Desi was in her room, slowly getting ready for the trip home. Knowing she would be back to stay in a few weeks did little to cheer her up at the moment. She knew Frigga would be by to see her, so she tried to stay busy until then. She continued to fold some of her clothes and pack them away when a knock sounded at her door. "It's open!" she called as she continued to do her task.
Frigga stepped in and closed the door behind her. "Good morning Desi. I hope you are well."
"Good morning. I am doing well." Desi said, but her tone was still sad. "Laney told me about the post and I can't tell you how excited I am!"
"That's good to hear," Frigga praised as she made her way to sit on the small sofa in the center of the room. "Did you have any questions about what you would be doing?"
Desi followed and sat on the other end of the sofa. "I don't think so. I will just need to learn the new routine." She said, fairly confident in her abilities as a healer. "I was curious as to where I will be staying though." She admitted.
"You may stay here in the palace if you wish to, or we can secure you a home close by. I want you to be comfortable."
"Would it be alright to stay in the palace? I'd like to be close to my friends." She said truthfully, but the light blush to her cheeks said she wanted to be closer to Thor as well.
Frigga smiled knowingly. "I am glad that Thor has shown interest in you. He has been acting more like his usual self since you two met."
Desi blushed deeper. "You don't mind it, even knowing I am a commoner?" She hesitantly asked.
"Dear, you have a very important post and you will be helping Asgard out immensely as well as the surrounding villages," she explained as she reached over to pat her knee. "I do not see you as such and neither does my husband."
Desi shook her head. "I am in no way ashamed of my position. I just know it is not traditional for a future king to court beneath his status." She explained shyly.
Frigga smirked at her. "We haven't really been traditional for a long time," she said with a chuckle. "I understand your worries, but we are happy that the both of you found each other and we hope that things go well for you. I am not going to push for any announcements or balls or anything either. I know that you've barely kindled this and need time with each other for it to grow."
Desi relaxed and smiled. "Thank you. I don't really know where this is headed either, but he is so sweet. When the realization hit me that he's going to be king, I nearly walked away then, but Laney convinced me to get to know him." She admitted, rubbing her arm.
"Thor has a lot of weight on his shoulders," Frigga agreed. "It's been weighing heavy on his mind and his heart. But I have a good feeling about the both of you."
"He has talked to me about it, to an extent. I will do my best to help him." She promised. "I um... I just don't want anyone to think my interest is due to his status..." She said softly.
"Oh dear, do not fret about that. Gossip may travel, as normal things do, but it will not be bothersome," Frigga assured. "I know my oldest has a bit of a reputation with women, but that was when he was younger. Loki did as well if I am honest. But I assure you, things will work out."
"He does? Did he used to do a lot of dating?" Desi asked curiously, not upset, just wanting to know more about his past.
Frigga nodded and chuckled. "When he came of age to begin courting he chased a lot of girls. Although that's when girls also started chasing him. I let him learn how to choose someone correctly for good reasons on his own."
Desi giggled softly. "I can see why. He is the most beautiful man I have ever seen." She admitted, then blushed deeply when she realized she had just said that to his mother. "I didn't mean that in a disrespectful way..."
"It's alright dear," she answered with a laugh. "I have heard worse through the grapevine."
"I really didn't mean it like that. I would never be with someone just for their looks." Desi replied, being honest and also not wanting Frigga to have the wrong impression of her.
"Oh, I know dear. I was just stating a fact. Over the years I have heard many things said and I didn't want you to be embarrassed." Frigga grinned at the young woman that sat beside her and decidedly crossed her legs when another knock sounded on the door. "I do believe that may be my son."
"I better go let him in then." She said, unable to hide the grin. She stood up and hurried to the door and opened it.
Thor stood in the doorway, dressed down in a white tunic and light brown trousers. "Good morning Desi," he said sweetly. "I hope you slept well."
"Yes I did, did you sleep well?" She asked sweetly, stepping aside for him to come in.
"I did," he answered. "Even though we were up quite late talking last night." He stepped into the room and watched Desi close the door before he turned and saw his mother sitting on the sofa. "Morning mother, I did not know you were visiting Desi or I would have waited."
"Good morning dear." Frigga said with a smile. "There is no need to wait, I only stopped by to tell Desi about local postings she might be interested in."
Thor's grin widened. "I am sure she will be very happy to talk about them." He looked down at her before taking her hand in his own.
Desi looked down at their joined hands and smiled. "I have already accepted a posting. When I return, I will be moving into the palace full time." She told Thor.
"Truly?" he asked with widened eyes.
Frigga chuckled at her son's excited voice. "Yes son. She will be talking to her advisor when she returns to Yamir. We will have to clean out rooms for her so she can move her belongings."
Thor beamed and suddenly picked Desi up by her hips and spun her in a circle before placing her back onto the ground. "That is wonderful!" he exclaimed.
Desi blushed and giggled at how he spun her. "I am very good friends with my advisor and she will help me reschedule my clients to fit the couple of trips I make." She told them both, then turned to Frigga. "Could I just keep this room? It is more than enough room for me."
"If you would like," Frigga answered. "These can be your permanent rooms."
Thor had let go of her and currently wore a blush of his own, embarrassed at his excited display of affection. "I am happy you have chosen to stay."
Desi felt a little disappointed when he released her. "I am happy I was able to get a post that allows me to stay. It will be nice to be close to all the people I care about." She said sincerely. "This will be a long few weeks."
Frigga stood and smoothed out her dress. "I fear it will be a long few weeks for the both of you. It is getting close to the afternoon meal, so I will let the both of you have some time together." She made her way to stand beside them at the door. "Desi, I wish you a safe trip, and I will see you when you return."
Desi gave her a soft smile. "Thank you, for everything. I am already looking forward to returning." She replied, then glanced at her packed bags. "I wish I didn't have to go at all."
"I know dear," Frigga stated. "Maybe if you get your affairs in order quickly, you can come back sooner."
Desi's eyes lit up at her statement. "I can? Really? I think I can have everything arranged in a week or so!" She said happily.
"I will have Thor let you know for certain. I do not know if you could start your new post so soon, but I will see." Frigga put her hand on the door and nodded to them both, happy to see them happy. "I will see you again soon."
Desi watched Frigga go, then turned to Thor. "I should finish getting ready, it will be time to go soon." She said, trying to not look too sad about it.
Thor reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. "We will see each other again soon." He let her go and watched as she walked back to her belongings and began to fold clothes again while he took the place where his mother had sat.
"Even though I may not be gone as long as I thought, you can still write if you like." Desi said, just making conversation while packing the last of her clothes.
"I plan to, my dear. I do not think I could stop myself from doing so," he replied.
Desi closed her bag and tied it off, then picked both bags up. "I want to go find Laney real quick and let her know about the change in my return. Would you like to come with me?"
Thor stood and offered her his hand. "Of course. I do think they are still in their chambers this morning."
Desi took his hand with her free hand and led them out. She was quiet on the walk down the corridor to Laney and Loki's chambers. Once there, she set her bags down against the wall and knocked on the door. "I hope they are here, I don't know that I have time to look elsewhere."
"I am sure they are here," Thor answered, just as the door opened to see Laney.
"Morning Desi, Thor," she greeted, then stepped aside to let them in.
Desi walked inside and stopped right in front of Laney. "Guess what! Frigga said I might be able to come back earlier than expected!" She said excitedly.
Laney let out a squeal of surprise and grabbed Desi in a hug. "That would be amazing!"
Desi returned Laney's hug. "She is going to let Thor know when she finds out, and he will send word. The moment I am back, I will rework my schedule and start packing so I will be ready to come back. I'm not waiting a moment longer than I have to!"
"I don't blame you! I am so happy for you and happy that you decided to move here to Asgard. It will be amazing to have you here with me." She let go of Desi and looked back at the bedroom door, then back at her friends. "I know Loki is happy for you as well, but he's not feeling well at the moment. His head is hurting him."
She looked towards the door with a concerned look. "Is the potion not helping?"
"I am not quite sure how well it is helping. He told me last night that the area was still swollen," she said, being vague on the subject with Thor in the room, although he also looked concerned.
"Is my brother ill?" he asked.
"As his healer, I am not able to discuss his condition much, but he will be perfectly fine." Desi assured Thor, before turning back to Laney. "Do you think he would consent to an exam?"
Laney bit her lip. "He's been argumentative about it. I do not know if he will let you."
Desi sighed softly but nodded. "Can you ask him? And if he won't, will you see if he will at least give you more detail about the area?" She asked, hoping it would be enough. "I want to help him."
She nodded. "I can try. Just wait here a moment. If he has an outburst, do not take what he says to heart."
Laney turned and walked into the dimly lit bedroom. She'd dimmed the torches because of the pain he was complaining of. "Loki?" she called out quietly, seeing his prone form laying on the bed.
"Yes darling?" Loki replied and slowly sat up in bed. "Is it time to go see Desi off?" He asked her.
"Not quite yet," she answered. "But Desi is in the sitting room. I let her know you are in pain... she wants to help you."
"Help me how exactly?" He asked, but his tone suggested he already had a decent idea of what Laney would say.
Laney took a deep breath and then cleared her throat. "She has asked if she could examine you and see if something is wrong or if the elixir is not helping like it should."
Loki rolled his eyes. "Not a chance. No one is going to see me like that." He said firmly. "I will be fine. It's just a headache."
"Loki, baby... you said last night you are still swollen. I don't want something to be wrong," she said, concerned.
"So you think I should just turn into a mon... one of those in front of her?" He asked, very frustrated.
Laney held in a sigh and walked up to stand in front of him. She caressed the side of his cheek, then gently ran her hand across his forehead and watched him wince. "She works with the Jotun on a normal basis, sweetheart. I'm worried about you."
He stayed quiet for a moment, thinking it over. "Doesn't she have to leave soon though?" He asked, hoping that would be enough of a delay in his much needed exam.
"She does, but she has enough time to see if you need help," she replied quietly. "Will you let her help you?" she asked in a whisper.
Loki looked up and met her eyes, feeling his resolve break a little when he saw how genuine her concern was. "Fine, but she is the only one who will see me like that. No trying to even peek in. That is my terms."
"Alright," she said quietly, then bent to kiss his cheek. "I will send her in." Laney quietly turned and left the room, squinting her eyes as she adjusted to the brighter sitting room. She saw that Thor and Desi sat on the couch, chatting, and she cleared her throat to gain their attention. "He will see you Desi," she stated, her voice barely faltering. Hold it together...
Desi looked up when Laney cleared her throat, then quickly stood. "He will be fine, I promise." She said and walked over to give Laney a quick hug. "Keep Thor company for me, alright?" She joked, then walked into the bedroom.
Desi walked out of the bedroom nearly thirty minutes later. "Laney? He's back to normal now, if you want to go see him." She called out as she was walking back to the sitting room.
Laney looked up from reading one of her books, having been too anxious to talk much with Thor, though he had an arm draped around her shoulders. She closed the book and stood as she placed it on the coffee table. "How is he?"
"He's sore, but alright. The horns didn't break through the skin properly and that is what caused so much pain. I have corrected it, but he will be sore for a few days. After that, they should come in enough for him to be healed up in a week or so." Desi explained. "And no worries, he said Thor could know."
She nodded. "I will go see him," she said quietly, then quickly walked into the bedroom, leaving Thor and Desi alone. She knew that Thor would want some sort of explanation. When she walked into the room, it was still quite dark. Laney wiped the unwilling tears that were falling from her cheeks as she walked over to the bed. "Loki?" she called weakly.
"Is she gone? Is it just you now?" Loki asked, voice muffled by the blanket he had pulled over his head.
"Yes sweetheart," she said quietly. "It's just me."
He pulled the blanket off his head. Now that he was back in the form she knew, he looked no different than before, other than his expression showing less pain now. "Good. I will never do any of that again." He said firmly and carefully sat up.
She wanted to reach out and hug him close to her, but refrained from doing so, knowing that he was still feeling hostile. "She was able to help you. That's all that matters."
He reached out his hand to her, wanting the comfort she could give him. "Please sit with me..." He pleaded, worried she felt differently now, since she was keeping her distance.
Laney gently took his outstretched hand and let him pull her into his lap, feeling tears start again from the stress of the situation. She wrapped her arms around his neck tightly and hid her face, hoping to hide her tears.
Loki hesitated and only lightly wrapped his arms around her. "I'm truly sorry if I hurt you with all this." He said, sounding heartbroken. If I could stop being a monster, I would...
She shook her head against his neck. "I'm just glad that you are okay. I know it's only something minor, but you scared me."
"I... I asked you not to look in... I..." His voice faltered, still thinking her hesitation was due to him taking his Jotun form.
Laney lifted her head to kiss his cheek. "I will not lie to you Loki," she whispered, "It hurts. But... I understand your reasoning. You will let me see you when you're ready."
"I only agreed because you looked so worried, and it felt like it would hurt you if I refused... I never meant to hurt you." Loki said truthfully, and tried to hide a sniffle. Please don't leave me...
Laney began playing with his hair as she stayed curled in his lap. "I know Loki. It's just something that we will have to get through together. When you're ready, I will be ready. I'm not going anywhere." She kissed his cheek, then his jaw. "You're stuck with me."
Loki took a deep breath to calm himself. "Are you... mad at me?" He asked softly, still scared of losing her. I have to fix this... somehow...
She sat up so she could meet his eyes as she shook her head. "No love. I'm not mad at you. My feelings are a bit hurt, but I'm not mad." She leaned forward and kissed him gently, lingering against his lips as she tightened the grip she held on his hair.
He returned her kiss but his fear of losing her was evident in the way he barely pressed his lips to hers.
Feeling his reluctance, Laney pulled away and looked into his eyes. "Loki?" She asked. "What is it?"
Loki looked away, ashamed of himself. "I hurt you. I scared you and made you cry... you wouldn't even come over to me when you first came in... I don't want to lose you. I wish I could turn back time and decline the treatment now, just so we could go back to normal." He sniffled softly.
Laney sighed, then smiled at him. "Loki, we are okay. I was timid because I wanted to see if you still needed space. I cried because I was worried about you. I'm not going anywhere." She kissed his nose, then his chin, then his jaw. "Please trust in me that I'm not ever leaving you."
He finally started to calm down. "I never need space from you. Letting her see me left me shaken and I just wanted to hold you." He admitted. "Whatever she did also left my head... foggy."
She reached up and tenderly touched his forehead. "Desi said they weren't coming in correctly, so she fixed it. One of the things she did may have made you sleepy."
He winced but didn't pull away. "Would it be alright if I have a nap while you meet the healer?"
"Yes you can," Laney answered. "Do you still want to see Desi off? I'm sure she'll be leaving soon."
"Thank you darling. Yes, I will see her off first, then nap. I don't even feel like having the afternoon meal right now." He replied, wanting to sleep off the medication she had given him.
"That's okay." She gently kissed his forehead. "I love you my Loki," she whispered.
"I love you too Laney." He said softly, then relaxed enough to let Laney stand, then lay down again. He curled up with the blankets just like he used to do as a child when he did not feel well.
"I will be back soon," she cooed as she ran a hand through his long hair, then kissed his cheek one last time before she re-emerged in the sitting room.
Thor looked up from his place on the sofa with Desi curled into his side. "How is he?"
"Tired. I'm going to let him stay here while we see you off Desi," she explained.
Desi looked up but didn't move. "I gave him a mild sedative. I suggested he take a nap, but he argued with me. That's all he needs though and he will feel much better." She assured Laney, able to tell she was still worried.
Laney nodded as she rubbed her arms. "When do we have to be at the Bifrost?"
"I need to be there no later than twenty minutes from now." Desi replied, but remained curled up to Thor. "Loki will be feeling much better by the evening meal, I promise."
"Thank you for helping him," she answered quietly. "I know it's hard for him."
"It was harder for him than I thought it would be. It only took me a few minutes to correct the horn. The rest of the time was just arguing with him. He was terrified you would somehow see him and hate him." Desi explained, feeling bad for how he was raised.
Tears welled in Laney's eyes again. "I could never hate him," she murmured, so close to breaking down. Keep it together... just a bit longer to see Desi off.
Desi quickly stood up and walked over to Laney, hugging her tight. "It's alright. He will work past this. I have some ideas of ways to help him, and we can work on it when I get back, alright?"
Laney clutched tightly onto Desi, but nodded. "I'll hold you to that." They stood there for a few moments before she decided to speak again. "Would you be mad if I let Thor take you to the Bifrost?" She whispered.
"I think I'll survive." She teased. "Just keep in mind that he spent his entire life believing the Jotnar are horrible. It truly damaged him." Desi said, rubbing Laney's back. "Try to have a normal week, alright?"
"I know. I also know it's likely to get worse before it gets better." She tightened her grip around Desi, then kissed her cheek. "Be safe, I'll miss you."
"That's true, but if this is the Loki you've told me about, he's worth it." She encouraged. "I will write to you as soon as I get there."
Laney reluctantly let Desi go and wiped her eyes as she watched Thor stand. "Go and have some last minute time with Thor," she said with a smile. "I will await your letter."
"Are you sure you don't want to come with us? Loki should be sound asleep by now." Desi said, wishing she knew how to ease Laney's worries.
"I'm sure." She looked over at Thor and smiled at him. "Besides, I think he wants to make his goodbye special for you both."
Desi blushed. "Don't forget to write and tell me all about the healer you'll be working with!" She gave Laney a final hug then returned to Thor.
"I won't," Laney replied, then silently watched them leave the room together before she walked back into the bedroom to lay beside Loki.
Thor smiled down at Desi while they walked, hand in hand, towards the Bifrost. "They both have a lot to work through it seems."
Desi looked up at Thor. "I know they do. It was heartbreaking in there. He was terrified of shifting, saying he didn't want to look like the monster everyone thinks he is. He's also convinced Laney will leave him when she sees what he looks like."
"I feel horrible for my brother. I know I played some part in how he feels and I wish that I could help him." He sighed as he removed his hand from Desi's only to wrap his arm around her waist, seeking comfort.
Desi stopped their walking once they reached the rainbow bridge, set her bags down, and turned to hug him tight. "You can help him. Just help him see that he is accepted and loved."
Thor let out a sigh as he hugged her tightly to his chest. "It's going to be so different without you here," he murmured, "You help me in so many ways."
"I will be back as soon as you send word for me." Desi promised. "It's just a week..."
"A very long week," Thor replied with a chuckle as he pulled away from her only to caress her cheek with the back of his hand. Gods, I want to kiss her...
Desi leaned her cheek into his touch. "If I didn't have to go, I wouldn't." She sighed when she heard the bells signaling the time. "I think I have to go now..."
He took her hand and picked up her bags with the other, then walked her to the entrance of the Bifrost. "May I do one thing before you go?" He asked softly.
Desi nodded. "Of course." She agreed, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
Third smiled sweetly, then leaned forward to place a lingering kiss on her cheek. "Come back to me Lady Desi," he whispered, "I will be waiting."
Desi raised her hand to her cheek as if to trap the feeling of his kiss. "I promise I will come back to you." She said softly. She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek then grabbed her bags and ran off into the Bifrost, in tears.
