The next few days passed in a blur. Desi gave Laney the elixir to soothe Loki after needing the time to make it, and she currently sat in Desi's sitting room while she watched her bottle it. "I've noticed you've been spending more time with Thor," she said playfully.

Desi blushed but nodded. "He took me to visit the market yesterday. It was so neat seeing all the exotic trade stands." She poured the now cooled liquid into a large vial, then set it on a wire stand.

"I think he likes you," she replied as she moved to curve her legs beneath her on the sofa.

Desi shrugged. "I'm still not so sure about that. As friends, sure. But he turns kind of distant if anything even seems like it could turn into more." She sighed, then picked the vial up and brought it over to Laney, sitting on the sofa with her.

"Give him time, I think he may write to you once you take your leave." Laney took the vial from Desi's waiting hand. "Thank you for this."

"I hate that it's already just about time to leave. Tomorrow afternoon is going to get here so fast." She complained, then looked at the vial. "I made enough to last until I come back in three weeks."

Laney nodded and smiled at her friend. "All of us will miss you. But if you see Dia please give her a hug from me."

"I will miss all of you as well, and I'll definitely see her!" She said, the last part more cheerful. "Now, for this, he needs to use it just once a day. But he will have to be in his Jotun form to apply it."

"Loki will not be happy about that," she replied grimly.

"I know, but he can be alone to do it. It's applied just like a body oil, and since I mainly work with children, I altered it a bit to absorb and begin working almost immediately. He just needs to apply it, then he can change to his common form right after." She promised.

She nodded as she played with the vial in her hands. "Thank you for this. It took a lot of talking for him to even admit to me that he was dealing with the pain of them coming in. I told him about... when I found out of his death. I also told him about when I cared for Dia when she was an infant."

"That's a huge first step though, Laney. If he will tell you about these things, at least he can be given proper care now." She said truthfully. "I know you don't want to be away from him, but Dia does know about you and wants to see you."

"I know... but I hate that it takes forever to get it through his thick skull that I am not leaving his side just because he's Jotun." She plopped her head back onto the couch and stared at the ceiling. "He told me that I'm not worth his life. If only he knew how you found me the night I almost took mine."

"When your letter came, telling me how he was still alive, I asked around to find out some of the stories passed around the palace. The things he was told... I'm honestly surprised you got him this far this fast." Desi admitted, then leaned her head on Laney's shoulder. "Don't tell him yet. I think his mind is still too fragile to handle the images it would put into his head."

Laney shook her head as a tear unwillingly fell down her cheek. "I don't know if I'm ready to even share it myself. It was a very dark time and to be able to hold onto him now, to wrap my arms around him... it seems unreal."

Desi wrapped her arms around Laney to comfort her. "There's no rush. You both have difficult times you will need to confront at some point, but for right now, just enjoy each other."

She sniffled and leaned against her best friend. "You know, I don't know what I would do without you either," she said with a blubbery chuckle.

Desi smiled cutely. "Without me, you would just ride off into the sunset with your prince and have absolutely no clue what to do for his horns." She giggled, trying to lighten the conversation.

Laney laughed and rolled her eyes. "Without you we would likely be lost on everything that deals with Loki's Jotun side." She moved to sit up, then flinched and rubbed her shoulder. "Which reminds me... could you enlighten me on why he likes to bite me when we're doing anything intimate?"

Desi giggled again in response to Laney's question. "It's called a mating mark. If another Jotun saw it, they would know you have been... claimed in a sense, and to respect that you are already with someone." She explained.

"Will it scar?" she asked curiously as she gingerly pulled down the sleeve of her blouse to show Desi the sore bite mark on the top of her shoulder.

Desi took a good look at the bite mark. "No, this one won't scar, he hasn't gotten the hang of it yet. I do have something that will help the soreness though... he really doesn't know what he's doing." She said sadly.

"I assume it's natural instinct coming through," Laney pondered. "We still haven't had complete intercourse... could that be the reason?" she asked, questions popping into her mind.

"It is a natural instinct, but I don't think it has anything to do with how far you've gone. I think the problem is that he's been taught to suppress these instincts his entire life. From what I have personally seen, the mark is usually only placed on a mate that would be fought for."

Laney nodded, her mind whirring with thoughts. "If he succeeds with making a permanent mark, does that do anything between us?" she asked.

All Desi could do is give a little shrug this time. "A bite that scars is usually very intimate, so most don't want to discuss it. Little bits that I have heard suggest it might strengthen your bond, and it could heighten the pleasure during intimacy." She told Laney, curious about it herself, from the perspective of a healer.

"I wish there were books to tell us more. It's hard to find anything here on Asgard that depicts them in a good light." Laney shuffled in her seat and picked at the fabric of the sofa. "I want Loki to learn that the Jotun are good people. Most of them anyway."

Desi thought about it for a moment, then grinned. "I have a couple books I can bring you when I come back. They mostly just cover general behavior, but they have been helpful to me. The Jotnar are just like any other people, some good and some bad." She said simply.

Laney smiled. "I would like that." She looked towards the open window to see the sun high in the sky. "Do you think they're still sparring?"

"I don't know, but we can go see. Worst case, we get to watch them." She said, blushing softly. "Do you want to head down there?"

She laughed and stood. "We can. I don't mind watching them if they aren't finished."

Desi stood and locked her arm with Laney's, walking out with her. "You know, until just recently I never understood why ladies were so obsessed with watching sparring matches." She admitted with a little giggle.

"Oh, maybe that's because a certain tall blonde has turned you on to them?" She teased.

"Maybe." Desi blushed. "He just looks so strong and fierce... and I get those butterflies in my stomach." She admitted as she led Laney through a shortcut to the armory. "We can cut through here. Thor showed me this way."

"I still think he likes you," Laney replied. "The last person he was with did not end well, so I think he's just scared."

Desi nodded. "He's told me about Jane. I don't think I'm any better of a choice for him. I can only spend a week here, every few weeks. Long term, I just can't see that working out." She sighed, still having mixed feelings. And then there's that future king detail...

Laney shrugged as they made it outside. "What if you were to be transferred to working here?"

"There aren't any postings here that I qualify for. I haven't been a healer long enough to have the priority needed for a palace position. Trust me, I've looked into it." She blinked a few times to adjust her eyes to the bright afternoon light. It was turning into another warm day.

"Well maybe that can be something to work towards in the near future," she suggested. They made it to the barrier of the training area and walked to the seats that were in the shade.

Desi sat next to Laney in the shade. "I will apply if anything becomes available." She promised, liking the idea of being closer. Her thoughts were quickly distracted by the sparring match in front of them. "Can he get anymore perfect." She complained lightly, watching how Thor once again had his brother beat.

Thor lunged forward with a sword in hand to block Loki's incoming attack, but grunted as Loki managed to nick him in the arm with one of his daggers. "You're getting faster brother, that is a good thing." He paused to wipe the sweat from his eyes with his free hand.

Loki shook his head, sending beads of sweat flying from his hair. "I am fast, faster than you... I don't know what is wrong with me lately." He muttered. Getting the proper grip on his daggers, he lunged forward again in a fresh attack.

Moving just in time, Thor took a step to the side and blocked the blow with his arm. "You're just out of practice brother, do not get discouraged."

Loki staggered to the side when Thor blocked him. "I guess so..." he started to argue, but when he looked up, he saw Laney. "I think it is time for a break." He said happily, making the daggers vanish.

Thor looked in the direction Loki had locked eyes on, only to smile. "I think you may be right."

Not waiting for his brother, Loki hopped the barrier, walked over, and sat next to Laney. "Missed me already?" He joked, then leaned in to kiss her softly.

Laney gently kissed him back in return. "Always," she answered sweetly.

Thor chuckled as he leaned on the barrier. "My brother, a romantic. It's a nice change."

"I have not changed brother, I simply have the woman of my dreams back." Loki grinned happily.

A wide smile sat on Thor's face as he watched Loki hug Laney close to his side, not caring that he was sweaty. He then looked at Desi. "How are you today sweet lady?"

"I am well. Laney and I had fun bottling some potions." Desi said shyly, still not used to the sweet ways Thor addressed her. "How was the match?"

"The match was good," he answered with a grin. "Loki is getting back into shape quickly."

"Have you tried sparring at night?" She asked curiously, and glanced over at Loki, not wanting her advice to upset him. She quickly saw he was more focused on Laney though.

Thor shook his head. "We have not. I have thought about moving them to the evenings though. But his endurance is getting better."

"Evenings, nights, and anytime that is cold will help him get into shape quicker, and that will help his tolerance for the heat. Also... no matter what you're doing, avoid his head for right now." She told Thor, and caught the way Loki glared at her. She took that as a warning and decided it best to say nothing more about it for the moment.

"I will take it into account," Thor replied. He hoisted himself up onto the barrier and sat down. "Does anyone have plans for the rest of the day?" He asked suddenly.

"I don't think so. I assumed Laney and Desi would want some girl time, since Desi leaves tomorrow, so I didn't plan anything." Loki answered.

Thor's face didn't seem to change, but his eyes grew sad. "We could all spend it together," he suggested. "Has Loki been to see his horse yet? We could all go for a ride?"

"I am fine with that, so long as the ladies are." Loki agreed, and looked to Laney for her answer. "There should be enough horses stalled for everyone."

Laney grinned. "I'd love to! If there aren't, we can always double up."

"That could be fun regardless." Loki said with a mischievous grin. He stood and offered his hand to Laney. "Shall we? There is just enough time for a decent tour."

She took his hand and stood. "I'm ready if everyone else is," she replied.

Thor hopped down from the barrier and offered his arm to Desi. "Lead the way brother."

Desi took his arm and walked quietly beside him. After today, this is all over... she thought sadly.

The group began their walk towards the stables. Laney and Loki walked a bit ahead of the group due to Loki's longer strides. She glanced back at Thor and Desi and smiled before she looked up at Loki. "I wish Desi could stay a bit longer. They're just now getting close."

"Why can't she stay longer?" Loki asked curiously. He glanced back at Thor and Desi, noticing how sad they both looked about the coming departure. "No one has said she must leave the palace."

"She has to return to work. She has clients to take care of," Laney explained.

"Has she considered a posting closer to the palace? Mother could also arrange for someone to stand in for her for a few more days." Loki suggested, wanting everything to work out.

Laney shrugged. "I would have to talk to her. She misses her clients that she's used to seeing, but she said she wants to see if there's a place open here for her to work."

"Talk to her, because mother could have a post here arranged for her by the time she visits again. Depending on the needs, some of her clients can even be brought here to see her." Loki explained, knowing Frigga had ways of making things happen.

"I will mention it before tomorrow, but I would like to give her and Thor as much time as possible together."

Loki nodded in agreement. "Her leaving is going to be hard for him. He is just starting to become comfortable with her." He sighed, wishing there was something he could do.

When they arrived at the stables, he released Laney's arm and pulled the doors open for them, revealing a long line of stables. The bedding was freshly laid, and the horses recently brushed.

"Laney smiled, wide eyed. "Which one's yours Loki?"

Loki pointed to a steel grey horse a few stalls down from where they stood. "That one there is mine." He said, then walked over to that stall with her.

"What's his name?" She asked as she held out her hand for the horse to sniff.

"Sleipnir, but he also likes being called Seph." He watched as the horse sniffed Laney's hand, then pressed his nose into her palm. "He likes you and wants a snack." Loki chuckled.

Laney chuckled and scratched his nose. "I don't have anything buddy," she cooed.

Meanwhile Thor led Desi to his palomino mare. "This is Frey."

Desi walked over and reached up to rub the mare's ears. "She is beautiful!"

"Thank you," Thor replied. He opened her stall door and stepped inside. "Do you want to ride with me?"

"Yes please, as long as it isn't trouble." Desi said softly, joining him in the stall. "I have had some lessons, but haven't had much time to gain more experience."

"Of course. I don't mind." He patted Frey on her neck before he moved to reach around to the front of the stall and grabbed a halter to put on her head.

"How long have you worked with her?" Desi asked as she stroked Frey's side with her hand. She glanced around, but with how the stall was, she couldn't see Laney or Loki.

"I've had her since she was born," he explained as he put her halter on. "Frey's mother was my father's horse."

"Has she seen battle with you?" Desi asked, trying to make it feel less awkward for them to be there, seemingly alone.

"She has, but she's still a bit headstrong about it," Thor replied.

"She looks very loyal regardless." Desi said, trying to picture them in battle.

Thor grabbed her halter and began to lead her out of the stall. "She's a great horse."

"Do you think the others are ready? It seems a little too quiet." Desi pointed out, following them out. Once outside the stall, she looked around but couldn't remember which stall Loki and Laney had gone into.

Laney smiled up at Loki as she leaned back against the wall of the stall with her arms around his neck as Loki grinned back down at her, then kissed her deeply. He pressed his hips against her so she could feel the beginnings of his arousal and smirked at the sound of her gasp. He had just moved his lips to her neck, likely going to bite again when Desi cleared her throat to get their attention.

With her eyes wide, Laney turned and hid her face into Loki's neck. "Desi..."

"You knew we were going to be over to find you." Desi giggled. "I'm starting to think you two like getting caught." She accused teasingly.

She sighed and leaned her head back against the stall. "Blame Loki."

Loki chuckled and finally moved, buttoning his shirt. "What are you blaming me for exactly? I have never once heard you complain." He said with a playful grin.

"I can blame you for being irresistible then," Laney said smugly.

"Oh gods, none of that!" Desi giggled.

Laney laughed and moved to stand in front of Loki to hide his indecency. "Has Thor finished tacking up?"

Desi nodded. "He led Frey outside and he's waiting for us. I suspected I might find you two like this and he didn't want to see that." She shifted nervously for a second. "He wants me to double up with him."

"It won't take Loki long to finish tacking Seph," she replied as Loki walked past her and to his horse that stood tied outside the stall. "Are you happy to ride with him?"

Desi stepped aside for Loki to walk past her. "Yes, I'm just still nervous about everything. I'm not really sure what to do in situations like these... you know I've never been with anyone before." She sighed, frustrated with herself. "Wait, that didn't come out right. I know we are nowhere near together, I just don't want to ruin it before it could happen."

Laney patted Desi on the shoulder. "It's alright Des. Just do your best to relax and do whatever feels natural. As big as Thor is, you'll probably sit in front of him on the saddle, so you'll be safe."

Desi nodded and took a deep breath to help herself relax. She walked out ahead of them so Thor wouldn't be alone. Loki followed close behind, walking Seph with no tack.

Hearing Loki's footsteps, Laney turned and smiled at him. "Do you want help to tack him?" She asked.

"I only tack him for battle darling. We ride natural." Loki explained, needing no lines to have the horse follow him.

Laney's eyes widened. "I've never ridden bareback before."

"There is a first time for everything darling." Loki chuckled. "I can help you onto his back if you like."

"That will be much appreciated," she replied as she followed him outside of the stable to see Thor helping Desi up onto Frey's back, then climbing up himself.

Desi caught Laney's eye and was blushing deeply from how she was pressed against Thor. Loki paid little attention to them as he helped Laney onto Seph's bare back. He easily climbed onto Seph's back after, sitting directly behind Laney. "Hold onto his mane, but not too tightly."

Laney smiled at Desi as she ran her hand along Seph's mane before she grabbed a small handful. "Are we ready?"

"I think we are." Loki wrapped his arms lightly around Laney. He gave Seph a gentle nudge in the side and they started off at a gentle trot. "You tell me when you're ready to go faster." He told Laney.

Thor grinned and nudged Frey I to a trot and followed behind Loki. "Are we going through the main trail?" He called out as he held Desi around her waist with one arm, the other steering the reins.

"Yes, the main palace trail." Loki called back to Thor. He knew it was a beautiful trail that the ladies would enjoy. He only had to nudge Seph on one side or the other to guide him in the right direction.

"Sounds good," he called back in reply as they reached the opening of the trail. "Enjoying the ride so far Desi?" He asked quietly.

"Y-yes I am." Desi said softly. The butterflies in her stomach were out of control at the moment with how close they were and how she was being held. I hope this is a long trail... she silently wished.

"Let me know if you want to speed up or slow down," Thor stated as he turned Frey to the left as the trail narrowed for a moment.

"I am perfectly fine at this speed." Desi said truthfully. The scenery was beautiful and she couldn't help but relax in his arms a bit. She could easily see Laney and Loki just up ahead of them.

Laney sighed contentedly as she leaned back against Loki's chest. The feeling of Seph's hoofbeats beneath them was calming to her, increasing the relaxing feeling. "This is amazing Loki."

"This is one of my favorite trails. Mother used to bring us riding here all the time." He explained to Laney.

"I really like it, the nature is beautiful." She leaned to the side and kissed his check, then his neck. "This was a great idea."

He smiled down at her, lightly rubbing her thigh. "This trail goes around the entire palace and even has distant views of the market."

Laney grinned. "That sounds amazing. Will we do the whole trail today? Do we have time?"

"We have time to do the palace part of the trail. The full trail extends to a southern village and is a three day ride." Loki explained, then glanced over his shoulder to make sure Thor and Desi were still following.

"I'm happy either way," Laney replied as she put her hand on top of his, making it stay on her thigh.

Meanwhile Thor shuffled a little bit in the saddle to make himself a bit more comfortable. "Are you doing okay Desi?" he asked.

"I'm doing fine. It is such a beautiful ride!" Desi said happily. On one side, the palace loomed over them, on the other side, the forest surrounding the palace looked dark and mysterious. In between was the flowered meadow they were riding through. Desi finally relaxed and leaned back into Thor's arms.

Thor smiled and gently tightened the grip that he had around her waist. He took a deep breath as he looked out in front of them, seeing Loki and Laney a bit ahead. "You know," he said quietly, "I'm going to miss you when you leave."

Desi was a bit surprised to hear his confession, but felt the same. "I will miss you too, and I will be back to visit every couple weeks." She promised. When she saw Laney up ahead, she decided not to mention looking for a closer posting since she didn't know if she could find one.

He smiled and decidedly rested his head on her shoulder as they continued along, both horses now at an easy going walk. "I'm glad that I got to meet you Desi. It's been nice to be able to talk to you about everything."

Desi smiled and leaned her head against his. "You can always talk to me, and Laney knows where to send letters, if you want to write while I'm away." She said sweetly.

"I will be writing to you for certain," he replied softly. I wonder if she would let me kiss her... maybe her cheek?

"I will be looking forward to your letters." She said truthfully then sighed contently. I would give anything to not leave tomorrow...

Thor smiled. "Well, that's a good thing," he said with a chuckle. "Maybe the next time you come to visit I can... take you out?"

"Out... like a... date?" Desi asked, wanting to make sure before getting her hopes up.

"If you would be okay with that, I would love to," Thor answered. "I am not sure what we would do, but I would like to get to know you better."

"If you ask me out, I promise I'll accept," Desi promised with a smile. "And you will have three weeks to decide what we will do." She giggled.

"I'll take you up on that." Thor sighed happily and caressed her side with his thumb as he turned Frey to the right to follow Loki as he turned into the more wooded portion of the trail.

Meanwhile Laney was giggling as Loki purposefully made Seph go under a tree with low branches, making them both have to duck beneath them.

"We don't have time to see it today, but there is a river out here. I think you would enjoy seeing it sometime." Loki told Laney, pointing in the general direction of the river.

"That would be fun. Would Seph walk through the water?" she asked, curious.

Loki nodded. "Of course. He is perfectly fine with water. I worked with him a lot to make sure he could handle any situation." He explained with a hint of pride in his tone.

"That must be special. I've always wanted a horse of my own, but father would never allow it even though he required me to learn how to ride so I could travel with him on horseback if the need arose," Laney explained.

"Now that you live here, you can have whatever you wish, a horse included." Loki promised. "There is always room in the stable for one more."

Laney tilted her head back and grinned up at him. "Would you help me pick one out?"

"I would love to darling. I believe there are young ones and a few bond ready adults. I would suggest a baby though. They take more work, but you can raise them exactly how you want." He leaned his head down and kissed her cheek. He had to do very little as Seph knew this trail very well and guided them effortlessly.

She leaned into his touch, then tilted to where she could reach his lips. "We can search for one soon if you'd like. I mentioned to my father in my letter that I am staying here. I also need to speak to Frigga about a post of some sort. I don't want to just sit around all the time and do nothing, if I do I'll get antsy."

"Is keeping me out of trouble not enough work?" Loki asked teasingly.

Laney laughed. "It helps. I just want to be able to use my skills if I'm able to."

"We can talk to mother this evening. I am certain she can find a post for you." He said confidently. When Seph turned right along the trail and brought them out of the woods, the sun was beginning to get low in the sky.

"Should we start back towards the stables?" Laney asked. "It's starting to get dark on us baby."

"I think so. We aren't far from the stables." He pointed to the palace, showing her how they had nearly returned to where they started. "Do you see that path to the left just up ahead? That is where the trail branches off to the village." He explained, just pointing it out.

"We'll have to make the ride into a trip sometime," Laney said, "It would give us some true alone time."

"I will need special permission for that, I cannot go that far yet." Loki sighed, but reminded himself to be patient. "The ride is beautiful and you will love the village."

Laney shrugged as she absently pet Seph's neck. "We can start with something closer if there is somewhere to do so. I would have to talk to Frigga." Seph began to bob his head up and down the closer they got to the stables, knowing it was close to his evening mealtime.

"There is the local market. It is not far, but it is out of my current range. It isn't exciting, but might be a better first step than a village three days away." Loki explained, then chuckled when Seph picked up the pace a bit. "He's excited for dinner."

"I imagine Thor's horse is excited to be getting food too," Laney replied with a giggle.

"It is likely, but I don't think any creature is more excited about dinner than Seph." Loki chuckled. Seph stopped right in front of the stable doors for them to climb off. He neighed excitedly, knowing food was so close.

Thor halted Frey just behind Seph and dismounted from the saddle before he helped Desi down as well. Frey tossed her head and pawed the ground. "Easy girl," he cooed to her as he held onto her bridle. "You'll be fed soon."

Loki hopped right off Seph and helped Laney before opening the stable doors. Frey neighed in protest, wanting Thor to release her so she could follow Seph into the stable. "Just let her go brother." Loki chuckled.

"She's always hard headed when it comes to food," he said with a chuckle. "She still needs her tack removed." Thor held her tightly as he led her inside and clipped her to a rope outside of her stall so he could quickly remove her saddle and pad, then her bridle.

Desi followed and helped Thor remove her tack. "Thank you for today, it was a lovely ride." She said, sweet and sincere.

"You're welcome Desi," Thor answered with a smile. He unclipped Frey and let her walk into her stall so she could begin eating. "I'm glad that you enjoyed yourself."

"It's been a long time since I've had fun like I have this past week... with you." She admitted, blushing softly.

Thor grabbed a couple of brushes and then took Desi gently by the hand and walked in Frey's stall. "I've enjoyed myself as well," he stated as he handed her one of the brushes.

She took the brush and gently brushed Frey's side. "Have you ever been to Yamir?" She asked curiously.

"I have," he replied as he walked around to the other side of Frey and started brushing her. "But it's been quite a long time ago."

"You should visit sometime, it is very nice, especially in the spring." She told Thor, then looked up when the wall torches lit. "The day has gone so fast..."

He nodded. "It has. I wonder if we've missed the evening meal or not?" he pondered aloud. "If we have, I can get us both something and we can eat in the main sitting room if you'd like."

"That sounds very nice. Should we invite Laney and Loki to join us?" She asked, putting the brush away.

Thor shrugged as he closed the stall door behind him and put away his brush as well. "If you'd like to we can. Or it can be just us, I don't mind to do either."

Desi blushed and nodded. "I will let Laney know, I think she's waiting for us. It will likely just be us as she likes to sneak off with Loki." She said and led the way to see if Laney was still there.

Laney had just given Seph a large piece of carrot outside of his stall door and wiped her hand on her trousers. She looked over when she saw Desi walking up to her. "Did you enjoy the ride?" she asked with a smile.

Desi blushed and nodded. "Yes... he wants us to go on a date when I come back." She admitted.

"Seriously!" she exclaimed. "That's good news Desi."

"He also said he will miss me. We are going to have dinner together tonight as well." She explained, smiling the entire time.

Laney pulled Desi in for a hug, then playfully nudged her shoulder. "I told you that he liked you! I'm happy for you Des, truly. He's a sweet man."

Desi returned her hug. "You were right, I've just been scared." She admitted. "He is very sweet and gives me that butterfly feeling all the time."

"Don't let him fool you, I know he's scared too," Laney replied as she leaned against the wall. "Me and Loki can have our evening meal in our rooms to give you two some extra time together before you have to leave tomorrow. Unless you want me to speak to Frigga about seeing if someone can take your post for a few more days.

Desi rubbed her arm, feeling a little unsure. "I don't know. I don't want to leave right now, but I don't want to let my clients down either." She sighed. "Do you think you could ask her about possibly postings I might qualify for?"

Laney nodded. "I can talk to her for sure. Loki mentioned a few other things if you're interested in being here in Asgard."

"My interest is certainly growing." She giggled. "Can I come by after dinner to hear about his suggestions? I don't want to keep Thor waiting."

"Sure. You can stop by anytime, just make sure to knock before you come in."

"You two are bad enough in public, I can't imagine what it's like in your room." She joked. "Alright, I will see you in a few hours!" She hugged Laney again then walked away to find Thor.

Loki passed by Desi as he came over to Laney. "I found the apples he likes." He said, holding up a bright red apple.

"I'm sure he'll be happy to have it," Laney said with a smile. "Guess what?" she asked.

"What?" Loki asked curiously as he fed the apple to Seph. "I would guess it's something good."

"Your brother has asked Desi out on a date," she said smugly.

"It's about time." Loki chuckled. "I'm happy for them, they look very happy together."

Laney laughed. "I'm happy for them too. I'm glad that Thor decided to take the leap and ask her. They're having their evening meal alone together tonight. I figured they deserve some time alone before she has to leave, but she wants to hear your suggestions about her staying here in Asgard afterward."

"Good, they need the time together. We just have to keep our hands off each other for a while longer if she wants to talk after dinner." He teased. "We can talk with mother over dinner and then we will know if a posting here is possible for Desi."

"I don't know if that will happen. You're just as bad as I am," Laney said, a blush on her face.

"We will just have to try our best." Loki shrugged and grinned. "Let's go before we miss the meal."