A millenia and a half passed and Astrid's life has been full of developments and changes. She's long since left Egil's home and has her own room in the palace due to Queen Frigga's request. Astrid has developed her magic and has grown quite capable in shape shifting, energy based magic, and transfiguration. She's been busy with relations with other realms, especially with Vanaheim. Astrid had developed her thirst for knowledge of the other realms to the point of finding other means besides Bifrost to visit them.

It was almost noon and Astrid was still fast asleep. Her curtains were blocking the sun and she didn't want to be disturbed. She had a long night and she just wanted to sleep, but someone had other plans.

"You really should have been up by now." a soft man's voice called.

Astrid knew Loki was here by some means and hoped he would just let her sleep after a very late night.

" Let me sleep, it's too early." Astrid groaned pulling blanket over her head

Loki sighed since it was her own fault for being tired after sneaking out to Midgard.

"It isn't Astrid early...although you were out until late in Midgard for 'research'." Loki questioned.

He knew ever since she lost a bet to Thor and had to go to Midgard, the realm intrigued Astrid, more so the music. Loki wondered why a woman who is as smart as Astrid needed to escape for a night just to listen to music in another realm. It was an interest Loki couldn't understand but it did make Astrid happy even if it was unlike her. Astrid groaned mildly annoyed as she tossed a pillow at him.

" What time is it anyway?" Astrid yawned

"Nearly 11:30 and you were supposed to meet up with my mother a while ago for your training...or did you forget while you were partaking in Midardian party and love songs last night. While charming, they kept you out so late."

Astrid's eyes widened since she did remember she was supposed to meet Frigga and she overslept.

" Why did you not lead with that Loki?! I'm so late!" Astrid expressed as she scrambled to get dressed.

Loki smirked lightly and commented,

"Because I thought you would have recalled on your own. No worries, I did stall her a bit...or I should say I am stalling her since I'm not here." Astrid glared and continued getting dressed.

Of course this is just an illusion projection Astrid thought as she frantically got an outfit out to dress into. She loved Loki but now was not the time for him to be a smartass and distract her.

" Do you mind giving me a bit of privacy? I need to get ready quickly and your illusion here will be rather distracting." Astrid expressed.

Loki smirked slightly since there was no part of Astrid he hadn't seen in their very long relationship. The illusion gazed a bit as Astrid started to undress since she was very alluring.

"Oh I've seen all of you so much already Astrid, no need to be modest. As for distracting...come on...me being here wouldn't be distracting. I might even motivate you." he said with a slight eloquence to his voice.

" Now is not the time for your charms, I am already late. Since you are here do project yourself outside the door make sure no one tries to walk in on me changing." Astrid said as she got a purple dress and began putting it on. She had often seen some Midgradian people rush to work, some were trying to put on jackets mid run. She thought it was humorous until she needed to dress herself while moving.

"Fair enough...so where are we sneaking off to again later?" he asked with a slight sigh.

Loki at first liked sneaking around with her for the first few centuries, but now he's gotten a bit sadden and somewhat insecure about their late night ventures and disguising Astrid when he's in public on a romantic date. He was growing tired of illusion casting to hide her true appearance in public in the day and her fooling his parents he was dating 'Sigyn'. Thor never had to hide any of his maidens yet he needed to hide his true love.

Astrid heard the hesitation in his voice and wondered if he was growing bored of their favorite spots.

" Why did you say it that way? Do you grow bored of the usual places we go off to. Maybe I can find more places?"

Astrid asked. She sensed something was off since Loki never brought it up before. He was usually fond of their late night dates and sneaking off together...she wondered why he wasn't in full spirits.

Loki forced a smile and stated,

"Just let me know later and we can discuss matters later when you're not late with my mother. Do take care darling."

Loki's illusion disappeared. Astrid raised an eyebrow a bit confused as to what that was about, but she shook it off adn after finishing getting dressed. She ran to meet Frigga

Frigga was waiting in her private study for Astrid. She had to dismiss Loki and needed him to attend to his service since she knew he was covering for her. Astrid has been a bit scattered and yet more invested in her research and quenching her thirsts for excitement. She hid that side well from most, but Frigga was one of the few to see past Astrid's calm, dainty, and content facade. Astrid rushed into the room and saw Friggas was there, after catching her breath she bowed in respect.

" I am so sorry I am late, I didn't realize it was so late." Astrid expressed.

Frigga nodded but it was a stern nod. She knew why she was late but she would address it later since Astrid had lessons to do.

"We can discuss your lateness again later, right now I want to assess your magic. If you're hopefully going to take the mantle of Asgard's finest sorceress, you need to show me you're serious and that you haven't slacked off your training." Frigga informed her.

Astrid took a deep breath and showed Frigga some of her finest magical arts. She was able to make illusions of herself effortlessly and had them converge on a target Frigga casted. Her elemental magic of fire and wood was also top notch as she was able to cast between the two with ease and combine them together for a lovely combination. Her energy weapons were deadly as they struck down dummies and her signature pink energy sonic blasts were very potent in breaking many materials Frigga conjured. Despite the magic Astrid displayed, Frigga had seen all this before.

"Is there a reason you don't display your full magical potential? Has Loki taught you to always have something in your back pocket so no one can truly know all you possess?" Frigga questioned. Astrid sighed

" No, he did not teach me that, I chose to do this myself. I don't like showing my full potential without really needing to. The less people know the better. If people know they can try to stop me or worse...don't want to let the enemy have the upper hand" Astrid explained.

"So you see Asgard as the enemy, even me Lady Astrid?" Frigga questioned.

Astrid shook her head vehemently since Frigga had misunderstood her.

" No of course not, you are not my enemy and neither is Asagrad, but to be honest you and I both know how Asgard views people who are capable of magic. I mean look at how they see Loki and he has great magical abilities too, most of which are taught by you. They don't think they can trust people with magic, or they think they can get by with pure force. It's best for me not to show all I possess or people might fear me." Astrid explained

Frigga sighed since Astrid truly wasn't meant for Asgard but yet she was. Frigga knew she stayed for Loki and she was waiting on Odin's declaration of his. If it had been made sooner, both would have left together by now if Loki wasn't picked for the throne.

"I know you're angry Astrid that you can't fully leave here. You sneaking around is evidence of that, and I am not strictly talking about Loki and your romance. Now where were you yesterday since Hiemdall saw you sneaking off but lost sight of you."

Frigga was like another mother to Astrid and she truly cared just what was going on with her.

"Midgard, and I had a spell so he wouldn't watch me. I understand he wants to keep an eye on everyone but like I wanted to enjoy my time and not be watched." Astrid explained.

Frigga nodded and hoped once an heir is picked, Astrid would be in better spirits.

"Fair enough and Migard isn't a threat. Knowing you, you probably have other interests you're indulging in. Now you have lunch with your parents and you don't have anything that will keep you. You haven't been to see Egil in months, Astrid." Astrid rolled her eyes and scoffed.

" There is a reason for that, your majesty, and I do believe you don't need me of all people to tell you that." Astrid explained calmly.

Frigga sighed.

"He might not have been the best man in your youth, but he's starting to get older in his life and like it or not, he is your father, the man that raised you. You'd anger him more if you miss this lunch." Frigga advised.

" I don't care if I anger him, why should I? Yes he was a huge part of my life, but his interests don't align with what I want my life to be. He wants me to live a life he clearly cannot have, which means being with a person I don't love romantically. I love Thor, but as a brother that's all there will ever be between us. Egil needs to get rid of his delusions about the two of us, maybe then we can talk like civilized beings." Astrid expressed adamantly.

"Thor has long since put that idea out of his head and he's grown to respect you. He has brought you along to fight with him and your magic has been a boon to him. I invited you to live in the palace so you can have a better life and experience for what you'd want to do. Now as your queen, you will see your parents; Egil and Tove." Frigga expressed to her firmly. Astrid sighed but nodded as she stood up and headed for the door.

" I don't think I can ever see Egil as a loving father after knowing what I learned. We can never be as we were before and sometimes...should have I even learned that fact." Astrid sighed before leaving for her parent's house.

She teleported there since she didn't want to walk and make her feet sore. She reluctantly banged on the door and stroked her arm nervously.. When the door flung open, it was Egil. His hair was greying, he had a scar over his left eye, and he was starting to get a bit flabby in his older age. He gave one look to Astrid and cracked a light smile.

"Astrid my girl, you finally had time out of your schedule to see us! Come in and I'll have your mother make something special!" he boomed and let his daughter in.

Astrid groaned and came inside.

" I'm doing this for mother and not for you." Astrid explained harshly.

Egil let that comment roll off his back and got her to the table. Tove was setting the table and cracked a light smile when she saw Astrid.

"Astrid, you're here. Good to see you sweetheart, come here."

Tove stumbled a bit to hug her daughter. Astrid hugged her mom but was a bit unnerved. She noticed when she pulled away her mom was a bit out of it. Her eyes didn't shine, instead they seemed dull and lifeless like a doll's eyes.

" Mother, are you feeling alright?" Astrid asked

Egil chuckled.

"She's a fine honey bear. You know your mother has been dabbling in calming draughts for her nerves so all is good. Now come tell us about your ventures. I hear from Odin you're truly a force when you're brought into the recent battles. Tell me how many men you disarmed and took down in the heat of the moments" Egil asked happily.

Astrid glared at Egil coldly since it was clear to her something was wrong with her mother.

" I was asking my mother, so I want to hear from her that she is alright." Astrid snapped angrily.

Egil can act innocent all he wants but Astrid didn't want him to answer for her own mother.

Tove shook her head.

"I'm fine and don't be that way towards your father. He is asking about your trip with Thor and Sif to Niflheim. Come on, share a bit of your adventures dear." Tove encouraged. Astrid looked at her mother but was not convinced in slightlest, however for now she chose to let it go.

" It went well, and yes fighting was hard but we handled it nicely, Sif is a tough one for sure, but I'm proud to say I was able to take a few enemies down myself. The monsters were shocked that I was able to do so much with my bow as well as my magic" Astrid admitted calmly.

She conjured her bow and arrows and decided to show her skill. She pointed the arrow at Egil slightly to his left and it hit the wall, causing her mother to jump.

"Astrid is not in the house!" Tove yelled.

Egil instead laughed proudly.

"Wonderful, you have the fighting spirit like I do. Don't think I hadn't noticed you've been taking up the sword as a side skill over the last few centuries and that truly makes me proud." Astrid forced a smile.

" Yes well I figured it would at least give it a try, I love my magic but that doesn't mean I can't learn other things as a backup of sorts" Astrid stated flatly.

More like she was shifting into Allister to train with a sword, but if Astrid told Egil that he would be super angry. After all, she looked more like her father when she shifted into her Alister alter ego, especially when she allowed the hair and eyes to be her natural colors. She had Allister help Thor from time to time and she was even shocked on how she could disarm her foes with her sword the last two centuries or so. Still, Egil would be mad that she was using her magic in such a way and not settling down.

Egil's smile soon fell and he sighed.

"I know I haven't been the best father to Astrid, but I never really had a good role model to teach me myself. Your grandfather, my father, was an entitled prick who stuck his nose up at anyone who needed to exert force to fight. It makes me happy that you have been learning some weapons and are very skilled with a bow. Maybe you leaving all those centuries ago did help you to grow into a strong woman with beauty and brains."

Astrid scoffed a bit at that since they had argued about her leaving when that time came all those years ago. She wasn't seeing his words as sincere and she knew they would be arguing again soon.

" And yet you want me married off to my best friend who your father would probably sneer at too." Astrid expressed.

Egil shook his head as he stuffed a piece of pheasant leg in his mouth.

"Thor respects you and he does like your company. A great man of might needs a woman of magic."

" Well after that incident, Thor thankfully stopped trying to court me and now actually shows respect as a friend and sorceress in battle. Be thankful you did not mess everything up between us." Astrid expressed.

"And how did I mess you up exactly? Thor has pulled back true, but we both know you'll be the maiden of his heart. Here I thought with Loki dating that shifty green eye maiden you'd be more welcoming to Thor or maybe at least Volstagg since he shows promise."

Sigyn but she and her were one in the same and her father was daft to never piece it together...Heck she even thinks Fandral and Hogun had pieced it but had been kind enough to keep it from Egil out of respect. Still, Egil had some nerve to suggest she could be with Thor since Loki was happy 'with someone else'.

" Just because Loki is seeing a maiden, that doesn't mean Thor has an automatic claim to my heart or my life. I'm not going to be a trophy wife to anyone, I have my own plans for a life that is fulfilling and rewarding. My life doesn't include being Thor's wife." Astrid expressed

Egil gritted his teeth and rose up from the table.

"After all these years, you haven't changed at all. You're still a stubborn and close minded maiden who scoffs the very people you live among! Just because you're a Vanir magical marvel, it doesn't mean you're perfect and think you're better than every Asgardian male here! I didn't bring you here just for you to be a spinster and closed off manic like your aunt! You have promise and potential and I thought you were finally going to live up to it! Then you go spewing nonsense and it breaks your father's heart! It's about time you grow up and accept that you and Thor are a good match!" Astrid stood up and stared daggers at Egil.

" You're so full of bullshit! If anyone is close minded it's you! You think my life's purpose is to marry a strong man and bear his many children, you clearly don't know what kind of woman I am! I'm not better than anyone here, but Asgardians don't all value magic either… You brought me here so you can hide from your past so don't fool yourself. Maybe I will be a spinster, better that than settling for someone I don't love and never will. My aunt is an amazing woman and it would be an honor to be like her. You wouldn't know that since you're not capable of magic. My potential is what I decide, since I am not a child anymore. Stop living a lie and face your life for once! I'm not your wife and I will not settle for someone who won't make me happy! Screw you Egil!" Astrid shouted before storming off.

"Astrid! Get back here!" Tove yelled but she vanished.

She sighed and went behind her husband to massage his neck tenderly so he wouldn't lose his temper.

"You two can never have a good lunch can you?" she asked in a stern tone.

Egil sighed since he didn't really want this to happen at all. He has missed Astrid and despite their fighting, he longed for her to be that little girl that worshiped and loved him again. He couldn't understand why she's changed so much and it upset him.

"You think she meant all of that?" Egil sighed.

Tove was silent for a bit and stated,

"I know my daughter...she would like to marry someday and who knows...she might love being a mother. She's still young and there's time Egil, don't fret. Maybe she will have someone like Thor, you never know."

Egil looked to see Tove's cup was empty and chuckled. He kissed her cheek and expressed,

"Let me get you more of your calming tea and then maybe I can give you a foot rub."

Astrid's day went on as expected. She did her magical research, combed through treaties and policies that were being developed across the different realms, and worked on her own proposals to eventually share with Odin. Asgard needed arts, theater, and outlets for young women and perhaps some young men who didn't want to settle as merchants, warriors, or hunters. Before she could even share her proposals, Odin needed her to go to Vanaheim to talk sense to Volund about another treaty and foreign policies. Least she would be back to her second home in a few days time and Loki would go with her at her request.

When her day was done, she made arrangements to have Loki meet her at a small little beach she found. Loki met up with her with a picnic basket and cracked a small smile.

"What better way to spend a night than with food and pleasurable company."

" A company is extremely pleasurable, the food is bonus" Astrid said with a warm smile

Loki and Astrid shared a kiss before he set up the blanket and food for them both. He stared off into the setting sun, gently grazing Astrid's hand but still felt rather bothered. How long was she going to make the hide, days, weeks, more years. The longer they waited, the more complicated things would get and Loki knew this well. His father had been talking to him about marriage recently and while Loki would love to be married, he would want Astrid and not the illusioned lie Astrid crafted. He didn't want to do this anymore, both having 'Sigyn' be his and have this sneaking around dates.

Astrid noticed Loki was a bit quiet and was curious

" What's wrong? You're unusually quiet" Astrid expressed

"How long are we going to continue hiding Astrid?" Loki asked somewhat bitterly.

Astrid sighed since this hadn't been the first time Loki asked this of her.

" Loki, you know why we hide don't you?" Astrid asked

Loki scoffed.

"Ah yes because you're scared of a man that's not your father as you continue to claim. Yet you hide why, for his approval? It was understandable when we were young, heck even the first few centuries; but why must I continue to be your secret?"

Astrid sighed since Loki should know she loved him and more so why they needed to sneak around and hide this.

" Loki, you know I love you, and no way am I ashamed of you or our love, but it's not just Egil, it's also your dad and Thor. They know you are seeing Sigyn who is technically me yes… but they don't know that. Imagine what kind of chaos will ensue if you start courting me publicly while others are still aware of you and other me." Astrid explained

Loki was actually relishing in that chaos since it would be rather interesting for him. He just wanted Astrid and she never needed to do this. They could have ran off all this time but he didn't because he wanted to make Astrid happy. Yet it cost a bit of his own. She wanted this secrecy and the hiding, not him. At first he might have wanted to hide because he did fear Egil from their youth; but they were both adults now and Egil didn't really have much of a say in her life anymore if at all. Loki would have done whatever it took to have Astrid if people disapproved of the relationship.

"To be fair darling, this whole charade was all you. I would have dealt with father and Egil, I would have fought for you if that's what Egil would want. But I don't want to lie about who I love, is that hard for you to understand?"

Astrid shook her head since it wasn't just Odin and Egil but Thor. She was one of his closest friends aside from Sif and Loki was his brother. When they started the relationship Thor wanted her and she didn't want to break his heart.

" You agreed too, since you knew Thor was not going to give up back then thanks to Egil. Egil doesn't want you to fight for me.. He wants you not to be a part of my life.. Like at all. You remind him of a past he ran from, because he is a coward. In you he sees betrayal and life he was almost robbed of." Astrid explained bit coldly

Loki had heard this over and over again to a point he can recite those excuses backat Astrid perfectly.

"I wonder which one of us is more cruel...me for thinking you could be proud to love me and that I just want to end this whole thing to be honest or you for being more of a mischief maker than I ever could. You know when Thor first met Sigyn he would have been happy for anyone who loved me. Now that you've been doing this game for centuries, more than a millenia...who do you think will be the most betrayed?" Loki hissed.

" Really Loki.. do you want to tell everyone the truth, and have everyone be in chaos." Astrid expressed annoyed as well

"I just…."

Loki sighed and hung his head back.

"Everyone in Vanaheim knows about us, Astrid. There have been whispers and rumors these last few centuries about us and it took a lot from me to make sure they didn't reach Egil. You must be starting to hear them too and don't lie to me."

She was aware of the rumors about them and she perhaps knew that Hogun and Fandral must know but were quiet. Some of the rumors were a bit tame but others were wilder. No one from Asgard could have initially spread them so it had to be someone from Vanaheim during Odin's feasts and balls.

" Do you think someone from Vaneheim would tell someone here about us?" Astrid asked.

Loki stiffened a chuckle and nodded.

"I wouldn't put it past Volund to have loose lips with drinks and maidens. I mean who knows us better than he and Thrya...well maybe he doesn't since when have we gone to a bathhouse in Asgard for sex….we never did even with you as Sigyn." Loki said while pinching the bridge of his nose.

That made Astrid laugh slightly since it would be something she would have liked if they could, but alas they needed to be respectable and hidden.

" Loki, believe me. I never wanted to hide our love, I was not ashamed of us. At the time I thought it was best since I didn't want conflict… what do you want me to do ?" Astrid asked

Loki took her hand in his and stroked it. He sighed and pecked her lips.

"Stop being so afraid or ashamed. Hiding is now becoming a weak tactic darling and it's making me think at least our love is wrong when we know it isn't. Chaos is always going to happen because of what we did...how soon we brave it, the sooner...well I can finally marry you. It's going to hurt a lot since we've been doing this for so long but we need to do it and soon" Loki stressed.

Astrid sighed, she knew Loki was right but it was not easy. Thor was going to be heartbroken and feel so betrayed, Odin might think of this a dishonorable act, and Egil might even have a stroke or try to kill Loki. Still, she knew life was going to change soon.

" Your father will make a decision soon about his heir from what I hear. I will make it public then so that it's out there once and for all." Astrid stated

Loki groaned slightly.

"I'm growing tired of waiting. It feels like our love is in the shadows and I've spent most of my life in them. I don't even care for the throne, just wanting to be an equal to Thor and loved like my brother. Sometimes I wonder if I shouldn't have paid people off and see what happened. Anything just to have people know there is someone who loves me and is proud of me."

Astrid nodded and knew she needed to do this for him.

" Loki, I am not ashamed of us. I never was. I promise whatever the outcome of your fathers news, I will reveal that you are my lover. Whether you are king or not we will be public, chaos and all. I swear to you that people will know that Astrid Frodedotter is Loki Odinson's woman." Astrid promised taking Loki's hand in hers and met his eyes softly.

"You'll need to expose yourself as Sigyn and mentally prepare for Thor feeling betrayed….I love my brother and I really hate most of all we kept this from him."

Loki had tried over the last few centuries to slowly ease Thor into humoring Astrid could be in love to lessen the blow as much he could. They would have friendly chats about Astrid but despite Thor being okay with being her friend...he seemed a bit uneasy with anyone else being with her. He just hoped his brother would understand despite the feelings of hurt he will feel.

Astrid nodded and sighed, really regretting that she let this affair be hidden for a long time.

" Yes he will feel that way regardless since I chose you from the beginning, but I understand. I will show myself as Sigyn and shatter the illusion and lies."

It made him a little happier that Astrid could stop her lies and hiding since he wanted to proudly show Asgard that Astrid was his and perhaps soon, a future fiance and wife.

"Yes since he is growing more weary by the day. A part of me worries if Thor's chosen what our future will be like. Thor might respect you and Sif but he is a very reckless and arrogant man. We nearly got into a scuffle with the elves in Alfheim and thank heavens we were both able to prevent that." Astrid chuckled

"Yes, well as much as I care for Thor we both know he is more than capable of being an arrogant hothead whose actions can rub a lot of people and beings the wrong way. It is good that the fight was avoided." Astrid stated

Loki smiled lightly and circled the back of her hand with his thumb.

"What were you doing last night in Midgard Astrid that got you so tuckered out? I don't think it was reading their books, was it?" Loki questioned.

Astrid smiled but blushed faintly.

" I went to a concert. It was this woman called Cascada and her music is so amazing. It was really loud though and a lot of people, myself included, were dancing. So yea I got tuckered out since it last long but lovely." she expressed

Loki chuckled and stroked her cheek tenderly.

"You must sing to me one of her songs sometime since you do have a melodic voice. Dancing...well hard to say since I may make a case for you being a better dancer when you're Allister. Still remember I had to take you away before any Midgardian woman got any ideas since you were giving them some with your hips." Loki teased.

Astrid nudged Loki playfully, chuckling softly as she kissed him.

" Will you come to Vanaheim with me?" Astrid asked

Loki raised an eyebrow but soon grinned.

"Let me guess, father needs someone to renegotiate terms and you're clearly the best he has." Astrid nodded

" True, but you also help me a lot, plus I love having you there even if I do not need help." Astrid said softly

Loki laughed softly and held her close to him.

"Will we be at our place for the week?" he asked with a loving and tender husk. Astrid smirked and cuddled next to him.

" Absolutely, it's our home away from home, plus it is private and no one comes there except us so we don't need to worry about servants." Astrid mused

Loki's eyes softened as he gently stroked Astrid's back.

"I'm sorry about today...It's just...I hate feeling so underestimated and underappreciated. Kind of made me doubt you and if you'd ever be proud of being open with me...like out and open as my girl with your tricks or illusions. Least I know you will be and you'll be taking those chances for me." Astrid sighed

" I am so sorry Loki, I never wanted to make you feel this way. You are the most important person in my life. I promise soon whatever the outcome of your father's choice, I will have us be public and we will have a life we both planned." Astrid assured,

Loki nodded but he still had this gut wrenching feeling that Egil had been planning all these years and it didn't include him at all. Things seemed too convenient and he worried if there would be more that needed to be done for Astrid and him to be together without prejudice. He shifted his focus to Astrid and slowly was filled with love and not dread.

"A life with you will be glorious one and I can't wait for our time in Vanaheim together."

"Good since I don't want Volund to wait. We're heading out now to meet him before I turn in our home there. I don't want to prolong this trip." Astrid mused

Loki was astounded they were going right now. He didn't mind it and actually preferred this. He would have a week with his wonderful girlfriend and they would be able to share their last moments of secrecy. He truly hoped these days would end so he could have people giving him good attention. Astrid was a wonderful woman and Asgard seemed to see it that way and he would soon be able to declare she had been his and will always be his. There would be chaos, but it's one they will face together.

Note-Finally I'm close to when the first Thor movie takes place. Things will start accelerating hopefully in the coming chapters. I've been reading comments by starry1O1 and have been trying to make the last few chapters I guess less cheesy in some aspects and defining more of the characters. Hobby or not, characters need to have more notes to them. Feedback is the only way I can get better and hopefully I can continue to entertain in the process. Though the next one might be cheesy as a warning concerning the content but it will get serious afterwards. More to come.