Frigga was sitting in a comfy chair by the fire, reading over several different notices. When she saw Thor walk in and smiled brightly at him. "How was your trip?"

"It was wonderful, thank you." Thor walked in the room and sat in the chair on the opposite side of Frigga's desk.

Frigga set the papers aside to give her son her full attention. "Is that all you are going to tell me?" She asked, giving him a knowing look.

Thor smirked at his mother as he sat back in his seat. "I think a glimpse at Desi's left hand will answer your question for you."

Frigga smiled even brighter. "Congratulations! I'm so happy for you both!" She said, standing to hug him. "I know you two had a bit of a rough start, but you are perfect for each other."

He returned her hug, from his spot in the chair with a chuckle. "Desi is quite excited. Although so am I."

"I can imagine. This is such a proud moment. Both of my boys have picked amazing wives." Frigga said happily. "I'm so excited to plan all of the ceremonies!"

Thor chuckled at his mother's giddiness. "Hopefully we will be able to help with that."

"Of course you can. It will take a little longer though. Laney needs time to recover before I can schedule their ceremonies. But you can announce your engagement as soon as you'd like." She told Thor.

"That is fine. I know Desi will want her attendance. How has Laney been?"

"She is the same as when you left. I went and visited her this morning; she's mostly staying in bed right now. I think she is eager for the next few weeks to be over, so she can be induced." Frigga answered.

"She's a strong woman. I don't know if I could do what she's doing," Thor admitted.

"I don't know that many could. I'm not sure I could handle it either." Frigga admitted. "I was shocked to learn that she isn't even against possibly having more children in the future."

"Her love for Loki is the strongest love I have ever witnessed besides seeing you and father." Thor smiled at the thought. "She's given him back to us."

"Yes she has, and she is helping to heal him. I had only dreamed of seeing my sons so happy again, and now look at you!" Frigga said, truly overjoyed.

Thor smiled bashfully, but as the thought crossed his mind, his face turned more serious. "Is Orin still here?" He asked.

"Yes, he is." Frigga answered, her tone now serious as well. "What are you planning to do?"

"I want to speak with him. See why he knows what he does.""

Frigga nodded. "All he will tell me is that there were no ill intentions, there is no spy, and we have nothing to worry about. I would like to believe him, but without knowing the source, I can't confirm his claims." She explained. "I know he wishes to keep this source confidential, and if he speaks the truth, I am willing to honor that."

"He said Loki's biological mother is alive and made sure Loki could hear him," Thor commented. "Why make a statement and not explain?"

"That was for the benefit of the councilman. He was unable to locate Loki's birth mother, but the documents would have never been accepted if the council knew that. In private, the council would have questioned him extensively. By making such a public statement, the council was forced to make a decision right there." Frigga explained. "He did say a relative did sign, it just wasn't his mother."

Thor furrowed his brow. "I wonder who it could be. Does Loki have other siblings possibly?"

"I don't know. I know hardly anything about his blood relations. Orin would have to answer those questions, and he seems reluctant to do so." Frigga sighed.

"Then I will have to interrogate him about it," Thor said plainly. "I would like answers and so would Loki."

"I trust you will tell me if you get any information from him." Frigga stated. "He has guest quarters in the lords wing." She informed.

Thor nodded and stood. "I shall make my way there then. I will let you know what he says."

"I hope you have better luck than I have had so far." Frigga said truthfully.

"I hope I do as well." He stood and bent to kiss Frigga's cheek. "Desi and I will see you at dinner," he said quietly, then turned and left the study.

Orin was pacing around his quarters, frustrated by the almost non-stop questioning he had undergone over the last few days. He had taken to locking himself in his quarters for the remainder of his stay.

Thor took a deep breath before he knocked on Orin's door before he entered. "Orin?" He called. "Are you in?"

"Yes." Orin called back, sounding irritated already. He knew more questioning was coming and was in no mood for it.

"Would I be able to speak with you? As your great grandson?" Thor asked.

"You can ask, but I have no new answers to give you." Orin told Thor. He walked over to his sofa and sat, pouring them each a strong drink from the bottle he kept on the end table.

"Orin, we do not mean to pester, we would just like answers," Thor told him gently as he sat across from him.

"I have given the answers I'm able to." Orin said, then handed Thor a goblet to drink from.

Thor took the goblet with a furrowed brow. "What do you mean by able to? Is something wrong? Will something bad happen soon?"

"I have given my word I would not name the person involved. Just as I told your mother, there is no spy or foul play here. Just a friend trying to help." He said, then took a drink from his goblet.

"Would this person be in trouble if it were known?" Thor asked curiously, then took a sip of his drink.

"I don't think so. Possibly for forging the papers, but I don't think your family would file those charges." Orin said truthfully.

Thor took a sip of his drink as he pondered over things. "What can you tell me? What are the right questions to ask?"

"I can tell you that this person was willingly given the information regarding the council, then reached out to me to help." Orin told Thor, then took another drink.

"You know you have Loki wondering about his mother," Thor pointed out. "Could you tell me the type of relation the person is to my brother?"

Orin nodded. "That was an unfortunate lie that had to be told. I had to force the council's hand." He explained. "In blood relation, a second cousin, I believe." "

"Loki will want to know. I am surprised he has not come to speak with you while I have been gone." Thor sat back in his seat, feeling more comfortable. "How did you get word about the council?"

"He has sent word for me several times, and I have declined." Orin answered but seemed down about declining. "I received a letter from said person, telling me what the council was doing, and asking if I could do anything to help."

"So, Loki's second cousin was here to have known," Thor said as he began to put the puzzle pieces together in his mind. "I wonder who it is."

"Yes and was freely told of the council's actions. No spying, no dishonesty." Orin said, wanting that to be very clear.

Thor nodded and finished his drink. "May I tell this news to my brother?"

"Of course. I would never say anything that I didn't want known. I know this will also be told to your parents as well." Orin said simply.

"Thank you, Orin. I am sorry that everyone has been so pushy with you. It was just so sudden when you came here," Thor explained.

"I understand that. I tried to leave as quickly as I arrived, but that plan was quickly stopped." Orin admitted.

"We do not mind if you stay, Orin. Unless you have matters to attend to. You're family after all."

"I don't have much going on these days, but it's been a long time since I was welcomed here." He chuckled, then finished his drink.

"Father welcomes you here as much as I do. We were all just surprised to see you." Thor sat his go let down and grinned at him. "Stay as long as you wish."

"He claims to welcome me, but with my heritage, he's the reason I originally left." Orin shrugged.

"Father has grown over the years. I think tasing Loki has helped with that," Thor said honestly.

"From what I have learned during my brief stay, he has only recently started to change his opinion of Loki." Orin pointed out.

"Father has been trying to right his wrongs," Thor replied simply. "I have as well."

"I appreciate that. I may not have much Jotun blood, but it was always enough to earn some hate." Orin sighed.

Thor nodded but smiled. "The woman I am going to marry loves the Jontar and has treated many in a clinic in Vanaheim. She hopes to treat them here as well."

"I have heard a bit about her and the work she's done. She sounds like quite the catch." Orin said approvingly.

"She is. I love her dearly," Thor told him.

"I would like to meet her, if you're willing. It is always good to make a good impression with the future king and queen." Orin grinned.

Thor nodded in agreement. "Would you like to come to dinner? I doubt Loki and Laney will attend, but Desi and I will be."

Orin nodded. "Yes, I will join you. Do you think you will be seeing your brother before dinner?"

"I plan on it, yes. I would like to check on him and Laney. She is very close to having little Star," he told her.

"If my answers are sufficient to him, I do have some other things I'd like to discuss with him, if he will allow." Orin told Thor.

"I will pass that along to him," Thor assured. "May I know what you're wanting to discuss?" He asked.

"Nothing overly specific. I know he is to be your advisor. Having been in the same role, I just wanted to offer my advice. Also, while I did see you a few times during your childhood, I never had that chance with Loki, so I just want to talk with him in general." Orin answered. "If you are more comfortable being there with him, I have no objections." He added.

Thor smiled. "I am sure he would be happy to speak with you. His mind is a bit split right now with Laney and the baby on his mind, but I'm sure he will want to speak with you as well."

"If he will see me without an interrogation, please just send word." Orin told Thor, then fell into his own thoughts for a moment. "Will Asgard be safe for the Jotnar again, with your rule?"

"I assure you, it will. Especially with Desi at my side," Thor told him.

"Given the work she does with the Jotnar, I hope peace and safety is something that will be restored." Orin said truthfully. "My own grandfather was exiled from the realm, just for disagreeing with Odin." He sighed.

"I am sorry that happened. I hope that we can reach a new peace with the Jontar."

"With the four of you working together, it finally feels like there is a chance for peace." Orin said approvingly.

A wide smile lit Thor's face as he straightened his posture. "That makes me happy to hear."

"I had very little time to draw up these documents... but if you can, I think you should help find his birth mother." Orin said softly, also feeling like a lot of the story wasn't known.

Thor took the documents Orin held out and looked over them. "Do you believe she is alive?"

"I honestly don't know, and I wasn't able to do much in the way of finding her. The relative who reached out didn't know where she might be either but has also been trying to find her." Orin said with a shrug. "I did hear that his father was killed a few years back though."

"Yes, that's true," Thor stated. "By Loki himself."

"What happened? Did he seek revenge when he found out the truth?" Orin asked, a bit shocked.

Thor furrowed his brow in thought. "It may have been a part of it. Loki was raised well into adulthood without knowing his true heritage. It broke him when he found out. I do know he wanted to prove to father that he was equal to me and to him as well." Thor shuffled in his seat and placed the papers beside him. "There was a lot that happened in that time that led to Loki's fall."

"Did he know who his father was, when he killed him?" Orin asked, knowing it had to have been hard to take in. "I can't believe Odin never told him."

"I believe so, yes.," Thor said. "Loki has believed himself a monster ever since. But Laney has gotten him to slowly begin to accept himself. She instantly came here when we were able to tell her he was alive. We all thought him dead until Heimdall found him on Midgard."

"Why was he on Midgard? This is the first I'm hearing of any of this." Orin said, very curious.

"Loki wanted to control the mortals, but he was not himself," Thor explained. "He carried a blue staff and knew of the tesseract, which is now in the vault."

"Of course, he wasn't himself; he was fueled by rage." Orin said, knowing nothing of the mind control. "The tesseract is a fun one to play with."

Thor shook his head. "It was more than anger. His eyes were a bright blue and he mentioned that he'd been shown the way to rule over them."

"It sounds like the tesseract had more influence over him. He may not be strong enough to control it." Orin said, thinking it over.

"That is possible, but something was just different about him. It's hard to explain."

"I feel like there's something you aren't saying." Orin said, curious as to what was being withheld.

"When I first talked to him after I found him on Midgard, I asked him who controls the would be king," Thor stated. "I believe someone found him in the void when he fell."

"Who would have been able to get the tesseract to control him like that? Is there still a threat from this person?" Orin asked, now on alert.

"The tesseract was on Midgard, but I believe there was something in the staff Loki held. Loki is pretty quiet on the matter, but I would like to speak with him about it," Thor replied.

"With no offense meant, are you certain the link between them is fully broken?" Orin asked, out of concern.

"Desi has been doing some exams. Loki isn't very willing though. He says it's not safe," Thor stated.

"Has he said why it's not safe?" Orin questioned.

Thor shook his head. "No, he hasn't."

"He might have been conditioned to believe it's unsafe, to ensure you don't find out who is behind it." Orin suggested. "I have allies that might be able to help."

Thor nodded. "It would be much appreciated Orin. Thank you."

"I will reach out to them tonight and see what they can do." Orin promised.

"Thank you, Orin," Thor said as he stood. "I should go visit my brother before the evening meal."

"I will see you at supper." Orin promised.

Thor walked down the hall until he came to Loki's chambers and gently knocked on the door. "Loki?"

"Come in." Loki called out. He was at the little table making a pot of tea for Laney and Desi, who were both on the couch.

A smile lit up Thor's face when he walked in. "How are you brother?"

"I am well." Loki said and grinned. Setting the tea down, he pulled his brother into a strong hug. "Congratulations!"

Thor chuckled and returned his embrace after a moment, shocked by the sudden hug. "Thank you, brother."

"Would you like some tea? Desi and Laney are relaxing on the sofa." Loki offered.

"That sounds lovely, I still have a burn in my chest from Orin's dragon whiskey," he replied as he rubbed his chest.

"I've never had dragon whiskey before." Loki said, trying to avoid the obvious topic. He gathered up four cups, the tea pot, and biscuits, putting them on a tray. When he was finished, he nodded for his brother to follow him.

"It has a strong taste," Thor commented as he followed behind Loki. "But it has a very strong burn."

"I would be curious to try it sometime." Loki admitted, leading the way into the sitting room. He set the tray down on the coffee table, then poured them each a cup of tea. "Do you want anything added to yours darling?" He asked Laney.

"Lemon if we have any," Laney answered, then smiled at Thor. "Congratulations Thor. I'm happy for both of you."

Thor smiled as he sat in the chair across from the sofa. "Thank you, Laney."

Loki nodded and conjured a small bowl of lemon slices. He squeezed one into her tea, then handed her the cup. "What do you two want added?" He asked Thor and Desi.

"Sugar for me," Thor answered as he watched Laney take her cup and take a sip of the hot liquid.

Loki nodded and added sugar to his brother's tea, then handed the cup to him. "Just some honey for me." Desi said and Loki made hers, then handed it to her. Once they all had their cups, he made his own cup and sat next to Laney.

"Brother, I spoke to Orin today," Thor stated after he took a sip. "He told me it was your second cousin that notified him of what the council was doing. It has to be someone you know."

Loki sighed, knowing this was bound to come up. "I don't know any of my blood relations."

"Maybe you do not know they are related. Who has visited you?" Thor asked.

"I haven't had any new visitors. I rarely have visitors at all... you know that." Loki said, shaking his head.

Laney furrowed her brow as she listened to Thor and Loki talk. "The only person that's been here is our friend Gall. He's a frost giant from Yamir."

"Yeah, but he's not related, and he wouldn't know anything about Orin." Loki insisted.

"He's the only person it could be," Laney insisted. "Dess, what do you think?"

"I think it makes sense... Loki has started to confide in him... and there are some small resemblances between them." Desi agreed.

Laney nodded in agreement. "I'd love to see them stand side by side to see how much they are alike."

"It's subtle little things. I didn't even start to notice it until after I had been around Loki for a while." She said, as she had known Gall longer.

"If it was your friend, he will not be in any trouble," Thor stated. "Especially if he is truly family. He helped you both a great deal."

"Sure, I may have mentioned the council in my letters, but that still doesn't explain why he would do anything about it or how he would know about Orin." Loki challenged.

Thor shrugged. "You would have to contact him. I know he was her for the gifting feast."

"I don't know if he's still here... I don't think he planned on staying very long this time." Loki said, not sure he even wanted to see Gall right now.

"I haven't heard from him since the feast," Laney commented. "He's a sweet man though and his son is adorable."

"Whatever happened, I'm not dealing with any of this until after Star is born." Loki said firmly.

Laney and Loki nodded in understanding. "I hope that's sooner than later," Laney commented as she rubbed her belly.

"It will be soon now that they approved the three-week plan." Desi assured Laney.

"I am ready," She replied. "This little girl has been in here long enough."

"As soon as she's a little bigger, we'll get her out. She's smaller than you think." Desi explained to Laney.

Laney sighed as she looked down at her swollen stomach. "She doesn't seem small."

"Most of that is water weight. She's barely premie size right now." Desi told her.

"I trust you Desi," Laney told her. "It's just very hard to do anything right now."

"I know it is, and if we could induce now, we would. It's truly best for Star to wait a bit longer." Desi said, sincerely feeling bad.

"It's not anyone's fault Dess." She sat back in her seat and did her best to get comfortable. I just want to feel like myself again.

"I know, but I still feel bad that I can't do anything sooner." Desi said truthfully.

Laney grinned halfheartedly. "It's alright Dess, I promise."

"You can try spending more time in the pool or even soaking in the bath. Either should help relieve some of the strain." Desi suggested.

"Lying in bed has helped," she told her, "It just takes a bit to get comfortable."

"Pretty much anything that keeps you comfortable is fine... you can also try laying on your side. It won't exactly relieve the pressure, but it will drastically shift it off of your back." Desi added, thinking about it.

"That's how I sleep, normally curled against Loki. Although I'm surprised I haven't made him sleep on the couch some nights."

"I would never leave you alone like that." Loki said truthfully, holding Laney closer.

She smiled over at him and snuggled against him. "I know, I just hate making you squished."

"I can feel Star move all night, so I don't mind it at all. I feel so much closer to her like that." Loki admitted.

"I'm surprised I sleep; she moves so much."

"If carrying her wasn't so exhausting for you, I could see her movements keeping you awake." Loki said truthfully.

Laney nodded. "I love you both though. No matter what."

"We both love you too darling, always and forever." Loki vowed.

Thor smiled at Laney and Loki, then glanced over at Desi. "Are you ready to go to the evening meal Desi? Give them some time alone?"

"Yes, I think so." Desi said softly. She turned and hugged Laney. "If you need me, send word, I don't care what time it is."

Laney returned Desi's hug tightly. "I will, don't worry. Enjoy your meal. I'm sure we will eat before long."

"Our dinner will be served at the same time as theirs darling." Loki promised Laney.

She turned and pecked Loki's cheek before she waved to Thor and Desi one last time before they left their chambers. "I'm so happy for them. Desi is much happier and so is Thor, since they found each other."

"I didn't know Desi, but my brother is happier than he's been in a very long time, perhaps happier than he's ever been." Loki agreed.

"Then we cannot ask for anything better," Laney said softly as she turned to snuggle against Loki's side.