It was fitting that the first time Loki felt our child kick was on February fourteenth. It was a day that people on Earth venerated a Christian saint named Valentine but had a secular celebration of love. We'd been debating baby names. I was partial to Hjalmarr Ragnavaldr. Hjalmarr, meaning helmeted warrior, and Ragnavaldr, meaning ruling counsel. Essentially, I was naming the boy after Loki at the Battle of Asgard and honoring his claim to the throne. My husband fully appreciated the sentiment. I mentioned in passing that a classmate of Njord's from his barneskole whose family originally came from Finland, had used the Finnish diminutive form of Hjalmarr, Jari. Our child shifted at that moment. My husband, who had been absent-mindedly rubbing my belly, felt the movement. His breath caught; his face filled with awe. He declared that we'd bestow the formal names on our son, but he'd be known as Jari, as his kick was a sign of approval. I personally considered his reasoning to be nonsense, as the fetus moved around quite a lot. However, I rather liked the short form of the name, it was my love's first experience with his new child, and occasionally I deemed it expedient go along with his outrageous notions. Njord talked to Jari and touched me so much, I had to set boundaries. Since he got in bed with his father and me every morning now, the child was permitted to put his hand or head to my abdomen during this cuddle time. He often curled himself right around my baby bump. At bedtime, the boy would tell his unborn brother all about his day. Jari must have enjoyed the monologues because he often kicked and shifted as Njord prattled. This nightly routine was another family affair. Loki reveled in the clearly visible movement, while simultaneously hearing about our son's activities. Toward month's end my husband received a call from Dr. Strange. Wong had found a book that was about Asgard. An appointment was set but Loki had low expectations for finding anything he could use in his history. He was wrong. The tome was ancient by Midgardian standards but had been written within our lifetimes. There were references and additional information to events that would clarify Loki's history. He also found a story he wanted to share with me. Since this concerned Old Asgard, Loki reasoned that Njord should see it, too. We were to go back as a family to view the tale. "Sjofn, tell me about that small flower tattoo on your lower back," my love requested the night he'd read the story.
"I don't really know why it was important that I should have it but…OH!"
"Are you alright? Is something wrong with the baby?" Loki questioned, alarmed.
"No, I'm sorry I startled you. It's just that I was to have had Njord marked with the same image. My father had it and I was taught that I was to keep the tradition when I had children. I had completely forgotten, and of course, I can't see it, except in the mirror. I suppose Njord and Jari can have theirs done together. Poor Njord, though, will remember the pain," I repined.
"I can ease the pain of the needle for both," Loki said dismissively. "Why was it a tradition? How far back did it go?"
"That's the thing. I don't know. My father was orphaned as an infant. A young witch brought him to a childless farming couple who'd lost several babies to stillbirth and miscarriage. She gave him his tattoo in a ritual before leaving him with my grandparents. She instructed them that he was to give his children the mark and it was to be passed on to successive generations. The witch became a friend of the family. She visited often to check on my father, even as an adult. I vaguely remember her. She placed the tattoo on me when I was born. And it was she who suggested I seek employment at the palace when my parents passed. I never saw her again once I was hired." Memories of my family came flooding back in a wave of emotion. My pregnancy only exacerbated my tendency to cry. My love held me while I wept out my grief. My grandparents, my parents, the housekeeper, Queen Frigga- all gone, never knowing our children. A few days before our first wedding anniversary, our little family teleported to the Sanctum Sanctorum in New York City. Dr. Strange met us at the door and led us to the library. He inquired after my health and Jari's, wishing us an uncomplicated birth. Wong had the ancient text on a stand, turned to the page Loki had sought. At the top of the right page was an illustration of a flower matching my tattoo. I gasped in surprise.
"Read aloud, Darling, for Njord to hear." The words were in Aesir. I read the story of Sjofn, the goddess of affection. She used her powers to make peace, bring unity, and establish affinity. Though a princess, her childhood was lonely. Neglected by her parents, she had only toys for companionship. She was taught in secret by Lady South Wind how to bring toys to life. She distributed the toys throughout the kingdom of Alfheim to other lonely children. To her dismay, she learned that her father was a despotic ruler. Sjofn rebelled against him, leading to the magical punishment of Veiling, wherein a person is ignored, as if nonexistent. The goddess of forbidden loves, Lofn, found her, listening to her laments each day, though without response, lest she be veiled. They eventually ran away from Alfheim together. It was not the happy ending for which they'd hoped. The only way to release the Light Elf Princess from her punishment was through the magic of the Dark Elves. The two goddesses arrived in Svartlheim, Lofn bartering with the Elves. These bargains were tainted, taking pieces of Lofn's heart, even as she freed her friend. She became a cruel imitation of the Dark Elves, her yearning for power eventually becoming so great that it was resistant to Sjofn's magic. Lofn bartered Sjofn away for treasure. * The Light Elf, using her experience escaping Alfheim, managed to sneak away from the Dark Elf to whom she'd been sold. She ran through the desolate flats of Svartlheim. She zigzagged from one rocky outcropping to another. For two full days, the princess managed with no food, water, or sleep. She reached the capital city, where she stealthily stole food, drank water from a stream, and slept in a ditch. She was afraid of discovery, so she headed out, skirting the city. to the hills of the planet. She clawed her way up a plateau. Reaching the top, she was confronted by a vast mountain of rock, much larger than it had appeared from the valley. Her strength draining, Sjofn limped to the face, preparing to climb. She heard a glorious sound. Hoping against hope that her ears were not deceived, she listened intently. The steady drip of water was unmistakable. Painfully, slowly, she followed the sound. There was a slight opening in the rock. She squeezed her way through. The air was instantly damp and humid. She used her elven power to produce a small light. The goddess continued to employ her auditory faculties as a guide, the glow being miniscule. The stones of the cave were covered in lichen, slippery. Movement was, of necessity, creeping, but surely the water source was nearby. Lacking the fortitude to increase the brightness, she stooped lower to see the floor around her. Mushrooms! She lifted her skirt to create an apron in which to carry the fleshy fungus. Gathering as she went, the drip changed to a babble, the noise intensifying. Finally, she reached a stream of water flowing over stones. She balanced atop a dry boulder, devouring her mushrooms. She edged to the stream, washing down the meager meal with cold water. Sjofn searched a bit more until she discovered a long narrow rock on which she could sleep. She removed her underskirt, balling it up to make a pillow, and extinguished her tiny lamp. The elven princess awoke in the dark of the cave feeling stiff and sore but refreshed. She conjured an orb of bright white luminescence. She took note of her surroundings. What she'd taken for a cave actually seemed to be a hollowed-out pathway, though long unused. The trail wasn't just at ground level, either. It extended up through the mountain. A small flying vessel could have navigated through but only with an exceptionally skilled pilot. If this was truly a pathway, there had to be an exit. Certainly, the Dark Elf from whom she'd escaped would track through the flats, and maybe even the city, but he'd lose her at the mountain. She likely had time. Now she also had a source of food, water, and shelter. She spent another night and two days following the stream that widened the further she travelled. The drip that had become a babble now took on a roaring quality. Sjofn began to climb the dry stones on her path as waterfalls cropped up in the river. The trail steepened and the cascades were taller. At last, yellow light, sunshine, shone through cracks in the rock. The goddess made for the brightest crack, reasoning that it must be the largest opening. The climb was difficult, depleting her energy. There were no more mushrooms to gather and hunger made her stomach hurt. Thankfully, she didn't need to use magic for light. She emerged from her cave into a late summer afternoon of warm sun next to a vast lake surrounded by mountains. This was nothing like the darkness of Svartalheim. She surmised that she must have crossed into another realm, but she didn't recognize any landmarks, so it couldn't be Alfheim, either. Wearily, she stretched out in the high grass encircling the lake for a nap. The princess was awakened from a deep sleep to see a wizened old face hovering above her. She was a witch. The shriveled woman introduced herself. Recognizing Sjofn as a Light Elf, she presumed that this was the missing goddess from Alfheim. She'd hurried to find the princess before her whereabouts became known. The witch guided Sjofn to the magically veiled woods wherein the coven resided. The royal elf gave an account of what had happened to her since her escape; she wondered in which realm she'd appeared. The witches informed her that she was in Asgard, home of King Odin. The aged witch brought forth a beautiful young woman with flowing silken locks the color of the daisies that dotted the meadows of Alfheim in spring. Sjofn was introduced to Frigga, the old woman's daughter, and betrothed of King Odin. Her wedding was to take place in one week. She readily agreed to bring the elven princess to court. If the princess could be matched with a noble, especially one of the Einherjar, she'd be under Odin's protection. The plan was brought to fruition when a handsome Einherjar of high-ranking family fell in love with the beautiful Light Elf. After a brief period of courtship, they were married, and soon, Sjofn became pregnant. She was delivered of a healthy male child. Unfortunately, Lofn had somehow discovered her former friend's location and made her way to Asgard. She ambushed Sjofn's husband while he was on guard duty. When the discovery was made, Odin secreted Sjofn and her newborn son in an undisclosed location high in the mountains. Unbeknownst to the King, though, the Elf left her protective hideout to attend her husband's funeral. Her body was discovered a day later. Queen Frigga rushed to the mountains to find that the child was still alive in the care of the two witches who had accompanied the princess and her infant. The coven assembled. No one blamed Sjofn's companions. They had tried to restrain her, but her own magic was strengthened in relation to her intense emotions and desire to send off her love. They'd even put her under a spell to disguise her, but Lofn, too, was a goddess, who'd seen through the disguise. The coven assembled, along with Odin, in the hideaway to decide what should be done to secure the boy's safety. It was agreed upon that he should be adopted by humble villagers, where Lofn was unlikely to look for a royal elven child. Once Lofn was found, and the time was appropriate, he could be told of his origins and restored to his rightful status.
I finished the story, the tears that had welled up cascading down my face. "How sad. I wonder what became of the poor baby?"
Loki brushed the tears away with his thumbs. "Don't you know? Darling, I believe that child was your father. That is why he was tattooed with the symbol, and the witch made sure you were, too. It is why you are to have your children marked. To designate you as descendants. Further, the witch kept watch over your family all those years, then sent you to Mother when you needed protection. They were her coven, in which she'd been raised. You were still being hunted, so you had to remain inconspicuous, as a servant. It does puzzle me, though, that your father would name you Sjofn, which could have possibly given you away."
"He didn't," I interrupted. "I was called by my middle name in the village. The witch suggested Sjofn as a name that only my family would call me. It was never spoken outside my home. When I came to work at the palace, Queen Frigga asked if I had another name. She told me she thought Sjofn was a beautiful name and asked permission to use it."
Loki nodded and became more animated. "It makes perfect sense. Did you go by Sjofn or your village name with the other servants?
"I went by Astridr. Only Queen Frigga used Sjofn."
"Why did you choose to allow me to call you Sjofn?"
"Because you asked if my name was Sjofn. You said Queen Frigga had told you about me, I was already in love with you, and I wanted to hear my private name from you."
"Darling," he breathed, caressing my face. "You were going to be elevated when Lofn was no longer a threat. That's why Mother sent you to me and made certain I knew who you were. As a direct descendant of the goddess, you have inherited some of her powers. You have a way with people, bringing out their best, using fondness and affection to forge bonds Mother saw that your powers could bring a peace to me that had been lacking my whole life and was, at that moment, desperately needed- even before her death. And I could bring you into the royal family, where you belonged. Although she was still alive in my old timeline, I have to assume she'd have made the same choice, had I come back to Asgard. I can only assume that Lofn's whereabouts were discovered and she was dealt with." Loki gestured to Njord to come closer. "I also believe our son has inherited those same powers." He hugged our boy to his side. "I love you both so much. You are the perfect family for me."
"I love you, too, but I don't think this means I am some goddess," I chuckled.
"A demi-goddess. You are, Sjofn. You were named for your grandmother. It fits. You just need to get used to the idea. I've been trying to convince you for a while that you've never been 'just' anything- servant, Asgardian, woman. You are royalty, you are elven, you are divine, and you have powers. Embrace your true identity, Darling."
"Loki, even if what you say is true, Asgard is Midgardian now. Birth and titles from our old life don't have meaning here. I am content with our life. I don't need to be someone grandiose to be fulfilled."
"Then why do you denigrate yourself?
"I…" I couldn't answer. I thought back to the Stark Industries gala when I'd felt like an imposter. While being granddaughter to a goddess wouldn't confer any particular status in Midgard, it did mean that our marriage was no longer an uneven servant/master fantasy, but a marriage of equals. Somehow, I had sold myself short, even if only to myself. Since his exile in the Swedish cabin, Loki had never considered me less than him. Thor didn't regard me as unworthy. Valkyrie had accepted me as a royal relative. The Asgardians, to my knowledge, hadn't thought Loki was marrying beneath him. The only person for whom this would be a new identity was- me. "I just wanted to be a befitting wife for you, my love."
"And I wish to be a befitting husband for you. Let's work on that together." Loki pressed his forehead to mine.
"Does this make us different, Mamma?" Njord piped up.
"No, Sweetheart, we are still the same people. We just have more bloodlines, stories, and places in our family history, and they are pretty interesting. And maybe we do have some powers that can be used to help our loved ones and the world. We'll see." I signaled the librarian. "Mr. Wong, are there also books that mention more of Alfheim?"
"There are more stories in that book, I know. We might have others. I will keep a look out."
"Oh, thank you! Is there anything I do or bring for your troubles? Do you enjoy cakes or any special food I can make you?
Wong gave a sheepish grin. "I do have a fondness for tuna melts."
"If that's what you desire, that's what you shall have. I promise."
There was a snort from the back of the room. "Did you just ask an Elven Asgardian Demi-goddess for a tuna melt?" mocked Dr. Strange. Wong turned up his nose and disappeared among his books. I sent Mr. Wong a footlong tuna melt sub on freshly baked homemade bread.
March fifth was our first anniversary. Loki asked for the day off and I canceled school. We went to New Asgard, hiking through the park where the wedding was held and picnicking there. My husband cast a shield and warmed us at our picnic table. Njord went to Finn's house for dinner and play time, while Loki and I dressed in our togs from the New Year's fundraiser, and went to a five-star restaurant, where my love had made reservations. We brought Njord back to the cottage at nine in the evening, Norway time. Our son informed us of all the new things Anneke could do. Finn seemed to like her better now that she responded to him. We played games and watched a family movie. We pulled up video of the wedding that Knud had made and sent to us. I blubbered when Loki and Njord sang to me along with the video and at the Arm Binding. Jari was quite active, moving and kicking, as if he wanted to be part of the celebration. We had supper at midnight, then popped back to New York. At seven o'clock New York time, Njord went to Landon's apartment for a couple of hours, leaving Loki and I (and Jari) to have a last celebration of our own. We were intimate and cozy and thoroughly enjoyed our alone time. It was a busy day, but we loved being with one another.
One month following our anniversary, I was putting the finishing touches on the refreshing paint job on Njord's old changing table. The bassinet was next to our bed, however, there was no space to add the changing table, so it was placed in the living room. Not ideal for entertaining or interior design but practical for living. Unfortunately, all of us would be awakened for overnight feedings. We'd be moving soon, though. The living quarters at the Avengers Training Facility were built and getting their finishing touches. It was a matter of a few weeks. I was close to my due date, so Jari would most likely make his appearance before the move. My back felt incredibly achy. Every once in a while, it would spasm painfully. Now that I'd completed the painting, I could rest. I got a snack and some water. I settled into the recliner. Njord was doing online Globalskolen and Loki was due home any minute from his therapy session. I consumed my crackers and water, thinking I'd snooze. My back suddenly contracted, temporarily robbing me of breath. Loki entered just as the pain subsided. He was beside me in a shot. "Darling, are you alright?"
"It's my back. The painting has given me spasms. The baby is fine. I took some Tylenol, but it doesn't seem to be helping. I'll go see Eir if it's still bothering me in a half hour." In twenty minutes, another spasm hit. Loki insisted we teleport to Norway. Loki took me to Eir's office first, then popped back with Njord seconds later. There were a few others in the waiting room. I commanded my husband to take our son to the cottage. I'd text once I'd seen Eir. I texted fifteen minutes later to bring me a change of clothes. My water had broken. Njord waited in the waiting room during my examination. Eir said my back spasms were labor contractions. I was having back labor. Jari was facing my stomach, rather than my back, putting pressure on my spine and tailbone. She reckoned he would flip over before he came but warned that my labor was likely to be more painful than I'd experienced with Njord. All we could do now was wait. Bruce wanted to be involved, even if he wasn't to deliver this baby. I texted him that I was in labor. He said he could be ready to join us in an hour. Loki would transport him to the house, where he'd take care of Njord. My contractions were coming closer together. Loki used his magic to lessen the intensity of the pain I perceived, so as not to worry our son. Soon enough, my husband teleported off to collect Smart Hulk, then took the boy to the house. Without bewitchment, I could feel my back aching immensely, even between spasms. Back by my side, I had to remind my love that I must feel the convulsions of the muscles. Eir had to know what I was experiencing to gauge if anything was wrong. We were shown to med bay in a wing of her building that had Asgardian medical equipment, but instead of the usual, functional look of a doctor's office or hospital room, the décor was homier. The walls were a soft peach and large, colorful poufy pillows abounded. There was a long corridor between the main area of the building and this wing; the walls were taupe with photographs of blue sky and puffy clouds, tranquil seas, and various animals. I was free to walk the hall, as long as it was relatively comfortable to do so. That didn't last long. My contractions were close now. They crescendoed with ferocity, yet never seemed to truly stop in between. Loki was beside himself: he desperately wished to use his power to help me but Eir had put her foot down. He was not to interfere, even if I begged. Former king or no, he would be tossed out if he didn't obey. My husband held my hand, rubbed my back, sang to me, and stoically endured all the verbal abuse I hurled at him. Well, mainly I just screamed that he was never to touch me again, along with some of the same choice words I used when giving birth to Njord. Finally, Jari crowned and it was time to push. I screamed and cried and pushed for all I was worth. Our son came into the world, taking his first breath, then crying piteously. Loki wanted to hold him but knew he'd have to wait. Jari was placed on my chest, in between my breasts. A hat was placed on his head. I put the small diaper on him. His skin was a very faint blue with no textured markings. He continued to cry as his father and I crooned an Asgardian lullaby, followed by soothing words. He finally snuggled and ceased his whimpers. Almost an hour passed before our infant crawled over to find my nipple to feed. Upon completion of his first feeding, he was washed and brought back. Loki held him for a stretch. Jari was again laid on my bare chest. One of Eir's assistants gave my love information on Kangaroo Care and its benefits. He was gratified to find that fathers could participate, too. We spent the night in the maternity wing. I don't think our newborn son ever slept in the bassinet there. Loki and I took turns, sleeping in shifts, to cuddle him skin to skin between feedings. The following day, Jari and I were released. We went home to our little house in New Asgard.
Njord begged to hold his baby brother straight away. He perched on the sofa, pillows under each arm for support. I put Jari into his thin arms. "Hello, Jari. I'm your brother, Njord. I've talked to you a lot but now I can see you and hold you! I'm so happy you're here. I'm going to love you forever!" Jari stared up at his brother, wide-eyed. Bruce was thoughtful enough to record the moment. He took his turn cradling the child. He helped cook dinner and stayed until bedtime, well into the night, since we were all still on East Coast U.S. time. Bruce took his leave to sleep at Thor's house. Loki had teleported the bassinet over to Norway. We used a pad for changing diapers. My husband had a week of Parental Leave, which we spent in New Asgard. Smart Hulk continued to come over to help during the day. At last, we had to return to New York. Once there, Bucky informed us that the townhouses were nearly complete. We'd be moving the last week of April. I had no idea how I was to tend to my newborn son who showed signs of the sensitivity Queen Frigga had described in Loki as a babe. He was fussy unless completely comfortable. Anything could set him off- loud noises, bright lights, hunger, dirty diaper, wanting to be held. Agnetha had given me a baby sling as a gift, which we'd discovered made a huge difference. I couldn't wear Jari and pack boxes, too, though. Plus, I still needed to teach Njord. My mind was overwhelmed, my body sleep deprived; I rocked the baby while I cried. Njord found me this way. Loki was off training with Bucky. My older boy patted my hair. "What's wrong, Mamma?" he asked, concern on his face.
"I just don't know how I can get everything ready to be moved, Sweet. We all have so much to do already." My phone rang. Loki quickly explained that a mission had come up. He hoped to be back in a day or so. We hung up. I was weeping copiously at this point.
"Don't cry, Mamma. I'll get us some help." Njord picked up my cell and scrolled through the numbers. Then he placed his call. "Hi Uncle Bruce, this is Njord. We just found out that we are moving in a couple of weeks, but Pappa is on a mission, and Mamma has to take care of Jari, and I have school. You are the smartest person I know besides Pappa. Can you help us figure out how we can get it all done?" The child listened for a spell. He responded, "Thanks! I can be a big help. I love you." He paused, then "Bye!"
"Uncle Bruce says we should schedule one hour each day to start packing. You can direct me with what you want in each box. When Pappa is here, he can pack, too. In two weeks, if we still need help, Uncle Bruce can come. If we get it all done on our own, he'll be here for moving day, anyway. He already told Ms. Potts he'd be available." Njord kissed my cheek, handed me a tissue, and went back to his schoolwork. My big boy was a huge help over the couple of days Loki was gone. He cut up fruit for breakfast, made our lunches for two days, and chopped vegetables for dinner. Loki got home around ten pm two days later. Following the mission, cardboard boxes were delivered to the New Avengers. Njord and I had already implemented Bruce's suggestion, gathering piles of items to go into the boxes. We took one afternoon to buy Njord a bed for his new room, along with a set of Spider-Man sheets and a Hulk comforter. My little Avenger! We had much less to pack than I'd realized. I'd forgotten that we'd kept the bare minimum of clothes, kitchenware, décor, and toiletries in New York for just this reason. There were some pieces of furniture and items we'd bring over to our new townhouse from Norway, but they weren't essential. In the event, we were ready when moving day came. A few of the Masters of Mystic Arts were on hand to facilitate travel between the rented apartments and the new building. Loki and Wanda could both teleport. Once all of our stuff was transported, Loki began helping others. Wanda did, too. With Smart Hulk carrying heavy pieces, everyone's furniture, boxes, etc., were at their new digs in short order. Our place had brown granite countertops and fireplace surround, though the fireplace itself was electric. The walls had already been painted. Our living room was a buttery yellow, our bedroom mint green; Njord's bedroom glowed golden, reminiscent of the rooms of Valaskjalf; the nursery was a neutral beige, with a border midway between floor and ceiling of the Rainbow Bridge that faintly glowed in the dark. There were two full baths, one off the master bedroom, the other across from the boy's bedrooms. A powder room was situated around the corner from the living room. Kitchen tiles of mosaic glass in browns to match the counters, and a small nook just large enough for our desks completed our suite of rooms. Loki arranged our furniture while Njord unpacked the boxes that I indicated. All the essentials were in place by suppertime. Bruce and Bucky joined us for pizza. I thanked Bruce for his advice to Njord when I'd felt so daunted by my responsibilities while Loki was working. He'd given me perspective. My boy wanted his photographs from New Asgard to go in his new room. He and Loki popped over to Norway to grab them and a few other items I requested. They reappeared momentarily. Our older son was content to arrange his belongings while the adults conversed. All the adults praised him for his help. He'd worked so hard that day, he didn't even complain about bath and bedtime. He requested Bruce for story time but chose a book that he read to Professor Hulk. Bruce and Bucky and headed to Bucky's place. Loki and I came in to kiss Njord goodnight. Our child was troubled. "I know we live in New York now but New Asgard was always home to me. This apartment isn't like the other one, though. This place has the color I wanted for my room, and all of us have our own rooms, and I have a bed instead of the sofa. Will Jari sleep in his room now? Can I still come get in bed with you? Is this home?"
"Of course, you can join us in bed," I assured him. "That is what we do as a family and it doesn't have to change until you decide. Jari will still be in the bassinet for another month or two. And we just happen to have more than one home. There are other people who do, too."
Loki pulled Njord onto his lap, scooting close to where I rested on the bed with Jari in my arms. "Let me tell you what I've learned about home, my son. Growing up, I didn't appreciate the home I had. I constantly wished to be elsewhere. I wished I had a different father and sometimes even a different brother, though I loved my mother immensely. When I found out I did have a different family, one that hadn't wanted me, I thought I had no home. I did some very desperate things to hold onto the home I had but I messed everything up. I've learned a lot and worked on myself a lot since then. And now I have your Mamma, you, and Jari. You are the family I've always wanted. We love one another always. When we get angry, we talk about why. We try to work together so that each of us feels needed and wanted. You've heard Asgardians say that Asgard is not a place, it's a people. That's what home is. It is wherever there are people we love. New Asgard is home. New York is home. Sjofn knew me when I was still searching for home. Even through our relationship with each other, she waited a long time for me to figure this out. But I have finally come home. Whenever you, your mother, Jari, and I are together, we are home."
Njord nodded. "I love you, Pappa and Mamma. I love you, too, Jari." He reached over to touch his brother. "And I love being home."
