Loki let Laney lead him down to the Yamir market. He bought them some various snacks from the various merchants, then stopped them in front of a jewelry vendor to look at the finely woven necklaces. "See any you like darling?"

Laney held onto Loki's left arm as she looked, spying a beautiful emerald necklace that reminded her of his eyes. "I like the green one, but it's probably expensive Loki."

Without hesitation, he paid the merchant and took the necklace, then turned and gently clipped it around her neck. "It looks beautiful on you darling."

A blush rapidly filled Laney's cheeks as she reached up to touch the amulet that now hung from her neck. "You didn't have to do that Loki," she murmured, "But thank you."

Loki smiled at Laney. "It is a small price to pay, and I've never been able to buy you something nice."

Laney pulled on his arm gently so she could kiss his cheek. "You're adorable." She turned and began leading him down the next aisle.

"And you're gorgeous." He smiled and followed her. Loki ignored the baby clothes they passed and looked for another merchant that might have something he could buy for Laney.

Meanwhile Laney's eyes zeroed in on a merchant ahead of them that sold blankets in all sizes, but what had caught her eyes was a small pale blue blanket meant for a child. She let go of Loki's arm, walked up to it and ran her hand along the fabric. It's so soft!

Loki followed her, giving her a curious look. "Do you want me to see if this is sold in a larger size?" He asked her.

"I do like the fabric," Laney commented. "It's very soft."

Loki asked the merchant and bought an adult size blanket made from the same fabric for Laney. "This will cover you better." He said, showing her the blanket in the same shade of blue.

She smiled at him as she ran her hands over the blanket he held. "You are so sweet Loki," she cooed. If only you know what was going on in my mind.

Loki gave Laney a bright smile. "Do you see anything else you like? We can get anything you want." He promised her.

Laney giggled as she watched him vanish the blanket. "I'll keep looking. Where do things go when you do that?" She asked curiously.

"It depends on where I send them. The blanket was teleported to our bedroom so we don't have to carry it. I do have a rift pocket I send stuff to as well." He explained.

"That's so neat," Laney replied as they turned and continued walking. "I don't know if I will ever become that good with seidr."

"Of course you can become that good. You can get as good as you want to be." Loki assured her, taking her hand as they walked.

"I guess we'll have to see." They made it to the end of the aisle when Laney noticed someone selling horses on the far side of the market. "I wonder if those are from the stables?" Laney asked aloud.

Loki took a closer look at the horses then shook his head. "No, the palace buys so many horses and the rest are sold here. I would guess these are from Alfheim." He told her.

Laney grasped Loki's hand as she continued to look at them. "Should we see what they have? Or would you rather search for one back home?"

"We can look. The elves raise very level headed horses." Loki replied and led her closer so she could meet the horses.

They walked up to the animal merchant's area. There was a small area full of chickens and goats, but on the far end four horses stood tied to a hitching post, munching on hay. Laney walked up to the horses, listening to them munch on their food. "They are so calm..."

"You can touch them, these are some of the best horses you'll find." Loki smiled and stroked one of the horse's noses as he ate. "I think one would be very good for you."

Laney reached out and stroked the neck of a dapple grey horse, a smile on her face. "I like the color of this one."

Loki came over and looked the horse over. "She's a nice one. Her color is good and her build is nearly perfect."

"What breed is she?" Laney asked as the mare lifted her head and nudged Laney's hand, wanting to be rubbed on. "She's really friendly."

"They are called Andalusians. They are powerful but very gentle and level headed. They are one of the breeds the elves fully developed." Loki replied, giving the horse a curious look. "I'm surprised the stablemaster didn't take her."

The mare snorted and nodded her head a few times as the merchant walked up to them. "Do you see one that you like?" the man asked.

"Do you have the palace records on this mare?" Loki asked him curiously. "I'm curious as to why she wasn't kept by the stablemaster."

The merchant nodded. "I do. I have all of her paperwork in my satchel. She was picked to be the princess's horse, but proved too much to handle for the young girl. This horse has a lot of spirit."

"Does she have any bad behaviors? She acts very calm here." Loki said, still watching how the mare reacted to everything.

"She's very strong willed and loves to run," The merchant explained. "With a bit of training I believe that could be curbed."

Loki nodded. "I can work with that." He said then turned to Laney. "What do you think darling?"

Laney stared at the large mare and met her gentle stare with one of her own. "I really like her Loki. I feel a connection with her." She gently rubbed the mare's velvet nose and let her grab at her fingers with her lips.

"Alright, we will take her." Loki told the merchant. "Can you arrange to have her transported to Asgard?"

The merchant smiled at him. "Yes sir! Where in Asgard will she be going?"

"She is going to the palace stable. Just tell the stablemaster she is mine and he will know what to do." Loki explained.

It was then the merchant realized who was speaking to him. "Prince Loki! Of course, of course. I will get her paperwork filled out straight away."

"Thank you." Loki said and handed the merchant a small pouch with coins. "Have a good day." He added with a smile as he took Laney's hand. "She will arrive around the same time we return home." He promised Laney.

Laney pet the horse's nose one last time before they started walking again. "I am excited to see her again when we get home." Laney leaned against Loki's side as she suddenly felt her stomach growl. "It should be getting close to lunch."

"Do you know the way to Desi's place?" Loki asked as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and held her close. "Should we need to bring any food with us?"

Laney shook her head as she held onto his waist. "Desi said she was going to fix a large salad and some other things. I'm sure she will have more than enough food."

"Alright then, we will just show up." Loki smiled and leaned down to kiss the top of her head. "Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm alright love, just starting to feel hungry," Laney answered with a smile. "Desi's home isn't far from here. It's just a few streets over, close to the clinic."

"I will rely on your directions darling. If she doesn't already have lunch ready, I'm sure she will have a snack you can have." Loki assured her as they continued walking down the road.

Laney grinned. "I'm sure she prepared it this morning before she started her post." She led Loki down a couple of streets before they turned down Desi's street. "Her villa has the pale yellow roof."

Loki nodded and led the way. When they arrived, he raised his hand to knock when Desi opened the door. "You made it!" She said happily and hugged Laney. "Nice necklace, has someone been shopping?" She teased.

Laney blushed. "Loki saw fit to spoil me at the market this morning." They stepped inside the home and were welcomed by the smell of fresh baked bread. "Been busy today?" she asked.

"No, not overly busy. I had a friend stop by, I hope you don't mind." Desi replied and led them into the dining room where a Jotun male was sitting at the table.

A bright smile lit up Laney's face once she saw who it was. "Gall! How are you? I have not seen you in so long."

"I'm doing well. I wanted to see you off when I heard you were leaving, but I was still tending to business on Jotunheim," he explained. Gall stood then walked over and hugged Laney tightly. He could see how tense Loki was and decided to give him a little longer before trying to talk with him.

Laney hugged him tightly in return. "I left rather suddenly, I do apologize."

"It's fine. Desi filled me in on some details. I'm so happy to hear that life is going so well for you." He said, then motioned for them to all sit, hoping it would help Loki relax.

"It's been quite well," Laney agreed. She turned to Loki and motioned for him to sit beside her, across from Gall and Desi before she sat down. "Desi could I have a glass of water or milk if you have it?" she asked.

Loki reluctantly sat down with them. He kept his hands under the table since the close proximity to Gall was beginning to trigger the shift. "Sure! I'll be right back with drinks!" Desi said and headed into the kitchen. When she returned, she had milk for her and Laney and juice for the guys.

"Thank you," Laney said gratefully, then took a drink from her cup. "How have you been Gall?" she asked. "I know things were a little tense back home for you the last we talked."

Gall nodded. "It wasn't easy staying there for so long, but things were improving by the time I returned. I think the family is finally going to move out here with me." He explained happily.

"That's so good to hear! You'll have to let me know if they do," Laney replied kindly. She looked over at Loki, then glanced down at his arms. "Loki, love, this is Gall. He's a good friend to both Desi and me. He moved here to Yamir after a property dispute in Jotunheim. His wife and child are with his mother still."

Loki gave a little nod. "Hi." He mumbled softly.

"It's nice to meet you." Gall said with a smile. "You will all have to come visit when my family is settled in." He told all three of them.

Laney nodded. "I will try to do so. Write to me in Asgard when you do."

"I will. It will likely be in the next few weeks. I'd love for you to meet our son at some point." Gall replied.

"Awe, that would be lovely. I enjoy being around kids," Laney replied.

"I also have a job that will be bringing me to Asgard for a few weeks. That won't be for a few months, but they will be coming with me and you could visit then as well." Gall told her, thinking that might make it easier.

Laney sat back in her seat, half of her milk now gone. "That sounds perfect," she replied happily then looked over at Loki with a smile. "Are you okay?"

"I guess so... you knew about this, didn't you?" Loki asked in barely more than a whisper. He finally sipped his drink but coughed a bit. "I didn't expect that burst of cold." he said as it triggered him to fully shift.

"It's a little treat I brought from Jotunheim." Gall said with a smile.

"I knew Desi wanted you to meet someone, but I didn't know when it would be," Laney replied honestly. "But you can talk to him about anything you want to."

"What would we even talk about?" Loki asked curiously, clearly not wanting to. When Desi set his salad down in front of him, he focused on picking at it.

Laney bit her lip and glanced over at Desi. I really want this to go right. She thanked Desi for her salad and began to eat while she kept her eye on Loki, knowing that he felt uncomfortable. "So Desi, how is your packing coming along?"

Desi looked up from her salad. "It's going great. I do need help with those tall shelves in the closet. Other than that, I'll be finished tonight." She answered. "Oh, after lunch, I have something I want to show you."

"I'm sure Loki won't mind helping you with that," Laney replied before she ate another bite of her salad. "Will I like what you want to show me?" she asked.

"I will help." Loki agreed right before he took another bite.

"Um... it's kind of personal so I'd rather not say right here." Desi admitted.

Laney nodded. "Alright."

Gall looked between Laney and Loki. I hope my presence is not hindering anything. He took a drink of his juice and then took the last couple of bites of his food. "Would you like me to gather empty plates Desi?" he asked.

"You just sit and relax. I'll get them." Desi said and stood up when she was finished with her salad. She collected the plates and took them to the kitchen. "Laney, can you come to the bedroom with me please?" She asked when she walked back into the dining room.

"Right behind you," Laney called. She stood and grabbed her now empty cup and followed Desi into the kitchen, then followed her into the bedroom. "What do you want to show me? Is something the matter?" she asked, leaving the door open a tad behind them so she'd be able to hear Loki if he became too uncomfortable.

"Everything is fine, I'm just trying something." Desi answered, peeking out at Loki and Gall. After a few minutes, they could both hear them as they started talking. "Come and look." She told Laney quietly.

Laney peeked out of the crack in the door to see Loki and Gall talking companionably. "That's a good sight to see. I guess Loki is just that shy." She stood away from the door and looked at Desi. "Do you think I could talk to Gall about my shoulder? I am hoping Loki asks him about it to get information straight from him, although he did want to speak to you about it."

"He hasn't even fussed about shifting to his Jotun form. He's come a long way already." Desi said happily then went and sat on the bed. "You can ask him. I invited him because he's very open and understanding. I knew he wouldn't take offense if Loki reacted badly." She explained.

"I think we're both wanting a more in depth explanation, not that I don't love what you've already told us," Laney explained. She absently ran her hand along her stomach, then sighed. "Are you certain that you can test within days, rather than weeks? It seems so soon to know."

"I think you should talk to him alone unless you're ready for Loki to know," Desi advised. "But yes, I can tell you much. I can test to confirm but can't tell gender, if you have twins, or anything else."

"Oh gods, I would not want twins," Laney said with a nervous chuckle, then sat down beside Desi on the bed. "Don't get me wrong, we would handle it, but, that's just a lot. I just hope that they're doing okay in there at the moment. If Loki asks about it, he may guess on his own."

"I will do my best to tell him what he wants to know in a way that doesn't help him guess." Desi said, then heard a loud crash. She jumped and jerked the door open to find Loki and Gall locked in a snowball fight, conjuring the snowballs on their own.

Laney stepped out of the room only to be hit with a snowball, making her yelp due to the cold. "Loki!" she laughed. "What are you two up to?"

Loki froze and was hit directly in the face by a blast of snow. "N-nothing. I was just... it's not..." he sighed, knowing he couldn't make excuses for the fun he was having.

Laney crossed her arms and shook her head. "I know the both of you are having fun, but you're going to mess up Desi's home."

Gall looked sheepish as he put his arms behind his back. "I apologize Laney, Desi. Loki was just curious if the Jotun have natural magic or if it has to be learned, so I told him about the ice and snow wielding."

Desi smiled at them both. "It's fine, I'm just happy to see Loki so relaxed. I do need his help though, and Laney has a couple questions for you." She told Gall.

"I'd be happy to answer them," Gall said with a smile, then watched as Loki brushed himself off and vanished the mess of snow they had made before he joined Desi in her room, but not before stopping to give Laney a kiss.

"What can I answer for you?" Gall asked Laney as he led her to the sitting room where they could rest more comfortably.

Laney sat beside him on the sofa and took a deep breath before she raised the sleeve of her blouse to show him her shoulder. "Desi has already told me a little bit about its significance, but I was wondering if you would know things even she does not."

Gall grinned, seeing the mark. "Congratulations." He told her. "I might know more, just through personal experience."

"So there's no denying it then?" Laney asked as a blush filled her cheeks.

"No denying what? The conception? That is for certain and one of the clearest marks I've ever seen." Gall replied.

"Loki doesn't know," Laney stated softly, then looked down at herself before she looked back at Gall again. "He doesn't even remember biting me... at all. It scares him that he cannot remember."

"Was he taught about the bites? It should have been explained to him in his adolescent years." Gall replied.

"No," Laney replied sadly. "Loki was brought up as an aesir, his heritage hidden from him until he found out for himself as an adult. He doesn't know much of anything about the Jotun race. Everything he was taught about them makes them evil in his eyes."

Gall nodded, understanding. "Normally, he would have been taught. It is second nature to us, just like blinking or breathing. Without knowing what to look for, none of us would be aware of it. The fact that he doesn't remember it is nothing wrong with him. He will remember them in the future."

Laney nodded and felt herself blush at the thought of her next question. "Umm... our coupling... was my first. Is it normal for this to happen the first time? Or did he sense it without knowing?" She bit her lip, wanting to word things just right, to help him understand her thoughts.

Gall thought about it for a moment. "He might have sensed it to some degree, but young Jotnar are very fertile. Without very specific enchantments, conception is practically guaranteed each time." He explained to her.

Laney furrowed her brow. "So unless I am already expecting, each time we are intimate without any enchantments or potions, I will conceive? Even without it being the right time in cycle? Loki told me that he uses contraceptive charms on himself, but I'm guessing they didn't work by everyone's words."

"Was he in his Æsir or Jotun form during the coupling? If his charms were designed for his Æsir form, they would be ineffective for his Jotun form. As for your cycle, the Jotnar seed is potent enough to trigger a female to become fertile within hours of mating." He explained as best as he could.

"Wow..." Laney rubbed the back of her neck at the information she was given. "He umm... he changed during our coupling, something he has never done before that I know of. I am not his first partner, but he is mine."

"Did you ask him about his forms with other partners?" Gall asked her curiously. "The Jotnar are very passionate. Being intimate like that is likely what triggered his change. I would guess he is your life partner."

"I have not," Laney admitted. "Although he told me that he'd never felt like he did with me. Are you saying we're soulmates?" She smiled at the thought. "I would believe you if you did."

"That is exactly what I'm saying. Only a life mate could bring forth enough passion to make him shift without knowing. Part of him wanted you to see him as he truly is. It is a sign of love and trust." Gall replied with a small smile.

Laney smiled back at him. "That's beautiful Gall. Thank you for talking to me about all of this. I know it's not what you were supposed to come here for." She sighed as she let a hand rest on her stomach. "I'm frightened to tell Loki."

"I came here to help in any way I could." Gall assured her. "Why are you frightened?"

"Loki was raised to dislike the Jotun race," she explained. "Ever since he found out, he believes if he has children, he will dislike them."

"I can see why he feels that way, but it is extremely rare for a Jotun to reject a child. He will realize that once he has a chance to let it sink in." Gall assured her.

Laney nodded with a small grin just as Desi and Loki walked into the sitting room to join them, causing her to remove her hand from her stomach and onto the sofa. "Get everything finished?"

"Yes we did." Loki answered and sat next to Laney, wrapping his arm around her. "Desi also told me that it's normal to not remember biting you due to everything else I was feeling."

Laney grinned and kissed his cheek. "I told you it was okay."

"I know but it still bothered me." Loki told her truthfully.

"You did not learn about these things when you should have. Now that you are aware of making the marks, you will remember making them in the future." Gall assured him and Loki nodded but looked uneasy at the thought of biting Laney again.

Laney grasped Loki's hand. "Gall told me that you shifted because we are considered life partners... soulmates."

"I already knew we were soulmates, but I didn't know it would make me shift." Loki admitted and lifted the back of her hand to kiss it.

"Because we are, is why you shifted. Only a life partner could cause it to happen," Laney explained softly.

Loki gave a little nod. "Do I have to stay like this for us to be soulmates?" He asked, indicating his Jotun form.

"No love, you don't. We're always going to be soulmates," she replied softly. "You are shifted now because you're in close quarters with Gall, at least that's my assumption."

"Actually, that is not entirely true. Just being this close is not enough to make him shift. I cast a spell to chill him just enough to trigger the change. I wanted to show him that very little changes when he takes this form." Gall explained.

Laney nodded and squeezed Loki's hand. "I'm glad you can make him feel more comfortable."

"You should encourage him to go out more in this form. I do not know much about Asgard, but in the markets here, no one will give this form a second glance. The Jotnar live freely here, and I think it will do him some good to experience that acceptance." Gall replied, watching how Loki kept Laney close. He could see how protective Loki was of Laney and wondered if Loki even realized it.

"I will try to while we are here," Laney answered. "But in Asgard, I am unsure how things would go. A lot needs to be altered there for the people to see the Jotnar differently."

"Perhaps, but someone has to take that first step. Once someone begins the change, more of the Jotnar will go to Asgard. Before you know it, it will be very similar to the ways here." Gall told her.

"I hope so," Laney stated, then looked at Loki with a soft smile before she looked back at Gall. "Gall, I want to thank you for everything today. It is very kind of you to do this for us."

"I am happy to help any time, just send word and I will always help." He promised. "I think I will be on my way now, so he can have a chance to relax."

Laney stood and gave Gall a hug. "I hope we will see each other sooner than later. If we have any more questions I will write to you if that is okay."

"I hope you will write even if you do not have questions." Gall said with a smile and returned her hug. Afterward, he excused himself and left.

"We need to all get together in the future." Desi told Laney, happy everything went better than expected.

"I've always loved visiting with Gall. He tells amazing stories from Jotunheim." Laney turned and looked at Loki. "Did you enjoy his company?"

Loki glanced over at Laney nervously. "I don't know... it was alright I guess." He mumbled, not wanting to admit he did have fun.

Laney smirked at him. "Says the man who made a mess of snow all over the kitchen and hallway," she teased.

Loki blushed and looked away. "I didn't want to be rude."

"Uh huh... you can say that you enjoyed yourself Loki. Nobody is going to say anything if you did. Everyone can make new friends."

"But... he is one of them." Loki said softly, feeling ashamed for being embarrassed.

"Loki Odinson," Laney warned as she pointed a finger at him, "Just because he is Jotun does not make him different from me or Desi. I know you had fun today and I know this is hard for you, but you need to try to relax and give the man a chance."

Loki just stared at the floor for a minute. "I... I did have fun." He finally admitted.

Laney walked up to him and lifted Loki's head so he could see her before she kissed him chastely. "See... now that wasn't so hard huh?"

Loki gave her a discouraged look. "Do I really have to go out like this? What if someone sees me?"

"We can work up to it if you'd like, but you've been able to shift back for some time now and you haven't done so. We will work on it." Laney ran a hand through his hair, then looked back at Desi with a small smile as she felt him rest his head against her stomach. Loki, I want to tell you... but I'm scared.

"Wait, I've been able to shift back? I... I didn't even think about it." Loki admitted, confused by his own thoughts. "The horns don't hurt anymore."

Laney nodded. "Yes Loki. He didn't force you to stay the way you are, he only made you cold enough to change. You chose not to reverse it." She gently ran her fingertips around the base of both horns. "They aren't swollen anymore."

A shiver ran down Loki's spine at Laney's touch. "The swelling went down last night, and then today they haven't been sore at all. I still don't like them though."

Your body likes them. Laney gently ran her fingers along the length of each horn, feeling the softness that would turn rough as they continued to grow. "They are a part of you," she said softly, reassuring him.

"It... um... it feels good when you touch them." Loki replied, blushing softly as he closed his eyes.

Laney chuckled as she left them alone for the time being. "Something to remember for later then," she said boldly.

"Ehh! A little much there Laney," Desi said, then laughed.

Laney bit her lip and moved to sit beside Loki. "Sorry Desi," she laughed.

"I don't know what will happen if you continue, but maybe it is best explored in private." Loki admitted, blushing a deeper shade of red.

A blush filled Laney's cheeks as well as she decidedly cleared her throat. "Well Desi. What are you doing for the rest of your day?"

"Just packing. I'm off for the rest of the day and I will have everything else packed and ready to go by the time I go to bed. Tomorrow is my last day of work here." Desi said, sad to be saying goodbye to everyone so soon.

"I know you'll miss everyone," Laney replied, "But just think of what opportunities you will be looking forward to. That includes a certain someone."

Desi blushed deeply. "We will have to see how things go there... his letters are very vague." She said sadly, looking at the floor.

"That's just Thor. He would rather show how he feels with actions rather than words," Laney assured her. "At least I got him to stop crushing me when he hugs me now."

"I wouldn't mind if he hugged me like that," Desi admitted softly. "I just wonder what it will be like when I return. Do you think we will have to start over or just pick up where we left off?"

"Oh you won't be starting over. The man has been pining after you since you had to leave. I think he'll be waiting for you in the Bifrost to attack you in a hug as soon as we get back," Laney assured.

"He has? He's really missed me?" Desi finally looked up and met Laney's eyes. "I didn't think he had really given me much thought."

Laney chuckled and nudged Loki with her shoulder. "Just ask Loki. Frigga would tell you the same if she were here."

"Other than his necessary duties, he's locked himself in his room." Loki told Desi.

Desi gave a small gasp. "Poor thing... I wish there was something I could do to help him through this."

"You will help him when we all return," Laney said sweetly. "We were thinking of going for a ride through the trails this afternoon if we can borrow a couple horses from the stable. Would you want to join or stay here to finish up?"

Desi thought about it for a moment. "Is there an option to go with you, then you help me finish packing?" Desi asked with a grin.

"If you'd like us to, I don't mind," Laney replied. "You'd have to be on your own horse this time."

"I know I will, no blond beauty to ride with this time." Desi sighed and shrugged. "I know the stablemaster, so using the horses won't be an issue." She assured them. "You can come back here for dinner if you like. I work a long shift tomorrow, so I won't be able to see you at all until the next day."

Laney grinned. "It sounds like a plan as long as Loki is okay with it too. Tomorrow I plan on taking him to the beach, which I know he will enjoy."

Loki nodded. "I do not mind at all. We are here to have a good time, right? But... will there be any other guests I should know about?" He asked Desi.

"No, he is the only one I planned for you to meet, I promise." Desi assured Loki.

"When would you two like to go?" Laney asked as she sat back on the sofa, curling into Loki's side.

"I am ready anytime." Desi replied. "I will pack us some drinks, then we can go." Desi said then stood and went into the kitchen.

"Sounds good!" Laney called out then took the partial privacy as a blessing as she turned Loki's head so she could kiss him. "I'm proud of you," she whispered.

Loki returned her kiss softly before he slowly pulled away and met her eyes. "Proud of me for what?" He asked, confused.

"Being yourself today," Laney praised, "I know it was sudden to have Gall here, but you did really well."

"I was shocked and even upset about it at first. After a while, it just didn't seem to bother me as much, but I don't know why it changed." Loki said truthfully.

Laney caressed his cheek, then pecked Loki's lips again. "Maybe because you saw him as a person instead of a monster... just like you should see yourself, love."

Loki opened his mouth to argue, then realized she was right. "I... I guess so. He didn't act like a monster."

"That's because they aren't monsters sweetheart," she replied. "Neither are you."

"I feel like I want to believe you, but when I try to think of it like that, it makes my head hurt." Loki admitted with a sigh.

"A little at a time," Laney promised. "We'll get there."

"Work through the headache. It will be hard at first, but it means your mind is changing. This is a good thing." Desi said, walking in with a couple drink containers for them to take on the ride.

"I am trying to and I won't give up. Not with how far I've come." Loki replied.

Laney smiled, stood, and turned to face Loki. "That makes me even more proud. You've come far in just over two months." She took one of the containers from Desi. "Are we ready to go?"

"Yes!" Desi said happily as Loki stood and took Laney's hand. "I know a great trail that is mostly shaded. It will be better since it's warm today." She said as she led them out of her house.

"That sounds perfect to me," Laney said as she took Loki's hand and they both followed Desi outside. "Oh, I forgot to tell you Desi, Loki bought me a horse today."

"A horse? Someone has been spoiled today." Desi giggled. "What is the horse like? I need to know everything!"

"She's beautiful! A big dapple grey with deep brown eyes. Loki told me what kind she is, but I cannot remember." The small group turned towards the direction of the market as they began their walk towards Yamir's stables.

"Can we go see her? She sounds beautiful!" Desi said excitedly. "I wouldn't even know how to pick a good horse." She admitted.

Laney furrowed her brow as they walked. "I don't know," she said honestly. "Would we Loki?"

"They should be preparing her to leave, so it is best to wait until we return to Asgard. The quickest way to lose a friendship with a merchant is to hold up their caravan." Loki explained to Laney and Desi both.

"Looks like you'll have to wait a few days Des," Laney responded, just as they began walking around the outskirts of the market.

"You have to take me to see her when we get back then!" Desi said and smiled. She waited until Loki was distracted then nudged Laney to silently point out that he still hadn't shifted back to his aesir form.

Laney smiled and nodded at her. 'Don't point it out,' she mouthed to Desi. "How long is the trail you want to go on Desi? It looks like there may be rain in the distance. Is it supposed to rain this evening?"

Desi nodded in reply, then looked in the same direction as Laney. "The trail is only five miles. I haven't heard about rain, but that likely won't reach us until around dinner time." She told Laney.

"I never mind rain, but wet clothes means chafing," Laney replied with a giggle just as they reached the stables on the edge of town. "Is this it?"

"Yes, come on." Desi led them into the stable since the door was still open. "Let's talk to the stablemaster and pick our horses."