Sixty Six

The next few weeks, we spent on Alfheim. I got to know Loki's second family. Aeyrn ran off and told all her friends that her Uncle Loki was visiting. The small cottage was over run with children who wanted to see the Asgardian and the Midgardian. Once the children were done poking and prodding me, only to realize I had less powers than they did, they swarmed Loki. Loki started conjuring small items for the children. They crowded him, amazed. He looked over at me, I shrugged helplessly.

"He's always been good with children. I just hope he has some of his own someday." Malrin came out of the house with tray of cookies for the kids. They suddenly mobbed her before returning to Loki. I grabbed a few cookies and strode over to Loki. I shoved a cookie in his mouth. The kids giggled and I walked off to help Îrben with some chores.

I felt out of place here. The only thing I felt I could do to repay the hospitality was to help with chores. I grabbed an axe and helped Îrben chop wood. He'd already refused Loki's help saying he wasn't healed all the way yet.

"Îrben." I started, between swings. "What was Loki like as a child?"

"Much like he is now. Mischievous and always wanting to be the center of attention. He's settled down quite a bit since he met you." Îrben answered, putting his axe down. "He's never been good at holding onto relationships. Even then."

"When?"

"When we were kids. Always trying to impress one of our friends. He'd be with one of them for awhile until they grew tired of his tricks and move on."

"Kids?" I asked confused.

"Sorry, I keep forgetting Midgardians age faster. When we what you would consider young men." He explained.

"So he dated a lot when he spent time here?"

"Dated? No! He went from fling to fling, but at the end of the day, he always came home to me." Îrben sighed.

"Home to you? What I'm confused?" I stuttered.

"He didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?" I stood wide eyed, missing something.

"We were together for a long time. He was my first. But we had an open relationship. He wanted to explore the pleasure industry that had built up in one of the larger cities. He always came home to me." Îrben explained before picking up his axe and returning to work. I stood dumbfounded. Enough so, Îrben stopped work again and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"It was a long time ago. Many centuries before you were born. I'm sorry if this is upsetting news to you."

"No, not upsetting, just a surprise. I just thought you were both very close friends." I shrugged.

"We are. It's just…" He started. "It's best if you let him tell you." He started work again. I figured the same and got back to work. I soon was sweat soaked and stopped and removed my shirt. I mopped my brow before returning to my chore.

After what felt like only minutes of work, I turned to the sound of a low wolf whistle. Loki sauntered over to me, a smile spread wide across his face.

"Hey there, hot stuff." He said running a finger along my sweaty chest. "It's time to get cleaned up for dinner. Aeyrn's friends have gone home for their own supper."

"It's dinner time already. I just got to work." I explained.

"You've been working for hours. Îrben and Malrin have more than enough firewood thanks to you." Loki gestured behind me. I finally turned to look at the enormous pile I'd created.

"Wow."

"Come on, I'll show you where you can get cleaned up."