A short chapter, but I find it amusing nonetheless. As I am unable to do so individually, I must thank both Addie and Maria for their comments here. I am truly flattered and grateful that my story can be of any interest. The same thanks goes to any and all readers. I am highly motivated by comments and I am always grateful for any feedback. Please enjoy!
Loki, Steve, and I still sat at the table after dinner. Loki nursed a glass of water while Steve watched me read over the letters. I finished Tony's with an eye roll. I handed the sheets back to Steve and gathered our used dishes. I filled the sink and began to wash. The silence seemed to weigh on the whole room. When one of us did speak, it sounded so foreign that I almost didn't recognize it as words. I shook some water from my fingers and turned to face the table. "Sorry, what was that?" Loki cleared his throat weakly. "I said," he looked me in the eye and I felt a nervous shiver race down my spine. "I am curious as to why neither of you are wed." I looked to Steve, unsure of how I should react. He just shrugged. "I guess I just don't have anyone like that anymore." He looked at me. "And Elizabeth is too young for that yet." Loki didn't look satisfied with that answer. "I cannot pretend to understand all of you mortals' customs, but I think Lady Elizabeth is certainly old enough to wed. She is considered a woman, capable of bearing children, is she not?"
I found myself opening and closing my mouth like a fish, searching for something to say. "I...I'm...that's not how it works." I planted my hands on my hips. "Why aren't you married then?" Loki smiled toothlessly. "I am." He said softly, almost sadly. "The Lady Sigyn is my wife. A sweet and innocent girl to keep me content and out of trouble." I was not sure how to respond, but Loki kept going. "After a giantess bore me three children, I suppose the Allfather wanted no more trouble. Either by chance or by design, Sigyn has bourne me none. A shame that she carries with nobility." Loki looked proud, like he truly cared about this Sigyn.
Steve scratched his chin thoughtfully. "I didn't know that you had children." He said. Loki turned to face Rogers. " Yes. All of them scorned by Asgard. The only one that might have sat among them was banished by the Allfather. The Lady Hella was bestowed with the throne of Hel in lieu of format banishment, to rule over the weak and cowardly dead." Loki had clenched his fists on the table, prompting me to inch toward Steve. I wanted to change the subject. "So, ...um..." I began. "does Thor have a wife and kids too?" Loki composed himself behind his mask of aloof, scornful indifference. "No. The great oaf fancies a mortal woman. His parents would have him wed the Lady Sif, but he foolishly prefers the mortal Jane Foster. He chooses to ignore that her flame of life is fleeting when compared to an Aesir. Soon it will sputter out and he will be forced to choose a more appropriate bride." I searched for an acceptable response, but could only come up with "Oh".
I turned pointedly back to washing the dishes. My mind danced between thoughts. I know about Jane. Darcy used to work with her. I miss Darcy. I wonder what she would think about Loki having a wife and children. He just doesn't seem the type. I also don't understand why everyone would hate a child enough to banish them. That seems downright cold.