Just fluff and fluff. Big things coming soon
Loki was obsessed with his daughter. She was more than he could have ever dreamed of. Also she was spoiled. Only 3 weeks, but she had never left the arms of any of her family members. The first night, after Leiyah had fallen into a restful- restorative sleep; Loki had held her the whole night, murmuring sweet promises. A week later, Thor had held her the whole night.
"How is she?" Leiyah's soft voice came from behind him. Loki spun softly.
"She is doing so well. She slept a bit, but now she is awake again."
"Is she hungry?"
"No, you fed her already." He looked at his wife, her hair in a simple updo, a dark green dress and a smile that had not left her lips. "How are you?"
"Very good. Junia said everything is healing nicely. I get to train with Mechel tomorrow again."
"Good, I am happy for you." The baby gave a small squeal. "I think so is she." Leiyah leaned over and gave each hand a small kiss.
"Grandmamma is arguing with Odin about the Naming Ceremony."
Loki laughed, "I would love to see it."
"It is funny. Odin does not know how to respond to her, I believe."
A small squeal again and a gurgle. Leiyah laughed and took Aelinnea from Loki, "My little princess. Shall we go see your auntie and uncle?" A happy squeal.
"Thor adores her. He gave up going sparring with his friends to spend time with her."
Leiyah giggled and carefully laid her down in her crib, to get changed. Loki was observing his wife. Thanks to small magical training sessions and the natural regeneration of Vanir and Elf, her body was going back to the way it was before. Leiyah was feeling a bit insecure about her bigger stomach and wider hips now after birth, her breasts were bigger too, for obvious reasons. She had had new clothing commissioned but Junia had assured her, with training she would get her beautiful curvy figure back. It was always an issue for Leiyah, as she had never been as skinny as others in Asgard. Now she was in front of her mirror, touching her stomach. "Stop it. You are as beautiful as always."
"I have a bigger stomach than I had when we got married."
"You just gave life. Our daughter. And there is no part of me that finds any part of you not sexy and beautiful."
"Truly?"
He came closer and wrapped his arms around her, "Once you feel like it again and you are fully healed, I will make you scream my name again."
"Shall I have a contraceptive brewed?"
"If you wish it."
"You don't?"
He kissed her neck, trying hard not to get erect, "Leiyah, in case you have forgotten, you pregnant drove me wild. And the process of trying to get you pregnant was very enjoyable as well."
"I do remember passionate nights."
He hummed, "My beautiful wife. I thank the Norns I got so lucky. Don't forget my visions. But if you wish to wait with another child, or have none whatsoever, then I will take the contraceptive potions."
She turned in his arms to kiss him, "No, I want more. And I think we did it really well the first time. We let nature run its course. It will happen."
"Yes." He leaned in to kiss her again.
Leiyah got changed into pants and a flowing top and picked up her daughter again. Loki opened the door for them and the three walked towards the private drawing rooms where most of their family was. On the way, some maids and guards smiled at them and gave little waves to the baby princess. She was far too young to understand but she felt the warmth and happiness of her parents, which made her squeal. "Ah there is my niece." Thor's loud voice came, once they entered. Along the walls were maids to wait on them, one of them Tani. She could not deny that the baby was beautiful, and Loki seemed more smitten with his wife than before.
Serelle interjected, "I think she is my niece too, and I want to hold her first."
"Both of you sit down, I get to hold her first."
"Grandmamma is right. She gets the honors first." Leiyah handed her daughter into her grandmother's arms and let Loki pull her down to the sofa behind them.
"Oh she is wonderful. Such a powerful child as well, I can feel it. You two did a wonderful job and how pretty she will be."
Loki's eyes shone with pride as he waved to a maid, Tani took over.
"Yes, my lord?"
"Two teas please. Put a bit of milk in mine."
"Yes, my lord. Anything else?"
"Do you want anything, my love?" He asked Leiyah as he pulled her a bit closer.
"I won't say no to some fruits. Perhaps if we have any some strawberries and blackberries."
"They might have some in the kitchen, my lady."
Loki looked at her, "Then get some."
She curtsied and left. On her way she ran into another maid, who had once been one of Loki's concubines. "Still working for the princess?"
"Yes. She wants me to get her fruit."
"Won't be long now until we can have him back. There has been no sexual contact?"
"No, but it's been only 3 weeks."
"I think it takes 9 weeks to heal. The prince does not like to wait that long."
"I will be there. Perhaps I should forget to take the contraceptive potion, and if I give the prince a son, he will surely leave that bitch for me, make me princess and our son heir to the throne."
"Not if it happens to me first."
"You have not been close to the prince in a while. I have been observing him now again for two months."
"Tani, if you think I don't have my ways to observe the prince, then you are wrong." They parted ways, both trying to get back into the prince's bed.
"Here, my lord, my lady. Anything else?"
"No, that is all."
The baby was now in Serelle's lap, watching her play with a necklace. "When is the Naming Ceremony?"
"In a few days, our parents are putting the final touches on it."
"Giving it a Vanaheimian twist?"
"Precisely."
"Soon after that, we might need to depart again. But promise to visit soon."
"We will. I promise."
"Perhaps there you can get pregnant again. It did the trick last time. And look what you got."
Thor laughed, "Surely you do not wish for another child so soon, brother."
Loki shrugged and played with the sleeves of Leiyah's top, "I would not be opposed to another child."
Odin's voice from behind, "And perhaps a son this time. I support a quick pregnancy, if you wish it." Odin had been trying to be a better father and grandfather. The little girl had warmed her way into his heart and he wished to see her grow. Leiyah now made small movements and Lin was watching her. She cooed and squealed. Loki watched them, amusement in his eyes. "Perhaps after the Naming Ceremony, we could go into town with her. Protected of course, but it could be fun."
Leiyah smiled again brightly as the baby moved around, "I love that idea. But remember, you wanted to finish the library for our anniversary. We have a bit still to do. We can bring her with us, of course, while sleeping."
"Yes my love, we will finish it. Ceremony, town, library, anniversary."
"Well, we have the next few months planned then." Loki laughed at his wife's sassy comeback and astonished Odin very much. His son was so carefree, so happy.
"Loki, perhaps, you could also be helpful here again. You did a wonderful job with the army. And I know you do not wish to leave, but planning strategy might be helpful."
Loki was looking, observing, trying to calculate what Odin might want with him, "Whatever you wish."
The couple was standing in front of their daughter, who was lying on their bed. They had dressed her in a long golden flowy dress, as was custom in Vanaheim for the Ceremony. Arvid had announced that he had brought the tiny tiara with him, he had made modifications though. "What are you thinking?"
Leiyah smiled and grabbed his hand, "Just admiring her. I think we did a wonderful job."
"I could not agree more. She is stunning in every way."
"Can you feel her power?" Leiyah had been sensing things lately. It was too soon for their child to show if their suspicions of healing abilities were true. Children started showing signs of magic at around 5 or 6. But Leiyah had been feeling a pulse. Loki now concentrated, trying to find what his wife could feel. But he did not feel anything.
"No."
"It is small still, but there is definitely something there."
"I think that is something best kept between us."
"Yes. I will talk to Mechel as well, see what he thinks."
"Good." Since the arrival of the new maids, the couple had gone to lengths to protect even their small space. New rules now indicated that nobody was allowed inside the chambers, if not directly invited. Aelinnea gave a small cry. "She might be hungry."
"We still have time. I will feed her."
Frigga had asked if they had wanted a wet- nurse but both had declined for now. Leiyah pulled down the top of her dress and cradled their daughter close to her, as she opened the special nursing garment. Her daughter latched on. "You are a natural my love."
"I don't think feeding our child requires any natural skills."
Loki chuckled and gave her free hand a kiss, "But I love complimenting you." He watched her, and his daughter. It was calm. They were calm. He was calm. And it was a feeling he had not felt in a long time. He had done lots of thinking. He did not know if he regretted his actions on Midgard, any of them. Nor did he know what his proper motivation was. But he knew now that he could not risk his family.
A knock. Loki went to open the door, it was his mother. "Come in."
"I was wondering if you needed any help?"
He shook his head, "Leiyah is just feeding Lin and then we were going to get ourselves ready and head to the hall."
"I could watch her, while you get dressed."
Loki regarded his mother, then nodded. "Leiyah, when you are done, bring Lin out here. Mother will watch over her for a short while."
"Thank you Loki. Perhaps tomorrow we could have one of our lunches. I miss them, and we have things to catch up on."
"Yes," Loki did miss his mother, "I will come by. Do you want me to bring Aelinnea too?"
"Maybe next time. I am sure Kaylina and Arvid wish to spend some time with her, before they need to leave."
"Of course, I must speak to you about that too."
"Obviously." Leiyah came out, holding their daughter, who was happily squealing. "Oh look my little girl, your grandmother is here. Hello Frigga."
"Hello, and hello little princess. Come here. Let your mama and papa get ready." Leiyah handed her over and walked back to their chambers, Loki following. "I will have lunch with mother tomorrow."
"Good. I know you missed it, even if you didn't say."
"You are too observant." She laughed and pulled him closer, peeling off his shirt. She felt over his chest and stomach, reveling in the muscle movement. She touched his wound, which was now almost fully healed but developing a scar. She moved up to his shoulders and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling herself closer.
"You shouldn't do that."
"Do what?"
"Touch me like this. You know what it does to me."
Leiyah angled her head slightly, then moved closer to kiss him. He pulled her tight, but then pushed her back again. "Soon, my love. Let your body heal."
She hummed against him, "I miss you. I miss touching you."
Loki kissed the top of her head and resisted the urge to grip her hips tighter, "You think I do not? You think I don't want to touch you, want to feel every single inch of you again. Hear you moaning into my ears. I can't wait to touch you again. But for that, I need you to be completely healed again. And comfortable. If you ever feel not good you must promise to tell me."
Leiyah looked deep into his eyes and could get lost in them; that icy blue. "I will. Perhaps I could give you pleasure tonight."
He kissed her again, "I will wait. Soon we can start again. Give Aelinnea a sibling."
"It would be nice if they weren't far away in age."
"But," another kiss, "we let it happen naturally again. It was for the best of us. No stress. No obligations. No worrying about what it will be. Lin is our child, and all the other ones will be too. We decide."
"I love you." She kissed him again, counting the days. "Now, let me get you something to wear."
After Leiyah was satisfied that both her husband and she looked good in matching dark golden outfits for the celebration they entered their living chambers again to find Lin happily watching Frigga twirling one of her toys in front of her. "We are ready."
Frigga looked up, smiling at the pair, at the easiness between them, at the happiness. "She is a delight."
"That she is. Are you walking with us?" Loki took his daughter back and grinned at her.
"I will accompany you to the hall, but from there you must go alone." Leiyah gave a warm smile to Frigga and hooked her arm in one of Loki's. "Which titles will she be holding?"
"For now, princess of Vanaheim and Asgard."
"No heir apparent?"
"No, she is far too young. If something, Heavens forbid, were to happen to my sister, I would be next in line for the throne first and foremost. We do not give out heir apparent titles until the age of 50 at least. And mostly even later."
"And once your sister has children?"
"It is more complicated. Naturally her children would be closer in line for the throne, but any royal child can hold the title heir apparent."
"And if you have a son?"
"He would still be after Aelinnea."
Frigga nodded, "Here he would be an heir apparent."
Loki tensed, "Until Thor."
"Yes."
Leiyah pursed her lips, shooting small slivers of magic across Loki's arm, "Seems a silly notion, to go by sex."
"Asgard has always had the male succession. If you were to fall next in line to the throne, Loki would go with you, I assume."
More tenseness, this time also from Leiyah. Those were the inner workings of the court. Loki felt a tug, the oath he had sworn to not talk about the inner affairs. Leiyah felt it too. "I assure you my sister is of excellent health and will take the throne. I don't think it has ever happened what I had described. And if, then there would be more to sort out than who is going where." A lie. It had rolled off so smoothly. But still a lie. Frigga seemed content though, or knew she would not be getting any other answer. They had finally arrived at the hall and Frigga excused herself to join Odin and Thor.
"I did not know your mother was this interested in Vanaheimian affairs."
"Me neither. It seems a new interest. Motivated by someone else, perhaps."
A hum.
"What would happen to me, if the situation you had described would come to pass?"
She looked around, guards, maids, all pretending not to hear; but they always did. "Not something we should talk about here. We can discuss it on our next trip. But, as I said, it is very unlikely that it happens. We should not worry of stuff like that."
Horns and trumpets. The doors opened to reveal almost all of Asgard waiting for the new princess. The couple began to walk and Leiyah was smiling at the people around, while Loki was merely looking at his daughter, whose eyes were trained on him. The priest of their wedding was there at the front of the aisle, waiting for them. Once they reached the end of the aisle, everyone bowed. The priest cleared his throat and exclaimed, "Please let us all welcome princess Leiyah and prince Loki of Asgard and Vanaheim. Today we are here to introduce to, not only us, but to the realms, the newest princess of Asgard and Vanaheim. She will be named by her parents and be praised by the Heavens and our ancestors." He guided Leiyah and Loki to the giant crystal basin that had been brought from servants of her parents. "We will pour water of the holiest of waterfalls of Vanaheim onto her and then proceed to give her the blessing of the Allfather."
Loki gently held her out, while the priest gently took some water into his hands and poured it over her forehead. A tiny squeal came from her. "What name have you decided on?"
Leiyah answered, "Aelinnea."
"Aelinnea of Asgard and Vanaheim, with this water you are blessed and received by your ancestors and by the Heavens. Allfather, please bestow your blessing on her."
Odin moved over and smiled at her gently. "I bless you, my child. My granddaughter."
The priest now took Aelinnea from Loki to hold her high, "I present to you: Princess Aelinnea."
The crowd cheered and Arvid had tears in his eyes when he walked over to them. "As a gift from us, to our princess. I have commissioned a crown for her. To represent her ancestry, the love of her parents, and the love she will feel from all of us." He took the golden ornated box from a cushion and opened it. It was a tiny crown, as tiny as Leiyah's had been once. Made of cooled, crystalized iced. It held star- specks and tiny black- violet diamonds. Arvid gently placed it on her head. Leiyah gave a small bow of the head to her father and he returned the gesture.
"Now I need witnesses; people to protect the princess, to guide her."
Leiyah turned to her sister, "Who else but you." Serelle smiled and came over. Loki then turned to his own brother, "I want you to help her, to protect her, to be there for her." Thor looked taken aback for a moment but then grinned widely. "It would be my honor."
"Do you two promise to protect the princess in all cases, no matter the circumstances? Do you promise to guide her and show her the world through a new set of eyes? Do you promise to always hold her best interests at heart?"
They both said, "I do." Gold specks, flowed over them and disappeared again.
"Now the parents."
Leiyah took a deep breath, "My little miracle, you have no idea how hard we had wished for you. It will always be our honor and our privilege to guide you, teach you, learn from you and raise you. We will protect you with everything we have and will always love you."
Loki continued, "You are loved from so many sides. You will never know what it feels like to not be loved or appreciated. We will always hold you in the highest regard. You are our daughter and you will be raised as a perfect example of that. We will never cast you aside, nor promise you something that won't come true." Leiyah and Loki now both produced a tiny spell, which together harmonized in a tiny white- gold bracelet with her name on it. It appeared on her wrist.
"Thank you. Now we shall feast and celebrate our newest princess."
Leiyah was sitting with her family, watching her mother play with her daughter. Her daughter was giving small sounds. While Aesir children grew more like Midgardian children, the development of Vanir children was a bit faster. Smiling, movements, walking and talking came to them easier. Now a mixture of not only Aesir and Vanir, but also Elf and Jotun could go in so many different directions. While the chances were little to have a Jotun child or more Elf- like there was a chance. Leiyah's Vanir was stronger though. She felt Loki coming closer, accompanied by Volstagg. "My princess, what a wonderful occasion. I have not had the chance to express my well- wishes and congratulations."
"Thank you, Volstagg, we appreciate it."
He sat down, while Loki sat down next to Leiyah, a protective and casual arm around her. "I remember when my wife, Hildegund, gave birth to our first child. It was a momentous occasion."
Fandral and Sif joined them, as well as Thor. Fandral commented, "You were with us, when your wife gave birth."
"Certainly, not a place for a man to be. All that blood and what- not. And I was hungry."
Sif rolled her eyes, "You are always hungry."
Thor joined in, "Loki was there. As was I." Kaylina passed her daughter and handed her grandchild back to the parents, "Your father wishes to dance. And soon they shall play Alfheimian music, as well as from Vanaheim. Think about joining."
"We will. Thank you." She tickled her daughter's little stomach and watched her coo.
Sif asked, "What were you doing in there Thor?"
"I am also a god of fertility, I helped ease her pain."
"For which I am very thankful", Leiyah added.
Fandral said with a laugh, "Loki, that must have not been a pretty sight, seeing your wife like that. I don't think I could bear it, seeing a woman like that."
Loki was about to answer, but Leiyah beat him to it, "Those are the moments that distinguish the real men from the pretenders. I was glad to have him by my side, to see our daughter together for the first time."
Loki added, "And I will be there for the others as well." Fandral had turned a slight shade of pink and drank his goblet. Sif was still staring at Thor. Leiyah could see her longing for him and could also tell that Thor knew, but chose to ignore it. Sif then turned her attention to the couple who was producing small specks of light for their daughter, who was trying to follow them with her eyes. "Should she already be doing this?"
"Vanir children acquire cognitive abilities faster, through early on stimulations. Not long and she will probably smile and then try to grab for things." Loki smiled at his wife and daughter; which made Sif turn away. She wasn't used to seeing Loki like this, so carefree and happy. She looked back to Thor, wondering what he was thinking as he was watching his niece.
Volstagg asked, "I heard you were going back to instructing armies."
"No, I will plan strategies. I do not wish to leave them at this present time."
"Wonderful time, the first few months. Everything is so new. By the time your second child comes it will be different, you will know what to do and what not to do." Volstagg kept looking at the baby, not having had a baby in a few years. Leiyah saw, "Do you wish to hold her?"
"Oh, yes, frankly, if I may." Leiyah carefully got up and placed her gently in his arms. Aelinnea regarded him, while he was grinning down at her. Loki was a bit tense, not fully trusting the people around him. "Oh, she looks so much like the both of you. The hair is very obviously Loki. The lips, could be Leiyah, and the eyes are a nice mix. She is beautiful." Loki looked closely at his daughter, something he had been doing every day since she was born. She was a mix, a beautiful, beautiful mix.
Sif asked, "What will her powers be?"
"We can't say yet. Too early."
Fandral asked, "Will she even have powers?"
"With such parents how could she not?" Thor laughed loudly. Leiyah and her husband gave each other a short look. Their suspicion had not yet been confirmed, if she indeed healing powers.
A small whimper, "Oh, here take her back." Loki took the baby, which was about to cry from the arms of the bigger soldier and she stopped. She looked at Loki and made a happy noise. Loki's mouth widened into a smile, which made Leiyah scoot closer, both now looking at their child. Sif stood, she wanted what they had. And yet she did not. Loki had done many miserable things in his life and yet he got to marry a woman he loved, have a child with her and now got his position back. It did not seem fair.
In the late evening hours, Aelinnea was sleeping soundly in her little crib, the crib her parents had sent them. She was snuggling a large stuffed cat and breathed deeply, unknown that both her parents were standing over her; watching. It was calm and content. After a while Loki pulled Leiyah out of the small room they had made hers for the first few months. "She is perfect."
"I know."
"We must say it a lot."
"Only because it is the truth."
Loki leaned down to rest his forehead against hers, "Are you happy?"
"More than anything. Are you still happy with me? With all of this?"
"Yes. I don't deserve this happiness, but I am thankful for it every day."
Leiyah pulled him closer, "I love you Loki, and you do deserve every bit of happiness."
Loki pulled her down to the bed, just holding her, his hands roaming over her stomach, which was flattening every day. Leiyah gave a small laugh, "I know what you are thinking."
"I can't help it, you looked so beautiful pregnant."
"Soon, my darling, soon. And even then, Junia said it would take a while again probably."
"I am patient. For now I just want to hold you."
