The Art of Lore Chapter 1: By Beer Excited

Author: starhawk2005

Fandom: Marvel's Avengers

Date: Oct 2015

Pairing: Loki/ Jane (Lokane)

Rating: Adult (18+).

Summary: Jane and Loki have their 'official' Earth nuptials.

Disclaimer: Marvel owns it all, except for the occasional OC.

Four months earlier:

Jane is becoming slightly misty-eyed. Which is completely ridiculous, given this is the second marriage ceremony she's been though in the space of just over a month. Well technically the third, she supposes, if you count Loki's elopement trickery, which she's still not sure she does.

Maybe it's just something about weddings, she hypothesizes, blinking her eyes rapidly to clear them as she smiles shyly and glances around at her audience. It's the second one she's had to face while wearing a wedding dress within the last twenty-five days, because only a week and a half after their elopement had been revealed to everyone in the Greater Feasting Hall, a 'small' official Asgardian wedding taken place after all, mostly because Frigga had insisted on it (and on planning every aspect of it, which Jane had been perfectly happy to let her do).

Jane had wondered from time-to-time since whether having that public ceremony had in fact originally been Loki's idea. Not only to appease his mother, who while overjoyed at the news of their elopement, had complained about being cheated out of planning a 'grand wedding'. But also to piss off Odin, who looked like he had bitten into something sour when Frigga had informed the masses of the date and time of their formal wedding.

Not that Jane really cared what Odin thought.

Their 'small' Asgardian wedding had taken place in the massive golden Great Hall, which had been packed wall-to-wall with bodies. Practically all of Asgard had been there as far as Jane could tell, and she knew Loki well enough to read the quickly-hidden look of surprise he'd worn when they first saw the size of their cheering audience. Apparently he's not as unpopular in Asgard as he thought he was. Or not any more, anyway. Not since Thanos.

Jane has to smile to herself now as she remembers all the particular marriage traditions and details that Frigga had explained to her.

Of course it was too much to expect that one such tradition would be a plain, white wedding dress, which of course Jane would have preferred. No, they'd braided her hair with ribbons adorned with gems (dark green and black stones, of course) and put this odd half-breastplate thing on her, on top of a golden dress with skirts so voluminous that Jane could no longer see her feet. She thought it was ridiculous and grand at the same time, if that was possible, though naturally Loki looked elegant and totally at-home in lightly (for him) armoured dark green leather edged with gold.

Another tradition was that they'd married on a Friday, the 'proper' day for weddings on Asgard. That hadn't been too weird, but some other rituals had been far more bizarre, like Jane being expected to carry a sword into the ceremony (how awkward that had felt!) and exchanging it for another sword that Loki was carrying.

She'd been told that the groom was supposed to give his sword to his bride as some sort of 'legacy', something the two of them would pass down to their firstborn son, while her sword was supposed to represent their union. Loki was supposed to care for the sword as he would care for her and their kids.

It made sense in the context of the Asgardian warrior culture, Jane figured, but the rebel in her couldn't help thinking that daggers would make far more sense given Loki's particular battle preferences. When had she ever seen him use a sword? Exactly zero times.

In addition Jane wasn't near ready to think about children yet. Getting ahead of ourselves, much? the negative little voice had whispered at that moment. The voice had been silent long enough that Jane had all but forgotten about it…but there it was again, always ready to rain on her parade. It was reliable like that.

So she and Loki had exchanged swords and then there'd been a brief ceremony with Odin serving as a stern and vaguely disdainful officiant. But again, Jane hadn't cared, and still didn't. Frigga and Thor's obvious joy, as well as the presence of all the Avengers, plus Fury and Coulson, had buoyed Jane's mood enough that Odin's reaction hardly bothered her. It was a done deal in any case.

They finished reciting their vows and then drank from a huge, heavy goblet of mead that Odin held out to them. Then they'd left the Hall, in procession with their bridal party, an act which itself seemed to take a week to do, given the size of the chamber and the number of onlookers who stopped them to give their blessings and congratulations. Jane felt exhausted just remembering it.

But finally the bridal party – minus Odin, thank God – had accompanied her and Loki to the bridal chamber (Loki's rooms, of course, newly cleaned and decorated for the occasion). Jane had been half-afraid they'd need to perform some kind of public consummation (superfluous as that would be), but Loki had only plucked the bridal crown of flowers from her head, and then tossed it over his shoulder to the waiting group. Jane figured that was their version of throwing the bouquet.

After much cheering, hugs and kisses, and well-wishing everyone had left. Jane and Loki had finally been alone. He'd filled the ringing silence by explaining that last custom to her: that the removal of the bridal crown by one's husband was seen as a symbol of the consummation of their marriage. At which point Jane couldn't help snickering. "Uh, I think we are past 'consummation'. Way past."

She remembers Loki's broad answering smile. "Indeed we are. Though that does not mean we should not take this opportunity to indulge in yet another 'consummation'."

And then he had-

Jane quickly shoves those thoughts away before she flushes bright red. Instead she turns her thoughts to the conclusion of the rituals, which had taken place the morning after. Just when she'd thought they were done with the football-stadium-sized events, after breakfast they'd all convened once again in the Great Hall, where before all of Asgard Loki had given her a final gift, one which he later explained marked that their marriage was complete.

Jane recognized it right away. It was the ring that matched the necklace he'd once given her (and that Thanos had destroyed). Two enameled snakes entwined, holding a white gem in their tiny jaws. The ring he'd offered her twice before. This time she accepted it, allowing him to slide it onto her ring finger. It seemed she wasn't expected to give him a ring in return; apparently that was not 'a thing' in Asgard.

Loki had grinned happily – no doubt because she was wearing the darned thing at last - and given her a kiss passionate enough to fill the hall with loud cheers and encouragement.

When the noise had died down, he'd also given her a set of keys. Apparently that were not only for his rooms at the Palace, but also for all the royal chambers he had access to (and Odin had looked especially peeved at that moment, when Jane had glanced his way). Once again they were also heavy with symbolism; they demonstrated Jane's joint ownership of everything he claimed as his.

"Which amounts to little at the present time," he'd admitted unhappily to her in the privacy of his (their, she corrected herself) rooms later. "Would that I had a fortress of my own to offer, or a parcel of land-"

She'd shushed him very rapidly and effectively, as she recalls, though again she has to stop the memory before she turns completely red.

And that was what they consider a 'small' wedding. Uh-huh. Mind you, not that our 'Earth' version has exactly been calm and sedate!

Practically the moment they'd returned to Earth Tony had begun pestering Loki about a bachelor's party (though Jane had a feeling the main reason why Tony had been bugging Loki about such things was just to bug Loki, period).

Loki had quashed the whole idea as soon as the traditions were described to him. As Jane recalls, his exact words had been 'I have little interest in watching naked mortal females – other than my wife - dance, or in drinking your subpar Midgardian ales'. She hadn't known whether to blush, groan, or kick him smartly in the ankle under the table in the Stark lab room. Probably all three things at once.

Jane hadn't really been keen on a bachelorette party either, parties never really being her scene. So instead she and Loki had settled for a semi-intimate gathering at Stark Tower with Darcy, Erik, and the Avengers. She'd even managed to have fun, even if Loki had continued to act as if he'd rather be anywhere but in the same room as 'Earth's Mightiest Heroes'. Tony continually antagonizing him certainly hadn't helped, and things understandably were still strained between Loki and Erik-

At that thought, she turns to smile reassuringly at Erik. He looks vaguely troubled even now, though he'd agreed immediately when Jane had asked him to walk her down the aisle for her official 'Midgardian' wedding.

"It's what your father would want," he'd answered, blinking obvious tears from his eyes. "I'm happy if you're happy."

He's probably having second thoughts, not that she can really blame him after what he went through at Loki's hands. While she'd hoped that with everything that had happened since, Erik would have warmed little more to her de facto husband, she figures being mind-controlled isn't something that can be forgiven or forgotten so easily. Even if Loki had rescued her twice, and even though Loki's been acting far more considerately towards Erik than nearly everyone else, except Darcy.

Erik notices her furrowed brow. "Never mind me," he whispers with a little shake of his head. "I'm just a suspicious old goat." Jane squeezes his arm, trying still to cheer him up.

It's not just Loki, she knows. After everything Erik went through, he's also not willing to trust SHIELD or Fury, not entirely. There have been too many lies, too much withheld information. Jane knows exactly how he feels. Had circumstances with her portal research been different, she would've told SHIELD long ago to take a long walk off a short cliff.

But the fact is she couldn't have built her portal without the resources SHIELD had made available to her, nor the connections. Sure, she probably could have managed it all eventually without Tony's arc reactor (not to mention his manic need to test limits, pushing her to take even more risks than she normally would have). However, how many years or decades would have gone by before she'd succeeded, if ever?

And I also need them to rebuild the portal too, she reminds herself. She hasn't been back to the bunker since Thanos yanked her through her gateway to Asgard, but she knows from Loki's and Tony's descriptions that her portal generator had been pretty well torched.

Soft music starts, interrupting her darkening thoughts. Later, she berates herself. She wants to focus on happier things today.

They start to walk down the aisle, marked by a red carpet runner, heading towards both the group of guests seated on each side and the bridal party waiting for them at the other end.

The Helicarrier is not at all a romantic setting – certainly not one Jane would have chosen – but Fury had insisted on it. "With Asgardian royalty in attendance," he'd informed Jane, "the World Security Council would prefer that nobody tries to take advantage of an opportunity to start a new war. So we're doing this in the most well-defended, mobile place SHIELD owns."

He's so fucking paranoid, had been Jane's first reaction. But then again, after everything that had happened with Thanos – and who knew how many allies of Thanos might still be out there looking for revenge, Loki's assurances aside – she finds it easier to see Fury's side these days. At least on some things.

Besides, here on the Observation Deck, Jane has to admit the view is rather spectacular through the huge windows, even given the interference of the veil Darcy had insisted on Jane wearing ("Because, it's an Earth wedding, Jane!"). They are currently flying over land, and she can see snow-capped mountains in the far distance, and dense forests drifting by below them. It's better than a tacky, Elvis-themed chapel in Las Vegas!

The group in attendance is small, partly because Jane just doesn't have that many family or friends, but also partly because Fury had also demanded nearly complete secrecy for the wedding beyond those few family and friends. It's not only for Jane's protection and that of the 'Asgardian royals', but also for that of the Avengers in attendance. Heroes make enemies, it seems.

Speaking of Asgardians, a chorus of whoops grabs Jane's attention, courtesy of the Warriors Three. Volstagg even leans over the shorter Fandral, who is standing in front of him, to clap Jane enthusiastically on the shoulder as she passes. It nearly topples her though Erik helps her keep her feet. Too late Sif drags at Volstagg's arm and urges him to restrain himself, though she's smiling.

Jane smiles in return, though she knows Loki had balked at first at bringing his former friends to witness their Earth wedding. With Jane's portal a melted ruin and the Asgardian Bifröst still not in working order, they'd been dependent on Loki to use his magic and that 'natural pathway' of his to bring anybody from Asgard over here.

He'd argued that the Warriors Three and Sif were no longer friends, and thus should not be invited, but Jane had put her foot down. These people had helped rescue her from The Other after all (not to mention she had a sneaking suspicion that Sif was going to be her sister-in-law one day, so why not lay some groundwork for that right now?).

"If it wasn't for their help, I might not be alive today for you to have tricked into marrying you," she'd teased him, though she'd put enough iron in her tone to let him know he wouldn't hear the end of it until he agreed. Which he had, after rolling his eyes and sighing theatrically.

That was one of the (few) good things about his ill-conceived trickery; she had something to keep throwing in his face to keep him in line, or so Jane preferred to believe.

She's approaching the next row, and here are the Avengers in formal wear. Steve is smiling at her, and Tony, encouraged by the Warriors Three behind him, is being just as vocal in his joy. Next to him, Pepper barely pauses between eye-rolls.

Romanoff and Barton (as Jane still thinks of them) are as reserved as Jane expected. Given their history with Loki, Jane has her doubts whether they will ever approve of her association with him. She can only hope that Loki will see the intelligence in cooperating with the Avengers, and that over time they'll come to accept him, and by extension, this marriage.

Dr. Banner seems very unsettled, glancing furtively around the vast room more than once, and Jane knows just how he feels. She's happy to be here of course, but she's never really been into gatherings, even small ones like this. And he's even less of a social butterfly than she is…for obvious reasons!

Soon she's passing the front row, and to her left are Loki's parents, with at least ten members of the Royal Guard standing off to the side as inconspicuously as they can in their bright golden armour. As expected given the presence of 'alien royalty', a SHIELD strike team is also here, standing against the bland metal walls like statues with guns. Jane is used to their silent company by now, after so many months working under their watchful gaze on Stark-Foster. That's a little sad in and of itself, isn't it?

Her gaze settles briefly on Frigga and Odin, both of them wearing more cloth than armour for once, though the fabrics have so much gold and silver embroidery that they're probably nearly as stiff as armour! Odin looks just as stern, imposing, and faintly disapproving as ever. At least he's consistent, Jane supposes. Frigga smiles warmly at Jane while dabbing at her own eyes. OK, so it's not just me. What is it about weddings and being over-emotional?

In the row on Jane's other side is her Mom of all people, with Phil Coulson standing next to her wearing his characteristic little half-smile, though Jane can tell he's happy for her.

Jane smiles tentatively at her mother. They haven't had much time to be reacquainted.

It's all Loki's fault, of course. This morning he'd strolled imperiously into Jane's tin can of a room in one of the Helicarrier's lower decks, loftily ignoring Darcy's scandalized freaking out about 'not seeing the bride before the ceremony', and proclaiming that he had brought someone to see Jane.

It turned out he had decided that if he could reconcile with his parents, Jane should at least try to reconcile with her own. He'd said something to that effect, anyway, before ushering Mom in. She'd looked much greyer and thinner than Jane remembered, and her eyes, so similar to Jane's own, had been pretty dazed. Either because of how disorienting Loki's teleporting could be when you weren't used to it, or because of whatever Loki may have told her about Jane and himself. Probably both.

True to form, Loki had stalked off and left Jane to deal with this surprise, though at least he'd taken a sputtering Darcy with him. So Jane had been left to explain to her mother in an abbreviated form what had happened ever since Jane left and they stopped speaking. Talk about awkward.

Getting Mom to accept that Jane was actually marrying (had married, rather) an ancient 'god' from legend had been the most challenging part, though the fact that Mom had just been teleported from the kitchen of her home to the middle of a SHIELD Helicarrier had helped a bit. Then there was the news reports from the Battle of Manhattan, which even Mom had been aware of, though understandably she'd needing some help understanding why exactly Jane was marrying the alleged 'bad guy'.

At least Mom hadn't started to guilt-trip Jane about all the missing years, so that was something, and right this moment Jane is stunned to realize her Mom is also misty-eyed. She smiles hesitantly back as Jane moves past on her way to the dais. Maybe there's hope for a relationship with her Mom.

They climb the two steps to the top of the dais at last. Erik hugs her, kissing her cheek through the slightly-coarse material of the veil, and hands her off to Loki. Naturally the 'god' is smirking ever-so-slightly as he takes her hand, his observant eyes taking in every detail.

Jane had put her foot down about wearing something plain and white, and both Loki and Frigga had agreed, especially once Darcy added her loud and insistent two cents in about 'Earth customs'. So Jane's wearing a simple gown with three-quarter-length sleeves and a modest neckline, and a skirt that covers her to the ankle. No train, since someone as naturally clumsy as Jane was would be sure to trip on it. Or so she'd argued, and won.

Then there was the veil, thanks to Darcy (who seemed to be filling the 'overbearing mother-in-law' role far better than Frigga was!), and simple white shoes with low heels (again, always helpful to a klutz like her).

Jane's one concession to the Asgardian obsession with over-the-top jewelry was a belt of woven golden metal set with shimmering stones that resembled opals. Frigga had insisted Jane wear it, right after Darcy had explained the 'something borrowed' tradition to the queen. Frigga had worn it at her own wedding to Odin, and although Jane had her reservations about that particular relationship, needless to say, she saw little reason to refuse the queen. It was a tiny price to pay to help smooth the way for reconciliation between Loki and his family.

The other Asgardian touch in Jane's wardrobe is quite a bit more subdued: a bouquet of starflowers. The same silvery, blue-centered flowers Thor had given her weeks ago, to thank her for helping bring his wayward brother back to the family. Jane hadn't argued against this element at all; it strikes her as more than appropriate.

And now as Loki examines her appearance, Jane allows herself to admire him right back. He's looking very dapper today, in a coal-black three-piece suit with an emerald kerchief (as expected) peeking out of the pocket. He'd brushed off both Frigga's and Jane's suggestions that he wear something more Asgardian, which makes Jane wonder if this is somehow yet another jab at Odin. As if Loki is publically denying his Asgardian heritage, as well as flaunting his ability to blend seamlessly in with the humans. Jane wouldn't be surprised.

Case in point: Thor, the Best Man, is standing next to Loki, and his clothes are similar to his parents' attire – no metal to be seen, but the cut and fancy needlework in metallic thread at neck and hem unquestionably identifies him as Asgardian. He gives Jane a smile of pure joy, moving forward to take her hand in a nearly bruising grip as he leans the long way down to kiss her cheek. "I cannot tell you how pleased and privileged I am, to be able to call you sister," he whispers to her.

Jane hugs him enthusiastically back, then turns to hug Darcy next to him. As Jane's maid of honour, Darcy had seen it as her responsibility to insist on all the traditional wedding rituals - like the veil - right down to the 'something borrowed, something blue'. But honestly Jane had been happy to let her. All these social niceties and protocols had never been her thing; another reason why she'd often found the stars preferable. You didn't have to worry about offending them with some breach of etiquette!

Darcy dabs quickly at her eyes with a tissue, then smiles encouragingly at Jane. "I'm so happy for you," she says under her breath, "not to mention frickin' jealous. You so better tell me at dinner where you and Mr. Mischief are going on your honeymoon, and give me every last detail of it when you get back!"

Grinning and whispering a promise, Jane moves at last to take her place by Loki's side in front of their officiant. Hmmm. One-eyed, vaguely disapproving…I feel like I'm back on Asgard, Jane notes, trying not to smirk. A glance at Loki's faintly amused expression tells her his thinking is running along similar lines. Still, with Jane's chosen religion being astrophysics, and the only divine being Loki worships being himself, a civil union is the only workable choice. Fury had insisted on doing the honours himself, insisting it saved on paperwork somehow.

Apparently there had been a lot of paperwork, Fury had told her the other day, his eye glinting with irritation.

"You do realize you are marrying someone who's technically not a citizen of our planet?" he'd snapped when she'd been dumb enough to ask why. "No social insurance number, no birth certificate, no nothing."

Jane had been tempted to remind Fury that technically, she was already married according to Asgardian law (and if Fury disagreed on the legality of that, Jane knew of at least two Norse gods, one blond and one black-haired, who were likely to argue that point with him), but before she could, Fury had passed his hand over his bald pate and continued heavily, "And you know how much I hate relying on Stark for anything. So remember you owe me for this, Doc. A big one."

Tony seemingly had no problems (or qualms) about hacking into municipal, state, and federal records to create the required documents, and not only for Loki. He'd created some documents for Thor as well ("Because I can," he'd allegedly boasted to Fury).

Jane was fairly certain she didn't want to look too closely at any of those documents. She had a sinking feeling Tony had put Loki's place of birth as "Lake Titicaca" or something equally ridiculous and designed to rile Loki up. It seemed to be Tony's favourite pastime lately (irritating Jane's hubby, that is).

Given all that, it's hardly shocking that Fury looks a little like he'd rather be undergoing a root canal, but he goes through the vows with them without sounding too sarcastic. It probably helps that Loki is being a perfect gentleman, though Jane won't take any bets on how long that's going to last.

At Loki's insistence the vows are pretty much the same ones she quoted to him the night of his 'elopement trick'. One change is that Fury refers to Loki as 'Odinson', and Loki's lips tighten to a thin white line when he does.

It's the same reaction Loki had during their official Asgardian ceremony, but now, as then, that's all he does.

Is that Fury's little way of getting back at Loki? Oh well. At least nobody has referred to me as 'The Deathkiller' during this ceremony.

Thor steps forward, proffering the rings in his huge paw while beaming happily at both of them.

Loki smiles brilliantly at her as he slides the ring onto her finger, right up against the snake one she's already wearing. The new ring is of plain golden metal, just like any traditional Earth wedding. Jane had told Loki only half-jokingly that she can only stand to wear so much 'bling', and he had agreed to her request with exceptionally little resistance. She slips a similar ring (though much larger, of course) onto Loki's finger, grinning right back at him.

It's official now, on both 'Realms'. Jane is married, and to Loki the God of Mischief and Lies, of all people (gods?).

If you'd told me a year or so ago that this was how my love life would end up-

"You may now kiss," Fury informs them, and is that a tiny smile quirking the side of the Director's mouth? She doesn't have time to be sure however, because Loki practically drags her into his arms, sweeps the veil magically out of his way with a snap of his fingers, and kisses her deeply enough to steal every molecule of her breath and attention.

I should really tell him no tongue in public, she notes hazily when he finally releases her. Everyone is cheering and applauding though, so Jane decides now is not the best time.

Fury steps towards them and reaches a hand out to Jane. He shakes her hand with a "Congratulations, Doctor Foster," then he turns to Loki and there's a pregnant pause before Fury continues dryly with "God of Mischief."

Loki's smirk widens, but anything he's about to say is cut off by Volstagg, who whacks Loki on the back energetically, hard enough to make the smaller man stagger forward a step. "All blessings to you, my prince! I can hardly believe you married before Thor!"

With fear Jane wonders if Volstagg has already started drinking yet, to say such suicidal things. She doesn't see or hear Loki's reply though, because now Darcy's hugging her, and then there's Erik, still smiling cautiously as if he can't quite trust what's happened. Next comes Phil shaking her hand, and Fandral picking her up and whirling her around until she can barely stand, and so on and so on until the faces of the well-wishers blur together.

She is somehow deposited in front of Loki once more just in time to witness Tony approaching her new husband.

Here we go, Jane thinks with a silent groan, resigned to the notion that at some point she'll likely have to physically squeeze herself between the two men to calm things down.

"So," Tony begins jovially, "all it took was a feisty Earthling scientist to make an honest man of you, huh?"

Loki grins devilishly in response, though he seems to be in a good mood, much to Jane's relief. "I am rarely honest, Stark. Surely even someone as deluded about their own intellect as you are, has learned that much during the brief duration of our acquaintance."

"Now, now, be nice," Tony chides him, grinning, "your blushing bride is watching, and I'm sure you don't wanna get stuck sleeping on the couch on your wedding night, do you?"

Loki raises a brow at this but before Jane can intervene, Steve Rogers does it for her. "It's the man's wedding, Stark. Cut him some slack, willya?" He edges himself between the two of them, extending his hand towards Loki. "Congratulations," Steve tells him.

"Yeah," cuts in someone behind Steve, and when the Captain moves aside Jane sees that the speaker is Clint Barton. "Sometimes I think Tony's brain only has two settings: snarky and snarkier."

"You're just jealous," Tony counters with a broad smile, apparently not at all offended. "Your arrows are the only zingers you're capable of, Legolas."

Jane feigns annoyance with all them, her arms akimbo, but it proves too much of a struggle to hide her amusement. "God, I can't take you guys anywhere, can I?"

"Nope. Nobody can," Tony informs her, deadpan. "That's why we only get together for special occasions. Such as aliens attacking New York, or rescues of lovely and genius damsels in distress from crazy purple megalomaniacs. Oh, and the occasional interspecies wedding. Lucky you, right?" He winks and bends to kiss her cheek, mock-whispering in her ear: "Congrats, Foster. Keep him in line, OK?"

"I'll keep you on speed-dial just in case," she responds, winking over Tony's shoulder at her pretending-to-be-scandalized husband.


The reception is as boisterous an affair as Loki expected, given the particular combination of the Warriors Three (not to mention Stark) and alcohol. Not that the usual Midgardian rotgut would be at all sufficient to affect an Asgardian warrior, but as Volstagg's wedding gift to them had been three casks of the best Asgardian mead, which of course the rotund oaf had then felt free to help himself to, well…

Loki does his best to block out the furor so that he can focus on the conversations occurring next to him. It is between dinner courses and Jane sits at his side, holding onto his hand with a nervous and slightly sweaty grip – he is well-aware of her feelings on social gathering, and entirely sympathizes - deep in conversation with Lady Darcy, Mother, and Jane's mother.

It is intriguing to note that Jane seems more at ease with Frigga than she does with her own mother, though Loki is secretly pleased at how warmly Frigga (and yes, Thor) have welcomed Jane into the family.

Frigga is making the effort to be convivial to Jane's mother, despite the obvious unease between the latter and Frigga's daughter-in-law. This does not surprise Loki either; after centuries of welcoming dignitaries of all kinds, his mother is well-versed in handling even the most tense of social situations with aplomb.

It is also more than a little disconcerting to see Jane's warm brown eyes duplicated in that heavily lined face, and the straight short-cropped hair with only a random thread or two of brunette to break up the silver locks. Is this what his own Jane will come to look like when she becomes advanced in years?

His train of thought is arrested when Lady Darcy attempts to get his attention by tossing a dessert spoon onto the plate in front of him. He blinks at her. "Yes?"

"I was asking where you two lovebirds are going on your honeymoon?"

Loki tries not to smirk at the term. He'd looked up the unfamiliar word on Darcy's precious Internet (quite useful, even he must admit) after he'd first heard its use. Still, the notion that he and Jane will drink mead constantly over the first month of their marriage, though certainly possible, amuses him greatly. He doubts Jane has the constitution to bear drinking Asgardian mead for such a protracted period.

"We haven't really discussed it yet," Jane is saying, looking questioningly at Loki. "What with all the surprise elopements and last-minute ceremonies and all-"

"I thought I would show you each of the Nine Realms," Loki remarks magnanimously. "What discussion is necessary? It is the only obvious choice given your thirst for knowledge about the universe, my wife." He raises her hand to his lips for a kiss.

"Really?" Jane laughs, alight with excitement. From the corner of his eye Loki is aware of Mother explaining the meaning of 'the Nine Realms' to Jane's mother, who looks incredulous. But such is to be expected, he supposes.

"Holy crap, that sounds awesome," Darcy jumps in, "I am so frickin' jealous of you, Jane." She turns to Loki. "Please tell me there's another eligible god around? I want one of my own."

Loki affects a serious demeanor as he motions towards the table where the Warriors Three and Thor are currently challenging the Avengers to some inane drinking game. "Hogun and Fandral are as yet unattached. As is Thor," he points out, doing his utmost to ignore his mother's chiding look.

"Oh, good point!" Darcy replies, winking mock-slyly at Loki. "In that case, put in a good word for me with them, OK?"

"Which one of them?" Loki asks, content to continue the jest as long as she is.

"Heck, all of them. I'm a girl who likes to keep her options open."

"Darcy!" Jane laughs again, swatting at the other woman's arm, and Loki allows himself to smirk.

It occurs to him suddenly that he still owes Darcy a boon. She had insisted upon using said favour to 'force' Loki to work with the Avengers to save Jane from Thanos, but given he would have done so in any case, he supposes he still owes her. The Nine Realms are vast, and it is unlikely one brief visit to each will satisfy Jane's curiosity. Perhaps I will suggest to my lovely wife that Darcy accompany us on our next foray to the other Realms.

Reveling in his generosity, Loki sits back in his chair and takes a moment to survey the assembled guests. It's a respectable crowd overall, considering his lack of friends. A rare feeling of contentment suffuses him.

Until his gaze falls upon Odin, and Loki feels the bite of a familiar anger. It is not just how Odin sits there, his tight mask of reserve barely concealing his disgust with the entire proceedings. No, it is also how the All-Father dared to pass judgement on Loki, merely a week after their second 'official' marriage ceremony had occurred.

Remembering Odin's words gives Loki cause to grit his teeth. Even after all Loki had done to try to redeem himself, the All-Father had insisted a punishment was needed. That attempting to take the lives of both the King of Asgard and his first-born son was a crime that required an answer, even if Loki had played a major role in saving not just them, but an entire Realm (arguably two Realms, given his machinations on Midgard).

Odin had deigned to pass sentence in private, perchance because public opinion was far warmer to Loki these days than Odin would have preferred. Or so Jane had opined, when she and Loki had analyzed the situation afterwards.

The Lesser Hall had thus been empty of all life during the sentencing, except for Frigga, Thor, Loki, Jane, and of course the All-Father. As well as four Palace Guards sworn to secrecy.

But even in the presence of so few (and even fewer who were dear to him), Loki's rage had stewed in his guts as Odin rapped Gungnir sharply on the floor and began to impose his sentence.

With no effort, Loki can still recall every word of that pompous, unrepentant speech:

As King of Asgard, it is my right and my duty to uphold our laws, and those who transgress them will always be held accountable for their actions.

Had you, Loki Odinson, not attempted to save Asgard from Thanos' forces, the punishment for your crimes would have been to be stripped of your magics and locked in the lowest dungeons of Asgard. For all eternity, or until you chose to forsake your immortal life and ascend to Valhalla.

Here the All-Father had glanced quickly in the direction of Frigga and Thor, and Loki would wonder later how much of a role they had played in reducing his sentence.

But as you made an attempt, however belated, to make amends, I hereby decree that such will be your punishment: You are to remain on Midgard indefinitely, to continue make reparations to those whom you have wronged there. Until such time as I have decided that you have made full recompense for your former sins.

As punishments go, Loki is convinced it is far lighter than what Odin desired to bestow upon him. In many ways, this is little more than a slap on the wrist. At the very least the All-Father could have stripped Loki of all his magics, and even his immortal life, and banished Loki to Midgard as he once did Thor. Given he already possesses a Midgardian as his wife, some might not regard such a fate as even resembling true punishment.

Nonetheless, the idea of being thus chained to Midgard grates on Loki (as the All-Father doubtless guessed it would). This despite the fact that he is well aware of the irrationality of such an attitude; Jane will in all likelihood want to spend at least some (if not most) of her time in this Realm and Loki would not have married her if he had not wished to keep her by his side, so the rest must follow.

Yet as both a God, and as a personage capable of seeking out and employing the secret passageways between Yggdrasil's branches, to have that freedom taken from him…it makes him seethe.

Add to this being forced to make amends to these Midgardians. Oh, Loki has claimed one as his wife, and will admit a certain fondness for several more of them, Lady Darcy being first among that lot. But the rest of them? Has he not already risked himself more than once on their behalf? First ensuring that the so-called Battle of Manhattan would end in the mortals' favour, and then again on Asgard, attempting to guarantee that their precious Avengers would not perish while trying to free Yggdrasil of the common threat that Thanos posed.

All that apparently counted for nothing in Odin's eyes. And what of Odin's role in the debacle that has been so much of my life?

He smirks slightly now as he remembers his own haughty rejoinder to Odin's sentence.

And what of you? What 'punishment' should you receive, oh mighty and wise All-Father, for your crimes against me? For plotting to use me as a tool, all while not only denying me the truth of my heritage, but also while demonstrating to me in every glance and every word that I would never be able to achieve the same regard from you as your true-born son.

Thor's brow had furrowed at Loki's rebuttal, while Frigga had gasped Loki's name, her face turning paler as silence fell heavily upon them all.

Only Jane, his fierce little Valkyrie, had appeared completely unafraid as she crossed her arms and glared up at Odin, as interested as Loki in Odin's answer.

But none had been forthcoming. "I have spoken," Odin declared gruffly. He rapped Gungnir on the floor once more, the jolting echoes booming through the Hall. Seemingly blind to those who stared up at him, the All-Father rose laboriously from his throne, his movements more halting than usual. He wore his advanced age like a cloak as he came down the stairs and exited the room, ignoring Loki and the rest of them as the Palace guards moved to flank the King.

At an earlier time in his life Loki would have mourned seeing Odin in such a state. But those days are long past.

Jane sets a hand on Loki's elbow, jarring him gratefully from his sour reflections. "Hey, you OK?" she asks. The side of her mouth turns upwards. "Second thoughts about marrying me?" she baits gently.

He grins, inclining his head towards her. "Even if I was having such thoughts – which I assure you I most certainly am not – it is far too late. You and I have certainly been through enough marriage rituals of late, have we not?" He wrinkles his nose in faux disapproval.

"That's what you get for trying to take the sneaky way out," Jane points out, grinning back at him.

The chiming noise of cutlery tapping against glass interrupts their banter, filling the large grey room, and with a feigned sigh Loki leans to kiss his bride. While not so different from certain Asgardian customs, Loki figures he has a reputation of impatience with 'Midgardian foolishness' to uphold.

When the meal ends at last, it is time for the 'first dance', or so Darcy tells them. In fact, she badgers them until Loki leads a reluctant Jane into the blank space in the middle of the circle of tables. "How do you tolerate her?" Loki remarks loudly to Jane, only somewhat seriously.

"I heard that!" Darcy snaps vehemently behind them. This is swiftly followed by the sound of laughter from the rest of the gathering, bearing witness to their antics.

The music starts, some soft and slow Midgardian tune, and Loki twirls around the dance floor with Jane, politely ignoring the many times her feet come down on his.

"I hate this," Jane whispers after a moment or two, trying and failing to conceal a grimace as she glances around at all the people watching them.

"I know," he soothes. "But at least it is not a complicated dance, unlike the ones we attempted during the Asgardian ceremony."

"Yeah, I sucked worse at those ones." Jane chuckles but there is little levity in it.

"It is simple enough to alter the focus of our audience." Loki pauses mid-step, beckoning others out on the floor with them, and within moments they are surrounded (and partially concealed) by other couples. It amuses Loki greatly to observe the Black Widow and the soldier dancing together (such a mismatch!), as well as the Son of Coul dancing in a stately fashion with Agent Maria Hill. It is much less unexpected to see Stark with Lady Potts, and Thor accompanying their mother. Loki also observes Hogun on the sidelines, silently observing for a moment as is his wont, though as Loki could well have predicted, Hogun soon turns to Sif to request the pleasure of a dance.

All too speedily, Loki's least favourite Midgardian is hovering at his elbow. "What do you want, Stark?" Loki inquires haughtily, guiding Jane skillfully through another turn.

"To score a dance with your newly-minted spouse, of course. You did explain to him how dancing on this planet works, right Jane?"

"Have a care how you speak to my wife," Loki growls, though he is enjoying the riposting with the metal man more than he would ever admit to anyone, except perhaps Jane.

"Oh, right," Stark nods saucily then adopts a lilting accent, one that is nearly laughable. "Lady Jane, dost thou wish to dance with a real gentleman tonight?"

"I do not sound like that. Your ability to imitate needs much work. As does your ability to endear yourself to my fellow Asgardians," Loki snipes, referring obliquely to how Stark was able to get himself barred from the observatory on Asgard after he took apart an enchanted telescope to, quote, 'see how it worked'.

"Your buddy Volstagg and I get along fine," Stark points out. "Me and Fandral too."

Loki rolls his eyes. "Why am I not surprised?" he asks rhetorically.

"The music will be over by the time you two are finished posturing," Jane utters with exasperation. "Go on, Loki, go dance with your Mom. It's another Midgardian wedding tradition, OK? In fact, better do it before Darcy gets on your ass about it."

"Yes, I would most certainly not want that," Loki grins, relinquishing Jane to Stark at last, making a show of ignoring Stark's parting "Smart man" comment. I believe I still owe Stark a prank or two. Perhaps three. He will need to think on that.

As he is making his way between the tables to ask Frigga to dance, Loki feels a hand grasp at his arm. Reluctantly, Loki turns to face his adoptive father.

"As you have insisted upon marrying this Midgardian," Odin begins without other preamble, "then it stands to reason she should be offered our immortality. Mortal lives are far too short and sickness-ridden to make this union worthwhile otherwise." The All-Father tilts his head pensively. "Unless that was your intent?"

Loki bites back a foul curse. Of course, Odin would think this a kind of marriage of convenience, rather than believe that a pure form of love could exist between an Asgardian (even a false one) and a human woman.

"I had pondered the issue of immortality for Jane," Loki admits through gritted teeth. Naturally if his (un)father offers immortality to Jane, this will spare Loki the time and risk of trying to steal the spell for her. But: I must attempt not to appear too eager. If Odin realizes this is something Loki wants badly, no doubt the All-Father will use it against Loki somehow.

Odin nods. "Then, in accordance with our traditions, she will need to be tested."

Loki stares dumbfounded at the other man. "To prove her courage and bravery? She killed Thanos. What more evidence is needed?"

The All-Father's eye narrows. "My understanding is that she stabbed the beast in the back. While necessary, it was hardly the most heroic or honourable of acts."

Even though in his heart Loki knows Jane would thoroughly agree with Odin in this matter, had they no audience, he would have struck the older man across the face. His hands clench into fists as he marshals his control, though Odin continues before Loki can reply: "And even if one were to argue that it was a brave act, it changes nothing. I am sure you recall how Hogun came to us. A Vanir, and already with a catalogue of valiant deeds to his name."

Loki nods curtly in reply. Of course Loki knows, he is no fool. The Vanir are not immortal, unlike Asgardians, so Hogun would have been at a distinct disadvantage if he had attempted to battle at Thor's side without the protection of Asgardian immortality-

"Despite that, he was still tested. It is our way." Odin concludes in a tone that brooks no argument. Or would, if the All-Father was addressing anyone else.

But Loki does not wish to ruin this marriage ceremony (even if it is technically their third one) arguing semantics with an obstinate old man. "I shall discuss this matter with Jane when I judge the time right," is all Loki bothers to reply. In this instance it is even the truth. 'No more unilateral decisions', that is our pact.

Without further word to the All-Father, Loki turns away and scans the room for his Jane. She's seated herself once more at the head table, now apparently in deep discussion with Sif.

Jane had mentioned the other day how obvious Sif's affection for Thor is, yet how his brother seems oblivious (not that such is any surprise at all to Loki). He wonders if Jane is currently encouraging Sif to reveal her true feelings to Thor, and if Sif does, how his blundering oaf of a brother will react.

Sif is far better suited for him than Jane. Loki thinks smugly, though he knows well that his opinion is wholly biased.

Loki starts towards his wife, then realizes his path is about to be blocked by Darcy. She is striding purposefully in his direction, an amused Frigga in tow, and Loki resigns himself to his fate of participating in yet another inconsequential Midgardian tradition.

Feedback and reviews are always appreciated, and help me keep up my motivation to continue this fic