Within her chambers, Laney sat on the floor beside Desi while Star played on a blanket in front of them. "I hope the boys aren't gone long. They have me wondering what's going on."
"I'm also wondering about it. I don't fully understand all of the customs here, but Thor told me that Loki was scared to make this trip." Desi admitted as she tickled Star, making her giggle.
"Loki doesn't get frightened often. But I know the meeting was something that had to be done." Laney leaned back against the couch and watched the flames in the fireplace flicker and bounce arLaila!
"Do you think he was scared because he had to face the Jotnar?" Desi asked curiously. She stopped tickling Star to pick up the cup of tea next to her and finish the last bit in the cup. "This new potion isn't working so great."
"He could have been. I know he was thankful Thor went with him." Laney furrowed her brow at her friend. "Why isn't it helping?"
"I don't know yet. I have been trying to make a new potion and I just don't have it right yet." Desi explained.
"Maybe ask Loki?" Laney suggested. "He's good at that stuff."
"Thor made the same suggestion. I will ask when they return." Desi agreed.
Laney nodded and smiled just as she heard the chamber doors open, making her turn her head. "Oh! You're home!" She exclaimed happily.
Loki gave a soft smile. "I am very glad to be home." He said as he walked over to join them. Before sitting, he knelt down and gave Laney a gentle kiss.
She smiled when Loki pulled away, then patted the place beside her. "I take it things went well? Nobody is injured."
"No one was injured." Loki confirmed, sitting down. "The meeting was a disaster though."
Thor sat beside Desi after he placed a tray of food on the coffee table and rolled his eyes. "It was not, brother."
"Yes it was. Had I known, I never would have gone. I didn't even want to take the trade scroll, but I didn't have a choice there." Loki muttered, watching Star.
"Why is trading so bad?" Desi asked, confused. She relaxed against Thor, happy to have him home.
"Trading with Jotunheim is a good thing. They give us the food all of you enjoy so much," Laney pointed out.
"It isn't the trading. The trading is fine." Loki sighed. "They want an arranged marriage for Star."
Laney's eyes widened. "They... what?"
Loki nodded. "I made it quite clear that we decline and take great offense to the offer. I can't believe they had such nerve to begin with." He grumbled.
"Loki, it was an option. They never said outright that they were going to do so without your input," Thor interjected.
"It is still a no," Laney replied. "But if it was a suggestion more than an order, I don't see why you are so upset."
"They never should have suggested it! They know how I feel about them!" Loki said, growing frustrated.
Laney sighed and slumped in place. So that's why he's so upset. She reached over and rubbed his knee, hoping to comfort him, while she looked over at Star who was staring wide eyed at her daddy.
Loki calmed himself, then picked Star up and cradled her close to his chest. "I'm sorry if I upset you, sweet girl."
"She's not used to hearing raised voices," Laney said calmly. "You're lucky she didn't cry."
Thor frowned as he grabbed some grapes from the nearby tray and handed some to Desi before he ate a few himself.
"I know and I feel terrible." Loki said softly, trying to comfort his daughter.
"I can't eat right now, but thank you." Desi told Thor.
"Why can't you eat?" Thor questioned Desi, suddenly looking concerned.
"The morning sickness has come back." Desi explained.
"Does your medicine not work?" Thor asked.
"Not yet. I'm still working on the new one. I'll be fine." Desi assured him.
Laney smiled at Desi. "It doesn't last forever. The middle of the pregnancy is the most relaxed."
"I'm glad I'm almost to that point then." Desi admitted.
"You'll feel more like yourself than you have in a while," Laney assured. She looked back over at Loki, to see him lay Star back down on her blanket.
"That will be nice." Desi chucked. She glanced over at Loki, but felt too nervous to ask for his help with the potion.
Laney nudged Loki gently. "Do you think you could help Desi?" She asked.
"How would I be able to help?" Loki asked curiously.
"You know a lot about potions. She can't seem to get what she needs, quite right. If not you, then Frigga could help."
"I will help. Medicines aren't my specialty, but I know enough that I should be able to help." Loki agreed, then conjured one of Laney's left over potions and handed it to Desi."This might help until then." He said, handing her the potion.
"Thank you, but I worry this would be too strong as it's for the Jotnar." Desi admitted as she looked at the bottle.
"Just drink a little bit, not the full amount." Loki replied. Desi nodded and took a small sip.
Laney smiled. "We're all family, it'll do us good to help each other out."
"I agree. We all need to work together." Loki said happily. He picked up a piece of fruit and took a bite.
"This has actually helped a lot." Desi said, setting the potion aside.
Laney leaned back against the couch and took a sip of her tea. "I'm glad."
"Darling, we do have some trade documents to look over. Would you like to continue your visit with Desi while we do that?" Loki asked.
"Sure, I don't mind. You two can stay in here and look them over if you'd like. We won't be bothersome," Laney answered.
"You could never be bothersome darling." Loki promised, then turned to his brother. "Do you want to move to the ?"desk?"
Thor nodded. "That would be fine. The desk is big enough for us to share."
Loki nodded then leaned over for a quick kiss from Laney. "Let me know if you need anything darling. I will look at the potion as soon as we are done with the trade business." He promised.
"Do what you need to do sweetheart," Laney said sweetly as Thor stood and made his way to the desk and pulled a nearby chair over to sit down.
Loki stood, walked over, and sat in the chair that stayed at the desk. He took the scroll from his pocket and opened it, laying it out so they could both see it. "I wish we could cut them off completely." He muttered.
"If you did, there's a lot of food and other products we would not have any more," Thor said quietly.
"I know and I'm not serious about it. I also wouldn't do that to Star." Loki said truthfully.
Thor sighed as he read over the list of items the Jontar needed. "They are low on wool. We can help supply that. We have a lot of sherpa sheep and can always breed bigger herds."
"Why do they need wool? They barely wear any clothing." Loki mumbled, then took a deep breath. "I need to shake this, it isn't going to help anything."
"You do brother, it's not healthy," he replied, "But my best guess is they could use it for bedding."
Loki nodded. "I know it isn't. They just have me a little shaken after the meeting today." He admitted. He took a minute to get his thoughts under control, then he conjured several other scrolls. "How much wool do they need?"
"It says they're in need of four bunches of wool on top of what we already trade to them," Thor answered. "In return they would like to give us... aphrite? Is that a gem?"
"It's more of a mineral, but we rarely have use for it. I think a better option is for us to give the wool and in return, they let us use the old South trade road." Loki told Thor.
Thor furrowed his brow. "There's a trade road? I thought the only way to Jotunheim was the Bifrost?"
Loki shook his head. "The trade road was closed centuries ago, but it made for easier trade between the realms. Jotunheim is the one that ordered the closure during the wars." Loki explained.
"It might take more than just switching an item for them to open the route then," Thor pointed out. "Although I like how you're thinking. It would make things easier and quicker."
"It isn't just the wool, they have an entire list of items. They could have it all for free if we can use the road." Loki shrugged.
Thor looked back at the original scroll. "Bread is a large thing they have asked for and are offering their fruit in return. We need to keep our current trades the same and just add more Loki, not just the route."
"I'm not talking about changing the current trades, I'm suggesting they give us use of the road in trade for the additional supplies. Using that road benefits them as well." Loki pointed out. He conjured an ancient looking map and pointed out the route to his brother. "It's an easy ride and it stays cold all year long."
"I can write to them if you'd like, with the offer, and see what they say," Thor replied while he looked over the map. "The road might need work before its usable again."
"I can draft the letter. As for the road, it's still usable." Loki told his brother.
"I believe it is usable," Thor replied, "I am just saying it might need to be cleared of any debris."
Loki gave a soft sigh. "I have maintained the road myself. It is one of the passages I've used." He admitted, worried his brother would be mad.
Thor furrowed his brow. "Used for what Loki?"
"To sneak between the realms. I use all of the old trade roads." Loki chuckled.
"Lo-ki," Thor groaned with a roll of his eyes. "I won't tell father. But now that I know, I hope you won't use them for that."
"Why wouldn't I still use them?" Loki asked curiously. "Odin never forbade it, they were simply closed."
"I just don't want them used with ill intentions, that's all." Thor sat back in his seat and looked back over at the Jontar scroll. "I don't mind if you use them."
"I can agree to that. You do not close the roads to me and I will give my word to never use them with ill intentions." Loki agreed sincerely.
Thor smiled. "I will take your word to heart. Now, do we need any supplies from them?" He asked.
Loki shook his head. "No. The supplies we already receive are enough."
"There isn't anything they offer that we're not receiving?" Thor questioned.
"Not currently. We have regular caravans from them, as well as the stock from the war raids." Loki explained.
Thor sat back in his seat and pondered a thought as it popped in his mind. "Would there be anything within those stocks that they would want back?"
"I don't know. It was so long ago, they might have resupplied. What are you thinking?" Loki asked curiously.
"If there is something we have that they would like back, it might improve our chances of connecting the old road."
"They want the casket returned to them. I know that would improve the overall relations between the realms." Loki answered.
"I don't think father would agree with that one," Thor said with a grimace.
"Why not? It could be the start of a true peace agreement." Loki pointed out.
"I understand that. But it would also give them more power than father would like," Thor countered. "You aren't the only one that holds a grudge with the Jontar."
"I don't hold any grudge." Loki argued.
"Maybe not a grudge, but you have your own issues with them," Thor stated. He ran one hand through his hair and sighed. "We will have to speak with father about the stores from the war. I do not remember what all there is."
"My issue isn't even with them, not truly." Loki sighed. "I check the stores monthly. He needs to return their power."
Thor frowned as he scratched the back of his head. "That will be a complicated endeavor."
"I will go talk with him myself." Loki replied, feeling determined.
"That's... quite bold. Will you request I come?" He asked.
"No, I won't. If you wish to attend, I am fine with that. I won't drag you into it though." Loki promised his brother.
"If you'd like, I can be close by. That way if I am needed, I can be of service."
Loki nodded. "I would like that. I don't know how he will react."
Thor nodded as he placed the scroll back down onto the desk. "Well, that part is settled then. We will have to wait and see how your council with father goes before we move forward."
"I feel like I should go talk to him now, before I lose my resolve." Loki sighed.
"I'm not really sure what father is doing. It is close to dinner," Thor pointed out.
"I am going to go now. If he has any advanced notice of my request, he will shut me down before I ever have a chance to talk to him." Loki said truthfully.
Thor took a deep breath and nodded. "I will follow you and be in the hall. That way I will be close if I need to intervene."
Loki nodded, stood then walked over to where Laney and Desi were sitting with Star. "Darling, we need to go see Odin for a moment. Will you be alright here?"
Laney looked up from her place and nodded. "Yes, I will. Everything alright?"
"It is for the moment... I need to talk to him about bettering our overall trade relations with Jotunheimr." Loki explained.
"Alright, love. I wish you good luck in speaking with him," Laney said.
"Thank you darling, I will let you know how everything went." Loki promised. He knelt down and kissed Laney softly, then stood again. "Are you ready, brother?"
Thor smiled as he looked at Loki, now standing by the main doors. "Whenever you are."
Loki walked over to join his brother, then opened the door and lead them out. "Do you think we should try his study first? I don't know where he usually spends his time." He admitted.
"We can. I am unsure of where he would be as well," Thor replied.
Loki turned to the left to go to Odin's study. "If he won't agree to this, will you? When you take the throne, I mean." Loki asked softly.
"I would want to speak with Jotunheim and come to an agreement, but I do not see any harm in restoring the old road and letting them have the casket as long as they do no harm."
"That sounds very reasonable. Thank you brother. At least there is true hope for peace once you take the throne." Loki said truthfully. He turned to the right and led them down the hall to Odin's study. Stopping at the door, he took a deep breath then knocked.
Thor waited beside Loki and heard a gruff voice bidding them to enter. "Good luck Loki."
Loki gave a little nod then opened the door and walked in. "I was hoping to speak with you." He gave a slight bow, then closed the door to where there was just a crack so Thor could hear them.
"Loki," Odin greeted, "this is a surprise."
"Allfather." Loki said in reply, wanting to keep things formal. "As I'm sure you know, I have just returned from a trip to Jotunheimr."
Odin nodded as he leaned back in his large sitting chair. "Yes, I do. I take it the meeting didn't go as you would have liked?"
"I am here to discuss the overall relations with their realm, not my private matters." Loki clarified. "I would like to see their power source returned to them."
Odin furrowed his brow. "The casket? That could cause war Loki."
"Continuing to treat the Jotnar as inferior is what will cause war. It should be returned to seal a new, stronger peace treaty." Loki insisted.
"How would we be able to trust them, Loki? There is no guarantee that they will keep a treaty if they have their full power restored."
"I am certain they question their ability to trust us as well. No one had the right to take their source of power and it is time it is returned to them." Loki said firmly.
Odin narrowed his eyes at Loki, but didn't respond right away. "What proof do you have that they will not cross us?"
"I have faith in the treaty and the knowledge to know that people react better to respect than hostility." Loki said, narrowing his eyes.
"That might be true, but it will take careful planning," Odin replied. He leaned forward and rested his elbows on the large desk he sat at, with steepled fingers.
"All you need to do is grant me permission to return it. I can handle everything from there." Loki said, wanting as little involvement from Odin as possible.
Odin took a deep breath and tapped his foot on the ground. "If Thor leads this endeavor of yours, you both have my permission. But if things go wrong, do not hesitate to get me. It's time I give you both more responsibility."
"Thank you." Loki said. He gave a little bow then left the room. When he closed the door behind him, he let out a heavy sigh. "Did you hear?" He asked his brother.
Thor stood, leaned against the opposition wall with his arms crossed over his chest and a grin that rivaled the sun. "I did. What do you think about it?"
"I think he granted permission way too easily, it has me uneasy." Loki admitted.
"I did hear that he wanted me in charge of things, and he has been letting me take charge over many of the things here in the palace," Thor pointed out.
"I know that, but he still has the final decision over everything." Loki said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I think something of this importance should be done in person. Should we go to Jotunheim, or have them come here?"
"I think we should write them first, so we aren't arriving unannounced."
"I wasn't suggesting arriving unannounced. I was going to write to them to arrange the meeting, but I need to know if we are going to them or having them come here." Loki clarified.
"You could give them the option?" Thor suggested. "We can do either."
"That sounds good. I will send the letter tonight. I'm simply going to ask for a meeting to discuss their trade needs and keep it at that for right now." Loki said, then started walking. "Come along, it is nearly time for supper and I need to work on that potion still."
Thor nodded and began to follow Loki. "I am worrying about Desi at times. She has been struggling to eat with carrying the child."
"Is she struggling more than would be considered normal?" Loki asked as they walked back towards his chambers.
"To me it seems that way, but I would not know what could cause it," Thor answered.
Loki stayed quiet in thought for a moment. "Has she seen a healer about this?"
"I am unsure. She has been trying to treat herself I think."
"I am going to see if I can help with the potion when we return to the room. If that doesn't help, I think she needs to seek out a healer." Loki said truthfully, concerned for his friend.
Thor nodded in agreement as they rounded the corner and Loki's chamber doors came into view. "I agree with you."
"Do you want me to have Laney talk to her about it?" Loki offered.
"Not yet, if at all. I will speak to her if this potion doesn't help," he assured.
Loki nodded. "She is a very good friend, family now. I want to make sure she is well taken care of."
Thor smiled happily as they reached the doors. "I'm glad to see you like this. I like a mushy Loki," he chuckled.
"I'm not being mushy. I have always been good to those who are good to me." Loki chuckled, while also being truthful. He opened the door and walked in ahead of his brother. "We are back." He called out.
Laney looked up from her spot on the couch. "Shh, darling, I just laid Star down in her room."
"Sorry love." Loki said softly, walking over to them. "I didn't realise she would go to sleep so quickly." He said, then leaned down to give Laney a soft kiss.
"It's alright Loki. She fell asleep playing, so I laid her down." Laney kissed him back softly. "Are you two joining us?"
"I won't be joining yet, I need to look over that potion and see if I can fix it first. I want to see if I can do anything to help before supper." Loki explained.
"That's sweet of you," Laney praised as she felt Thor sit down beside her.
"I will be close by if you need me." Loki promised. He stole one last kiss, then walked into an adjoining room from a door that had not previously existed.
Laney watched him go with a small smile. "I've never seen him so determined before."
"His attitude like this can be a blessing and a curse. He gets a lot done, but can also become somewhat distant with people." Thor told Laney.
"If it becomes too much, I'll try and get him away for a day or something," Laney replied.
"That would be a very good idea. He did just convince father into working with Jotunheim, so maybe that and helping Desi will be enough for him." Thor said and shrugged. He looked over to check on Desi and saw that she was still dozing on the other end of the couch.
Laney slumped in her seat and looked over at the low burning fire. "I'm glad he's moving forward, but I'm afraid it will put Loki in a whole different mood."
"He needs balance. His goals are great, he just needs to not get so caught up in them." Thor explained.
"I know. I love that he's so focused and determined, I just don't want him to forget about his family."
"He won't forget his family, but I also don't want him so distracted that he misses anything." Thor said truthfully.
Laney nodded as she fiddled with the blanket that sat across her lap. "Star is progressing so quickly. I worry he will miss something too."
"We will keep him focused." Thor promised. "Has Desi said anything to you, about getting sick so much?"
"Only that she hasn't been able to eat a whole lot. She's able to drink normally it seems, but a lot of foods upset her stomach," Laney explained.
"I am growing more concerned about her so I hope this potion will work." Thor admitted.
"She was able to eat some fruit and cheese after taking a sip of my potion that I had leftover. Maybe if that one is altered, she would be fine?"
"Was she able to keep it down after we left?" Thor asked, feeling hopeful. "I wonder what the difference between the potions is... other than the obvious. I wish I understood these things better." He said sadly.
"She was," Laney told him. "But I wish I knew too. Maybe it's an ingredient that was added? Something other than it being for carrying a Jotun child."
"It must be. I don't think I have enough Jotun blood to affect the pregnancy, do I?" Thor asked curiously.
"You shouldn't," Laney answered. "If you're curious enough, Eir can test you."
"I might at some point, just to know, but the Jotun blood is so far back... neither father nor I have ever displayed any Jotun traits."
"It wouldn't hurt. But I know Desi isn't Jotun at all."
"I think she wishes she was at times." Thor chuckled. "I think she will be very happy to hear of the new potential peace treaty."
Laney chuckled as she looked over at her sleeping friend. "I think she will too. It's about time something like this was being attempted."
"It is. Gaining true peace with Jotunheim would mean peace throughout all nine realms. We have not had peace like that in my lifetime." Thor admitted.
"It would benefit all of the realms, not just us. Although I am unsure if Midgard would be included."
"Midgard is technically included since they cannot do anything against us. The realm is not advanced enough to garner much attention though." Thor explained.
"I would like to see it someday. I've always wanted to travel."
"Desi also wants to visit Midgard. Perhaps we should plan a trip and all go together?" Thor suggested.
"That sounds fun. We would have to figure out arrangements. You have friends there don't you?"
Thor nodded. "I do. They can show us around and help us during our visit. I just need to be very careful in contacting them. I do have my ex there as well, and it can get very awkward between her and Desi."
"That makes sense. But I assume Midgard is quite large, so who is to say we would see her."
"She is mutual friends with my friends." Thor explained. "I will just have to talk with them ahead of our visit, when that time comes." He said as Loki returned and the door vanished behind him.
Laney turned once she noticed that Thor was looking at Loki. "How is your progress?"
"I think I have corrected it, but the only way to know for sure is for her to try it." Loki said, holding up a small vial.
"Should I wake her?" Laney asked.
"Yes, I think so. The sooner we know, the better." Loki answered.
Laney turned towards Desi and leaned over to shake her leg. "Des, Desi wake up."
Desi groaned softly and turned over to face the back of the couch. She mumbled something about wanting to sleep longer, making Thor chuckle.
"Desi, Loki has a potion for you," Laney said.
"Waking her up is always a challenge." Thor said, amused. Desi finally opened her eyes, then sat up.
"How long did I sleep?" She asked, rubbing her eyes, then curling up to Thor.
"Maybe a half hour at most," Laney answered. "Do you want the potion?"
"Yes please." Desi answered.
Laney gently took the small bottle from Loki, then handed it over to Desi. "I hope it helps."
Desi took the vial and opened it, then quickly drank it. After a minute, she relaxed. "That feels so much better already. I feel like I could actually eat again."
"That's a great sign," Laney praised.
"I feel like I'm starving now, from eating so little."
"Do you want to eat here? Or go to the dining room for the evening meal?" Laney asked.
"Would the dining hall be alright? I haven't been out much for the last few weeks." Desi said, asking both Laney and Thor.
"I'm alright with it, what about you Loki?"
"I don't mind if my brother doesn't." Loki agreed.
Thor chuckled. "The dining hall it is."