Heavy petting, heavy breathing, and terrible anticipation. For two years Loki and Thor enjoyed a peace and tranquility in their relationship that felt permanent and lasting. In the royal garden, beneath a cherry tree, they often touched and tasted the sweet fruits of each other's bodies. Sweet nectar that could only be found between thighs, open and eager for pollination. The King was often in a relaxed state, lips swollen with kisses. His concubine was often a mess, hair tousled and neck freshly bitten and bruised.
It was common to hear sweet words being whispered in dark corners, and to see the pair emerge tugging pants and tunics into place. They looked at each other as though no one else was present, as though no one else mattered. They were distracted by one another.
It started as small skirmishes, by groups of thieves. They'd steal their way into Alfheim, burning farmhouses and terrorizing the elves living there. The survivors of these incidents always recounted how horrible Aesir brutes would take their food, rape their wives and children, mock the elfish people.
The elves formed militias to defend themselves. They managed to kill some of the invaders, but growing sentiment among their people was that war with Asgard was a growing necessity. When a village of enraged elves used their magic to open a gate into Asgard and attack farmers on the outskirts of the city, the army was summoned and quashed it. A meeting of Kings was scheduled.
"I cannot see them." Heimdall said to Loki.
"Is it magic?" Loki asked.
"Yes. The elves have the ability to block my sight. They like their privacy."
"But why would the elves help the thieves that are attacking them?"
"There are amulets that can be made to endow certain powers for use by non-magic wielders. I suspect the thieves got their hands on one. It would also explain their ability to travel back and forth between realms without using the Bifrost."
"But several of these groups have this ability, and for each group that has been vanquished, a new one pops up with the same abilities to circumvent your stewardship. There is a larger hand in this. Someone is inciting war between our realms. I want to know why." Loki said.
"I will keep you apprised of any detail, no matter how small." Heimdall said.
"Thank you." Loki said. He looked around the gatehouse. It was beautiful, but it was also lonely.
"What do you do for company out here?" Loki asked. Heimdall chuckled. It was a deep and warm sound.
"I have friends that visit me often and dine with me at meal times."
"Is it true you do not sleep?"
"Yes. I have never experienced sleep. What are dreams like?"
"Fuzzy and strange. Sometimes they are really good, really happy, or even erotic. Often times they are confusing and when you wake you cannot remember half of it or what it was supposed to mean. Nightmares are horrible. Count yourself lucky for not experiencing those. What of your body? Does it not require physical rest? I know after a hard day of training, a night in bed does wonders for my muscles."
"I do sit and rest after times of great physical exertion, but that is seldom these days."
"Interesting. Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Do I make him happy? Is he different from before he met me?"
"Thor is the happiest I have ever seen him."
"Does he love me?"
"You know he does. I've seen the two of you together. He is enraptured by you. What is it you fear?"
"Enraptured? Just how much spying have you been doing on us?" Loki asked with a naughty grin.
"Do you really want to know?" Heimdall asked. Loki laughed and shook his head.
"I'm getting close to being ready for my first heat. I can't help but feel that something is about to pop up and snatch away my happiness. The meeting with King Elwin has me on edge."
"Thor loves you. Do you love him?"
"I am bonded to him Heimdall. I cannot… I wouldn't…I don't think I could go on if Thor died fighting in some war, nor could my heart survive being replaced. Thor has dropped little hints, slips of the tongue regarding marrying me. I believe he wants to."
"I wish I could say that you have nothing to worry about, but this flare up between Asgard and Alfheim is troubling. Should I learn of any developments, I will inform you immediately."
"Thank you my friend."
XxXxXxXxXx
Thor stood at the mouth of the Bifrost to receive the King of Alfheim and his delegation. Loki and Thor's other advisors stood in the background. An army of servants were on standby to gather up luggage and assist their guests to their assigned quarters at the palace.
The gate opened and King Elwin and his entourage stepped forth. The King of the Elves had a very dour expression on his face, Thor noted. He also noted the woman at his side and dread curled his gut. It was the Lady Arwin, Crowned Princess of Alfheim, and she was looking at Thor with an unreadable expression. There is only one reason she would be here.
"Welcome to Asgard King Elwin. I look forward to negotiating a lasting peace between our peoples." Thor said. Loki looked at the princess, his brow pinched with jealousy and worry. Arwin glanced at him, noting the scar and fresh bites on his neck.
Thor, Elwin, and Arwin loaded onto an open carriage to ride back to the palace. Loki had to ride back with the servants.
"My advisors are at a loss as to how these thieves are able to invade your lands." Thor said. "Even my gatekeeper Heimdall has been blinded to their activities. I am eager to work with you in finding a solution to stop these raids."
"I'm afraid the problem has spread beyond stopping the raids. My people are of the belief that these raids are being carried out with your full knowledge and consent, and that they are a prelude to war. I am facing pressures at home to create a lasting peace. This is my daughter Arwin."
"I remember. You have grown in grace and beauty my lady. Your Majesty, please know that these bandits do not have the support of the crown. I have no designs on Alfheim or its people."
"Or its throne?" Elwin asked.
"No."
"Alfheim is a peaceful realm Thor, but for centuries my people have feared the might of Asgard. They fear invasion. The idea of a marriage alliance is quite popular among my people. They are of the opinion that having a half-elf heir to the throne of Asgard will solve this and all other future tensions. I agree with them." Elwin said. Thor's face fell and he looked at her with heartache in his eyes.
"So it is true. You are in love with your omega." Arwin said.
"Arwin!"
"Father, I would know the nature of my marriage bed and if love would ever reside there. Would I be sharing a marriage bed with two husbands?"
"I love Loki with my whole heart. There is no room for another." Thor said. Arwin's face fell. She had hoped that Thor's attachment to Loki was only surface and sexual.
"Have you mated him?" Elwin asked.
"We are bonded yes."
"Bonded? But not mated?" Arwin asked.
"Not yet. Loki is too young, or was. He's almost old enough to breed. He'll be getting his first heat any time now."
"Then it is not too late to break the bond and ship him off." Elwin said. Thor looked at him with wide-eyed shock.
"You cannot expect me to treat someone I love so callously!"
"I expect you to do your duty to your people as Arwin must for hers."
"There are other solutions available. I will not damn your daughter, my lover, and myself to a lifetime of heartache."
"But he is not your lover. You have admitted as such."
"Loki and I, we have shared intimacies which are not polite for conversation."
"You and Arwin would grow affectionate to one another in time. I have foreseen it."
"And what of Loki?"
"He will bond with another."
"No. There are other solutions available, and I will speak with you regarding those first."