Laney sat in her room, staring out the window with a quill in hand, a partially written letter in front of her on the desk. She looked down at the paper and sighed. "I don't know why I want to try and send another letter after almost eight years," she spoke aloud to no one. She hovered the quill over the paper when a knock sounded at her door. "It's unlocked!"

Magnus took a deep breath, glanced at the young woman at his side, then walked into his daughters room, knowing that the news he would give her would not go over well. "Afternoon Laney."

"Afternoon daddy," she greeted with a smile as she turned and stood from her seat. "What are you doing here?"

"Dear... I have some news for you," he replied simply, making Laney furrow her brow in confusion.

"What... what's going on?" she asked, turning to face him in her seat.

Magnus squared his shoulders, going into military mode. "I received a letter from Asgard today," he stated.

Laney's eyes brightened, hoping that it could be good news. "What would that be?"

"Loki," he began, "Loki has fallen into the void, having fallen off The Bifrost bridge. He's gone."

"Wh-what?" She stammered. "What do you mean he fell?"

"I'm sorry my dear. Loki has perished."

Laney's vision clouded with blackness as she cried out in anguish, falling from her seat, to her knees. She barely noticed that her father called her best friend into the room to comfort her so he could leave. All she felt was numbness and despair.

Loki was startled awake and was confused for a brief moment before he realized Laney was having a nightmare. He pulled her close and gently stroked her hair, hoping to calm her. "Shhh, it's alright darling, you're safe." He repeated softly to her..

Laney opened her eyes, feeling them burn with tears as they ran down her face. Her body shook and trembled as she gasped for air until she realized the tightness she felt was Loki holding her. It was then that his scent reached her, the familiar smell of bergamot reaching her nose. "Lo-Loki?"

"I have you darling, you are safe, it was just a nightmare." He reassured her, then kissed her forehead again. "Take a deep breath and remember where you are." He said softly, helping her calm down like Frigga had helped him many times before.

Tears continued to stream down her face as she buried her head into his neck, wrapping him in a death grip. "You were gone," she whimpered, "You were gone..."

"Look at me darling... I am right here. I will always be right here with you." He promised her, still just holding her close. Raising one hand, he gently dried her tears.

She tilted her head back and met his eyes, her own puffy and red. Seeing emerald green staring back at her helped her slowly calm down. You're really here... it was a dream... a reality that's gone.

He gave her a loving smile then shifted slightly so he could press a soft kiss to her lips. "See, all is well darling. I am right here, but I know how real nightmares can seem, so I am here to listen if you want to talk about it." He offered, ready to do anything to help her feel better.

Laney sniffled and wiped her eyes. "It... It was when I lived in Yamir. My father walked into my home and gave me the news. The news of your death."

Loki gave a soft sigh, understanding better now. "I am so sorry darling. Mother never would have put you through that, I know she wouldn't have." He said, trying to assure himself as well as Laney.

"Father said a letter came from Asgard," she replied quietly as she began to play with his hair. "He never said who wrote it."

"I am very sorry darling. I wish I would have done things differently, I truly do. I never meant to hurt you like that." He said softly, feeling terrible about causing her so much pain and worry. I didn't even know you remembered me after all that time...

She sniffled and rested her head on his shoulder. The stress of the dream was beginning to give her a headache. "It's in the past now. But when your mother wrote to me two years later... almost two weeks ago... it felt like you were raised from the dead."

He tightened his grip on her slightly. "I was never dead, I would have been, but I was snatched from the void. I wish I could have found some way to tell you, to tell anyone, but I... I couldn't." He spoke softly, some of the memories broken and foggy in his mind, some just too terrible to recall.

"It's alright," she replied quietly, "Were together now."

"And we always will be together." He promised. "Do you want to try to sleep longer?"

Laney ducked her head to stifle a yawn before she looked back up at him. "Maybe... I am unsure about having another dream."

Loki looked down at her with a gentle smile. "We can lay here and talk until you feel more relaxed, if you want."

She shuffled back, a small smile on her face in the dim lighting. "Talk about what?"

"Anything you want. I would suggest fun childhood times, or the future." Anything to get your mind off the bad...

"Hmm," she pondered, while she absently played with the blanket they were covered by. "Do you recall our first magic lesson?"

Loki gave a little nod. "Of course I do, and you have mastered the craft since then."

Laney grinned. "It didn't start out that way. It took me months to learn my first spell while you moved quickly."

"I started out learning quickly, but once we moved to more advanced magic, that is when I struggled so much."

She propped herself up on one elbow and nodded. "It wasn't easy for either of us. Frigga helped us out a lot."

"She has always been there for us. I'm not sure either of us would know much magic without her." Loki admitted, looking up at Laney.

"We gave her a fright more than once though with your mischief," Laney added, "Especially the sheep..."

"I thought it was agreed we would never speak of that again?" Loki asked with a nervous chuckle.

"So, you let a sheep get loose in the palace... and turned it purple," she tittered.

"I turned it purple... purple! I was trying to shrink it!" Loki said, very frustrated with his lack of magical talent at the time, still embarrassed by it.

Laney chuckled. "When you tried to fix it you accidentally made it duplicate a few times. How many sheep ended up in the palace?" She asked, unable to remember.

Loki went quiet as he thought about it. "I think it was six... no, seven. That one was found in Odin's room." He recounted, finding it hard to not laugh.

She shook her head at him as she laughed, then caressed his cheek. "Your... Odin was so upset and Frigga chastised you, but I saw the smile she was trying to hide."

"Mother has always found more humor in my mishaps and mischief than Odin ever did. I have often wondered if she used to be mischievous herself." He admitted, but chuckled again at the memory of Odin being mad about being woken by a purple sheep.

"I think she was... I wouldn't doubt that she pranks Odin now and again with small things." Laney bent her head down and kissed his shoulder, feeling better and lighter again. The light banter had helped her forget the intense dream.

"I would like to think so, but he has always disapproved of my mischievous side." he sighed, then smiled and pressed a soft kiss to her lips, happy to feel how relaxed she was now.

Laney gently kissed him back just as a knock sounded at the door. "Breakfast already?" She asked.

Loki looked over at the door. Isn't it a bit early? He thought, then called out. "Come in." He made sure they were fully covered by the blankets before the door opened.

A servant walked into the room with a small tray with juice, eggs, and fruit before they bowed, then left.

"Would your mother know we're awake?" Laney thought aloud. "Because of the spell?"

After the servant left, Loki sat up in bed. "It's not the spell, it's just her. Mother always knows what's going on... always." He chuckled, then ran his fingers through his hair.

Laney's eyes widened. "She doesn't look in on us at... private times does she?" She asked.

Loki shook his head. "I don't think she's actually watching us. I think it's more like a sixth sense." He tried to explain, though not entirely sure himself, how she always knew what he was up to.

"Well, I hope she doesn't... but it would explain a few things," she replied as she sat up and stretched.

Loki chuckled in agreement. "I wouldn't worry about it too much, even if she did see something, she would not complain about it." He assured Laney, then got up and walked over to get the tray for them.

She smirked as she watched him walk nude across the room. "I know I'm not complaining," she said cheekily. "The drinks look bubbly. You'd think that we had gotten married last night with how they're treating things."

He walked back and sat on the edge of the bed with the tray in hand. "They are just celebrating a good thing. I think everyone knows that you keep me calm."

"They must like that you want to settle down then," Laney stated, then grabbed an empty flute to pour herself a drink although Loki grabbed the pitcher and poured Laney's drink for her before she could do so.

"I think so, but I honestly don't know why. They should be pushing for Thor to settle down, since he is the heir to the throne." He said simply, then poured himself a drink as well.

Laney shrugged. "Maybe they think that I'm someone that can tame the rowdy young prince," she retorted playfully.

"You definitely are the only one who can tame me, that has been very well proven." He chuckled, then picked up a piece of fruit. "I still feel like I should face your father in person though." He admitted before taking a bite.

"I worry about his reaction if I am honest Loki. I do not know what he will do," she responded, worrying her lip. She reached for a strawberry and dipped it in a waiting bowl of sugar.

"I know darling, and that is why I have not tried. Have you written to him yet?" Loki asked, then dipped a piece of fruit into the sugar.

"I haven't yet. I can send a letter today. Would you like to write to him also?" She asked.

He thought about it, then gave a nod. "Yes, I will also write to him." He agreed, then picked out and ate several more pieces of sugar dipped fruit.

Laney finished chewing her bite and nodded. "We will both write to him today then and have it sent."

"Would you like to write after breakfast? Mother is likely to come around this afternoon and can send them for us." He suggested, getting a bit of sugar on the tip of his nose.

She smiled at him, then leaned forward and gently cleaned his nose. "That sounds like a plan."

He crossed his eyes as he tried to watch her. "Sugar always gets away from me." He chuckled and took a bite of the eggs.

"I love dipping things in sugar... or chocolate," she said as she dipped her finger in the sugar, "It can be a lot of fun," she added, deciding to lick it off.

He watched her carefully, knowing exactly what she was doing, knowing her teasing would work. "Would you like a little bowl of chocolate dip?"

She shook her head. "Not for breakfast," she declined, "But maybe later today. Speaking of today, what would you like to do?"

"You should spend some time in the garden. You don't need to stay cooped up in the room with me."

She shrugged. "I don't know... unless you want some alone time."

Loki shook his head. "No, I don't want you away, I just feel bad that we have so little to do in here."

Laney looked around the vast chambers as she grabbed another piece of fruit, trying to think of something that would keep them both occupied. "We'll think of something. If anything, I can go search for something and bring it back here."

Loki nodded in agreement. "We could also arrange a magic lesson, like we used to have." He suggested, thinking it could be fun..

"I haven't done that in a long time," Laney answered as she laid back, "Between the task I did in Yamir, and lack of other seidr wielders, I'm honestly a bit out of practice."

"I use magic all the time, but have not had any lessons besides the lessons we shared." He admitted, then finished his eggs. "I can ask mother to arrange a lesson for us."

Laney nodded. "That sounds fun."

After breakfast was finished, Laney let Loki bathe by himself while she dressed in a robe and sat at his desk to write out the letter that would be sent to her father. Once she finished all two pages of it, she opened the doors to the balcony to let in some fresh air. Out on the balcony, Laney was enamored by the view of the plains just past the farms and the mountains beyond that. This is such a beautiful place.

Loki soaked in the cool water he had ran, just relaxing for a few minutes after he had washed himself. It was nice to properly bathe again. When he was finished, he dried and dressed himself, then made his way out to the desk and tried to think of how to start his letter to Laney's father..

Laney turned her head to the side, listening to Loki rummage at his desk, which made her smile. She looked back towards the mountains, for once feeling at peace. I'm glad he's out of the dungeon. Hel, I'm glad he's alive! I don't know what I would do if something took him away from me again. Those were a very dark two years... dark enough that I don't know if I will ever tell Loki what transpired. She sighed as she fretted with the ribbon of her robe, lost in thought.

Loki finally wrote out a quick letter, barely filling one page. He reread it a few times, then decided he was satisfied with it. Once he was finished, he joined Laney, walking up behind her and wrapping his arms around her. "Something on your mind darling?"

She leaned back into his embrace with a soft smile on her face as she wrapped her arms around his. "Just looking out at the mountains, thinking."

"It is a lovely view, isn't it?" He asked softly, then pressed a soft kiss to her neck. "I finished my letter to your father."

"I'll put them both in an envelope to give to your mother this afternoon," Laney replied quietly. She turned her head to kiss his temple, tightening her grip on his arms.

He tilted his head upward and pressed his lips to hers, pulling her into a loving kiss, feeling her instantly respond back. He had just spun her around to face him and braced her against the railing to deepen the kiss when another knock sounded at his door, making him pull back with a sigh.

"I wonder who that could be," Laney breathed, trying to catch her breath.

"I will go see." Loki groaned, frustrated at whoever interrupted them. Releasing Laney, he walked back into the room and to the door, pulling it open.

On the other side of the door stood Frigga, with a letter in one hand. "Good Morning son. I hope I'm not interrupting, but I have a letter for Laney. It's from her friend in Yamir."

"Good morning mother, come in." He said, stepping aside. "Laney is out on the balcony right now." He told her, mostly happy to see her, but still wishing they had not been interrupted.

Frigga patted his shoulder as she shut the door behind her. "I won't stay long," she said as she held out the envelope. "The Hall of Healing needs some restocked elixirs so I will be hard at work today."

He took the envelope and held it close to his side. "We actually wanted to ask if you would do a magic lesson for us today?" He told her, giving her his sweet, adoring look that always worked while he was a child.

"I will be busy most of the day. But I can try and do one for you both this evening. What would you like to work on?" She asked.

He gave a little shrug. "Anything really. It just sounded like a fun idea since there is so little to do here in the room." He explained.

Frigga nodded. "I can do a refresher for you both and see what needs worked on," she put her hand back on the doorknob, ready to leave, "Be sure that she reads that, I will see you both later."

"Thank you mother, we will look forward to your visit this evening." He said with a smile as she left. After, he walked back to Laney with her letter. "Mother brought this for you." He said and held it for her to take.

Laney looked down at it, then gently took it from his hand. "It has Yamir's seal on it."

"Mother said it is from a friend of yours." He explained, but wasn't sure if that would be enough information. "She is also going to do a lesson for us this evening."

"A lesson sounds wonderful," she replied as she tore open the envelope, then unfolded the parchment. "It's from Desi."

"She is your good friend, right? The one you told me about?" He asked curiously, wanting to be involved in her life.

When Laney opened the letter, Desi had wrote:

Laney-

Hey! Just wanted to see how you've been doing. I know returning to the palace after all this time was hard for you. You never even told me why the queen wrote to you... did they figure out what happened in the void? Is that why?

You know I want to hear everything and I miss you!

Lots of love xoxo

Desi

"I need to write her back," Laney stated, "She doesn't know you're alive."

"Until last night, very few people knew I was still alive. I don't think Odin wanted anyone to know." He gave a little shrug. "I will get some fresh ink for you. Do you want to sit at the table?"

Laney found herself sniffling while she nodded and followed him back into the chambers. "She may want to travel here once she gets this."

Loki stopped and raised his hand to gently brush her tears away. "If you want to go see her, you can. I don't want you to stay here if it makes you so sad..." He said, not knowing the content of the letter.

She shook her head. "Being here doesn't make me sad. I've just been so focused on being with you, I forgot to write to her to keep her informed."

"You can write to her anytime, and I would love to have her visit." He said, sweet and sincere. He took Laney's hand and walked inside with her, to the table. After pulling a chair out for her, he opened a nearby cupboard to get fresh ink her. and parchment for her.

Laney watched as Loki sat down everything she would need to write out a letter for Desi. "You're so sweet Loki. Thank you. I think Desi will like you when she gets to meet you."

"I hope she likes me as well. I don't want to come between the two of you in any way." He said truthfully. "I am going to relax in bed while you write." He leaned down and pecked her lips..

"Alright sweetheart," she murmured, pecking his lips again before he got too far, then turned and began to write, wanting Desi to be caught up on everything.

Loki smiled, then walked to the bed to lay across it and quickly dozed off while waiting for Laney to finish her letter to Desi.