"Brother where are we going?" Thor questioned as they left the palace.
Loki chuckled a bit softly at his brother. He'd rather he wouldn't join him, but both of their attendance were asked for.
"We are going to get Astrid. She has plans for us today." Loki stated
That perked Thor a bit and he laughed.
"Just like old times eh brother. The three of us are going out and having fun. Where are we headed?"
Loki chuckled since Thor was chipper, though he wondered how long that would last. He got over discouragements easily, but he and Astrid still were mulling over his actions of late. In time he will forgive his brother but at least Loki's frustrations had lessened in the couple weeks since Thor's kiss.
" Vanaheim. You can ask Astrid why she wants to take us with her yourself, however I do think it's her wanting us to get closer."
Mostly that was true, but Thor needed to come along for Astrid to appease Egil. He's hoped for some couple time with Astrid but Thor coming did dampen those plans. Loki understood that Astrid forgave him and that she wanted him in her life, but Thor was going to be troublesome if not meddlesome today, he thought.
Astrid thanked Vahalla that Egil was too drunk to wake up as she slipped out of the house. She didn't want to tell her father she was planning to go to Vanaheim since that always spurred arguments. She did understand why since it was a source of pain, never deemed good enough and always was a disgrace when compared to his own father and brother. Thankfully with Thor being in her plans Egil might not be so grouchy once word got back to him from her mother. She escaped through the window of her house and jumped down with grace. Astrid smiled when Thor and Loki got there and first gave a hug to Loki. He was subtly tender in his embrace as to not alert Thor of their relationship.
"Glad you got my letter about today. I really hoped to not leave you out of my fun."
Loki embraced her gently. He wanted to kiss her but he knew better than that with the present. He pulled away and smiled.
"We're going to Vanaheim right? Any reason in particular for this little adventure?" Loki asked
Astrid gave a hug to Thor and chuckled lightly.
"I enjoy my Aunt Thyra so I'm heading there to see her. Last time I saw her, she was curious about you both since you are the princes of Asgard. She wondered how the All-Father and All-Mother were raising you. Mainly, I think it is so I have company on my trip to see her today. Now let's get a bit away from my house since father is deep in a drunken sleep and I would rather be away before he stirs."
Thor raised an eyebrow but he did chuckle a bit.
"Ah we get to meet this aunt of yours. Good….but wouldn't Egil be worried if you left without giving him word of where you'd be going?" Thor asked.
Astrid chuckled and shook her head. She expected Loki to be worried about Egil and not Thor. But if Egil wanted his way then of course Thor would care about Egil's welfare. Astrid didn't as much but she didn't know if there'd be a good time to tell Thor this like she did with Loki.
" Calm down Thor, I told mother where we are going, as for father.. Well we will be gone by time he wakes up so he will get over it" Astrid said dismissively.
Thor did notice a shift in Astrid's personality that had been taking place since their teens. She seemed a bit more cold and thrill seeking at the expense of her father. Thor wondered if his friend was truly okay and worried about her.
"Fair enough, but I really wish we'd taken horses since the walk to the Bifrost Bridge is going to be long." Thor questioned.
Astrid smiled a bit softly and shook her head.
"Not to worry Thor. I've been working on teleportation spells since they are quite handy if mastered correctly. Do you both trust me?" Astrid said with a light smile.
" With my life" Loki said with a smirk
Thor chuckled.
" I do as well. Now get the spell ready Astrid."
Astrid and the two princes walked a bit from her house and Astrid channeled her energies. She thought for a moment and made a wave motion. Before Thor could react, he was enveloped in a light and he was gone, her and Loki still where they were.
" Astrid, I don't think the spell worked correctly" Loki was a bit alarmed.
It wasn't like Astrid to blunder at spellcasting and she wouldn't try spells unless she was competent and mastered them. He was worried a bit for his brother and hoped he was okay. Astrid didn't look distressed but instead was smiling or rather smirking.
"It did if I only intended Thor to be at Bifrost's edge." Astrid said with a slight mischievous grin.
Loki breathed a sigh of relief, before smiling
" You did that on purpose… why? Are we not all going to see your aunt?"
Astrid chuckled since Loki was oddly not perceptive of her motive as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Oh we are...though we want some alone time don't we? The three of us are going to be together for most of the day so we need to take the alone times we can at any opportunity." she murmured.
Loki laughed a bit since that would be something he would do and yet Astrid had the idea to do it herself.
" If Egil saw this he would be furious for sure. Clearly my antics have rubbed off on you but that's a good thing." he purred.
"A wonderful thing Loki. Now give us a kiss darling since it took me a while to learn the spell for our benefit." She mused.
" Your wish is my command" Loki responded before he kissed Astrid deeply, holding her close to him.
Astrid kissed back softly and ran her fingers in his hair. She loved indulging in her romantic moments with him and hoped they would always be like this.
They pulled away and Astrid couldn't help but laugh softly at what she did.
"How do you think Thor's going to react when we get there?" she questioned
Loki chuckled since he was thinking about his brother having a dumbfounded expression on his face. Still, he would worry about him since they were brothers.
" He will probably be glad we are ok, since maybe he thought the spell malfunctioned and we were hurt... or he will think I taught you this spell and get mad at me."
Astrid mused for a bit and nodded with a sigh. She couldn't go with Loki alone so Thor needed to come to maintain an illusion that they were all close friends. Loki and Thor would always be brothers, but her heart was spoken for and didn't want to think about how Thor would react. It was part of the reason she needed to alter her appearance to date in Asgard openly with Loki so Thor wouldn't be upset and go to Egil. She cared for Thor but knew he wouldn't handle losing her in a romantic sense by his own brother no less.
"Now let's not keep Thor waiting." Astrid expressed with a gentle smile.
She pecked his lips before trying the spell again. She gripped Loki's hand and they warped near Heimdall and Thor. Astrid smiled when they were there and breathed a sigh of relief that Thor was there as well. Despite how skilled she was, there were times she was unsure of her abilities and hoped nothing went wrong when she casts spells. Thor went to hug Loki and Astrid in his arms rather tightly.
"Are you both okay?" he asked with concern.
Loki groaned as he forgets his brother is a bit too strong and his embraces can be crushing to the lungs.
" If you let go I will be. For Norns sake Thor, you really need to be more mindful of your strength." Loki gasped.
Thor let go of the two of them and chuckled.
"Sorry….all I saw was a light and I was near Heimdall but you two weren't there. I'm worried something happened and maybe you were transported elsewhere."
Thor cared for his little brother and Astrid since they held special places in his heart. Seeing them made his heart at ease and loved the bonds they had.
" Well since we are all here and safe, shall we go then" Loki asked
Thor nodded and motioned Loki to speak to Heimdall.
"Be our guest brother, you are the most elegant of us three." Thor praised with a light smile.
Loki smiled.
"Good Morning Heimdall. The three of us would like to take a trip to Vanaheim. Lady Thyra is expecting us all." Loki spoke eloquently.
Heimdall looked at the three of them and nodded.
"You all can go, but I would like a word with Lady Astrid first. You and Thor can head in and wait for my sword." he commented.
Thor dragged his brother inside while Heimdall looked at the young woman. His eyes were careful and he pondered what had been occurring with her as of late.
"You are aware Lady Astrid that I see all across the Nine Realms." he started.
" Of course Heimdall. Is something wrong? Is my aunt alright?" Astrid asked
"Your aunt is fine and is awaiting you all as we speak. I'm talking about you Lady Astrid and I think you may know what this is about."
"Oh and what are you asking or implying?" Astrid questioned.
"You are sneaking about in romantic affairs with Prince Loki." he spoke in a low voice.
Astrid groaned in annoyance.
"Loki is dating Lady Sigyn." Astrid lied.
"Yet when she is around I don't see you. You're skilled in magic at such a young age but are you actively trying to deceive me and work around my sight?"
Astrid crossed her arms.
"I would never Heimdall. So I sneak around to see Loki and yes, I know I'm not the only woman in his life but I don't see how our love is a risk to anyone."
Heimdall nodded. He was not loyal to Egil and he saw him as a shifty man with very dark demons whose actions, if fully disclosed, would ruin him completely. Egil was a man, consumed by jealousy but he truly did want to care for Astrid as his own. She only saw him as a bad guy and in some aspects he was, but Heimdall knew Egil didn't have to keep her but did. However, Hiemdall's oath was to Odin and not to Egil so what he saw would remain between him and Astrid unless prompted by Odin.
"I thought I would give you a warning Lady Astrid. My eyes see all and my loyalty will be towards my King. Only he would ever know what I see going on when he asks. I will not discourage any and all acts you decide to do...but be warned of my duty and oath as gatekeeper." He spoke in a low and serious voice.
Loki and her needed to double their warding spell training to keep Heimdall's eyes off them she thought. He should be focusing on if Asgard is getting invaded and not being a pervert watching her and Loki kiss. She hoped when Loki and her decided to be physically intimate that Heimdall's eyes won't be on them. In fact, they will make it so he can't see it since she no longer trusts him to have a blind eye in their affairs.
"Noted, but alas what we decide does not concern you. We care for each other and it doesn't prove a threat to Asgard. Do try and not be perverse in your observations." Astrid stated
Heimdall scoffed but nodded.
"Fair enough. I will not speak of this further. Know that I have my eyes on the realms, and that includes you and the young princes. Now go forth since we've chatted a bit long for my taste."
Heimdall walked with Astrid in the foyer of the Bifrost Bridge and she stood in between the brothers. Loki looked to Astrid who looked mildly annoyed.
" Is everything alright?" Loki whispered
"Yes I'm fine, just Heimdall informing me he's nosy to everything." she whispered back. Loki chuckled since it was true, Heimdalls gift was curse as well
" Is he going to expose us?" Loki asked softly
Astrid just shook her head
"No but we really need to work on our warding magic to shield his sights." she spoke in a low voice.
Heimdall struck his sword down to the pedestal and transported the three of them to Vanaheim. They were outside a forest village and they could hear footsteps coming towards them.
"It's good to see you Astrid. I hope Egil hasn't been too hard on you my dear." Aunt Thrya said as she approached her with open arms. Astrid reciprocated the hug.
" He is himself Aunt Thyra," Astrid said sweetly, yet annoyed.
"So basically the same magic loathing drunkard my sister still insists on being with. Pitiful."
She looked over to see that Astrid wasn't alone and cracked a light smile.
"Ah so these are the sons of Odin...I must say it is an honor to finally meet you both."
Loki smiled warmly and gave her a light bow.
"It is an honor to meet another excellent sorceress aside from Astrid of course and our own mothers of course" Loki spoke politely but with soft tone
Aunt Thrya cackled a bit and approached Loki. She studied him curiously and she could understand why Astrid was so smitten with this one. Clearly he was different from the typical Asgardian but she didn't seem to mind in the slightest. In some ways Loki reminded her of Frode and he was very well put together.
Thyra then went to Thor and she wasn't as impressed. Sure Thor was clearly Odin's son, but that means his particular aspects and interests didn't align with hers. The blonde hair, bulging muscles, facial hair, and rugged handsome looks truly made him a symbol of warrior values. She could see why Astrid saw him as an older brother type but clearly Thor was a man of strength and not magic. Thyra would have stricken him where Thor stood since he in a sense assaulted Astrid with his lips. Astrid however taught Thor his lesson and Thyra would refrain.
"Now step inside. I've brewed some tea for us all." Aunt Thyra spoke. She led them all into her home and motioned them to sit in the living area. Thor called the armchair while Loki and Astrid settled on the couch. She brought them tea, which Astrid and Loki did too but Thor declined. Thyra smiled but thought of him as a brute for not accepting the custom. Loki glared at his brother and Thor took it as a sign to take the tea, even if he wasn't too fond of it.
"Astrid has spoken a lot about you both in her time here. It's good to meet both possible heirs to the throne of Asgard." Thyra expressed.
" Astrid spoke a lot about you when she returned to Asgard as well. I understand why she thinks so highly of you." Loki noted.
Thyra nodded and looked at Thor. He could clearly see a judgmental gaze on Astrid's aunt and wanted to appease her and make her a bit warmer towards him.
"So...would we be meeting with your husband as well?" Thor asked, trying to be polite.
Astrid sighed as she sipped her tea and Loki pinched the bridge of his nose at his idiocy.
"I was never married and still am not. Frankly I don't see why you need to know that though. Astrid would have mentioned having an uncle that was alive but she hadn't had she? Think before you speak Thor." Thyra expressed a bit sternly.
Thor gulped a bit since Astrid's aunt was very harsh towards him. He decided to change the subject so as to not insult her anymore.
"So um...You taught Astrid a lot of magic...what would you consider your favorite spells." Thor asked sheepishly.
" I like magic that displays skills and dominance. Anyone can get by with brute force and weapons, but magic with dominance will help you far more. Magic can be what you want it and with a capable person, it can give you all the information and advantages one needs." Thyra explained making exaggerated hand motions when she mentioned brutality.
Astrid smiled a bit but knew Thor was trying. She sipped her tea while Aunt Thrya went inside to check on the food for their meal.
"Your aunt doesn't like me, does she?" Thor questioned.
Loki scoffed.
"Well you first asked her if we would be meeting a husband, assuming all women are married." Loki stated.
Thor glared at Loki since he was talking down to him like a mere child.
"Hey, it was a very honest question to ask." Thor defended weakly.
" More like an inappropriate question, I can see why she would not like that. Some people I have met here chose not to marry anyone and that is not a bad thing." Astrid explained while rolling her eyes.
Aunt Thyra walked back in and she seemed to be a bit troubled.
"I'm afraid we have a bit of a problem in regards to our meal today." she expressed.
" Is there anything we can help with " Loki offered softly
Thyra smiled lightly but shook her head.
"It will be fine. I just need to go into the woods and hunt for our feast. It's best to get it fresh and the merchants in town have been trying to rob me with sky high prices as of late. It's going to take me a while to get to my usual grounds to get the wild hogs and elk I need, perhaps a few fish as well."
Thor grinned since he saw this as an opportunity to help Astrid's aunt. Besides he loved hunting and he would be sure to get them enough game for a feast fit for a king.
" I am excellent at hunting, madam. I can get you anything you like and perhaps more." Thor boasted, feeling confident he can impress Astrids aunt.
Ayunt Thyra smirked slightly and nodded.
"Let me give you my hunting gear so you can be off Thor."
Aunt Thrya went up the stairs to gather her equipment, leaving the three of them to chat.
Thor looked at Loki and grinned.
"You should accompany me, Loki. It would be great brother bonding and you'd be helping Astrid's aunt." he asked.
" Oh no, I am fine here, besides your strength is good enough alone. I would like to chat with Astrid's aunt about magic." Loki stated, with a smile.
Thyra returned with a very long bow, quiver loaded with arrows, a handmade fishing pole, a bait bag, a spear, knife, and a large handmade wooden container to store the food. Thyra also lifted her hand and a small bag filled with food came to her since he would need it while hunting. She gave it to Thor and cracked a light smile.
"Please try and be back by sundown. I will need time before night falls to cook the meat to perfection Thor. You can't miss the grounds, follow the river near the edge of this village and follow it until you get deep into a forest. You should see TR carved into a tree near a pond if you're in the right spot." Thyra expressed.
" I will make sure not to disappoint you. I shall be off and return with our meat for dinner." Thor smiled widely before taking the tools that Thyra had given him and headed out feeling eager to impress Astrid's aunt.
Aunt Thyra chuckled lightly and sat comfortably in her armchair.
"That should give us plenty of time to chat properly." Aunt Thyra commented as she poured herself some tea.
" You sent him off on purpose didn't you?" Loki asked with a small smirk.
"Oh I did need meat for our dinner since I know men like Thor would want to feast on meat, gorge himself in fact. But let him handle the hunt while I enjoy my time with my niece and her loved one." Thyra mused, looking at Astrid.
Loki smiled softly since he had a strong feeling Thyra was already taken with him being with Astrid. Yet another person who deemed him worthy and that made him content.
" Astrid has your personality and her mothers kindness mixed in. I wonder if her playfully cunning was taken from you." Loki mused gazing at Astrid
Aunt Thyra cracked a small smile.
"But of course, sometimes you need to have several tricks to get you by in life; but now then. How is Asgard since I can't comprehend how my sister would ever leave for there. If she needed a place to raise Astrid, I would have taken her in so she can leave pigheaded Egil."
" Asgard is beautiful and has many beautiful places as well, they do value strength and weaponry over magic though. Aside from Astrid, my mother, your sister and myself, there is not that much enthusiasm or appreciation for it, it's considered a women's art I'm afraid." Loki stated
Aunt Thyra nodded and motioned Loki to approach her. Males in magic in Asgard were rare and he made her curious. He had to have such power and knowledge if Astrid was taken with him.
"Show me your forearm, I would like to see what kind of magic courses within you."
Loki was intriguing if also a bit confused. He stood up and approached Thyra rolling up his sleeve and showed his forearm to her. She nodded and yellow energy flowed at the tip of her fingers. Thyra trailed her fingers up her forearm and her eyes widened slightly. A soft smile came across her face as she trailed her fingers higher.
"My...how interesting." she mused.
"What do you see? Is there dark magic?" Loki asked, a bit unsure of himself.
Thyra shook her head and pulled her fingers away.
"Your aura is strong….very strong. I've only seen this much magical strength in very few of my students and people in Vanaheim. Consider yourself blessed Loki as you would be a very prime husband in our lands."
Loki smiled, breathing a sigh of relief. However his heart already belonged to Astrid but it was good to know he was special by a very powerful sorceress.
"Back in Asgard they consider me a troublemaker."
Astrid sighed and took his hand in hers.
"Loki, we've been over this. People are blind and consumed with slight fears at what they don't understand. They don't understand a lot about you nor do they appreciate it." Astrid commented.
" You and my mother are the only ones who see it that way, in some ways that's all that matters." Loki started softly smiling.
"How does everyone else treat Astrid? She's as much an outsider as you are and I worry how people perceive her. My worries for her were deep when she was brought to Asgard at such a tender infant age."
Loki smiled since people were kinder to Astrid than to him.
" She is viewed as a bright young woman who is capable of magic but she also trains with bows and arrows which is really impressive. However Egil and even Thor seem to want to tame the magic in her so she can fit more among Asgradians." Loki stated bit annoyed at last part
"Yet she will never be an Asgardian."
She looked at her niece and cracked a faint smile.
"Be honest with me...this man is the only reason you're still living in Asgard is it?"
Astrid blushed since in some ways this was true. She would be happier living with Loki in Vanaheim but that was just a thought for now.
" Loki and Thor are my dear friends, I cannot just leave them, we spent our lives growing up together" Astrid stated
"I think the friendship has sailed between you two if our talks incurred action within you Astrid."
Astrid nodded and interlaced her fingers within Loki's.
"Very much so yes Aunt Thyra."
Thyra looked to Loki and gave an approving nod and a warm smile.
"My niece is in very capable hands and I can't be prouder at the man I see before me."
High praises Loki thought but he took it in stride as he kissed Astrid's cheek. Thyra finished her tea and motioned the two of them to follow her outside. Thyra gave a demonstration of her magic to Astrid and Loki, which included full body transformation into the opposite sex, conjuring wolves made out of magical energy, turned a cloud above her into a dragon and then to a harmless kitten, and animinating a nearby tree to move on it's on. Astrid was amazed as was Loki.
" How are you able to do all this?" Loki asked.
"Many years of practice, dedication, and desire for knowledge. I wanted to show you both that magic has no limits but it takes careful studying. You both will continue this path in your long lives I'm assured so this is something to keep in mind when you read tomes, practice, and connect with one another." Thyra advised.
Loki looked at Astrid with a soft gaze. He did want to study and learn magic like this. He wanted to impress and give Astrid the best of everything
" Astrid did teach me magic before she left and I taught her some. I was impressed with what she learned in her time here" Loki admitted
"Yes and you'll see a lot more in our time together like I will with you." Astrid spoke softly.
Thyra conjured a book out of thin air and she glanced at the two of them. It was clear to her that Astrid chose Loki, her eyes said it all and she wondered if she should perform a special little ritual to them. Astrid looked intrigued at the book, since she did remember seeing it but she was not allowed to touch or look into it since it was very advanced magic.
" What are you looking for in their Auntie?" Astrid asked
Thyra looked carefully at her niece. Astrid was still young, very young and the ritual she had in mind would strengthen them both but their paths weren't clear cut.
"There is a ritual I can do that can strengthen sorcerers and sorceresses...however it is very high level magic that a third party must enact on them. It's also a very committed ritual." Thyra expressed.
" What kind of ritual is it exactly? Why does it need a third party?" Loki inquired.
Thyra sighed just a tad but smiled lightly at them.
"It's a blood ritual. A third party needs to help prep the two people and help to channel the intermix blood to have its course in a balanced way between the two people." Thyra explained.
It was seldom done since the side effects were costly if the two beings didn't have a dedicated strong bond and commitment to each other. Thyra knew the risks and it was a bit reckless of her informing two very young adults of this life changing ritual.
"Is it also for people who are chosen to be together?" Loki inquired
"Chosen?" Astrid questioned.
Blood sounded serious Astrid thought and she wondered just what her aunt was thinking and up to.
" Two people with magic who chose each other to be together for life." Loki elaborated a bit shyly.
Thyra was hopeful but she further explained,
"It's not for the faintest of platonics; but two people who truly trust and complete each other. It has been used to bind friends together but it has also been used to bring magic lovers that are lovers are magic to solidify bonds. Make no mistake, this is no marriage between people, but an oath that no matter what; you shall always be at their side and the magic in your blood in some aspects is not just your own."
" I would do anything for Astrid. I want her to be happy, as long as she wants me by her side. I will gladly do anything for her" Loki said looking at Astrid with a smile
Astrid smiled and gave Loki a tender kiss. No way her aunt would suggest this if they weren't serious or romantically involved. Why else would she even do and suggest this when Thor was out hunting.
"Loki...this is a very serious ritual. It's not just summoning a dagger but really advanced magic. I mean we haven't even...um...you know…"
Astrid didn't want to say the words in front of her aunt since it would be embarrassing to utter in front of her. Loki smirked and kissed Astrids forehead.
" Astrid, I am well aware this magic is not even in my level of knowledge, we don't have to do it. If you rather wait than we shall wait. I meant what I said, it wasn't about magic." Loki stated.
Thyra looked at the pair and realized if she did this, she would be no better than Egil and Odin pushing Thor onto her niece. This ritual would essentially seal their fates together and it might as well be a forced marriage if their love was not meant to last.
Thyra gave them a proud smile.
"And you've both learned a lesson. Just because a particular ritual exists, it's best to know when and if you're ready for it. Well done; it seems Frigga and Tove thought you well."
" I think my mother would love to meet you. Egil thinks I am enchanting your niece." Loki scoffed
Thyra scoffed as she looked through her book. Egil was a horrid man and just because he was a magical failure in most areas, he shouldn't refuse Astrid from loving a man of strong magic.
"If anyone enchanted anyone, it's Egil with my sister. When I find out what Egil did, I will make sure whatever's left of him gets eaten by the bears. My sister was a different woman with Frode and something about her love for Egil seemed….fake. But I need to continue my research into it. But right now, I do have a weaker ritual you both can do and I'm curious to see how advanced you both are at human shape shifting." Astrid felt sick at the thought of Egil using magic on her mother to make her stay. Loki noticed that and pulled her close, comforting her.
" What kind of ritual is this one?" Loki asked
Thyra smiled lightly.
"This one is a simple energy ritual where you release a bit of your magical energy into a tea and you have a friend or lover drink from it. It's said to strengthen harmony between the pair and deepen a bond. It's less painful, refreshing, and it can help with some magic." Thyra explained. . Loki looked to Astrid with a small smile
" I think this ritual is something I would like to try, what do you think?" Loki asked looking to astrid
Astrid pecked his lips and said,
"Well I would like some more tea." Loki smiled and kissed Astrid's cheek softly before returning his attention to Thyra.
"Alright, we can do this spell. What do we need to do?" Loki asked
Thyra first conjured two tea cups in front of them.
"Place your hands palm side down towards the cups and close your eyes."
She watched as both Loki and Astrid did as she was told.
"Now I want you to let the magic course in your veins and really channel your magic and aura into the cups. You know if you're doing it right if you feel liquid dripping from your palm."
Loki channeled his magic aura and did as Thyra instructed. He felt liquid from his palm but there was no pain which was refreshing in a sense.
Astrid felt a warm essence course from her palm and it drifted into the cup. Thyra looked at both cups. Astrid's cup was filled with a warm pinkish purple aura elixir. Loki's was filled with a green aura elixir that wasn't warm but felt like it was chilled with ice.
"Open your eyes but don't drink your cups yet." Thyra instructed.
Loki opened his eyes and looked into his cup, with a small smile. He looked at the glasses and smiled slightly at Astrid's. Her glass looked very inviting and he wondered how hers tasted….maybe that was the point of this Loki thought.
" Is the purpose to have Astrid drink mine, while I drink hers?' Loki asked
An Asgardian with a very deductive mind. She hopes Astrid's bond and relationship will only grow with Loki.
"You're very smart. Yes it is. Though careful, yours is oddly cold and Astrid's is very hot. You decide if you want to be romantic with it." Thyra mused with a light smile.
Loki smiled softly. He took his cup and gently brought it to Astrids lips.
" Do we need to do this at the same time or not?" Loki asked.
Astrid brought her cup to Loki's lips and her eyes were very soft.
"You can if you wish. Not a requirement but I have a working theory on if drinking at the same time boosts the effects." Thyra admitted.
" Well, we do want them to be at their best. Do take caution Astrid." Loki mused with a smirk
"I should say that to you, my cup is boiling hot." Astrid teased.
Loki chuckled before he carefully drank from Astrid's cup and Astrid drank from his. Astrid's was intrigued by the flavor the drink produced; it was like drinking in snow mixed with honey, pears, and a light scent of apples. The cold didn't bother her and it was pretty refreshing. Loki drank Astrid's drink. It was hot, but it tasted like a tropical drink in some ways. It was calming and sweet, like nectarine with cherries and Loki detected a hint of plum as well.
Thyra smiled as both Loki and Astrid drank until the last drop and looked over both of them. She was smiling and could feel their bond growing through their veins.
"Wonderful...simply wonderful. Now let's do a bit of magic training and I know just what we should focus on."
Loki was curious and so was Astrid. Thyra looked at the two of them and knew just what they needed.
"Loki, have you started work on shape-shifting as well?"
Loki nodded.
"Yes I have. I am able to alter my appearance quite well and I can fool a lot of people by becoming other men."
"Just men?" she questioned.
Loki raised an eyebrow.
"Yes...I mean are you suggesting…."
Thyra chuckled and nodded.
"Well you are the God of Mischief aren't you? There are no limits to shape shifting and that includes the female form. Think about all the secrets, deception, and perhaps a slight thrill you'll have when you use your magic to make your body that of a woman or shape shift to be other women."
Loki cleared his throat since, while interesting, he didn't want to come off eager at the prospect. Thyra looked at Astrid and she didn't like the glint in her aunt's eye.
"Aunt Thyra...you're not being serious are you?"
"You're capable and this is just another take on shape shifting. Besides, if Loki can become a woman, you can become a man. Might make your love life interesting and another way to sneak around I might add."
That reminded Loki of something and asked,
"Actually, we hoped you would help us with illusion casting. By that we mean, making it so Astrid looks like her Sigyn alter ego to others while to us she looks like herself."
Thrya raised an eyebrow. They were very active in their magic and this sounded like a very good use of their talents, albeit a sad use.
"Oh and why come to me?"
"Well since you would be able to tell if my illusion casting is working properly, to see if Astrid looks like Sigyn but I see her as herself." Loki asked.
"How sweet you found something to help Astrid so she won't always have to rely on her shape shifting, very devious too. It's something I very much support in helping and observing."
Loki smiled but he could tell from Thyra's smile there was a catch.
"There's a condition isn't it?" Loki asked.
Thyra nodded.
"Sometimes in magic you need to do things that will make you uncomfortable at first. You both need to push your magic further in shape shifting."
Astrid sighed as she stroked her arm nervously.
"There isn't a need for me to alter my body into being a man or for Loki to alter his body to be a woman." Astrid argued.
Thyra shook her head.
"There will be. Loki's the god of mischief and sometimes he's going to need covers of all kinds, including being a woman. As for you...we live in times where some races still look down on a woman no matter how powerful you are. Perhaps you'd need to use your magic to alter your appearance as a man to get through to them. Diplomacy doesn't rely on fighting magic, but words and professionalism. Sadly for some, being a male is also needed for people to listen."
Astrid looked at Loki and she was really uncomfortable with this. Loki stroked Astrid's cheek and smiled lightly at her.
"It is a part of our magic training and at least we're not alone."
"Wouldn't that make things more awkward Loki; you trying to use magic to change your body into a woman when I am here?" she questioned.
Loki managed to chuckle lightly and nod.
"True, but it is a rather curious thing to try isn't it?" Loki expressed.
Astrid sighed and looked at her aunt.
"You will teach us the illusion casting to project myself to others as Sigyn afterwards?" Astrid asked.
"I'm a woman of my word Astrid. Besides, this of it as exploring the opposite's sex form before you two decide to share deep physical intimacies."
Astrid turned red and exclaimed,
"Really? You brought that up!"
Thyra chuckled and nodded.
"Alright so let's try it now."
Thyra taught both Loki and Astrid how to channel their magical energies in the way they needed to. Both needed to channel their energies to their lower bodies and chests for different effects based on what they needed to do. Astrid bit her lip and closed her eyes. The magic felt really weird and she shook her head in protest. Thyra saw this and sighed in annoyance.
"Astrid, come on, you are much better than this." Thyra scolded.
Astrid groaned.
"Oh yes since I really expected to use my magic to change my body into a man today. Really this is beyond weird and embarrassing!" Astrid protested.
"This can't be more awkward when you shift into a horse or hawk, Astrid. At least you'll still be a human."
"Yeah a human with something in between my legs." Astrid muttered.
Thyra sighed.
"Loki is already shifting and is being a good sport about it. Least try it once Astrid, that's all I ask."
Astrid sighed and nodded in defeat. She felt her hair growing shorter and her body getting warmer. It must be working since her chest felt a bit lighter and something was manifesting down below much to her curiosity and horror. She felt so weird and wondered if it would be wrong of her to be crying at this. Thyra smiled softly as she looked over her niece, or perhaps nephew and conjured a mirror for Astrid to look at the form she's magically casted.
"The sooner you open your eyes, the sooner this will all be over."
Astrid sighed and opened her eyes. She was startled at first, seeing an amber eyed and pink haired man looking back but Astrid knew her magic changed her form. Her hands were slightly bigger but still soft, her male form was lanky and not overtly muscle based, and of course she squirmed at the new feeling in between her legs.
"Okay you had your fun, can I please change back now." Astrid protested.
She noticed her voice was slightly deeper and of course she had to go all out with her shifts as she trailed the Adam's apple she now had.
"I bet you don't look that bad. Though I agree, this is weird."
That wasn't her aunt's voice, but a soft, sultry, and warm woman's voice. She looked behind her to see a maiden with long black hair, blue eyes, and an emerald dress. Her form was truly stunning, her breasts plump but modestly sized, and she had nice hips as well. Astrid was stunned and asked,
"L-Loki?"
The maiden nodded and went towards her. Loki looked over Astrid and oddly, he was still charmed by her. Astrid felt a warm feeling towards Loki even though he looked like a woman.
"Wow you do make a good looking man Astrid." Loki complimented.
Astrid blushed and commented,
"Well you make a beautiful woman. How do you feel?"
Loki chuckled.
"Honestly, this is very weird. The breasts are a bit much but they do feel kind of okay. Kind of feel empowered in some ways and pretty. What about you?"
Astrid bit her lip and just hugged Loki.
"Honestly I do feel a bit stronger, but how do men manage walking with this thing? It's also starting to hurt."
Loki knew the feeling and pressed his body close, which probably would make things slightly worse for Astrid. He was internally chuckling at Astrid's arousal but he knew his love needed comfort not embarrassment.
"Yes, that kind of happens when blood flows Astrid, more so when you are in love and aroused." Loki whispered in comfort.
Astrid blushed a bit harder since she did kind of find Loki like this stimulating in some ways. Part of the blame was her male form but the other was the love she had for the person she loved most.
"Do I um….did I ever…"
Loki knew what she was asking and nodded.
"A lot but it's okay. It can be uncomfortable but with the right person, it's just an extension of passion….least that's why I like to think."
Astrid pulled away and both looked at their reflections in the mirror. Both looked to be in love and they made a nice pair. Astrid ran her fingers in her hair and realized she looked a lot like Frode. This would make her stand out even more, which wasn't the point of this at all.
"Note to self, hair and eyes need to change so I don't have Allister draw too much attention." Astrid expressed.
Loki raised an eyebrow but realized what Astrid meant and smiled lightly.
"Allister? Is that what you're going to call yourself when you're like this?"
Astrid realized what she said and laughed softly. She liked giving these parts of herselves names in order to make them their own beings despite simply being altered versions of herself.
"Kind of feels like another version of myself and it should deserve a name. What about you Lady Loki?" Astrid chuckled.
Loki smiled and nodded.
"Lyra is good, similar but different enough. I will admit, this will take some getting used to but oddly with you it still feels right." Loki commented.
Thyra watched the couple and jotted down her observations. They were magical marvels, ones she would love teaching and studying.
"Maybe it's because you genuinely have a connection not based on looks or sex. Glad to hear there's sparks between you two even in these forms." Thyra expressed with a small smile.
Astrid nodded and looked into Loki's eyes.
"I might feel different in body, but I still have these feelings for you." Astrid spoke softly.
"Likewise darling."
Both of them shared a kiss and it didn't feel weird at all. Astrid placed her hands on Loki's now dainty waist and Loki chuckled at the passionate touch.
"Least take me out first before you get handsy 'Allister'." Loki spoke with a playful smile.
"Oh but you like it 'Lyra', I know you love it." Astrid spoke gently with a faint husk.
Thyra rolled her eyes but stiffened a chuckle. They would be fine and this would be less awkward for them the more they used magic to shape shift in this way. Least they had another way to spice up dating and it would be another tactic in both their skill sets.
"Alright that's enough. Shift back and let me teach you what you want before Thor gets back."
Astrid and Loki nodded as they changed back to their normal selves. Loki practiced under Thyra's watch and before the sun set, he was able to skillfully mask Astrid as Sigyn to Thyra but Astrid and Loki saw her as her true self. Astrid needed more instruction but at least one of them was able to do it effortlessly now.
Thor finally arrived back with a whole ton of hunted game and fish, making Thyra nod in appreciation. It was a bit too much, but she was more thankful that he gave her time to talk and train Loki and Astrid in peace.
"Whatever I don't use I can sell off or give to those who need it. Now let's send you all off with a nice home cooked meal."
"We thank you Thyra." Thor spoke warmly.
"No Thor thank you." Thyra chuckled as she prepared their meal.
The day ended with the four of them enjoying a nice roast pig, elk stew, fish stew, and a whole array of vegetables. Astrid and Loki smiled lightly at each other as they ate and found today to be a very interesting endeavor. The aura teas were something they would continue to do every so often and maybe even the magic to alter their bodies. It would take a long time for 'Allister' and 'Lyra' to feel just as comfortable as their natural bodies but they had the time. At least Astrid's aunt was supportive in their magical endeavors and their romantic endeavors as well. If today showed them anything, it was that their connection and love for each other wasn't skin deep and that they were truly connected on a mystical and internal level. This gave them both hope of a life together and that the love they had was going to last a long time.