I walked into the great hall on Loki's arm. Something about it felt right. He escorted me to the right of Odin and sat beside me. Thor followed at sat on Odin's left. The long tables had already been mostly filled by cheering commoners when we walked in and they were full by the time Lady Sif walked in.
"Lorainne!" She exclaimed and held out her arms. I stood to embrace her. "I was worried sick about you. I'm so glad you came back."
"Me too, Sif." I grinned. She patted my shoulder and sat on Loki's right. Further members of the lesser nobility filed in and, after welcoming us home, took their seats as well. Seeing that everyone was present, Odin stood.
"Tonight we hold a feast in celebration of family." He looked at Thor. "Whether by birth," he looked at Loki and I, "or by choice, we are all part of a family. These past few months, I was reminded how precious this is. There is nothing more special than those who journey through life by your side." He lifted his beer stein. "To family!" he roared.
"To family," we replied in one resounding voice and tipped back our heads. Thor stood to his feet.
"I'd like to propose a toast as well. To my brother." He looked Loki in the eye. "You may not have the same blood coursing through your veins, but it is clear that we share the same heart." He lifted his mug. "To Loki!"
"To Loki!" we echoed and drank once more. Then Loki stood to his feet. I was surprised since he normally hides in the shadows and stays out of the spotlight.
"I would also propose a toast. A toast to the only one mad enough to risk her life to save me and still refuse to marry me." That got a round of laughs. "To Lady Lorainne!" Again the people echoed but I could only blush. Loki sat down and elbowed me. "Your turn," he whispered in my ear. I shook my head but everyone was waiting. I hesitantly got to my feet.
"My grandmother had much wisdom to share before she died," I began. "But one set of wise words seems to fit here. 'There is a time for everything, and a season for everything under the heavens.' I think this one applies in the heavens too. 'There is a time to be silent, and a time to speak.' This is not the time to speak. To the food!"