52
Two Lovers In Vanaheim
Loki returned to the palace when he saw his suitcases were packed and were waiting for him at the doors to his room.
"Loki?" Sigyn called out as she quickly walked to him and he smiled. "Is Viva alright?!"
"Yes, she's fine," Loki said as he explained what happened and a look of relief spread over her face.
"Do you think she will be able to help him?"
"Knowing my sister? Yes, I believe she can."
"I still have mixed feelings about this Ancient One. Are you sure she can be trusted?"
"No, I'm not, but I know Thor or Viva will contact me if something happens."
Sigyn frowned. "I suppose we must rely on their intuition. Although I would feel better if we could see for ourselves what happens over there."
"Well, my sneaky wife, it just so happens that there is a Pool of Reflection in the palace in Vanaya City. And if I ask my uncle may allow me to use it." Loki informed her.
The Pool of Reflection was a magical basin of clear pure water from an ancient spring near Mimir's Well. It could show a watcher any of the Nine Realms at any point in time or space, even those places that were hidden with magic
"You can keep an eye on them," she said with a grin and he nodded.
"And they never need to know," he smirked slyly.
He knew the Pool was one of the great treasures of the Vanir royal house, and he was itching to try it and see if the rumors about it being as powerful as Odin's High Seat Hjadilskaf were true.
He was also concerned about his twin, and while he trusted Thor to protect Viva, he had learned to never trust strange mortal magicians. If indeed that was what this Ancient One was.
"Shall we go say goodbye to the children then be on our way?" Sigyn asked, taking his hand. They headed for the nursery when he opened the door and the children turned to see who was entering the room.
"Papa!" Hela said with a grin.
"Mama!" Balder cried.
"Papa! Mama!" Leif said, running to them as fast as his little legs could go. Loki lifted his youngest son up into his arms as they hugged and Hela and Balder ran to Sigyn.
Loki inhaled the clean scent of mint and almond lotion that Frigga had rubbed on Leif after his bath and he chuckled at the baby, who was examining Loki's gold wolf medallion. "Do you like that, my son?"
"Yeah!" Leif said with a nod.
"Would you like one of your own?" Loki queried.
"Uh huh!"
"Then if you behave for Nanny Helga I shall bring you one," Loki bargained. "How does that sound?"
"Yay!" the toddler said, clapping his hands and Loki looked at Hela and Balder.
"I'm counting on you two to help Helga feed your pets and Axelle while we're away. Can you handle it?"
"Yes, Papa," Hela said.
"Yes, Papa,' Balder nodded, his little face serious.
Loki gave them an approving look. "Good! Show me how responsible you are and you shall have a surprise from me when I return. Deal?"
"Deal!" the children said together and Loki smiled.
"How long will you be gone?" Hela asked, twisting the end of her braid around her finger nervously.
"Two weeks," Sigyn replied. "Remember we marked it on the calendar?"
"Yeah," Balder said as he pointed to the calendar.
Sigyn nodded. "So you can put an X when the day is over and practice counting with Farmor and Farfar."
"And before you know it, we'll be home." Loki added.
He hoped the children would behave at least some of the time for their grandparents and Helga. But if not, he knew Frigga and Odin had plenty of experience dealing with mischievous children.
"Now, one more hug then we have to leave," Loki said.
Small arms wrapped about his neck and waist, and he hugged each child comfortingly, a bit reluctant to let them go.
Sigyn gave him a look that she felt the same when the children ran to her for hugs and he handed Leif to her.
The children hugged her when Sigyn lowered Leif to the floor then she and Loki left the nursery.
They met Frigga and Odin in the courtyard. Frigga handed them traditional garlands of forget-me-nots and sun lilies. "Have a pleasant trip!" she laughed as she placed the garlands on their heads.
"We shall!" Loki said, bending slightly so she could reach him. "Don't let my children drive you crazy."
"We are used to mischievous children, so I think we can handle them," Odin teased and Loki nodded. Loki walked to his father and they hugged, exchanging identical smiles.
"Enjoy your time together, my son. This is one of the few times you can escape all the responsibilities of your rank and simply be yourself. Cherish it and your wife. A good foundation starts with a good honeymoon." He winked at Loki, who flushed slightly and hissed, "Father! By the Nine!"
The AllFather gave a hearty laugh and Loki rolled his eyes. Honestly. Old Wolf, I don't need advice in THAT category!
Frigga walked over and looked at Loki, her eyes glimmering with happy tears. He leaned down to kiss her cheek and she nodded.
"Be happy, Loki. For you return to where it all began. I think you will both like Vanaheim. It is a beautiful realm and filled with magic. Frey will show you."
"Thank you, Mother," Loki said.
After one last wave, Sigyn and Loki stepped into the coach which took them down to the Bifrost, where the Watcher waited to transport them to Vanaheim.
"Greetings," Heimdall said with a bow.
"Greetings," Sigyn said.
"Shall we be off?" Loki asked as he gathered their luggage with a wave of a hand to float beside them.
"Yes," she said and Heimdall activated the portal. With a nod, he watched them enter the cascading rainbow light and then the portal closed with a snap behind them.
Vanaheim:
The portal opened and Loki led Sigyn out, their luggage floating idly behind them and her eyes slightly widened at the scenery spreading out around them.
They emerged in courtyard formed of beautiful crystal tiles that reflected the sunlight streaming down from above. Standing in the center beside a golden statue of a unicorn was Frey. "Welcome to Vanaheim and Glittergeist Palace, Loki and Sigyn!" He greeted them with a bright smile.
"Thank you for allowing us to visit, Uncle," Loki said.
"Yes, thank you," Sigyn said.
"You are always welcome here," Frey said. "It's been too long since relatives walked these old halls." He clapped his hands and servants with pale skin and gauzy wings appeared. "Take Prince Loki and Princess Sigyn's belongings to the west wing to the Emerald Suite."
Nodding, the servants took the suitcases and trunks as they walked toward the palace and Frey looked at Loki and Sigyn.
"Would you like something to eat or drink?" Frey asked.
"That would be lovely," Sigyn replied. "Traveling the Bifrost always makes me hungry."
"Then follow me," Frey said as he led them inside and to the right to his private dining hall.
Unlike Asgard's mead hall, the Vanir had a combination of an indoor and outdoor pavilion. Frey led them to his table which was placed partially in the shade and in the open air.
Loki helped Sigyn sit on the high backed ashwood chair painted a soft white then he sat down and Frey clapped his hands to summon the servants. Frey sat down while the servants walked to the table with silver trays and silver goblets and placed a setting before each of them. The china was emblazoned with the royal crest, done in gold and green.
Loki took a sip of the sparkling beverage, finding it a pleasing combination of sweet and tart. "What is this?"
"Elderberry wine," Frey replied. "My wood sprites brew it." He inclined his head to indicate the sprite hovering a few paces behind his chair. "This is Aspenleaf, Nephew. He is my steward. If you have any issues with my staff or wish different quarters or something, see Aspenleaf."
The wood sprite, who was slender with golden hair and silver skin, bowed. "It is an honor to serve, My Prince." His jade eyes sparkled happily.
Loki noticed that all the Palace servants wore the royal house crest—a unicorn rearing upon a green and gold striped field. They also wore tunics and skirts or pants with the same color combination.
"Are all your servants wood sprites, King Frey?" Sigyn queried.
Frey shook his head. "No. Please, call me Uncle, Sigyn. We are related now and it would please me greatly." At Sigyn's nod, he continued. "The wood sprites of Clan Glimmerfall serve the royal house and have done so for millennia. But we also have domicile fae, wind sprites, and wood elves who tend to all the creatures and livestock within the palace walls. We Vanir have made treaties with all the fae since my father's time. A good arrangement for then everyone benefits."
Loki glanced about, his Mage Sight catching glimpses of minor spell work everywhere. Then he recalled Frigga telling him as an apprentice that on Vanaheim the magician ruled, and magic was the lifeblood of the realm. Never was that more evident than now, the master sorcerer observed. Magic swirled in the air, its caress like a soft warm breeze upon his skin. He relaxed, feeling suddenly as though he had come home.
Do you feel the magic? he sent to his wife.
I do. It's like the scent of bread baking, warm and comforting. Sigyn answered. Her hand sought Loki's and she gave it a light squeeze. Like her husband, she felt welcome here, the magic accepting them as one of its own.
Aspenleaf nodded and another servant, this one with nut brown skin and a silver puff of hair, brought a gold platter with small skewers of chicken in a peach sauce with tiny peppers and a yellow sweet fruit as well as steaming hot honey bread with a crock of golden butter, placing all before them with a wave of one hand.
"Do try the peach chicken and honey bread," Frey invited. "It's a specialty of my chef." He took some of each and began buttering a piece of bread.
Loki and Sigyn placed some of the peach chicken on their plates while Loki spread some butter on a slice of the honey bread and he held the slice out to his wife. Sigyn took a bite of bread as the sweet taste of honey touched her tongue and she smiled. Loki took a bite of bread as he smiled at her and they chewed. Swallowing, Loki moved closer as he kissed her lips and Sigyn made a contented sigh.
Frey enjoyed watching them as he ate and the sprites lightly giggled. He hushed them, the mischievous fae winked at him before fluttering away, leaving the diners to enjoy their meal in peace.
Loki and Sigyn started eating, enjoying every bite. Loki took another sip of wine, which slid down his throat like a lover's caress.
"This is delicious," Sigyn said.
"Yes, tell your chef we truly enjoyed this," Loki said.
"I will," Frey said with a nod. "We normally have several small meals throughout the day here and a larger one later in the evening," Frey explained. "But the kitchens are always open if you wish to get a snack late at night or some other time." His eyes twinkled and the couple understood his implied meaning and blushed.
He went on to detail that breakfast was most often served buffet style though they could also request trays in their suite if they wished.
We might for the first few days, Loki sent to Sigyn and he winked.
She sent him a sultry smile, tossing her red hair back while nibbling some bread.
That would be fine with me, Trickster mine!
Frey noticed the looks they were giving each other as he wiped his lips with his napkin then placed it on the table neatly.
"Would you like to rest?" he asked.
"Yes, if you don't mind," Sigyn smiled sweetly. "It was rather hectic this morning."
"No, I don't mind at all."
Frey used a small silver bell to summon Aspenleaf and the wood sprite appeared.
"Yes, Sire?" Aspenleaf asked with a bow.
"Please escort my nephew and niece to their chambers."
"Yes, Sire," he said then he looked at Loki and Sigyn. "This way."
Sigyn noticed the wood sprite flew just above the ground, his wings buzzing rather like a crested hummingbird's.
"I have assigned Dewdrop to be your personal servant, Your Highnesses." Aspenleaf told them. "She will get you whatever you need and assist you in any way she can."
"Thank you," Loki said while they walked down the corridor and Sigyn looked at the elegant paintings and tapestries, the crystal and silver chandeliers, the marble planters with large leafed plants, the gracefully carved furniture, the white tile flooring with gold and silver accents and the marble columns. A long, spiral staircase led upstairs and royal portraits lined the wall leading upstairs.
There were large windows on the second floor with gauzy curtains billowing about them, letting in the maximum amount of sunlight and fresh air. Indeed, everything about the palace seemed designed for light and grand soaring spaces. The ceilings were arched and provided plenty of room for the sprites to fly.
Sigyn noticed a few sprites with tiny feather dusters dusting the frames around the portraits as them made little bows or curtsies and she nodded while they passed by.
They arrived at the top of the stairs while Aspenleaf led them down the hallway and they headed for the large, white oak double doors.
"Greetings," Dewdrop said as she curtsied and Aspenleaf smiled at her.
"This is Dewdrop," he said.
She was a small sprite with honey gold hair braided about her head, the tips of her pointed ears showing. She had milky skin and huge violet eyes and wore a simple flowing gown of gold and green. Her wings were iridescent like those of a dragonfly.
"Pleased to meet you, Dewdrop," Sigyn said.
"Yes, pleased to meet you," Loki said politely.
Dewdrop opened the door as they entered the room and Loki saw their suitcases and trunks had been unpacked.
"By your leave," Aspenleaf said as Loki nodded and Aspenleaf headed down the hallway. Loki turned as he watched Dewdrop showing Sigyn around the room and Loki quietly closed the door.
The room was done in emerald and gold and divided into three main parts—a sitting room, bedroom, and bathroom with a huge walk in closet. It also had a large round balcony with lounge chairs and a table.
A bowl of grapes, peaches, and plums was set in the middle of the sitting room table along with a pitcher of lemon water and another of wine. Flowers had been placed in vases throughout the suite and their delicate perfume filled the air.
Framed painting of forest animals decorated the walls and the crystals of the gold chandeliers cast dazzling flickers of color on the walls. The breeze caused tiny ripples in the lace curtains and the sweet sound of birdsong filled the air.
Sigyn noticed a small furry thing curled up on the bench at the foot of the bed. When she asked Dewdrop what it was, the sprite smiled.
"That is a kavalas— similar to an Asgardian puppy. His name is Brightheart."
At the sound of its name, Brightheart woke and its dark blue eyes sparkled. Brightheart's fur was white with a patch of tan fur on its back and its ears were pointy.
Brightheart's bushy tail moved quickly side-to-side as it panted and it made a small, but sharp bark.
"Hello," Loki barked back and Brightheart looked at him.
"Are you my new master?" Brightheart barked.
"How adorable!" Sigyn cried, falling in love with the fuzzy fox-like animal.
"I already have a pet," Loki explained then he looked at Sigyn. "Dear Wife, would you like to keep Brightheart?"
"Yes!" Sigyn said with a smile then she carefully picked Brightheart off the bench.
Then she eyed the little animal worriedly. "Will the king mind? This must be one of his kavalas."
"We could ask Aspenleaf." Loki suggested.
"Excuse me, My Prince," Dewdrop interrupted diffidently. "I brought the little one here on the express orders of the king. He wished this puppy to be a welcome gift for you or your bride. Brightheart is from his own royal line of kavalas."
Loki grinned at Sigyn's look of delight. "Well, I guess that answers that question," he chuckled. "Dewdrop, how old is this puppy?"
"Brightheart is around three and a half moons old," the sprite replied. "He has been taught some basic commands by the kennel master but has not bonded yet to a particular person. Although," she cocked her head. "From what I see, My Prince, he is beginning to do so with your wife."
Loki turned to see Sigyn cuddling the fox-like animal, and Brightheart was covering her cheek with kisses. "Looks like," he grinned. "I must thank my uncle for such a generous gift. Uh . . . is he house trained?"
"I believe enough so he can sleep through the night without having to be taken outside," Dewdrop answered. "He will let you know when he needs to be let out."
"Good. Can you tell me more about his breed?" Sigyn asked, still cuddling the puppy.
"Certainly, Your Highness," Dewdrop said. She fluttered over and perched upon a chair back. "The kavalas are watch dogs, so to speak. They were bred to guard treasures and property, and my people raised them as such for time out of mind. He may seem small and helpless now, but do not be deceived by his appearance. A kavalas can grow magically to a great size to fight off intruders and their bark can paralyze when they are fully grown or cause a thief to go running in fear. They can also blend in with their surroundings, so any enemies cannot see them until they wish it so. This makes them ideal as guardians. Kavalas are also quite intelligent, and once they bond with someone, they are loyal for the length of their days."
"How long do they live?" Loki queried.
"Long, My Prince. They are a fae breed and so live centuries," Dewdrop answered.
"How are they with children?" Sigyn asked, stroking the fuzzy baby.
"They love them, so long as they are treated well," Dewdrop replied. "They will guard them as fiercely as they do your home and your possessions, Your Highness."
"Sounds like we have a new family member," Loki laughed. "I just hope my kitten likes him."
"Axelle likes Sunny and Fenris, so I don't see a problem," Sigyn remarked. "He's so lovable, I think they will get on beautifully." She giggled when the kavalas licked her nose, wagging his tail.
"I have taken the liberty of bringing up his food and water and bed," the sprite said, indicating a corner of the room where she had placed them. There was also a green collar and lead hanging on a hook on the wall and a few toys, a rubber ball and a chewy bone among them.
Dewdrop took her leave, and Loki removed his jacket and boots while Sigyn played with her new canine friend, tiring him out until he went and curled up in his bed, falling asleep a moment later.
Sigyn turned to see Loki stretched out upon the bed, reading a book he had brought with him. "Tired, love?" she asked softly.
Loki set the book aside, marking his place with a bit of ribbon. "Only a little." He sat up, his eyes glittering with passion. "Are you?"
She shook her head. "Not now," she grinned.
Loki waved a hand and the doors to the balcony shut and locked and the curtains were drawn.
Sigyn sat down on the bed, and her fingers twined in his silky hair as she kissed him deeply.
Loki felt his blood quicken and his heart race as he returned the kiss, by turns gentle and passionate, though soon kissing led to other more pleasurable things, as the two celebrated their marriage in the way of lovers since the beginning of the Nine.
~*~*Page Break*~*~
Upon arising sometime later, Loki searched through his wardrobe for something appropriate to wear. At times like these he missed Ravn, for his valet had an uncanny sense about the appropriate attire for any given occasion. Not that Loki was not capable of choosing his own clothing, but dressing for a formal banquet, which he suspected Frey was going to throw in their honor, sometimes gave him an attack of nerves. He knew the Vanir were sometimes considered more formal than Asgardians, and he chewed the inside of his lip, worried he might pick something that was not quite up to standards, since he tended to favor slightly more casual formal wear.
But the valet had packed some more of Loki's more exotic formal wear, in light fabrics, since Vanaheim was warmer than Asgard, especially during its summer months.
The door opened, then Dewdrop quietly entered the room and he turned to face her.
"Do you need help dressing, Sire?" she asked.
"Yes, I do," Loki said with a nod and she walked to him.
He noticed she didn't mind seeing him naked and she gave him a tiny grin.
It was then he recalled that the fae were extremely nonchalant about such things, viewing a person's body as something to be proud of and not be embarrassed or ashamed of.
The sprite turned to examine his wardrobe, clucking as her wings whirred gently.
"This pale gold tunic with the black feather embroidery will do well, My Prince," she placed it on the bed. "And these trousers, I think."
"Should I wear boots or shoes?"
"Shoes will be fine."
She found a pair of his more ornate ones, dragonhide with small emeralds along the sides in a V pattern.
To that she added a satin cloak of deep gold with light green lining and a high collar, fastened with a serpent brooch of gold.
She helped him dress as he slipped his feet into the shoes then he glanced over at Sigyn.
"Do you wish me to pick out something for your wife to wear?" Dewdrop asked.
"If you don't mind," he said while he walked over to the bed and he gently shook Sigyn's shoulder. "Darling, it's time to rise."
Stretching her arms over her head, Sigyn smiled and she looked at him after opening her eyes.
"What time is it?" she yawned.
"It's almost time for dinner."
"By the Nine! Then I need to hurry!" she cried and jumped out of bed, running into the bathroom to wash up.
A few minutes passed until she came out of the bathroom and she looked at the clothes Dewdrop had left on the bed
The sprite had chosen a soft amber gown that flowed gently about her with a cream colored sleeveless overgown studded with precious bits of citrine, green jasper, and red amber in a vine pattern. Her slippers matched the amber undergown and there was a gauzy silk cape of a delicate icy gold to go around her shoulders.
"Oh!" Sigyn gasped as Loki walked to her and he placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Would you like me to dress you?" he asked and she nodded.
Loki happily played lady's maid, his fingers deft and sure, relishing the chance to touch his wife with a knowing devilish grin. "You look gorgeous, darling."
"Loki, where did this gown come from?" Sigyn asked, quivering at the pleasure his hands conjured within her. "I don't recall packing it."
"You didn't," he smirked. "I did. I had it made for you as a surprise honeymoon gift. Do you like it?"
"It's absolutely stunning!" she exclaimed, twirling about. "Like the man I married."
Loki's eyes twinkled. "Why thank you, milady!" he gave her a gallant bow.
After she was dressed, he walked to her the vanity and seated her upon a white wooden stool complete with a golden cushion.
"Will you do my hair and help me put on my jewelry?" she asked.
"As you wish," he replied, and picked up her hairbrush. He spent a few minutes brushing her shining fiery locks and then braiding some and piling them on her head while allowing several tendrils to drift down to her shoulders. He entwined gold and green ribbons and seed pearls in her hair. "Well, does this meet with your approval?"
"It looks lovely," she said with a nod. She opened the jewelry box and he looked for the perfect pieces to adorn his wife.
He found a beautiful golden necklace with amber flowers and emerald leaves and placed it around her neck. Then followed with matching earrings and several bracelets. "There! You look like a Vanir queen, in my humble opinion."
Sigyn laughed. "Your opinion is all that matters . . . humble or not!"
She took his proffered arm and he escorted her down the hall. Servants made bows and curtsies as they walked by, descending the grand staircase. They walked toward the dining hall as the guards opened the doors and wood sprites sounded small horns to announce them.
Frey was seated upon a golden heartwood throne with a thick emerald cushion at the head of the royal table. "Everyone, please greet our esteemed guests, Prince Loki and Princess Sigyn of Asgard!" he called, his blue eyes sparkling.
The hall was filled with Vanir and High Fae nobles, all of whom stood and applauded, calling out "Be welcome a thousand times over!" in Vanir.
"Thank you," Loki said in Vanir while he led Sigyn to the throne and Frey smiled at them. Loki made a deep bow as Sigyn curtsied and Frey motioned with his hand for them to sit at the Royal Table.
Loki held Sigyn's chair and once she had been seated, sat down beside her to Frey's left. There was a tall High Fae lord with silver hair wearing an elaborate tunic of blue and silver with gem studded cuffs and collar. His fine boned hands glinted with rings. "Greetings, Your Highnesses", he said. "Lord Merrowvale, at your service."
"Merrowvale is on my Privy Council, Nephew," Frey explained. "He is my Chancellor."
"A pleasure," Loki said, noting that the fae lord had slanted eyes of an unusual purple hue.
"Greetings, Chancellor," Sigyn said with a nod.
Across from Sigyn was a dainty fae lady in a lavender tissue gown, with some strands of her hair dyed to match it, her face and form of an ethereal beauty that Sigyn wished she possessed. "This is my wife, Lady Amalthea," Merrowvale indicated her with his hand.
"Hello, Prince Loki. Princess Sigyn," Amalthea said.
"Hello, my lady," Loki said with a nod.
"Hello," Sigyn said and Loki noticed something was wrong with her.
What is the matter? he sent.
Look at her. She's beautiful, Sigyn sent.
So are you, he replied, trying to set her at ease.
Not like that, his wife objected. She fiddled with the napkin in her lap. Of such beauty as her sagas are made.
He placed his hand on top of her hands and she sighed.
She has a beauty like that of moonlight and mist, while yours is all sunshine and glittering earth. I know which I prefer, he sent, trying to convey without words his sincerity.
She looked deeply into his emerald eyes, seeing that he was being honest, and some of her anxiety faded. She smiled at him as he gently squeezed her hands in reassurance.
"Is there something wrong?" Amalthea asked.
"I was... I was just in awe of your beauty," Sigyn admitted and Amalthea's eyes widened.
"Oh, well, I am in awe of you. I wish I had hair as red as yours. It is like liquid fire. I have tried to glamour my hair red, but it always comes out wrong."
Both of them laughed and Loki gave his wife a pleased look.
There, you see? Beauty comes in many forms, he sent, sipping some of the fruity elderberry wine that the Vanir loved.
As the sprites served the first course, an assortment of cheeses and fruit with a sweet fig and honey dipping sauce, Amalthea said, "It would be my pleasure if you would join me for tea this Wednesday, Princess Sigyn. My friends are eager to meet you."
"I would love to join you," Sigyn said, hoping that she had made a friend here.
"I will send a coach for you around two then."
"Thank you."
"Is it true that Asgard has recently signed a new treaty with Jotunheim, Prince Loki?" Merrowvale asked, eating a piece of fruit.
"Aye, my lord. My brother, King Byleist, has signed a new contract with my father pledging to keep the peace between our realms and open up new trade routes."
"Praise the Norns that peace can finally be had between you," Frey said. "My sister tells me that was in no small part due to you."
"I didn't do it all on my own, Uncle."
"True, but nevertheless I commend your skills at diplomacy. That is a key thing for any royal to have." Frey declared approvingly.
Nodding, Loki took a sip of elderberry wine and he placed the goblet on the table.
He was surprised that Frey, known as a reserved monarch, was so open in his praise, and wondered why that were so. After all, Loki hardly knew him.
Sensing his tension, Sigyn placed her hand on Loki's and he looked at her.
What's wrong? she sent.
I am just a little surprised with his reaction to my part in bringing peace to Jotunheim, he sent.
Why shouldn't he praise you?
Loki shrugged. I guess it feels strange because I am still getting used to being praised. I wasn't for a long time. I was the Shadow Prince, who never fit anywhere and whose ideas were never important enough to listen to.
But that is all in the past. You know now that you are loved and that people value your opinions as well as your actions.
Like you, my beloved firethistle? he sent with a sly smile. A firethistle was a rare Asgardian flower, that bloomed only every three hundred years, and when it did, it released a shower of fiery magic into the air that if gathered properly could grant one youth and hope.
Like me, she sent with a smile.
"Nephew, is there something wrong?" Frey asked perceptively.
"No, Uncle, there is nothing wrong. I am just not used to being praised," Loki admitted.
"I know the feeling. My father was not one to praise anything I did," Merrowvale said with a sigh. "I spent most of my youth feeling worthless."
"But that changed once you came to court, Old Friend," Frey reminded and Merrowvale nodded.
"You should have seen how insecure he was while we were courting," Amalthea teased and her husband rolled his eyes. "I practically had to do all the talking."
"I admit to being shy, beloved. But you did help me see I had nothing to worry about when it came to speaking or being around my betters," Merrowvale said and he lightly kissed her cheek.
See? Sigyn sent as Loki nodded and took a drink of wine.
Sigyn was right, he reminded himself. He was no longer the second-best prince, the unfavorable son, the wrong ways child with the smart mouth and mischief-making magic. He had grown beyond that and become a man who knew his own worth was measured not by what others thought but what he knew himself to be.
The rest of the meal was filled with small talk and laughter as they ate and drank and Loki started to feel at home.
The Vanir court reminded him of Asgard, yet at the same time it was vastly different. Loki saw that small magics were used in a variety of ways by servants and nobles alike. Plates disappeared when empty and were replaced by full ones, and the king and his court discussed spells and books the way Asgardians did sword maneuvers and strategy and politics.
The music being played was light and peaceful instead of loud and heavy, inspiring thoughts of lazy summer evenings beneath the stars instead of battles and war.
Loki listened to one piece being played and he pictured himself and Sigyn walking through a forest filled with playful creatures and birds and he smiled.
"Enjoying the music, Nephew?" Frey asked.
"Yes. I never heard this song before," Loki said.
"It is an old piece," he said with a sad look. 'Your mother wrote it."
"She...!? She did?!"
"Yes. It was one of her earlier pieces. Your grandfather used to have them play it often."
Loki felt tears in the corners of his eyes as he memorized the piece then he reached out for Viva's mind.
Sister, have you ever heard this song before? he sent.
Yes, Mother used to play it. How did you come to hear it? VIva sent.
It is being played at the dinner Frey made for us.
She used to play it before I went to sleep, she sent.
Loki released her mind as he listened to the song and Sigyn leaned into him. He placed his arm around her as he blinked the tears away and he nodded in thanks to Frey.
He saw a troupe of entertainers enter the hall, performing a graceful dance accompanied by illusionary glowing balls and colorful birds, much to the diners delight. They leapt and twirled and flew through the air, like thistledown upon the breeze.
Loki saw the sweet look of wonder on Sigyn's face as the dancers spun in circles and the illusionary glowing balls projected images of magical creatures, fairies, sprites and fire birds around the room.
As a master illusionist himself, Loki could sense the spells being cast and was not fooled by them. He also sensed the one doing the casting was young but quite strong and skilled in the minor illusion enchantments.
He scanned the room for the spell caster when he saw a young girl standing near the wall and the look of concentration on her face impressed him.
A score of lavender butterflies fluttered among the watching crowd before spiraling up into a great glistening dragon that hovered over the dancers and spread its wings and bowed to the king.
"Well done!" Frey said as he clapped his hands.
"Yes! That was amazing!" Sigyn applauded.
The dancers bowed before leaving the room, and Loki watched the girl accompany them after flashing a pert grin at the High Table.
"Uncle, who was that young illusionist?" Loki asked.
"Ah, that would be Genci," Frey said with a grin.
"She is extremely talented."
"Yes, but she is still learning."
"Do you think she would like me to give her some pointers?"
"She would be honored. I will send word for her to visit you tomorrow."
"Thank you," Loki said with a nod.
"Now, it is time for you and your bride to dance."
"Oh," Sigyn said and Loki took hold of her hand.
You'll do fine, he sent and she nodded.
They stood as Loki walked her to the center of the room and the music started. Loki looked deeply into her eyes as they began dancing and, like their dance at the reception, they moved as one. Twirling and gliding, dark and light, like sunrise and sunset, they waltzed about the floor, and all those watching admired the lovely couple for their grace and devotion.
Sigyn became lost in the music as they danced and she placed her left hand against Loki's chest. She felt the soft rise and fall of his chest as he placed his hand on top of hers and he leaned down to kiss her lips.
As always, once his lips touched hers, she felt the passion that lived within her flare to life, in a bonfire of sensation that threatened to consume her. She knew he felt the same for she could see it in his eyes and feel it in the touch of his hand upon hers, pure ecstasy entwined with joy.
Frey noticed how the other nobles smiled or silently giggled from their show of affection and Frey lightly shook his head.
Loki moved back as he placed his forehead against Sigyn's and the music stopped.
"Uncle, if it will be alright with you, my bride and I wish to retire," Loki said.
"Of course, Nephew," Frey said indulgently and Loki led Sigyn out of the room.
The king watched them go, a wistful smile of understanding upon his face. Once, long ago, he had loved his bride that way, Sunnilda, she of the dancing feet and honey colored hair. Those had been good times, he reflected, and he prayed the Norns would continue to smile on Loki.
For upon the slender shoulders of the God of Mischief rested the fate of a kingdom, though he knew it not.
A/N: Sorry for the long wait between updates but I have been busy trying to clean out my dad's house and also was sick with the flu. Hope you all liked and soon you will see what else Frey has in store for Loki as well as more to come with Viva and Stephen! All my love to my readers!
