki pulled her close and let her weep. He could feel worry easing off her with every drop. He had felt the same, the fear, the worry, the longing for her. He felt his own eyes starting to water. "I don't know why I am crying. You are back, you aren't hurt."

"You missed me, you were worried, you were afraid. It is understandable."

"It is this baby. She makes me so emotional."

He laughed and kissed her cheek, "I hope my wife would worry and be scared for me, even if not pregnant."

"I know how strong you are, and how wise, yet I still worried."

"Would it make you feel better, if I told you I was worried as well?"

"You'd be lying."

He shook his head and slowly guided her to the bathing room. "I was longing for you every day. Not just the physical part, but your warmth, your smile, your brain to guide me, your ability to remain calm. Just you. Just being able to look over at you, being able to talk to you, kiss you. I was afraid what would have happened, if I hadn't come back. I have never been happier that a month had been over, than this one." Leiyah sighed and dried her eyes. She did not step away from him as she turned on the water and made some oils and scents dribble into the bathwater.

"Get undressed."

Loki could hear in her voice, that she was not being commanding for sexual reasons. He did as she said and she sent his clothing to the washing rooms, lower in the castle. He stepped into the tub and lowered himself slowly. The scents she had chosen were immediately relaxing for him and when she sat behind the tub and started massaging his shoulders, he couldn't hold in the moan that escaped him.

"You are all tight."

"Not many places to relax."

She was quiet for a moment, rubbing his upper back, shoulders and neck, before asking, "Do you want to talk about it?"

"It wasn't a very taxing battle for the mind. But I had more to lose this time. Before you, I never wanted to die because I was vain. I thought I would have a big chance of doing something bigger with my life. Now, I just wanted to return just to see you, to get to meet our baby, to have a life with you."

Leiyah was slowly pouring water over his hair and continuing with shampoo, massaging it into his head. "You still are vain."

He chucked water at her, which she easily deflected. Both laughed. The tension was slowly easing out of them. After having rinsed off the shampoo she moved around a bit, sitting now on the side of the tub, touching his face; the deep cut. "What did this?"

He sighed, "I was saving up all my power, the deepest part of it. For the final battle, for the time before the month was up. Thor kept trying to tell me that you can't plan a battle, but I could. Two days ago, I was going deeper into my powers (A.N: I imagine this kind of like the way it is described in the Throne of Glass series, when the Fae delve into their power. If you haven't read that series yet, I recommend it so much!), I was preparing to take them all down at once, If I had to. And it made me sloppy. One of them got to me. There is a matching cut on my side here too." She saw it and made a small clicking sound. "He did not survive it, the next day I did what I promised. I took down the ones in charge. And with that we had won. We gathered our soldiers and left at morning light the next day, today."

"It looks like it might scar."

"It might. The one on my side I don't mind. I wish the one on my face wouldn't be there."

"See, vanity." But she smiled and placed a hand on the side of his scar. "You will still be the most beautiful man in the 9 realms." Loki grinned at her and then his eyes widened. Leiyah's hand was glowing slightly, a deep gold glow, and the wound on his cheek healed. She pulled her hand back. No wound, no scratch, no blood, no scar. Nothing. "What?"

"How did you do that?"

"I don't know, I don't have healing powers. And I never studied them." A small kick came from her stomach, and she put her hands there. "Do you think… it was… her?"

Loki had never heard of something like that before. He looked down at her belly, and back to her. "Has this happened before?"

"No."

"Perhaps we should call Mechel. Or Junia."

"I will ask them to come."

"Now."

She nodded and disappeared. Loki wanted nothing more than to spend time with his wife, alone, holding her, just talking about everything he had missed this month. But their baby's safety and well- being came first. He got out of the tub and pulled clothes on. When he left the room, he found Mechel already there, sitting on the couch in front of his wife. A knock. Junia.

"You called?"

"Something happened?"

Junia rushed to Leiyah, "Is everything alright? Are you in pain?"

"No, none whatsoever. But, I did something. Or we think, she did something."

"What?"

"Leiyah just healed a cut on my face. A very deep one."

Mechel stared, "That is impossible, Leiyah has never once trained in healing magic."

"I said that. We were wondering if maybe she did it?"

Junia was quiet, deep in thoughts, while Mechel framed her stomach with his hands and muttered. Loki and Leiyah exchanged quiet looks. "It is a possibility. Perhaps her magic has festered very early. I am not entirely sure. I have never seen anything like it."

Junia added, "It would make sense, though."

"How do you mean?" Loki asked.

"I have never seen a pregnant woman, especially almost 9 months pregnant, still so active and in so little discomfort. Besides little vomiting, and small aches, Leiyah did not have any of the normal pregnancy pains women have, especially first- time expecting mothers."

"It did seem easy."

Mechel laughed, "Perhaps your child has been healing you of the ails inside. And it might have felt your distress about Loki's ailment. Oh I can't wait to meet her. Especially when she is older."

"So, there is nothing to worry about?"

Junia shook her head, "If you are not in any pain or discomfort then no. But don't do anything that makes you uncomfortable. And come by tomorrow, to check the vitals again."

"I will, thank you." The two left and Loki sat down. "She is strong. Already."

"Soon. I can't wait to hold her."

"I can't wait to hold both of you."

She laughed, "Always having to one- up me."

"After having honored the dead yesterday, today we honor the soldiers who have returned home to us. Thank you for your service to all of us, and please enjoy the festivities." Odin's speech had been longer yesterday, but today everyone just wanted to relax and have fun. Frigga was talking to Loki, who had sat Leiyah down on a sofa to watch everyone else. She was very tired today, her magic buzzing weirdly inside her and the baby having kicked up half a storm last night. Loki had stayed up with her through her discomfort but he was better at hiding it.

"You look as if you are still mourning." Fandral's voice came from beside her. She smiled at him and answered, "I mourn sleep this day. I hardly slept a wink last night."

"Ah fun activities in the bedroom now that the husband is back."

She gave a small laugh, "More the baby was trying to kill all important organs inside my body."

"Ah yes, that does not sound pleasant. At least Loki got some sleep."

"Hardly, he stayed up with me."

He gave a small nod, then laughed, "Never would have pegged Loki as the family man. If anyone had told me that Loki would have been the second one after Vollstag to have married, I would have never believed it."

Leiyah was becoming bored of this conversation, "He is a man of many mysteries."

"He is." He was quiet for a while, "He did well."

"Regarding what?"

"The battle. He managed to plan it out to a second almost. I did not want to believe him, but he saved my life. I will forever be thankful for it. He did not have to do that. I have not been the kindest to him, throughout our entire time together. And through that, I have not been welcoming to you. I wish to apologize to you. I didn't even try to get to know you. I just assumed that something must have been wrong with you if you had been willing to marry Loki. I apologize."

Leiyah regarded him, she saw the sincerity in his eyes. "I think I understand where your disregard for me and my husband came from. I thank you for your apology." She was silent then continued, "The notion, that a change in a person is not possible is such an Asgardian trait. We have also heard of Loki's deeds, but we understand a person is capable of change and betterment."

"Indeed. Perhaps now, we can move forward. Maybe even as friends."

She nodded and felt Loki coming up behind her. "Fandral, what a surprise to find you talking to my wife."

She pulled him down to sit next to her and made herself comfortable next to him. "I came to apologize. You saved my life, Loki. I am beyond grateful. My sister would have lost her brother if you hadn't been. I also apologized for the way I treated Leiyah. I feel horrible about it."

Loki nodded, "I appreciate it. No matter what happened between us, I would not let personal issues get in the way of protecting the people of Asgard."

"Thank you. You have shown yourself to be a great leader." Fandral left with a bow and went back to his friends.

"You are a great leader. General Vignir even came and told me how spectacular you were. I think he is rather fond of you. And I am very proud of you."

"Are you really?"

"Yes. I hope I say it often enough. I am proud of you." She leaned in to give him a small kiss.

"The people like you two." They looked up to see Odin looming over them. Loki stiffened slightly and moved his arm around Leiyah. There was always a defensiveness about Loki when it came to Odin.

"Thank you."

Odin sat down opposite of them, leaning forward. Leiyah did not know what to do. Vidal had seen it and was watching them, as well as Marielle. Leiyah knew Vidal would be ready to fight the Allfather if she was threatened. "I am thankful Loki."

Loki, to his credit, did not flinch or widen his eyes, merely looked at him.

"We have both done and said things we regret. But I am thankful that you did such a good job. After your description and what Thor and Vignir have told me, I am sure you were the driving force. And that without you, a lot more would have been burned yesterday."

Loki nodded, "I did what I was told to do."

"I know."

Loki resisted the urge to look at his wife to raise a questioning eyebrow at the silence now between them. He would also not be the first one to stand and leave.

"You must be excited. It is almost time."

"Pardon?"

Odin cleared his throat, "The child."

"Yes. We are."

"Big moment. The first child."

Again, he did not flinch, but thankfully covered Leiyah's hand that she had put on his knee. "Things will change from here on out."

Another nod. Leiyah felt uncomfortable, as did Loki. Most words between him and Odin were in aggressive nature, never a casual conversation. "Would you like me to get your family over here? For the last few weeks?"

This was directed to Leiyah, "No, I am sure they are busy. But thank you. Loki will message them when it is time."

"Of course." Another stretch of silence. "Your mother is proud of you as well."

"I know. She told me so. I am just glad to be back. I would hate to be separated from Leiyah again during such an important time for both of us."

"Yes. And then a few months later, married for 2 years."

"I know. It is my marriage after all."

Odin nodded again and then mentioned he would rejoin the festivities.

"I think he is trying."

"Yes. But I fear I do not trust him."

"I wouldn't either."

A maid brought them some drinks and smiled seductively at Loki. Leiyah smiled into her glass. They still tried.

"You know I would never- "

"I know. I just think it is funny how they keep trying."

"As if I could want anyone besides you. And soon, we can try for baby number 2."

She laughed, "As if you haven't been trying."

Loki laughed out loud, making heads turn to them. Thor raised his cup to them and smiled brightly.