Frigga sighed, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. "Oh, thank the gods. Desi, please help Loki, Laney, come with me," Frigga spoke quickly and ushered Laney from the room.
Desi glanced at Thor, really wanting to see him, but when she saw the dire condition Loki was in, she began tending to him immediately.
Meanwhile Frigga led Laney to the small waiting area, then looked her over. "Are you alright dear?"
"I-I'm fine. What's wrong with Loki?" Laney asked as she cradled Star in her arms.
"He was injured." Frigga said matter of factly, then her tone turned sad. "He was injured, saving my life." She said softly.
Laney's eyes widened. "Will he be okay?"
"Fari did the best she could, but she was not hopeful." Frigga said, feeling tears run down her cheeks. "Desi is his only hope." She sniffled. "How is Star? Could I hold her?"
Tears welled in Laney's eyes, but she smiled at the mention of Star. "Of course you can hold her," she said softly then handed the baby to Frigga. "The stress of the situation and travel caused me to go into labor."
"Was she born healthy? How are you recovering?" Frigga asked. She settled Star in her arms, then pulled the blanket down to see her better. "She looks just like Loki did as a baby." She said softly, finding herself fully in tears again.
"Yes, very healthy, just small. I'm doing well, just a little sore still." Laney grinned as she watched them. "She's beautiful, that's for sure."
"She's more beautiful than I ever imagined. I'm so proud of you dear." Frigga said truthfully, never once taking her eyes off of Star. "Loki needs to see her..."
"He will... Desi will take good care of him, Frigga. I know she will."
"If anyone can bring him through this, it's her. Nothing else has worked. Fari is a wonderful healer, but she just doesn't know anything about the Jotnar." Frigga sighed.
Laney nodded as she crossed her arms over her chest. "I hope she gives us word soon."
"She will as soon as she can. Loki's condition has been so bad." Frigga said sadly.
"Have you seen the Jotun woman? Desi needs her." Fari told Frigga, sticking her head out of the door.
Laney turned to Fari with a furrowed brow. "I think I saw her when we came out here, but I'm not sure where she went."
"Please find her. We need to try the transfusion again and quickly." Fari told Laney.
Frigga nodded and quickly handed Star back to Laney. "I will get her before she goes home," she stated then quickly walked down the hallway. It was only a few minutes later that Frigga returned with the woman by her side. "Just in there," she said softly.
She nodded but glanced over at Star before disappearing into the room. "I hope Desi knows a different way to do this." Frigga sighed as the door closed.
Laney has sat on the bench with a sigh. "She will know what to do. Desi was trained by the best."
"I have been looking at her father's file. His record is incredible. She certainly was trained by the best." Frigga agreed.
"She's still sensitive about losing him, but she knows we mean well."
"From what I've heard, they were very close." Frigga said softly. "I only looked because there was a suggestion that he might have attended Loki's birth."
Laney's eyes widened. "That's... amazing to think about."
"It is. Unfortunately, he is unable to tell us anything. He left no records of any Jotun patients or their treatments. I have a feeling that anything he did not pass down to Desi is lost forever." Frigga explained.
"Desi wants to start treating Jotuns here. She wants to show everyone that Asgard doesn't have to dislike or hate the race. Plus, I'm sure she will pass down her knowledge to anyone who wants to know it," Laney told her.
"I'm well aware of the clinic she wishes to open. Odin has had a lot to say on the subject. It annoyed him that I fully support her." Frigga told Laney. "After this, it won't be his choice though."
Laney smiled. "Without Desi, we would have lost Loki."
"It isn't just that... nothing has been publicly said yet, but Odin is talking about stepping down. This attack was just too much for him." Frigga said, shaking her head.
"Really? Has that ever been done before?"
"Yes, kings either retire willingly, or are usually killed in battle." Frigga told Laney. "I haven't told Thor yet, he has been so worried about Loki."
Laney reached out and squeezed Frigga's shoulder. "I'm sure he will respect Odin's decision."
"I don't know if he's ready, and he definitely doesn't need that worry until Loki is on the mend." Frigga said truthfully.
"That's understandable," Laney replied, then looked towards the healing room door just as Star began to fuss. "Shhh baby, I know you're probably getting hungry."
"You can nurse her if she's hungry." Frigga said truthfully.
"You don't mind? Some people have complained about me nursing in the open," Laney admitted. "Although Alfheim was a lot different than here."
"I do not mind at all, and it is unlikely anyone else will come in here. I don't understand why anyone would take issue with it, especially the elves." Frigga said, confused.
Laney sat and unclipped one side of her dress so Star could nurse. "It wasn't everyone. Only a spare few," she explained as Star latched, "they kept saying it was obscene for their child to see."
"That is unbelievable. Nursing a child is one of the most natural things a mother can do. Most children do not even see it as anything other than a baby being fed." Frigga said, rolling her eyes. "You will not have any trouble like that here."
"That's a relief to hear. It upset me to be talked to like that."
"There are always a few bad apples in every bunch." Frigga shrugged. "I never tolerated that when I nursed Thor and I won't tolerate it with my granddaughter." She said firmly.
Laney grinned widely as she sat back on the bench, trying to get comfortable. "Do you think Desi is close to being finished?"
"I wouldn't have a clue. I know she works quickly, but I don't know exactly what Loki needs. All we can do is wait." Frigga sighed, feeling anxious.
Two hours later, Desi finally came out to them. While she still looked exhausted, she gave them a little smile. "You can come in now. He isn't ready to wake, but he's stable and his vitals are strong."
Laney smiled at her friend as tears slipped down her cheeks. "Thank you, Desi. You saved his life."
Desi gave Laney a quick hug, then led them inside. "Just be careful with the transfusion line, but you can sit or lay with him if you want."
"Could... do you mind watching Star for me? Just for tonight?" Laney asked in a whisper.
"I don't mind at all. I'll likely nap in one of the rooms next door, just in case Loki needs anything. I also need to monitor the transfusion." Desi said, then yawned. She looked like she wanted to say something but decided not to.
Laney furrowed her brow as she sat beside Loki's bed. "What is it Dess?"
"It's just... I don't have any problem watching Star... but could I have just a couple minutes with Thor first?" Desi asked softly.
"Of course, Desi. I know you've missed him," she replied softly. "Frigga has her right now."
"Thank you." Desi said and hugged Laney. "Fari said he's napping next door, so I won't be far, and I won't be gone long." She promised, then hurried off to find Thor.
Thor rolled over on the cot he had fallen asleep on with a furrowed brow when he suddenly jolted and woke from his dream. He sat up and sighed before he ran a hand over his face. "Just a dream."
Desi quietly opened the door and smiled when she saw Thor was awake. She quickly walked over and wrapped her arms around him from behind.
He startled and tried to turn, then noticed the hands that held him. "Desi?" He murmured before he turned to see her face. "Desi!" He pulled her around and onto his lap before he engulfed her in an embrace.
"Yes, it's me. We're back." Desi said. She tried to hold back, but the tears came regardless. "I've been so worried about you."
"I've been worried about you too," he murmured as he buried his head against her neck and placed a kiss there. "I love you."
"I love you too." Desi sniffled. "Just after we were sent away, we heard that someone high up fell in battle, but there was no word on who."
"Loki was injured saving mother's life. It's been so stressful the entire time you've been gone."
"I have already tended to Loki. It will take time, but he will be alright." Desi assured him. "Star has also been born, you should come see her."
Thor's eyes widened. "Star's been born?"
"She was born the same day as the attack. The stress was too much and sent Laney into labor. They are both doing great though." Desi explained.
"That's a relief," Thor replied with a sigh, then he placed his hand over her stomach and caressed it softly. "How are you?"
"I don't even know right now. Between the stress and working, I haven't been able to keep anything down these past few days. And I never had the initial exam to make sure everything was alright." Desi said, not wanting to admit she was worried.
Thor rubbed her back gently, hoping to soothe her. "It's alright. We can have the exam done whenever you're ready and I can find something to help you be able to eat. You need to relax my sweet girl... I've missed you."
"I will have the exam done tomorrow; I just need the morning sickness potions. The ones the elves have aren't that good." Desi said, curling up on Thor's lap. "I know I need to relax, but I don't think I'll be able to relax for a while."
"You can have people help you look after Loki. I don't want you to over work yourself," he said softly. "Plus, I would like you to be able to eat."
"No one else can look after him like I do, but there isn't much to do while the transfusion runs. I can eat during that." Desi told Thor. "I think I'll be alright now that I'm back with you."
Thor smiled at her, then pulled her in for a long kiss, nipping her bottom lip gently. "You're home and I don't think I could let you out of my sight for a little while."
"I don't ever want to be away from you again." Desi sniffled. "You can come with me while I tend to Loki."
He grinned and proceeded to cover her face in small kisses, hoping to hear her laugh. Once that was achieved, he ran a hand through her hair. "You won't be. Not unless another danger arises. But let's go see Loki and Laney. I want to meet my niece."
Desi nodded, still chuckling. "She is the cutest baby I've ever seen!" She said happily. She got off of Thor's lap but took his hand so they could walk together.
Thor chuckled and stood to follow her out of the room. "Who does she look like more?" he asked curiously.
"She looks most like Loki in his Jotun form." Desi answered. "But she has Laney's eyes." She said as she opened the door to Loki's room.
"I cannot wait to see her," Thor replied, altering his voice to be quieter as they entered the room. He smiled softly at the sight of Laney lying beside Loki, fast asleep while he spotted his mother sitting in a rocking chair, with the baby in her arms.
Desi kissed Thor softly, then went to check on Loki. "Come here son, you need to meet your niece." Frigga told Thor softly.
Thor grinned softly and quietly walked up to his mother. "Is she awake?" he asked quietly. "I don't want to scare her."
"Yes, she is, and she's very quiet. I just changed her diaper, so she will likely go to sleep soon." Frigga said, then handed Star to Thor.
He gingerly took the infant into his arms, hoping that he wouldn't drop her. "She's so small," he murmured as Star looked up at him with bright blue eyes. "She's beautiful."
Frigga smiled then watched as Desi walked over. "I told you she was the cutest baby ever." Desi said happily. The sight of Thor holding a little baby made her feel like her heart would burst.
"Loki will fall in love as soon as he sees her little face," Thor said softly as he rubbed Star's tiny hand with his finger, causing her to grip onto it. "She's holding on to me."
"She likes you and you're a natural with babies." Frigga said, giving Thor a look that said she was trying to give him a little hint.
Thor chuckled softly. "I don't know if natural is the right word... but I've always loved little ones."
"It is. Some people struggle to handle children, but you have always been great with even the most difficult children." Frigga pointed out. "It just might be something to think about." She added with an innocent shrug.
"I guess you're right," Thor replied and gave Desi a small smirk.
Desi blushed, then she remembered that Frigga had not yet heard their news. "You should tell her." She whispered to Thor.
Thor raised his eyebrow at Desi as he turned to fully face her. "Are you sure?" he murmured.
Desi nodded. "I'm sure. It's the only way she will stop trying to give you not so subtle hints." She chuckled.
"What are you two being so secretive about?" Frigga asked, deciding to speak up slightly. "Is there something I need to know?" she asked.
"We didn't have a chance to say anything, because we found out just before everything went crazy... but I'm now carrying Thor's child." Desi said proudly.
Frigga's eyes went wide before she smiled ear to ear. "Are you serious?" she asked.
Desi blushed deeper and nodded. "We found out just before Thor was called to Midgard. It was morning sickness that had me down for that week, not food poisoning like I thought." She admitted.
"I am so happy!" Frigga exclaimed, then quickly covered her mouth and looked over at Laney to see she was thankfully still asleep. "Two grandbabies in such a short time. I am a happy grandma."
Desi couldn't help but giggle. "I'm going to have the first check up tomorrow to see how far along I am."
"I look forward to hearing the results," Frigga replied and walked up and embraced her. "This is such great news in light of everything that's happened the past couple of weeks."
"It's the best news we could have gotten." Desi said with a smile. "And Loki is going to be fine in time."
Thor looked over at the couple that lay asleep on the bed. "How long will it take for him to recover?"
"It depends on how well he responds to the treatment, but I'm hoping he will start to wake up sometime tomorrow. After that, he should be up and on his feet within a few days." Desi answered.
"I worry about my brother," Thor replied quietly as he slowly rocked Star to sleep. "This injury was extensive... it startled even me."
"There was definitely cause to worry. There were a couple times I wasn't even sure I could help him, but I finally got him stable." Desi sighed, still sounding exhausted. "The hardest part was getting the transfusion to take."
Frigga reached out and squeezed Desi's shoulder. "I'm glad we got you here just in time. Why don't both of you get some sleep, it's getting late. I'll take Star for the night and let Laney rest. Has she taken formula okay Desi?"
"She doesn't do very well on formula, but the elf that we were sent to gave us these berries that turn Laney's milk into Jotun milk. With the Jotun milk, she only nurses every four to five hours. She fed just before you brought us back, so she's good for a while." Desi explained to Frigga.
"She fed while you were working with Loki too. I hate to wake Laney throughout the night, but I will stay in here with them. Both of you need your rest," Frigga replied.
"She will sleep for most of the night then. You shouldn't have to wake Laney more than once. I don't like waking her either but letting Star nurse is best for her health and growth." Desi explained, then tried to hold back a yawn. "Can you wake me in an hour?" She asked Frigga.
Frigga narrowed her eyes at Desi as she let Thor give Star back to her. "Try three. I know how to check on Loki. If anything is amiss, I will let you know. You need to rest."
"I have to disconnect the transfusion from them both in an hour." Desi said, but it was obvious she was close to falling asleep.
"I can do it, or Fari can. Sweetheart, please you need your rest," Frigga countered.
"Alright but wake me if anything seems off." Desi told Frigga. "Can I curl up on your lap to sleep?" She asked Thor, knowing she couldn't rest without him.
Thor smiled. "I'm going to bed with you hon. We'll just be in the next room."
"Should we move the cot in here? Just in case something happens?" Desi asked, worried about sleeping through an emergency.
"Mother will be in here, we will be fine in the next room," Thor assured.
Desi finally nodded. "Alright, I'm too tired to resist any longer." She admitted, curling up to Thor.
He smiled and kissed her temple before he led her next door and helped her lay down before he laid beside her. It didn't take long for either of them to fall asleep.