I returned to Loki's room, as promised, a few hours later. I'd been assisting with passing out food and what materials could be used for bedding. The deck was cramped with people, barely space to stretch out. I felt slightly guilty knowing I'd be in a private room, with a comfortable bed, in the arms of the man I'd adored most of my adult life- even if I'd sometimes been appalled by his actions. His deeds since his return with King Thor had been nothing but heroic. He'd fought for Asgard, and followed his new king, his rivalled brother, as any soldier subject should. King Thor commanded his advisors, both governmental and military, to serve the populace aboard ship. We palace workers had volunteered so the work would go more quickly. Loki and I paired up as a team. It took all my years of training to remain aloof while we operated together. I knew gossipers loved tearing down the prince, and that my association with him would be interpreted as getting ideas above my station, exposing me to malicious slander, too. I drew on my skills for efficiency to complete the tasks set to us quickly, directing Loki, without seeming too pushy, I hoped. He did not complain, showed no signs of annoyance, and betrayed no hint of our association. Finally, as the citizens were busy staking out their sleeping territories, I was able to slip into the hallway and Loki's room, unnoticed. He was reading my journal when I entered. "Did you enjoy ordering me about?" he asked.
"Perhaps a little," I rejoined.
"You could've been a competent general with your organizational abilities and no-nonsense competence. If Thor still intends to have shield maidens for defense of his new colony, I'll suggest you be trained," he shot back.
"Oh no, I want no part of violence. I know it is sometimes needed, and I am capable of defending my person when necessary, as is every woman who works in service, but I leave the fighting to warriors like Lady Sif."
His face lit up with mischief. "Oh dear. Sif never came back. I wonder where she might be."
"Loki, that's…" I started to giggle, in spite of myself, "…awful. You must tell King Thor."
"Well, maybe I'll get around to it. I'm sure he'll be thrilled that at least one of his playmates is alive. And I can take credit for saving her life when I banished her."
Shaking my head, I queried, "Wasn't she one of your playmates?"
"I liked the Warriors Three well enough when we were kids, but Sif and I never got along. She's never had a sense of humor, so she was always easy to bait. And she loved to tattle about anything and everything she thought I'd done. The older we got, the less we could stand of each other,", he justified.
"Still, you should tell the king she's out there somewhere," I insisted.
"I will," he assured me. He came over and wrapped his arms about my waist. "Let's forget about Sif for now." He bent to kiss me. I did forget about Sif. With everyone preparing for rest, we knew we had many hours ahead of undisturbed time. Loki taught me new ways to please him and he used his expertise to bring me to the edge of sanity and keep me there, gasping for air and whimpering with desire. When our energy was spent, we lay in one another's arms, talking.
"Loki?"
"Hm?" He stroked my arm that was thrown across his chest.
"Have you ever looked at Midgardian art?"
"Yes, I've seen some. Why do you ask?" Curiosity was evident in his voice.
"Your mother sometimes allowed me to take books from the Asgardian library to my room at night to read. I got a book on Artists of Midgard once, with beautiful depictions inside, and short biographies of the creators. There was one man who could do everything: draw, paint, sculpt, knowledgeable on art and science. Anyway, there was a magnificent full-page image of a marble sculpture of a man. You, um, you remind me of that sculpture." I bent my head so that he could not see the furious red stain flooding over my features.
"Da Vinci. He is one of the few Midgardians for whom I had respect. I've seen the statue in person. I'm not sure I quite live up to its perfection, but I am flattered that you think so. Maybe one day I can take you to see it for yourself."
I peeped up through my lashes. To my great shock, Loki's cheeks were also rosy. I changed the subject. "How did you know my name?" This detail had been nagging at me for a while.
"Mother. When she came to me in my cell after you brought all those books, she mentioned that she'd sent you especially, because you lived up to the meaning of your name. Sjofn was a goddess who used affection to make peace and create bonds between people, according to the same group of Earthers who thought us gods. I'm not certain how she thought you were going to do that behind the force field while carrying books to and fro, but knowing my mother, she'd have figured something out eventually. I suppose she thought you would be a good influence on me. I've definitely enjoyed the influence you've had on me tonight." His voice dropped, low and seductive. "But why are you blushing again?"
I figured I may as well confess. "I thought Queen Frigga sent me because she knew that I worried about you. The infatuation with you I had as a girl had not abated, obviously still hasn't. I have no idea what her purpose was in telling you about me. She never commented to me on my name or any traits she thought I shared with my namesake. I am honored that she thought I embodied those qualities." I fell into quiet contemplation of what Loki had shared. Why would the queen have wanted to bring me to his attention? A peer who exemplified good behavior should have been the prince's role model, not a retainer. The lights dimmed, fading out. I drifted off to sleep cuddled up to my living dream.
I awoke to Loki, fully dressed, sitting beside me on the edge of the bed. I was a bit disappointed, but hopeful that there would be more mornings to wake up in his hold. He lightly grazed my lips. "I can hear some stirring about, so I believe everyone is waking up. I need to ask Thor about this Midgardian plan of his. I'll see you later- definitely later tonight!" With a smirk, he sauntered out of the room.
I went into the small bathroom and got ready for the day. I briefly wondered how long it would be before we reached Midgard. I had just come back into the bedroom, when Loki burst in, panicked. "Grab your bag and meet Valkyrie in the corridor, NOW! Oh, and take this with you. I'll get it back from you in Midgard. There's no time for explanations." He tossed my journal into my bag, then placed his hands on my cheeks and pulled me in for an urgent kiss. "I think I love you, Sjofn. I'll find you; I promise. Go! Now!"
I was pushed out of the door as I called back, "I love you, Loki!"
I hurried to Valkyrie, waiting at the end of the hall. She led me to a different part of the ship where a smaller vessel was docked. We climbed in and she began clearing as much space inside as possible, tossing items to me that I, in turn, tossed out onto The Statesman. We did the same for a few more pods. A clamor began to arise nearby. I saw Asgardians being herded toward us by Korg. Valkyrie stationed herself at the door of the craft, instructing me to move back. The citizens began to crowd in. I still had no idea what was happening. I hadn't had time to ask Loki, and Valkyrie scared me a little. I still felt like a menial in her presence. With our little ship filled to overflowing, we took off. I was near a window slit and managed to look out. Another massive spaceship floated above The Statesman, which was being boarded. King Thor, Heimdall, and my beloved Loki were still inside, along some more of the Asgardian populace. They swiftly faded from my view.
Valkyrie found a way to communicate with the other pods. We formed a sort of caravan through space. I'm not sure how long we were out there- long enough that water was becoming a critical necessity. We landed in a deserted field. Thankfully, there was a stream nearby, and game could be heard amongst the trees that bordered the meadow. Valkyrie warned us to stay close to the pods. We would use them as emergency shelter. Sleeping would be done under the skies, fires made only when necessary, and a latrine dug as far from the water as possible. She begged us to be as creative as we could to deal with the lack of clothing, shelter, utensils, etc., and to share anything we could. We camped out for nearly a month when half of our number just…disintegrated. No rhyme or reason, some folks flaked into dust. How much more could we take? We were still dealing with the aftermath of leaving so many to an uncertain fate on The Statesman. We learned their ending shortly. King Thor found us. He told us of Thanos and the Black Order, how they'd murdered Loki and Heimdall. He praised Loki for saving his life; Heimdall gave his sending Hulk for help. Then Thanos ripped apart the ship, casting all bodies into space. The king was the only survivor. He led us to a city called Tonsberg, in a place called Norway. The residents were kind to us, welcoming us into the municipality. King Thor and Valkyrie got information on how we could obtain refugee status so we could find homes, education, and employment. The Tonsbergers, learning who we were, and our connection to their culture's "mythology", renamed the place New Asgard. With their help, the Asgardian people began to make lives there.
Another month passed. I was ill, yet again. Eir, who'd survived, tried to help as best she could. All of her equipment and technology was gone, but her competency remained. She was acquainted with my history of manifesting grief through sickness. She surmised that this was still the case. But when I mentioned that my nausea in the mornings were the worst, she asked one more question that complicated matters more than I'd anticipated. "We've all longed for comfort and closeness with so much trauma. Have you found physical comfort with a man?"
Warning bells clanged around my skull. The intense strain could account for lack of menstrual flow, which I hadn't even thought of until now, but so could my tryst with Loki. We hadn't thought about preventing a pregnancy; we hadn't thought at ll. And Loki was a Jotun. I didn't know who had access to this information. How could I hide a pregnancy? I knew, at that moment, in my soul, that I was with child. I wasn't sure I could tell Eir, though. I simply replied, "I am sure I will be fine, thank you, Eir. If I need you again, I will find you."
I went directly to Valkyrie's home. She was the king's deputy, taking care of most business. We rarely saw the king. He was as tormented as we were. I had to make an appointment. I was back, two days later. Still somewhat frightened of Valkyrie, embarrassed over my serious lapse of judgement, I had to confess my condition. I also had to admit Loki's involvement, and even explain his parentage. Valkyrie's dark skin appeared to pale. She sent someone to fetch King Thor immediately. He arrived, rather tipsy, though it was only mid-morning. I was forced to disclose everything once again. He didn't grasp the gravity of my situation. In fact, he was excited. "A baby! Loki will live on! Thanos may have said, 'No resurrections this time' but Loki still outsmarted him. Hey, Valkyrie! I'm going to be an uncle!" The warrior and I locked eyes. We were both stunned.
"Thor, I don't think you understand," began Valkyrie.
"Yes, I do! Congratulations, Sjofn! I'll help in any way I can," Thor exclaimed, gleefully.
I judged that this was my moment to lay everything out there. "Thank you, my King. As a matter of fact, I do need help. Loki was a Jotun. My child will be half Jotun. I don't know what the child will look like. Asgardians are horrified by Jotuns and Midgardians believe the Frost Giants are myths. Who will deliverer my baby, and what will the consequences be if he or she has blue skin?"
The reality hit Thor with the force of Stormbreaker, his new ax. "Oh shit." He collapsed into a chair, his head falling into his hands. He was mumbling, most words barely audible. "…Brother…Banner…Avengers…" he lifted his head. "I have a plan."
A few days later, the king summoned me to his home. There I met Dr. Bruce Banner. He had experience as a Midgardian healer in a country called India, but he termed himself "scientist."
"Bruce, this is Sjofn, Loki's Mama Baby, as you Earthers say." King Thor filled him in on my dilemma.
"Thor, it's Baby Mama," corrected Dr. Banner. "I delivered babies in India under terrible conditions, I can deliver your child, Sjofn. But you'll need to stay in New York for prenatal care throughout your pregnancy. Are you willing to that?"
"I don't know. I have asylum with Norway."
King Thor spoke up, "Perhaps Nat and Tony will allow her to live at the training facility."
Bruce mused for a moment. "That would be ideal, but you might not want to mention that Loki is the child's father, either of you. Thy don't know the ways he helped Asgard or you, Thor. I'm not sure they'd care. They probably haven't forgiven him for New York City."
The king sighed, "You're probably right. That will be most difficult for you, Sjofn."
"Not really," I demurred. "I was only ever planning to tell our people that my child's father died aboard The Statesman."
The king was offended. "You weren't going to let anyone know that Loki has a living child?" he asked, scandalized.
"My king, I understand your loyalty to your brother, and truly, I loved him, or I would not be in this predicament. But Loki was a troubled man, whose bad decisions will be remembered, whether we like it or not. I'd rather not bring those up, and I certainly don't want my child judged on the basis of his father's poor behavior." I gave a pleading look. "Please understand."
Dr. Banner piped up, "That will work. Thor, do you want me to arrange everything since I'm there?"
The Asgardian king wearily shook his head. "I will. I owe it to my brother to take care of his family."
"Dr. Banner, have you ever been to Asgard? You seem so familiar to me." The question had been puzzling me all during our meeting.
"I was in Asgard once. I'll tell you about it some time, but not right now. I do have one more question, for my own curiosity. You are welcome to refuse an answer or even wish me to hell for having the temerity to ask, but why Loki?"
"Most who met Loki only saw facets of who he was, especially those traits that he emphasized to make himself appear more powerful. As Queen Frigga's maid, I saw him in situations others weren't privileged to see, and that at times, he was unaware I'd witnessed. I saw the love he had for the queen, though he pushed her away in his hurt. That, too, exacted an emotional toll on him. I saw the heart of a scholar, who devoured nearly every book he could get his hands on. I saw the magician who wove technique and artistry together in nuance to create beautiful things before he began to use his magic for militaristic pursuits and trickery on a more frequently large and hurtful scale. I am not insensible of the harm and even villainy he pursued, but all those traits I fell in love with still existed in him to the end."
Dr. Banner regarded me with a perplexed expression for a few beats before saying, "He was a lucky man to have had your loyalty. I hope he appreciated it." With that, he stood. "When you have worked out the details, Thor, let me know." He softly slipped from the room.
King Thor looked to me. "Sjofn, I hope that you will think of me as your family, not just your child's. I know that your memories of my family come from a very different point of view and station in life, but you saw us at our most unguarded times. There are few still alive that hold those kinds of memories. I would be grateful if you were willing to share some with me. I can see you are a bit overwhelmed right now, and I still have preparations to make. I will contact you when the rest of the plan comes together. Can I walk you home?"
"No, thank you. The weather is fair, and I enjoy the exercise. I truly appreciate all you are doing for us," I assured him, patting my abdomen.
"At least I can help someone," he opined sadly.
One week later I arrived at the Avengers Training Facility. I told my acquaintances in New Asgard that I'd found a school to teach me a trade, but I couldn't commute so far. They all assumed I'd moved to Oslo, not New York State in the U.S. It wasn't a complete lie. I would take some classes at a local community college, paid for by Tony Stark, who'd approved the scheme, though he didn't live in the facility any longer. He did so as a favor to Thor and Banner, who had taken me under his wing, so to speak. I would reside at the facility with Natasha Romanoff, Steve Rogers, and Dr. Banner. I had spacious quarters, nothing like the tiny house I'd been sharing with three other former maids. My bed was the perfect combination of firm and soft. There were plenty of books to read. Dr. Banner even let me come to his lab every once in a while, and graciously explained the Midgardian science that made no sense to me. At the college, I was taking courses to be a medical transcriptionist. There was a physician who worked at the facility as needed, who'd lost his transcriptionist in the Snap. Once I was proficient, he would allow me to be his intern so that I would have experience in the field when I got back to New Asgard. I also took a Norwegian language class online. The first semester was spent learning how to use a computer. Bruce, as he invited me to call him, was an indispensable help there. I would be able to support my child and myself.
Bruce did occasionally ask our doctor to help with my care. He insisted I should have something he called a sonogram. When he showed me the equipment and how it worked, I realized it was similar to what we Asgardians knew as a Sound Writer. It was a straightforward procedure. I learned I was to have a son, I heard his heartbeat, and I was able to make out his tiny body on the little screen. My heart wished I could have shared this moment with Loki, but my head told me that it was possible he'd have been ambivalent about having children who would be half Jotun. My heart won. After all, he wasn't there, he wasn't coming back, and it eased the ache within me to dream that he'd have been happy- with me and our son. I chose the name Njord in recognition of our new life in New Asgard. I was in awe of the butterfly movements of Njord inside me. As my baby grew, I grew. My center of gravity changed, my gait changed, and my moods changed frequently! Nat and Steve, who had become my mates, called me their "little butterball", whatever that meant. They assured me this was a term of endearment, but Bruce shook his head with chagrin whenever they used it.
Bruce had become the closest friend I'd ever had. We spent a lot of time together, at first just talking about science, college, or my pregnancy. Then we started opening up a little about ourselves. I'm not sure why he wanted to know anything about me, since my life had been boring as a servant. But once he began to share some things about himself, I realized that he envied my boring life in some ways. I still felt a sense of familiarity about him and would remind him that he'd promised to tell me about when he came to Asgard. He'd find some way to divert my attention, and later, I'd remember that he still hadn't answered. Finally, one evening, he gave in. He explained that he'd known Thor for six years or so, ever since Nick Fury had brought the Avengers together to fight Loki's invasion, though Thor wasn't actually recruited to be in the group. There was no need to dwell on that event since I knew most of the details already. Bruce didn't mention what part he'd played or what sort of skills he brought to the Avengers. I assumed they were scientific, and I didn't want to interrupt. Bruce and Thor spent a good bit of time battling threats to the Earth together, then lost touch. They were reunited on Sakaar, the planet Thor and Loki had dropped onto when Hela pushed them out of the Bifrost. Thor helped bring Bruce back to himself after two long years. Then he finally enlightened me. "I am the Hulk. The Big Guy lives inside me. Sometimes I've had control over changing, and many times I have not, especially when angry. I almost always feel angry. The Hulk took over on Sakaar when he became the Grandmaster's Champion. He enjoyed all the attention, fame, and perks. I was buried deep inside. I only got back to my own body when Thor was trying to steal the Quinjet I arrived in that had a recording of Nat on it. He told me what had happened. He introduced me to Valkyrie, who knew Hulk, but not that he was me. She had captured Loki, and Thor formulated a plan to get us all off the planet. Loki said he knew the Grandmaster's security codes and how we could steal a ship. I didn't trust him. He did get us to a vessel, then betrayed Thor, ready to turn him in because…"
"…. He was Loki," we finished together. Bruce flashed a half smile. "The Grandmaster used disks that attached to the body and could administer an electric charge to control people. Thor had put one on Loki and shocked him so we could get away undetected. We were still found out." He glanced at me. I had gasped and brought my hands to cover my mouth. "I know that is probably hard to hear."
"Yes, a little. But Thor and Loki brawled with one another ruthlessly at times and I know Loki would've turned you all in if he could've gotten away with it. I just can't imagine this Grandmaster person controlling everyone with electric shocks!"
Bruce nodded. "Yeah, I suppose I should be grateful to Hulk for keeping me safe from him. Anyway, when we got to Asgard and I saw all the people on that bridge stuck between the overgrown wolf and the undead army, I couldn't just stay in the ship, knowing I could possibly save a lot of lives. I suppose you know the rest." He sighed heavily.
"I do know the rest. You saved my life. I was in that crowd. I am humbly grateful. Am I correct in thinking that you and Hulk do not like sharing a body? That you don't respect one another?" I asked quietly.
"That's putting it succinctly."
"Unfortunately, you sound like Loki when he talks- talked about Jotuns. He hated the Jotuns, as do most Asgardians, having been taught that they are evil. That belief drove him to commit patricide, killing his biological father. To attempt genocide on the very people from whom he was descended. And to try to take his own life. He was tortured by the knowledge that he was a Jotun. You come across as distressed in your relationship with Hulk. You admit, though, that he has saved your life. Perhaps you need to learn about him, find out what motivates him, so you can understand him. Maybe you could amicably share a body instead of fighting one another," I suggested.
Bruce stared at me a moment. "That's a lot to think about," was all he said, closing the subject. "May I ask how you plan to tell your son that he is half Jotun?"
"I can only control what my child learns from me, but I will do all in my power to educate him that Jotuns have a different culture and Asgardians haven't always been perfect. He should also strive to learn from his mistakes. Once he has enough maturity to understand, I will tell him that his father was a Jotun. He can choose what parts of his heritage to celebrate. I know it won't be easy. At least it's a plan. A better plan than Odin's!" I declared angrily.
"If my opinion is worth anything, I agree. It is a plan that considers both the hostility and prejudices of your people and the capability of your son to comprehend the implications. You have a good head on your shoulders, Sjofn. Now we should probably get some rest," yawned Bruce. I nodded and went to my room.
I had come to the Avengers compound in May. The spring was beautiful there, with the flowering trees and bushes showing off their new foliage. Summer moved in with hot days spent on the sand by the water. Autumn was a blaze of brilliant reds, oranges, yellows, and browns. The days turned cooler and the night brisk. Then came winter with its freezing temperatures and snow. My companions plied me with hot cocoa in front of the fireplace most evenings. We had become a cozy little group for the most part. Holidays were the most difficult. Steve and Bruce celebrated mostly the same days, while Nat observed a few Russian special days. Mine were completely different. But we all celebrated and comforted each other when these came up because we were still missing those with whom we'd shared those days in the past. My time for giving birth was nearing, along with a High day for my friends. They put up a few small decorations that were cheery. They took more pleasure in my reactions that their bedecking, though. Bruce and Steve set up nursery furniture for me in my suite. King Thor had sent a bassinet, and I had picked out a dresser and changing table from a nearby store. King Thor insisted on paying for everything for his nephew. I wasn't quite sure how the plastic card he sent worked, but the store had no problems when I used it to pay.
I was beginning to feel a bit off. Nothing I could pin down, just more uncomfortable than usual. I had felt some tightening around my middle, but nothing really strong. On the Winter Solstice I was in my room, just before dinner, placing some small gifts into bags for my friends, according to their Christmas custom, when I felt a rush of wetness. I took off the damp leggings, throwing them over the shower curtain rod in the bathroom. I headed to the living area. I placed my bags under the glowing tree and went to the kitchen. Nat was pulling food from the fridge, Steve taking cans from the cabinet, and Bruce gathering bowls and pans. "My water broke," I blurted. Three pairs of eyes swiveled my way.
"Are you having contractions?" Bruce queried.
"Yes, for nearly six hours now."
"How far apart?"
"Not certain. Thirty minutes, maybe?"
"Aright. We'll time them next time once comes along. In the meantime, I'll fix you some broth and applesauce. Steve, are there still graham crackers in the cabinet? Grab those, too."
"Let's just order a pizza, since you guys will be needed later. No need to cook and make a mess I'll have to clean," Nat laughed. She took out her cell phone to place the order. I pulled out the cell phone Valkyrie had sent to keep King Thor updated on my pregnancy. I appraised her of the news, and received a text back wishing me quick labor with the least pain. I slipped my phone back into my dress pocket, feeling a contraction. Bruce noted the time on his watch. It wasn't terrible, very similar to menstrual cramps I sometimes had. I wished later they'd stayed that way. I finished my light supper, then went to find something to watch on the television. The others joined me after consuming their pizzas. Steve could pack away three large pies by himself.
As evening lengthened into night, my contractions not only lengthened, but strengthened, too. I couldn't concentrate on a screen any longer, so Steve suggested I walk the track. Bruce came to keep timing, and Steve ran while I walked. Bruce plied me with water to keep me hydrated. I'd sit for a bit, then when I became too uncomfortable, I'd walk again. During one of my breaks, Bruce handed me a package in brightly colored paper. "A little early Christmas gift for your labor," he smiled. I tore off the paper to find a framed picture of Loki. I knew it must have been from his invasion, but it was a close up of his face, and the building behind him reflected clouds, not chaos. He was wearing his Asgardian armor, sans helmet, and his face was in profile.
"Thank you, Bruce. This means so much to me." I gave a half smile through my tears.
At three minutes between contractions, Bruce decided we should head to the med bay. Steve was my breathing coach. The guys let me change from my dress to a hospital gown, as they called it, before entering the room. Steve positioned himself behind me, as Bruce, now in clothes called scrubs, examined me, and checked my dilation. I was at seven centimeters. Steve propped pillows behind my back, went through the breathing exercises with me, and even rubbed my back if I requested. I was surprised at this gentle touch, even asking for more pressure at times. I suppose he thought he might hurt me. He took over monitoring the contractions that were coming quicker. There was only a minute between, and they lasted just as long. My internal temperature seemed out of whack as I experienced hot flashes or chills intermittently. Steve was actively leading me through my breathing now. Steve brought out the picture of Loki for me to concentrate on. The contractions wracked my abdomen. Bruce checked my dilation again- nine centimeters. An eternity, yet just a moment passed before Bruce did another check, announcing I'd reached the requisite ten centimeters. I tried to concentrate on Steve and my breathing, but my life had whittled down to what seemed like never-ending, convulsing pain. "I have to push," I shouted. Bruce gave me the okay to do so. I knew I was supposed to be breathing, but screams were all that came. Between pushes, I cursed Loki the length and breadth of the realms for leaving me.
"He's almost here, Sjofn, I need you to give one more big push," Bruce instructed. I grabbed Steve's hand, took a huge breath, and gritted my teeth, pushing as hard as I could.
"Yes! Njord is here!" exclaimed Bruce, bringing my baby to me.
Njord was unwashed, cord still attached, and I could see his skin was a pale blue with markings on it. He was beautiful. Steve and Bruce stepped away for a few minutes to give us privacy of sorts. I snuggled my son closely and spoke to him softly. "Oh my precious Njord. We're going to have such adventures in life together. I'm sorry your father isn't here to greet you, but his life was cut short. You look like him. He once had skin like yours, but it changed. That little bit of hair on top of your head is dark like his, too. He was a handsome man and you are my handsome little man. No matter what others see, I see nothing but beauty in you. Can you open your eyes, little one?" The tiny lids parted, revealing red irises. "I love you, no matter how you look. You are my delight, my little Njord." I picked up the framed likeness of Loki that lay on the bed. "See this image? This is your father. His name was Loki Odinson." Njord seemed to be focusing on the picture. A strange thing began to happen. The markings on his skin began to disappear. The blue faded, to be replaced by an ivory similar to Loki's Asgardian appearance. The red irises changed to a luminescent light blue-green. I doubted my sanity, until Bruce came to cut the umbilical cord. He looked from Njord to me, and back again.
"He came out blue", he said dazedly.
"Yes, he did," I confirmed. "He must have his father's shifting abilities. It matters not. He is the most perfect child I've ever seen."
Bruce was still flustered but cut the cord and injected me with a medicine to speed the delivery of the placenta. After admiring my son and making sure I didn't need him, Steve left the room. He, too, appeared disconcerted. I brought Njord to my chest to see if he would feed. Later, Njord was wrapped in a blanket and placed in a bassinet next to my bed. I was to stay in med bay overnight for monitoring. The facility's AI would track my medical vitals, as well as Njord's, and cameras would watch for signs of trouble. Bruce slept in a nearby room for the physician. Our night passed uneventfully, and my baby and I moved into my quarters the next night. The AI was still on watch.
Njord and I celebrated Christmas with our companions. We received a knitted blanket with several warm outfits from Nat. Steve gave us a Captain America pacifier, beanies, socks, and bibs. At least the stroller wasn't Cap, too. Bruce presented us with two baby carriers. One was for the ride home to New Asgard, the other was made of cloth and designed to be slung around my body to swaddle my son. There were lots of diapers and baby wipes under the tree, too. I was to stay until after my post-partum check -up in early February. Bruce let the facility doctor conduct the exam. He gave me clean bill of health, but recommended I seek out mental health services at home, if any issues cropped up with all the upheaval in my life.
It was a frigid day, but the weather was clear. My baby furniture, baby gifts, and my belongings were already loaded on the Quinjet. It took all of us to figure out how to strap a baby seat safely in a Quinjet, but finally we were ready. Nat strapped into the pilot's seat, with Steve next to her. Bruce sat in the back with me. Njord slept most of the trip, only waking for feedings and changings. He was lulled by the motion. I was overstimulated by the motion and my nerves. Valkyrie had texted me that my housing was arranged but wouldn't give further details. At last, we touched down in the same field that I'd camped in during my first days on Earth. Valkyrie and Thor were there. Thor was quiet, almost sullen. He gave cursory greetings to his Avenger friends, and asked to see Njord, who was covered warmly in his carrier. Bruce advised that he wait until we were inside, where the baby would be warm. Thor gave a curt nod and retreated to the vehicle. I saw the Avengers swap glances, but they made no comments. I bid a fond farewell to Nat and Steve, who promised to stay in touch. I handed the carrier to Valkyrie so I could hug Bruce tightly. "Thank you, thank you, my friend for all you've done and meant to me these many months." I pulled back. I could see the wetness around his eyes.
"I'm glad to have helped you. You've become very dear to me. Please send me lots of pictures!"
"I will, I promise," I nodded, taking my son back.
Valkyrie drove the car to a cottage near her home. Thor ushered us inside with an impatience that was almost comical. "I want to see my nephew!" I pulled the cover from the carrier, and the layers of blankets from Njord's lap. Thor pulled off the beanie. "He looks like Loki! Same hair, same eyes! I was worried he'd look like a Frost Giant."
I raised my eyebrows. "He did." I told how he'd changed after focusing on the picture of Loki. "But if he'd remained blue with textured skin, he'd still be my perfect son," I claimed fiercely.
Thor grunted. "Indeed. You'd have had a difficult time explaining that. Are you still going to deny Loki's paternity?" he asked pointedly.
"No. You are right. He deserves to carry his father's name, and Loki deserved to have his name carried on, not because of any actions or choices, but because they are both loved. He will be Njord Lokison, and that is the legal name on his birth certificate."
Thor let out a whoop. "Good. Now I don't have to hide the gifts. This house won't disappear. Welcome to your new home! Valkyrie and I are both nearby if you need anything. She said I should let you buy the furnishings you like, so these are all on loan until you make your own choices. I did have the nursery painted in that green you liked. I'll go grab all your possessions from the car and set up the baby furniture."
"Thank you, Thor. You are going to be the best uncle in all the realms."
Valkyrie told me that Thor had been terribly hurt that he couldn't acknowledge Loki's son openly and that she was glad I'd changed my mind. She also intimated that Thor's finances may not be completely stable, so I might want to take my time making choices about furniture. Further, Thor was drinking more heavily. She offered to help me navigate any needs for Njord and coordinate visits between Thor and Njord. "Thank you so much. Once I have a job, I hope I can support us myself, at least mostly," I whispered since Thor was back in the house.
"Oh, yes, a job! I am to give you this." She handed me a rectangular card. This is a doctor's office here in New Asgard that needs a transcriptionist. There are three doctors in the practice. That will get you started."
"How did this come about?"
"Thor. When the date was set for you to arrive, he began a campaign to find you work. It was better than his staying home drinking, so I encouraged him. I paid for it with the Asgardian healers, though," she laughed.
"Did I hear my name?" Thor strode back into the room.
"Yes. Valkyrie was giving me the card for the doctor's office I should call upon. Thank you! You know, most of your life everyone has commented how like Odin you are. Of course, they are correct. But you have a good bit of your mother in you, too. She was a compassionate, caring person, and so are you. I loved Queen Frigga like a mother after my own mother passed. I am glad to now have a brother to love." I put my arms about Thor's waist.
He squeezed me tightly, picking me up from the ground. "And I am glad to have a family again, with a sister who isn't murderous." We all laughed.
