Part 4

"Breathe slowly your highness." Eir stated calmly. It took you a few moments to realise you were hyperventilating. "I am aware that this is quite the shock for you, but it will do you no good if you pass out simply by not breathing properly."

You tried to concentrate on your breathing, but your mind was racing faster than you had ever thought possible. Looking to Loki, you gave a pleading look in hopes of getting him to explain what exactly had occurred as you had slept.

"You are aware you now have the ability to speak, aren't you?" He laughed incredulously. You remained silently looking at him, then to the healer next to him.

"Your Majesty, considering that the princess has spent more than half her life as a wolf, I am not certain she will be able to recall how to act as an Æsir." Eir interjected cautiously. "Including such things as having the ability to speak."

Loki face showed he had obviously not contemplated such an issue. His jaw clenched slightly as his smile fell. He looked to you once again only to notice that you were staring at the floor ashamedly. "There is no reason for you to feel such a way; none of this is your doing. We succeeded in getting you back into this form, and we will succeed in getting you able to be as you were once more again also, it will only take some time." Loki affirmed.

Closing your eyes for a moment, you concentrated on trying to control your lips, as a wolf, your jowls were not as much of an issue as they were only ever used to growl and open your mouth, nothing else. In your Æsir form, you realised there was a lot more involved. You moved them around somewhat and tried to make your lips into an 'o', it would clearly take some practise, you felt somewhat downtrodden.

"Time will help you a lot your Highness." Eir smiled encouragingly. "For now your body is weak and exhausted from the transformation, so you need to rest it. Also it is my understanding that you have not eaten in some time. I will have some food brought up to aid in your recovery." She continued, heading for the door.

"Make sure to insist on there being some fruit." Loki ordered. The healer nodded and left. There was a silence for a few minutes as you watched Loki assess your appearance almost critically. "You look somewhat like I remember, though your face was far rounder, but children's faces usually are apparently." He smiled reminiscently.

You nodded slightly, thinking about what he said as you looked at the hands you had long forgotten how to use that were now laying on your lap. Looking up again, you tried to convey a question that was irking you somewhat for an answer.

"Æthelnoð is in the healing rooms, it took a lot from him to help you through this." Loki explained. You whimpered guiltily. "There is no need for you to feel bad, he was never forced into this, and with you body weakened, it did not fight the change too much, and with me taking part in it also, he is far better than he otherwise could have been."

Your gaze immediately shot over Loki's body, checking him, he seemed slightly paler than usual, now that you had taken time to notice, and looked perhaps in need of a good rest, but other than that, he seemed to be fairing well.

"I am fine." He dismissed sensing your concern. "Just rest until the food arrives. You need to recover."

Knowing he was speaking the truth, you tried to lie on your back as you knew Æsir to lie, but you could not find it comfortable, so you decided instead to curl up on your side as that, to you, was far more relaxing. Within moments, your aching body was beginning to settle down and you began to fall asleep under Loki's watchful eye.

Soon after, your dreams took over once again, and again the foreboding shadow attacked, causing you to jump and cry out. As soon as you felt yourself being struck painfully with the red blast once more, you winced in pain, and forced your eyes open.

Loki was standing over you, his eyes wide and filled with concern. "Are you alright?" he asked worriedly.

Looking around, you realised you were on the ground, the large bed you had previously been sleeping on, next to you, the long silk sheets were contorted and twisted around your body. Assessing yourself for injuries, you were certain nothing was broken, so you looked up again at him and nodded.

"Well then, we better get you back into the bed. Your food has just arrived. Eir stated that you are to be bed bound for a few days to replenish your energy and strength. She will be checking on you every so often throughout each day but she also wants you to do some exercises between her visits so you can learn to use your hands and feet again, walking as an Æsir, as well as your mouth like you were doing earlier, that will enable you to become used to this body once more."

You wanted to listen more in hopes of speeding up your training, and in turn end your forced bed rest, but hunger was at the forefront of your mind as you eyed the foods in front of you. Extending your hand gingerly, you took a piece of nectarine and smelt it before placing it carefully in your mouth, frightened you would accidentally miss.

"See, nothing to it." Loki smiled encouragingly. "You were always bright, even as a young child."

You did not realise you were smiling until Loki's face lit up at the gesture. Anxious you then nipped lightly on your lip.

"I am aware that these are more than likely not intentional reactions on your behalf, but it is a wonderful start." He praised.

Glad at your accidental success, you nodded and took another bite of the fruit, though you yelped as your teeth came in contact with the hard stone in its centre, something you were not aware of beforehand.

"Could be worse." Loki shrugged, trying not to chuckle. "It could have been your finger."

You narrowed your eyes and glared at him, which only led to him beginning a hearty laugh.