Big chapter this time. Leave some love guys.

Loki smiled as he was looking at his wife. She was standing in front of the mirror they had placed in the nursery. There she was admiring herself. According to Loki and many other members of court, she looked radiant. She had gotten many envious and admirable comments from women, who had told her that nobody had ever looked as beautiful pregnant. Even Frigga pointed out, that she looked positively radiant, glowing and pretty. Loki agreed with every single one. Her stomach was, according to Junia, at her fullest now and most of her even loosest clothing was tight around her stomach. She was hot now most of the time. A sign that an elf was close to going into labor. Loki was using his Jotun powers to help with her heating spells. It was time soon. And Leiyah wanted it to happen. She wanted to meet her daughter. Also, she wanted to look less pregnant for her birthday and her wedding anniversary soon after. Loki was putting the crib together. "What do you think?"

She turned, both hands on her stomach, "It is beautiful. You did a great job."

A knock and Thor entered, "I have been searching for you."

"You found us."

"Father wants to know when you will be ready to lead another mission for Asgard?"

Leiyah instinctively made a move towards Loki but then stopped. Loki had noticed though and answered, "Not in the near future. It is too close to the due date and then I need to spend time with my daughter."

"But you did so good. And we can plan it again so perfectly. It wouldn't take long. It shows how much he trusts you-"

"Even if that is it, he should know better than to ask me to leave Leiyah so soon again, and our child."

"She will be fine when you come back."

"I know that she might not be as important to Asgard as a son would have been but that does not mean she is any less important to me. She means the realms to me already. I will not leave now." His voice was icy and direct. "Now if you wish to help, you may stay. Or if you wish to train, I will meet you there. But if you are trying to persuade me to leave my family, the answer is no."

Thor looked at him for a moment, remembering the man who had always wanted to be included, who had wanted to go into war to prove himself, who had jumped at every opportunity for greatness. Here he was, willing to leave it all for a woman and a baby. He then remembered his own punishment on Earth and thought back on his knowledge what a few short days with someone could do to change your perspective. "I apologize brother. Of course, you are right. I should have never asked. But I will take you up on the offer to spar. Meet me there in 15 minutes."

Loki nodded and watched him leave. "The audacity."

Leiyah had no answer, trying to calm her breathing.

"I know what he is trying to do. But I will not dance around for him anymore."

Leiyah breathed deeply once then sat down. "I don't think I can take anymore of these fast and abrupt demands. It will make the baby come tomorrow." Loki was kneeling in front of her now, both hands on her stomach; feeling the baby kick. She had felt the distress of her mother and was now equally upset. "Do you want to lie down? I can call Marielle or Calia to keep you company."

"No, I think some fresh air will do me good. But please do call on them, I would like their company."

He nodded and sent out a small spark. Minutes later Calia, Marielle, Vidal and two new maids; courtesy of Odin, were there, escorting Leiyah to the pit, where soldiers trained. Since the appointment of the two new maids, the secret talks about Vanaheim and ideas were limited to their rooms. Odin had thought it best, it being so close to birth. Leiyah had been inclined to light something on fire when she found out one of the maids was intended for Loki's amusement during the final weeks and the weeks after the baby was born. She had told Loki and Loki had almost stormed to his father. Leiyah had stopped him. Every time the maids were close to the royal couple, Loki would be cold to them and generally ignore them. He had even threatened to have her thrown off the towers if she so much as touch him again, that one time she had brushed against his arm. Still she was trying. They were direct orders from the Allfather after all.

"Shall I fetch his Highness a towel and clean shirt?"

Calia rolled her eyes and Leiyah nodded, "No, he is quite able to do that himself."

"Do you need anything, my lady?"

"No. Thank you. Truly there is nothing I need. I just wish to sit and relax."

"May I be excused then?"

Leiyah was more than willing and said "Yes, you may."

Unbeknownst to the couple, Odin had been using the maid to spy on them. Since neither Loki nor Leiyah have been inclined to dine with the Allfather, nor talk to him, he needed to be creative. The maid, Tani, knocked on the Allfather's door and entered.

"Ah, my girl. Anything to report?"

She shook her head, "No, Allfather."

"You have been with them for a month now. Has my son not been talking to you?"

"No."

"Only carnal pleasures then?"

"No, Allfather?"

Odin looked visibly confused, "What do you mean?"

"Prince Loki has not touched me."

"You assured me he has frequented you before."

"He has, my king, before princess Leiyah."

"But even now with the pregnancy?"

"He does not touch me." Odin was even more confused now. They had been married for less than two year and he could not imagine going that long without.

"Does he frequent others? Brothels? Other maids?"

"None, my king. Only the princess."

"Princess Leiyah?"

"Yes."

"In her pregnant state?"

"Yes."

"Try harder and watch them more closely. Anything else? Anything to report?"

"Nothing. They talk about books and the baby. When the princess goes to train, nobody is allowed with her. At the moment they are all watching the princes spar."

"Fine, try harder. You may go."

Loki was watching Thor work his small fertility magic on Leiyah. She had been having bad cramps and backpain as of late. Junia had assured her it was merely the baby starting to prepare. The last week had been a bad one and Leiyah had hardly left her bed. Loki had been using his Jotun powers to soothe her hotness. This had also made him have a heated and breaking conversation with Mechel and Junia, having asked if there was a possibility for this child to be Jotun. They had denied it and had done a final test, showing the child to be mostly Aesir and Vanir. Leiyah hissed and clutched her stomach, "Brother, come and help your wife."

"What shall I do?"

"Hold her hands, comfort her."

He felt helpless but he did what Thor asked him to do. He sent tiny flows of his magic into her, hoping to ease the discomfort. "Tell me how to help you, my love."

Leiyah merely sighed and answered, "Just be here."

"Soon it will be over. Soon we get to hold her."

"I know. Makes it all worth it."

Thor gasped slightly and then pushed harder as Leiyah gave a painful and louder groan. "I think, I am not sure, it is almost time."

"What do you mean?"

"I think soon, probably in the next few days, the baby will come. I think it might have been a small contraction."

"Shall I fetch Junia?"

"I am already here. I gave the princess a small device that let's me observe her. Prince Thor is right, it was a contraction. Not too much longer now. Princess, do you wish for me to send for your parents?"

A nod and another groan. Loki stood and said, "I will go. Try to help her."

In the family quarters, Frigga was watching Loki riding his horse to the Bifrost as fast as he could. She was worried; since coming back from Vanaheim, Loki had been more reclusive. She did not know how he was doing but she had a feeling it had something to do with the baby. The Bifrost opened and closed again. Odin was now walking towards her. "What is going on? Why is the Bifrost opening?"

"I don't know. Loki just rode there."

"What is he planning?"

"Odin, how should I know?" The Bifrost opened again and a small ship was now following the horse. "Is that Arvid and Kaylina?"

"And the princess." There was another person on the ship, but they could not make out who it was. The ship and the horse were fast. Disappearing from their view. They were obviously making way for the castle but neither knew why. Frigga asked, "Could it be Leiyah?"

Odin turned and started walking swiftly. By the time they reached Loki's and Leiyah's chambers the royal family of Vanaheim was already there. All of them around Leiyah, who was sitting in front of Thor, who was pushing against her lower back.

"What is going on here?"

They all turned, Arvid bowed and so did Serelle. "Apologies, Allfather. Loki informed us that the birth is soon to happen, and that Leiyah asked for us. We came immediately."

Odin turned to the healer, "Is it happening?"

"Any day now. I suggest movement and relaxation."

Kaylina was stroking her daughter's hair, "We are here now. Anything you need, I will get."

"I thought the pain would only start once my water broke?"

Junia answered, "Elves experience pain beforehand as well. It is the body adjusting, preparing in a way. Is it unbearable pain?"

"No, just really annoying."

She smiled, "Very soon, your Highness. And then it will be over. Then you get to hold your daughter." Loki sat down next to Leiyah and gripped her hand. "I can't wait. I will be there the whole time."

Leiyah smiled and gripped his hand tighter. "Can we go outside. I don't feel like being in here anymore."

"Yes, of course. Perhaps your family would like to join us."

Regiana answered, "Well of course. What you need now is familiarity. Come. Show me what there is to see."

Leiyah nodded and stood, thankfully gripping the hands of Loki and Thor, to steady her. Odin cleared his throat, "Loki, might I speak with you for a moment."

He looked to his wife and then nodded, "I will meet you all out in the gardens. I will find you." He kissed her head, "Start with the East Garden." She nodded again and linked arms with her sister and slowly walked away.

Loki then turned, "How can I help you?"

"I was wondering how you were doing?"

"Fine, as always."

Odin sighed, Frigga was behind the door, trying not to listen. "Why have you not accepted my gift?"

"Your gift?"

"Tani. The new maid."

"I thought she was Leiyah's new maid."

"Loki, I know how often you have frequented brothels and the other maids. And Leiyah is in such a delicate state…"

"Are you insinuating that I cheat on my wife?"

"It will be weeks after the birth before she will be able to have relations again and even then she will be tired, and her body will be different."

"My wife is beautiful."

"I am not saying anything else –"

"But you want me to take a mistress."

"You are so young, boy. You need to have fun still. Go to war. Make love to women."

"You were the one who needed to marry Leiyah into this household."

"But it was understood that it would be an alliance. Not a match made of love."

"But it is and it was. And I will not take a mistress. Not today, not after the baby, not after 5 babies, never! I will not disrespect my wife like that!" Loki was almost screaming, his voice not calculated for once, but angry.

"Don't make promises you can't keep."

Loki had no answer. "I am just saying, my son, no woman could tell you not to seek your pleasures."

"No."

"No?"

"No, I will not. I might not be held dear by many, nor do I hold many things dear to my heart, but my wife and child are two of them. Now if you will excuse me, I will go find my wife."

"You should not bring those false ideals to your son one day."

"If I have a son, I will raise him the way I see fit."

"He will be an heir to the throne of Asgard. He will be brought up as such."

As he was leaving Loki said, "So he can be cast aside at the best possible moment for you."

He did not hear Odin's reply anymore, but bowed to his mother who was outside of his door, with Thor. "Excuse me."

Frigga turned to where her husband was still standing in their chambers, "What happened?"

"He and I just do not see eye to eye on things."

"What is it about the maid that had him so upset?"

"It was a present, from me."

"To use?"

"Yes, if he saw it fit. His wife is hardly in a state to pleasure him anymore."

Frigga looked at him, an emotion on her face he could not read, "Is that what you did?"

"No, but we were older. And I was at war."

Frigga nodded and left, Thor had watched the exchange and left as well.

"You should not let him get into your head Loki. He is doing it to rile you up. And clearly it is working."

"He wanted me to take a mistress."

"But you didn't."

"Of course not."

Regiana interjected, "Mistresses are for the loveless marriages. You two do not have one of those. Hardly have I ever seen a young marriage so in tune and so in sync. The thought alone to have children so early would have frightened me. But you two wanted it. Neither one of you, nor your children will ever know what it is like to not be loved."

Loki felt love coming from the woman and smiled at her, "I thank you."

"We are family, dear. Now, no more talk about mistresses or distrust or the Allfather. I fear we will have enough to do with him soon enough. Have you two talked about names yet?"

Leiyah answered, "We have, but we want to see her first."

Serelle agreed, "I think you should name her after her aunt."

"Thor said the same thing about himself."

"Now that is not a nice girl's name." Leiyah laughed and relaxed for the first time in a week.

Frigga, Kaylina, Serelle, Regiana and Leiyah were all sitting in the inner gardens of the castle. Calia, Marielle and Vidal were with them, all enjoying a nice day in the ever warming sun, drinking tea. "I don't think we ever had the pleasure of meeting", Frigga mentioned towards Regiana.

"No, we have not. My husband and I had been less involved by that point and I was never going with him to Asgard. It is simply too bright here for me."

Serelle and Leiyah snickered into their cups.

"Well, it is an honor. Odin loves talking alliances with Vanaheim."

"Yes, I do believe so."

Kaylina tried to switch the conversation and asked Marielle, "My dear, your mother sends her best wishes. She hopes you can all soon come back to Vanaheim. How has your life been since coming here?"

"Thank you, your Majesty. It has been well. Vidal and I might have found a small cottage close to the castle. Leiyah and Calia have been helping us search. We also spend much time in the library."

"Ah yes, Leiyah dear, you simply must show it to me later. Loki has told me how far you have come."

"I will. We only have less than a quarter of the library left. Loki believes we will have it done by our second wedding anniversary."

"Splendid. Have the books, I have been sending, helped?"

"Immensely. I must also, once we are done, write you a list of all the ones that are not here."

The Queen with the platinum hair nodded and handed her another tart. Leiyah was about to grab it when she doubled over in a groan. Her dress was soaking slightly and another gasp. Serelle stood, as did the two maids and her guard. Regiana put down her cup and said, "Well, it is time."

Everyone looked at her while Leiyah was still gasping. "Well hurry. One needs to run and fetch Loki, one notifies Junia, and the others help Leiyah to her chambers."

Frigga protested, "No, the healing ward is better."

"I assure you, having a mother give birth in her own bed is better. And we are all magically gifted, we can clean up any messes. Now run. All of you." Serelle started running towards the sparring pit while Calia ran off to fetch her mother. Kaylina and Vidal were keeping Leiyah upright and slowly walking her to her chambers. Junia had assured her that walking was a good thing. It would speed it up. Once at their chambers Loki was running towards them. "Is it happening?"

"Yes!" Leiyah yelled as a pain shot through her.

"What shall I do?"

Junia was now there too, "I need fresh water, another bowl of hot water, towels, the herbs on this list and this." She thrust the list at Calia and the other list to Marielle who ran off. "Please put her on the bed. Remove jewelry, any tight clothing and shoes and stockings. Also remove undergarments, they won't be needed anymore."

Thor and Odin were now there as well. Another painful gasp.

"Loki, please put two of these sheets on the bed, and then move the pillows however Leiyah needs them. Start with three at her back." Junia was rushing. She knew Vanir children came faster. Once Leiyah was ready, Junia smiled at her, "Alright Leiyah, please lie down, legs spread wide." Loki and Kaylina helped her lie down. Once Leiyah spread her legs Odin said, "Alright, I think this is for the women. Loki, Thor, Arvid, with me."

Leiyah grabbed Loki, "No!" But Loki was already in the process of saying, "I am not leaving her."

Junia then looked at Thor, "You might be useful here. If you wish to train your powers a bit. How often will you have the chance?"

Thor looked to his father, then to Leiyah and nodded, removing his top layer to be comfortable in pants and tunic. Regiana said, "Arvid, it might be best for you not to be here. I will join you. If you need any of us, call. Frigga, come." Frigga looked taken aback but went with them. The last thing she saw was Loki conjuring Leiyah's hair out of the way and the two maids rushing back in with bags.
Junia looked between Leiyah's legs and confirmed her theory out loud, "Vanir have the gift of fast births. This will be over faster than the pain will be able to last."

Leiyah did not believe it as a sharp pain shot through her back and she screamed bloody murder. Loki kissed her hand and whispered, "If this is the only child we have I will be fine with it."

"Shut up!"

"Calia please crush the first three herbs together, they will ease the pain. Thor, whenever she is in immense pain, a small burst of your magic might help her. Kaylina, if she needs it hold her hands. Serelle, take the cold water and dap her face with it, when needed. Marielle please put up the machine."

Another scream. Arvid gripped the seat tighter and grimaced. "She will be fine my boy. Strong women, such as your daughters, produce strong children. This is pain nobody can take from her."

"Alright Leiyah, we are almost ready. Thank the Heavens for your Vanir blood." Leiyah was sweating, she felt like burning up. The cold water was soothing. Loki looked helpless, "Tell me what I can do?"

"You must be there for her. There is nothing else."

The loudest scream yet, sweat dripping, and Junia checked her again, "We are ready." She looked up to the image in front of her; the baby was ready, positioned perfectly. "Leiyah. Listen. You must push."

She screamed louder and louder, Thor focusing his energy on the pain and trying to ease it. "Marielle, another towel."

"You are doing wonderful, my love."

The company outside were helpless, listening to the screams and yelled instructions now from Junia. Regiana was sending prayer after prayer. It might have felt like only a few minutes to some, but in reality it had been two hours now. Thor was growing tired and Leiyah was exhausted. Loki was now using his frost powers to cool her down even further, both of his arms a dark blue now.

"Make it stop. Get her out of me!" Leiyah was yelling now.

Arvid was pacing at this point. Looking desperately at the door. Wishing to be of some help.

"Almost there Leiyah. Push!" Leiyah gave it everything she had and her magic finally snapped. Nothing bad happened, but lights erupted around them. "Thor! Ground her. Kaylina try to ease her magic, Loki as well. This is fine but it can't escalate." The trio got to work. "Push! I can see the head." She gave a small sob and pushed. It truly felt like it was ripping her apart.

"Loki." A sob again.

"I am here, love, I am here. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

"You are doing great sweetheart."

"Another push, the head is here. We almost did it. Push!" And Leiyah did give it her final push. And finally. "You did it Leiyah. Loki, if you wish to cut the cord." A small cry came from between her legs and Leiyah let go of her tears. Loki kissed her forehead and went to cut the cord. He did not get a full look at her as Marielle whisked her off to get cleaned. Junia was performing minor spells for cleaning and healing, while Serelle was wiping off the sweat from her sister's face. Kaylina was cleaning the sheets with magic and Leiyah's sleeping gown, Calia was cleaning the rest. Marielle brought her back out and handed her to Leiyah, who had been helped to sit up slightly, with Loki behind her. "Your daughter." The baby gave another tiny sound but stopped as soon as Leiyah held her. She was beautiful. A short set of dark black baby hair. A tiny baby. Leiyah was crying, but so was Loki. "She is beautiful."

"Like her mother."

Junia had packed everything and said, "Everyone, please leave and wait outside. Thank you for your help. I will show Leiyah how to feed the baby and then in a few minutes everyone can come back inside." They all complied, all tired.

Arvid stood, "How is she?"

"Tired, but she did amazing."

"Can we?"

Serelle answered, "Let her feed her first. Then we can go." Arvid nodded, pride in his eyes.

"Alright, yes, just like that. Now I will just give a small briefing. Thankfully you have me as a healer, I have made you packs and potions which will ease any after- discomfort. Also see me every 4 days to check down there. It will heal nicely. No sexual activities for 5 weeks. Be happy to be Vanir again, Aesir need to wait 8 weeks. But don't do anything you do not feel up to. The baby is weighed and cleaned. She is healthy. Any issues, do not hesitate to call me. I have also prepared a small potion for the baby to sleep well, if she were restless. I will leave you now and send the family in in 15 minutes. You did wonderful."

Leiyah smiled, "Thank you Junia, for everything."

Loki looked at her, tears still glistening, "Thank you." Junia left.

The baby opened her eyes and Leiyah gave a small gasp. Her eyes were violet. But bluer, and the stars were there too. "Oh she is perfect."

"Our perfect miracle."

Leiyah looked into Loki's eyes, he was so happy. She leaned in to give him a kiss. "We have to decide on a name now."

"I think she looks like an Aelinnea. Lin for short."

Leiyah smiled, "Aelinnea, my beautiful daughter."

A knock, "May we come in?"

"Yes."