Freya barely saw the Prince after that day, although it was not for lack of trying. With Yule being only three days away, there was still much to organise, and she barely had a moment to herself. Thankfully she had been excused from the daily Council meetings so that she could focus purely on Yuletide, but there simply were not enough hours in a day. Even with the numerous late nights, Freya was struggling to see how on Earth she would manage to get everything sorted by the 21st. The Midwinter Solstice marked the beginning of the twelve days in which the Asgardians celebrated, and so involved a lot more than just the daily feasting otherwise. There was gift giving, a play, music, and a bonfire to sort out, and Freya was struggling to keep up with everything. The committee was doing their best to split the load between them, but Freya had no idea if the festivities would be anywhere near as good as the ones the Asgardians had previously experienced.

Of course, it did not help matters that she was barely sleeping either, for it meant she was second-guessing everything, and her stress levels kept rising. The to-do list was never ending, and her mind kept wandering to the Prince. He had looked so vulnerable when he had thanked her for her efforts, and she so desperately wanted to know what he had been about to do that night. Her cheek was still tingling from where he had rested his hand, and she longed to be the object of his affections. She regretted not taking the opportunity to tell him the truth herself, and she had no idea if they would ever get a moment to themselves like that again. She had no doubt that Loki would be kept busy with his duties throughout the festive period, and even if she did manage to snatch a minute alone with him, there were no guarantees that they would be left undisturbed long enough for them to have a decent conversation.

Sighing deeply, Freya sent another email and then turned her attention to the various piles of boxes that were stacked around her office. She had several others in her room, and every day saw more packages arrive. However, she still had not received any from her family, and though she knew that there was still time for them to appear, she would rest a little easier once they were in her possession. Going through a few of the most recent arrivals, she was pleased to note that they now had everything needed to make up the gift hampers, and so she sent a quick message to the rest of the committee so that they could make a start on putting them together. The hampers had seemed like a good idea at the time when she had suggested it to the others, but she knew it would be incredibly time-consuming to put them together and sign the cards to go with them. Still, Freya knew that they would be appreciated, for they mostly contained food and drink, along with a small keepsake for every resident. Ragnar had woven some decorations to go in them, while Hilda had fermented and spiced the mead herself. Thyra's contribution would be some sweet treats, while Freya had decided that she would make some gingerbread. After all, it was a traditional Christmas treat, and spiced biscuits were a Nordic thing.

She was part way through sorting out the boxes when more post arrived, and she thanked the courier as they handed her the parcel. This one contained the dress she had ordered especially for the Midwinter Solstice, and she did not hesitate to open it, for she hoped that it would be perfect for the celebration. She had ordered a rather lovely festive fifties style dress, and she was looking forward to making it look a bit more Christmassy. However, as she pulled the fabric out of its packaging, her heart sank, for it was nothing like the picture. To make matters worse, it was also the wrong colour, for it was green instead of red. Not only that, but it was Loki's green specifically, and she knew that there was nothing she could do about it in time for the celebrations. As much as she could return it, there was no way that she would receive a replacement dress in time, and she could only hope that she had something in the back of her wardrobe that would be suitable, for there was no way she would dare to wear such a colour now.

However, as she turned around, she knocked one of the bookcases, and a frame fell. Her heart sank even more as she heard the glass break, for this truly was the last thing she needed today. Setting the package down, she retrieved the frame and then felt tears form as she saw the photo of her family. Oh how she missed them… And not knowing when she would see them again really did hurt. Holding it close, she let all of the hurt, sorrow and pain of the last few weeks crash over her, and she burst into tears.

She had no idea how long she was like this for, but it had to be at least half an hour. The tears simply would not stop coming, for she was grieving for all that she had lost, and she so dearly wished she could have a hug from her mum. She missed her parents terribly, and this Christmas felt even worse, for after everything that had happened in the last twelve months, she wanted to be with her family. Yet she had volunteered to stay, and now here she was, wishing that Christmas could just be over and done with already.

"Freya?" A concerned voice came from the door, and the consultant sighed as she realised she had a visitor. She hated being seen like this, but she dared not look up for fear of what she might see. She had no wish to be pitied at all, and it was unlikely that Ragnar would be able to do anything to solve her problems.

"Whatever is the matter?" He asked as he knelt beside her, instantly offering her a tissue. Freya took it and dried her eyes, trying to pull herself together. The weaver just saw the broken glass and the frame she held closely, and then sighed.

"You miss your family?" She could only nod, and then she felt even worse, for at least she still had her family and her home to return to

"I have been having such a terrible day." Freya quietly admitted after a few minutes, while Ragnar cleaned up the broken glass. "This was just the icing on the cake."

"I hope we can turn your bad day around." He said as he took the frame from her. "This should be a relatively easy fix."

"I know. I just… I miss them. It was nice to see Astrid but…"

"It's not the same is it? Celebrating a holiday about loved ones when you cannot see them."

"Exactly." She paused as she stood up. "What can I do for you?"

"There's a meeting in a few minutes, and your presence has been requested."

"I was under the belief that I was excused from all meetings until January?"

"Apart from ones that focus on the Yuletide celebrations, of which this one does." He explained.

"Oh…" She paused. "But I am so far behind on those too…"

"We'll get there, you'll see." He assured her. "I'll let you freshen up, and then we can head there together."

"Thank you." She gave him a weak smile, before disappearing to the bathroom to wash her face.

Ten minutes later found the pair sat in the conference room with the rest of the King's Council and the Yuletide Committee, and Freya was very confused as to what was going on. So far she could see no reason why this meeting could not simply have been an email, and she was mentally going through everything that still needed to be done. However, her trail of thought was stopped when Thor spoke.

"I have decided to push the main festivities back a few days." The God of Thunder announced.

"How come?" A confused Freya asked, already thinking about what needed to be rearranged.

"We will still celebrate the Solstice with the usual bonfire, but the feast and gift swap will be on Christmas Day." Thor explained, causing Freya to frown even more, especially as no one was objecting to it.

"We decided that as Midgard's traditions mainly stem from our own, we would incorporate some of yours." Loki explained, while she took in this information. She had no idea if the Trickster had any part in persuading Thor to do this, but she was grateful for the extra few days to sort things out, and it meant that she would have something to look forward to for Christmas Day too.

"Not much will need rearranging. In fact, I have sorted most of that out already." Hilda assured her.

"Oh…" Freya uttered, still not quite believing what she was hearing.

"We thought that the families should be able to celebrate the Midwinter Solstice in their own ways, and then everyone can gather for the main festivities afterwards." Ragnar added.

"I suppose the will need it after the year they have had." Freya mused as Thor dismissed them.

"Exactly." Hilda smiled as they wandered towards Freya's office. "Do you have any plans for the Solstice?"

"It's not something I have ever really celebrated to be perfectly honest with you." Freya admitted. "I mean, I did make it to Stonehenge one year to watch the sunrise, but I am usually working. It isn't really a big thing in our calendar…"

"So that's a no then?"

"I'll probably just get on with work." Freya admitted as they sat down.

"You should join us then." Hilda invited, and as touched as the consultant was, she had no wish to get in the way of their usual traditions.

"I wouldn't want to intrude."

"That's why I'm inviting you." Hilda pointed out as she rolled her eyes. "Join us at my place around lunchtime and you can celebrate with us."

"Are you sure?"

"You're the one who wants to learn all about Asgardian culture, and this is the perfect opportunity to do exactly that." Freya knew she was right.

"Do I need to bring anything with me?"

"Just yourself."

"Then it's a date."

The Midwinter Solstice was one of the strangest and yet the best she had ever experienced. She had watched the sunrise and spent the morning working, although the palace was deserted as everyone was celebrating with their friends and families. At midday though, Freya had thrown on her coat and grabbed a tin of chocolates before heading to Hilda's cottage, for though she had been told not to bring anything, she never could go anywhere empty handed. She had quickly been sat in front of a log fire and handed a tankard of spiced mead, and she smiled as she listened to Ragnar bustling about in the kitchen. The smell of roast pork and winter spices wafted through the cottage, and it felt very cosy. The living room had been decorated with garlands of evergreens and there was a rather large pile of firewood ready to keep them warm too, while a number of candles kept the room lit. Freya was instantly reminded of her parents' house, and she smiled as it truly felt very cosy and welcoming.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Freya asked as she watched Hilda top up the mead jugs.

"You can keep an eye on the fire, but other than that, you are our guest, so just enjoy yourself." It was not much longer before the living room was full of people, who turned out to be the Sakaarians and a few of the Asgardians too. It seemed that Hilda had made sure that no one spent the Solstice alone, and Freya was content to listen to them swap stories of their own Midwinter celebrations. A few children were playing a game on the floor, while Hilda finally sat down and chatted to everyone. It reminded Freya of the family get togethers her grandmother would host when she was a small child, and though her heart panged at the thought of her relatives, there was something very familiar and homely about this.

The rest of the afternoon was spent eating, drinking, and making merry. Freya had been unable to resist joining in with some of the games that the children were playing, and there were others who happily taught her the words to the traditional Yuletide songs. There was much music and laughter, and though today saw the longest night of the year, the home was truly full of light and joy. She was truly grateful for the invitation, and she felt the happiest she had been in rather a long time. As seven o'clock struck though, all of them put their coats on and headed towards the centre of the town, for this was where the traditional bonfire had been set up. Musicians were already playing, and it seemed that they were some of the last people to arrive, for the bonfire was truly ablaze. The heat radiating from it was more than welcome in the cold Norwegian air, and Freya was mesmerised watching the flames. She barely heard Thor's speech, and she smiled as Ragnar handed her a cup of hot wine to toast the fallen.

"Tonight marks the rebirth of the Sun and the start of a new beginning. Here is to a good year ahead!" With this, they all raised their glasses and there was a mighty cheer, before everyone mingled together. Freya was more than content to stand near the fire while Hilda and Ragnar socialised, and she mused on how many cultures had their own Midwinter celebrations. She knew that the history of Christmas was not a straightforward one, and she could certainly understand the wish to find some joy in the darkest and coldest months of the year. She also wondered how the next few days would go, for today marked the beginning of the festivities, and she desperately prayed that everything would go smoothly.

It was not too long before Hilda found her again, and the pair were soon dancing with a number of the other Asgardians. There were many smiles and the sound of singing filled the air, whilst children played and others talked. Freya was unsure if she wanted the night to end, for she was having a lot of fun, but as she swapped partners, her eyes fell on one of the men in the throng. He was grinning joyfully and his eyes sparkled in the firelight, while his long green coat swirled with the movement. He truly looked handsome this evening, and for one moment, Freya let her guard down. She no longer cared about what anyone else thought of her, for all she could see was him. She longed to be taken in his arms and feel his soft lips against hers, to hear him whisper sweet nothings in her ear. She dearly wished to know what he wanted to say the other night, and she needed him to know just what he meant to her. His eyes met hers for just the briefest of moments, and he offered her a warm smile which melted her heart. She truly wished they could be friends again, if not more, but she was conflicted. Yes, she loved him, but he had hurt her, and she was unsure if she could ever trust him with her heart.

The song came to an end but a moment later, and Loki was just within touching distance. His laughter rang in her ears, and she wondered if she should just go and speak to him. She knew that the mead had given her far more courage than she expected, and for once her walls were down. It would have been clear to see that she was infatuated with him, but she did not care. Now was her chance to talk with him, even if they were in front of the entire population of New Asgard.

"You truly are besotted, aren't you?" Hilda asked as she joined her, grateful for the rest between dances.

"Is it really that evident?" Freya questioned, watching as the Prince spoke with Sif and Thyra.

"You should just tell him."

"I know."

"What is the worst he can do?"

"Break my heart." Freya sighed. "But I have already dealt with enough heartache, and there's something about him that has changed recently. I feel as if…"

"There's hope?" Hilda asked, while Freya bowed her head. "Then go for it."

"What?"

"Right here, right now. It's the perfect opportunity, and I will be right here if you need me." Freya just took a deep breath and walked towards the Prince, hoping that this was the right thing to do. However, just as she reached him, she felt someone tug on her arm, and she sighed when she saw Eric. He was the chief playwright, and he had plenty of questions for her. As much as she tried to get away, she had no option but to answer him, and by the time he was satisfied, the Prince was gone.

"I will tell him. I will." She muttered as she worked her way through the crowd. However, there was no sign of the raven-haired Trickster, and she cursed, for she truly needed him to know the truth, and ideally before Christmas. With a heavy sigh, Freya knew it was also getting late, and there was still much to be done in the morning. Therefore, she made her farewells and headed back to the palace, hoping that she would be able to track the Prince down at some point soon, for she needed to know just what he was playing at. Did he truly miss her? Or was this just another ploy to keep her here in New Asgard? She had no idea, but she needed to find out before it was too late.