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A New Life

Loki and Byleistr were learning to care for Kari while taking care of their obligations. It was not that hard as Kari followed them like a baby duckling everywhere they went. Loki figured out it would be okay for her to be with them at all times unlit, she became more confident in their relationship. Loki and Byleistr took turns at keeping Kari with them.

The first week after the rescue of the skuffelse was hectic. Loki wanted to have them registered but gave up when he realized it would take too much time. He would do it after the swear-in ceremony of the new citizens. Loki, Byleistr, and Kari spend time among the skuffelse, getting to know them and figuring out the best way of using their talents.

Halfway through the first week, Loki decided that his siblings and he needed a break. Early in the morning, after having a light meal, the three of them skywalk to Alfheim. Kari was holding the hand of both Loki and Byleistr. She said, "Why do we need to change the way we look?" Loki explained, "So we can blend in with the other people, our kingdom is still new, and we don't want to bring attention to ourselves." Kari said, "Oh!" but appeared confused. Byleistr said, "Imagine that we are playing hide and seek. We need to use the change in appearance to hide. Of that way, no one will find us." Kari thought about it and said, "I like playing, hide and seek. I think I understand."

Once they were close to a small city, Loki said, "Let's go shopping; we all need new outfits for the welcome ceremony of our new citizens. Kari needs more clothes and some toys." Kari smiled and said, "I've always wanted a doll. Can I get a doll?" "Sure thing," said Loki.

The three siblings spend a few hours shopping. Byleistr did not understand why he needed more fancy clothes, but he went along since it seemed to make Loki happy. Once they were finished buying the clothes, they went to a book store. Loki left Byleistr and Kari shopping while he went to talk to the owner to see if he could get a discount if he bought in bulk. He thought soon he would have to take a trip with Atla to get school books for the realm's children.

Byleistr chose a few books for himself and helped Kari choose some first reader books, coloring books, and coloring pencils. Once they were finished, they went to look for Loki, who was buying a few books about building and engineering for himself. When Loki noticed his siblings, he asked, "Are you finished?" Kari said, "Yes, and Byleistr helped me choose some books. He said maybe you could teach me to read. See, we also got some coloring books." She proceeded to show what she had to Loki, who smiled and said, "They look like interesting books, we will start teaching you how to read, and I think Byleistr will also be helping."

Byleisrt smiled and said, "Really, brother, you think, I know enough to teach Kari." Loki put a hand on Byleistr shoulder and said, "Yes, you are a fast learner. Now let us go and pay for our purchases; we still have a doll to buy."

After leaving the book store, they entered a toy store. Kari was fascinated by all the toys. They ended up getting her two dolls, a ball, and a jump rope." Loki saw Byliestr looking at the board games and asked, "Would you like to buy one?" Byleistr said, "I don't know how to play, but I wish I did." Loki picked up a game of checkers and a game of chess. He told Byleistr, "Well, that is easily remedied. I will teach you. After all, board games are good to learn strategy." Byleistr smiled, reminding Loki how young his brother really was. He wondered if Byleistr wanted to buy some toys but did not know how to ask without offending him. Kari took care of the problem by taking Byleistr's hand and asking him, "Do you think you can help me pick a toy that we all could play with?" Byleistr smiled and picked some blocks similar to Legos. He thought it would be fun to build things with them.

After a busy day, Loki bought some food in an eatery to take with them. The sibling's skywalk to the ocean in Begavelse, where they eat on the beach looking at the sea. Kari had a healthy appetite, and Loki was slowly teaching her excellent table manners as he had done with Byleistr, who had picked them up quickly. While Loki read a book, Kari and Byleistr played with the ball. Loki joined them after a while, and they finished their day of relaxation by jumping waves, getting their feet and legs wet in the process. Loki could not remember the last time that he had felt so carefree. Kari brought joy into Loki and Byleistr's lives with her easy laugh, innocence, and happy disposition.

Loki carried Kari back home as the little girl had fallen asleep tired from a busy day. While Byleistr put their sister to bed, Loki unpacked their purchases from his dimensional pocket. Once he was finished putting Kari to bed, Byleistr joined Loki and helped him organize the things they had bought. The brothers ended the day by drinking a cup of tea, a ritual they had developed. Byleistr said, "I had a lot of fun today, brother; you were right, we needed a day off. I did not even realize how tired and stress I was until we got away from everything."

Loki sipped on his tea and after a while said, "I learned something from Odin, my adoptive father. To not live my life as he did. It seems to me that everything was always more important than spending time with his family. Odin does not take good care of himself and has aged prematurely. The only time he rests is when his body forces him into the Odin sleep. That can't be healthy. I think that is why he has been deteriorating mentally and making poor decisions. While we are responsible for our realm and its people, we also have a right to live and enjoy our own lives." Byleistr paid close attention to what his brother said, and after a while, said, "I hope one day I get to be as wise as you, brother." Loki ruffled the boy's hair and said, "We better get to bed; tomorrow will be a busy day."

The next few days were hectic, but Loki made the time to visit Angrboda daily, who insisted that there was no reason she should be resting while there was so much to do. Finally, on the 6th day, the healer relented and said she was well enough to do what she wanted. She immediately joined Loki and helped to finalize the details for the welcoming of the new citizens.

Finally, the much-awaited day arrived, the skuffelse were excited about becoming citizens of Begavelse. Loki had surprised Angrboda by gifting her with an elegant dress for the occasion and a set of matching earrings, necklace, and bracelet. She honestly did not think she needed them, but the gesture was appreciated, and she thanked Loki for the gift.

Finally, the four nobles of the realm climbed up the podium dressed in their new outfits. Loki initiated the ceremony by saying, today, we welcome over one thousand new citizens to our kingdom. We will share with them what we have built through our hard work and ingenuity. May they help us make our realm one of the most prosperous in the nine realms by sharing their talents with us. They like us have been gifted by the Norns with Sedir and ice magic, therefore from this day on, they will no longer be Skuffelse but Begavet. I invite our new citizens to step forward to swear loyalty to the realm. I ask you, "Do you swear to defend the realm with your life if necessary?" "I do." They responded. "Do you swear to share your talents to the best of your ability to make our kingdom prosperous? " "I Do" "Do you swear to obey the laws of the realm and the royal family?" "I do." "Finally, do you swear your loyalty to me as your King and to the Royal family of Jotunheim and promise to defend the Royal family with your life if necessary?" "I do," they responded.

"Then on this day, I King Loki of Begavelse, together with my brother Crowned Prince Byleistr welcome you to the realm. I also take the opportunity to introduce Princess Kari, my sister. She is third in the line of succession of Begavelse. She is to be treated with the same respect and honor given to my brother and me. I also invite Duchesse Angrboda to step forward. She is the highest-ranking noble after the royal family. I ask all the citizens to show her the deference proper to her station. I am also happy to announce that she has allowed me to court her formally. All the original citizens broke out in cheers followed by the new citizens."

After the ceremony, a banquet was served, accompanied by music and dancing. When Byleistr saw that his little sister had fallen asleep, he took her home. He did not interrupt Loki, who was dancing with Lady Angrboda. He liked her and hoped that she and Loki would grow closer in their relationship.

Loki and Agroba finished the night looking at the twin moons and stars. Loki said, "You look beautiful today." Angrboda blushed and said, "You don't look bad yourself. I think the ceremony went very well, and I am glad you were able to introduce Kari. She seems to be a brilliant little girl. Once you and Byleistr get your fill of her, maybe I could borrow her occasionally to start teaching her how to fight. I wish Valkyrie were here so we could start our own Valkyrie unit."

Loki thought about it and said, "You are an excellent warrior Angrboda. I am sure you can start our own Valkyrie unit, but do you think maybe you could include men? I always wanted to be a Valkyrie. Angrboda laughed and kissed Loki, who happily returned and deepened the kiss. Once they started walking again, Angrboda said, "Get me some pegasus, and I will include men."

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