Some time passed before Frigga walked into the healing room just as Thor and Desi took their leave. "You look much better," she greeted happily. Frigga sat beside Loki's bed in Laney's usual spot.
"Thank you, mother." Loki said with a sigh. He tried to give her a smile, but it didn't meet his eyes. "Laney hides herself from me now..."
Frigga furrowed her brow and reached to hold his hand. "What do you mean son?"
"She says her body has changed and no longer wants me to see her undressed. I don't know how to make her believe that I only love her more..." Loki explained.
"Loki... Laney feels different about herself since she's had Star. There are things her body has now, that she didn't before. It will take some time for her to show herself again," Frigga explained. "I've seen a lot of first-time mothers go through it. She doesn't feel like she's the same person right now."
Loki listened and nodded. "How do I help her?"
"Support her in every way you can. It may take a bit of time before she feels like herself," Frigga replied softly.
"I will do the best I can." Loki promised. "I can't lose her, not now..."
Frigga tightened her grip on Loki's hand. "You're not going to lose her. Laney is just going through some bodily changes, that's all."
"I'm scared I will. She's never been like this with me. What did I do to make her so insecure?" Loki asked. He gripped his mother's hand tighter, trying to keep his voice even.
"Son, you haven't done anything. This is something Laney has to figure out for herself. She has to realize she is still the woman she was before Star was born." Frigga squeezed his hand back in return. "I know it's stressful, but just be there for her. When you're a bit stronger, show her how beautiful she is to you. It might just help."
Loki thought about it for a moment, then sighed. "She isn't the same woman she was before. She's a mother now, and that only makes me love her more." He spoke.
"It makes me happy to hear you say that my son. Truly. I am happy that you have found each other so long ago."
"She's the most amazing woman in the realms. I love her more than anything." Loki said truthfully.
Frigga smiled widely and squeezed Loki's hand again. "Remind her that you think that way. It will take time, but she'll come around."
"Thank you, mother. I will do whatever it takes." Loki vowed. "Laney doesn't seem to want to, but if you want to take Star to see the Jotun woman, I don't mind. It might help her open up."
"That is an idea. Would you like me to speak with her?" Frigga asked.
"Only if you want to. Laney seemed like she had some questions, and I'm not sure what they might be. I also don't know why she didn't want to go." Loki answered.
"She might just be uncomfortable Loki. It's alright. I can talk to her if you'd like," she replied.
"It's truly up to you. I'm fine with her seeing Star, but I'm not ready to talk to her myself yet." Loki told her.
"That's understandable. I don't mind speaking to her if you want me to."
"I am curious to know whatever she can tell..." Loki said truthfully.
Frigga nodded as the story the woman had told her came to her mind. "What would you like to know?"
"At this point, anything." Loki said truthfully.
"When I tried to talk to her about meeting you when you would first wake, she did tell me something," Frigga replied.
"Please tell me..." Loki said in a pleading tone.
Frigga took Loki's hand into both of hers and sat it in her lap. "Loki... you were not abandoned," she stated. "Someone stole you from your biological mother, then for an unknown reason, you were left where Odin found you."
Loki furrowed his brow for a moment, letting the information sink in. "I... why was I taken from her?" He asked in barely more than a whisper.
"All she would tell me is that she heard of a prophecy that was foretold, and because of that, you were stolen." Frigga caressed the back of Loki's hand, hoping to give him some reassurance.
"Prophecy? What does that even mean? What was said that would lead to someone wanting to steal me?" Loki asked, feeling like he had more questions than answers again.
Frigga frowned in thought. "I'm not really sure Loki. She wouldn't tell me."
"Am I still in danger? Are Laney and Star in danger?" Loki asked, sitting up.
"I don't believe so. But we are looking into what the prophecy could be. I have Heimdall on the lookout."
Loki took a deep breath to calm himself. "Could you see if there is anything else about this prophecy, she might be able to tell you? Or anything about me in general?"
"I will ask her Loki; I promise you that. Hopefully she will be a bit more willing to speak," she replied.
"I hope Star can help with that." Loki said truthfully. "Do you think she would have kept me, if I hadn't been stolen?"
"I do," Frigga answered with a nod. "But think of this. If what happened didn't happen, you wouldn't have me, your father or your brother. You wouldn't have Laney, or Star either."
Loki shook his head. "I don't want anything to change. I just want to know if she would have kept me or given me up... I... I want to know if she actually liked me." he said softly.
Frigga smiled softly. "If she didn't care for you, she wouldn't have come to our aid. I believe she had a feeling of who you were when I called out for help."
"Please... I just need to know if she actually wanted me." Loki said softly, the pain evident in his voice.
"Son, I will ask her whatever you wish me to," Frigga assured him.
"That's what I truly want to know." Loki said quietly.
"Then I shall ask her Loki. I swear it."
The Jotun woman paced around the chambers she was using. No one bothered her, but she was still uneasy and had been too nervous to touch her food. It didn't help that it was all Asgardian food, so she recognized none of it.
Frigga took a deep breath as she held Star to her chest, then knocked on the chamber door. "Miss?"
She froze and looked towards the door but recognized Frigga's voice. "You can come in." She called out, barely loud enough to hear.
"There's no need to be frightened," Frigga said soothingly as she opened the door. She noticed that her food hadn't been touched and scowled at the plate before she turned to the servant that stood at the door. "Bring a plate of Jotun food here, post haste," she stated.
The servant nodded and hurried off. "You don't need to bring in special food for me, I'm not hungry." The woman said softly.
Frigga closed the door, then turned and faced the young woman as she readjusted Star in her embrace. "It's alright. You've been here for a couple of days now. You have to be famished. Do you mind if I sit?"
She motioned for Frigga to sit in the chair, and she sat on the edge of the bed. "I can eat when I return home. I mean no offense, but my stomach cannot handle the food of this realm."
"It's alright. I have a plate of food from your realm being brought to these rooms right now. Loki and the rest of the family have been eating it. We like the different fruits," Frigga explained. She moved Star to where she could face the room and see all around her.
"It is healthier for him to have a diet closer to ours. Especially now, it will help him heal faster." She said softly, keeping her eyes on the floor. She glanced up only for a fleeing second when the servant returned with the food and set it on the small table before leaving.
"He has been eating it for some time now but was reluctant at first to try it." Frigga smiled as Star gurgled and began to suck on her hand. "This is Star, Loki and Laney's daughter. My granddaughter... and yours."
She simply gave a little nod. "You should not have brought her here. He is tense whenever I'm near his family."
Frigga shook her head. "He wanted you to meet her. I spoke with him just this morning."
She finally looked up at Frigga. "He knows you brought her here?" She asked, then finally looked at Star. "Can... can I hold her?"
"Of course you can." Frigga stood from her seat and gently handed Star over to her before she sat back down. "May I ask of your name?"
She carefully took Star and held her close. "They look almost identical to each other." She said as tears flooded her vision. "My name is Alva."
Frigga smiled softly. "That's a pretty name. But yes, they do look pretty alike, even if Star is a girl. Some of Star's markings are the same."
"Almost all of her markings are the same. They change some with age. She is so beautiful." Alva said softly.
"Thank you. I know Loki will be happy that you like her."
"It would be impossible to not like her." Alva said with a little smile.
"She is a darling baby. We all love her dearly." Frigga gently pushed the plate of food in Alva's direction. "Please eat. You need your strength."
Alva looked at the plate hesitantly, then shifted Star so she could pick up a piece of fruit. "Thank you."
Frigga nodded. "You're welcome dear. We want you to stay well while you are with us."
"Once I leave, do you think you might be willing to send an occasional letter and let me know how Star is doing?" Alva asked softly.
"That would be wonderful. I'm sure Loki would be happy to write one himself as well as I," Frigga answered.
"Do you think he will ever speak to me?" She asked in barely more than a whisper.
"With a little time, yes I do," Frigga answered. "Because he has many questions he would love to have the answer to. Loki is a very curious person. He always has been."
Alva gave a soft smile. "I have always been curious as well... I will do my best to answer your questions." She promised.
"The main question Loki kept asking this morning was if you had liked him and wanted to keep him. It wasn't enough coming from my mouth as a yes," Frigga said.
Alva looked up from the plate of food with fresh tears in her eyes. "Of course I wanted him. I had complications with my second child and was told I couldn't conceive again. He was the best surprise I could have ever hoped for." She sniffled.
"I tried to tell him that you would have after I told him about him being taken, as you told me. He's just a stubborn man and always has been." Frigga reached across and patted her knee. "I didn't mean to upset you."
Alva shook her head. "It's not you. It's just hard, being here. I spent years trying to find him and wishing he would show up... and it's finally happened... but he doesn't even want to talk to me."
Frigga shook her head. "No Alva, that's not it at all. It's just a bit a shock to him that you are alive. We've always thought all of his family was dead. Give him a little time, he will want to talk."
"Most of our family has been killed. I know one of his cousins is still alive, but I only recently learned that. He stopped by to talk to me last night." Alva told Frigga.
"His cousin is still here? I had assumed he had left. We have not seen him in Loki's room at all. I think he's scared Loki will be cross with him, but Loki just wants to know who he is."
"I think he just came back. He said he had to make sure it was safe before bringing his family here." Alva explained. "He doesn't want to lose the friendship they have built. Until Orin told him, he didn't know they were related."
Frigga furrowed her brow in thought. "It's Gall then," she stated. "He's safe, I promise you. Without him, we could have lost Loki."
Alva nodded. "He told me what the council tried to do. Orin is supposed to come by tonight with the papers for me to sign, so he can replace what Gall signed." She told Frigga. "I didn't know he was alive either. We hadn't heard from him in centuries."
"All of us are very thankful for everything. It has just been a big surprise," Frigga said softly.
"The biggest surprise to me was how the council overlooked the fact that Loki does share blood with the royal family. I didn't realize the hate for the Jotnar ran that deep." Alva said sadly.
"Neither did I, if I'm honest. They only saw what they wanted to see, that's it," Frigga replied. She watched as Star continued to suck on her fingers and look around the room.
"My great aunt was Orin's grandmother. I know it's not a strong blood relation, but it's still there." Alva said. She lightly tickled Star before she continued eating her food.
"Relation is relation, no matter how small," Frigga assured. "Are you enjoying the food?"
Alva nodded. "It is very good. The portions are a little off, but it is nice to have food from home.""
Frigga smiled. "Desi, one of our healers, has been helping out with portions and what to offer. We're still learning about the jotun diet, but we've come a long way in a short time."
"I knew her father and she will do very well." Alva agreed. "I could offer her my help with our diet." She offered.
"That would be lovely," Frigga agreed. "I'm sure she would really enjoy learning from you."
Alva gave a soft smile. "I feel like I will enjoy teaching her." She said, then handed Star a soft piece of fruit to chew on.
"Can she have that at such a young age?" Frigga asked. "She's only a bit over two weeks old."
"Yes. She will only suck on it, but the juice, in small amounts, is good for her. It has extra vitamins that milk doesn't have." Alva explained.
Frigga nodded as she watched Star hold onto the fruit, eagerly sucking on it. "That's good to know. I will have to tell Laney and Loki that. Also, you are welcome to stay here as long as you wish. There is no hurry for you to go back home."
"Thank you, but there is no place for me here. My kind isn't welcome here." Alva said sadly. "I also wouldn't want to make things harder for Loki by staying."
"We plan on changing that fact. Desi is wanting to begin treating Jotuns here like she did when she lived in Yamir," Frigga told her. "I fully support Desi in what she wants to achieve."
"Does your king support her? He is the one who banished us." Alva pointed out.
"Recent events have made Odin see reason and he is slowly coming around. He has been trying to make a better relationship with Loki, but it is a slow process," she replied.
"I hope he does see that we aren't all bad. Most of us are actually very peaceful." Alva admitted.
"He has enjoyed Gall's company and has been taking my advice for once." Frigga sat back in her seat and crossed her legs as she looked down at Star to see her now squishing the fruit between her hands.
"That is very good to hear. What about your son that will take the throne? What are his thoughts on the Jotnar?" Alva asked curiously. She carefully took the squished fruit from Star and gave her a new piece.
"Thor is fully on board and wants to help Desi out. She is his betrothed," Frigga explained.
"I knew of their relationship, but that doesn't strictly mean he supported her. Just as with you and your king. That is why I asked." Alva explained.
Frigga smiled. "That's understandable."
"Is there anything else you want to know from me?" Alva asked Frigga.
"No, not that I can think of. Although I'm sure Loki will think of something."
"He's welcome to come see me if he wants. I won't pressure anything, I promise." Alva promised.
"I'm sure he will in time. He is becoming more and more curious," Frigga told her. "It will help him to know that Star likes you."
Alva looked down at Star and smiled. "She is so much like him already." She said happily. "You know, if he ever wanted the throne, it's his by blood." "
"Are you talking of Jotunheim?" Frigga asked. "I'm not sure he would be willing to take it. He had to be talked into being Thor's advisor."
Alva nodded. "He is the only living blood heir to the throne."
"I'm still not sure he would be willing to take it nonetheless. But it will be up to him to decide."
"Regardless, I just thought you should know. He had a bright future and would have done great things on my realm." Alva said softly, trying to prove that Loki had been loved and wanted.
Frigga nodded as she looked back down at Star to see her drop the fruit she held onto the floor. "I'm sure he would have too. He's done great things here, and I see him doing a great deal more."
"I wasn't meaning anything against his life here. You said he wanted to know if he had been loved and wanted... I was just trying to explain." Alva explained.
Frigga quickly shook her head. "No, no that's not what I meant at all Alva. I'm sorry it came off that way. I was agreeing with you."
"That prophecy... I'm not sure what it meant, but it scared the right people, so I think I hope it comes true." Alva admitted.
"Do you know what it said?" Frigga asked.
"I don't remember exactly, but it had something to do with creating peace through more fighting." Alva shrugged, then handed Star another piece of fruit. "It never really made sense."
Frigga furrowed her brow. "That doesn't quite make much sense."
"I know it doesn't. The person who foretold it was killed in the war, so they can't help. All I can think is to ask Loki. If it's truly about him, he could figure it out, right?" Alva suggested.
"It's possible he could, yes. I will mention it to him this evening."
"Would you be willing to tell me what his thoughts are when you tell him?" Alva asked, wanting to know more.
Frigga nodded. "Yes, I can. That won't be an issue."
"Thank you, I truly appreciate it." Alva said sincerely.
"You're welcome Alva," she smiled.
Alva stood up and handed Star back to Frigga. "Will I be able to see her again?"
Frigga took Star into her arms and cuddled her to her chest. "Of course. Anytime you'd like," she assured.
"Maybe I could see her tomorrow?" Alva asked softly.
"Of course. When would you like to spend time with her?" Frigga asked as she stood with the cooing baby in her arms.
"Anytime you want to bring her by is fine. I will only be here for a few more days though." Alva told Frigga.
"I will send word before I bring her then," Frigga assured. "But I will let you continue to eat and get this little girl back to her daddy. Her momma was showering last I know."
"I will look forward to seeing her again then. Thank you for bringing her." Alva said sincerely.
"You're welcome Alva. Feel free to roam the grounds and the gardens," she said softly. "I will see you tomorrow." Frigga nodded in goodbye, then left the chambers.
Loki grew bored, being on his own and slowly fully sat himself up, then swung his legs over the bed. Taking it slow, he pushed himself to his feet to try to walk.
Frigga knocked softly before she walked into the healing chambers and smiled at seeing Loki on his feet. "That's amazing progress."
"I still feel so weak and I don't know how to change that." Loki sighed. He took a step back and sat down on the bed again.
"You'll get better sweetheart," Frigga told him. She walked over to Star's bassinet and placed her inside before she turned back to Loki. "Alva said that eating Jotun food would help you recover faster."
"I have been eating Jotun food. Well, I was until I woke up. The soup and sandwiches Laney brought me weren't Jotun..." Loki shrugged. "How did she do with Star?"
Frigga nodded and looked down at Star to see she had fallen asleep. "They did really well together. She wants to see her again. I'll make sure your dinner is Jotun food and we'll see how you do."
"I am fine with her seeing Star again. It wouldn't be fair to Star for me to refuse." Loki admitted.
"Star likes her. Alva let her suck on some of the Jotun fruit and she quite enjoyed it," she told him.
"She isn't too young for food like that? I thought she could only nurse right now?" Loki asked curiously.
"To eat it yes, but Alva said the juice is good for her in small amounts," Frigga answered.
"That's good to know. I do want the very best for Star." Loki said after a moment of quiet. "Did she say anything else?"
Frigga smiled at him. "She wanted you to know that she has always loved you. She never stopped."
Loki gave a little nod, but tears were in his eyes. "I..." he tried to say, but couldn't find the words.
"It's alright Loki, I know it's a lot for you to take in," Frigga consoled. She walked up to him and gently wrapped her arms around him.
Loki leaned into his mother's embrace. "Do you believe her?"
Frigga tightened her hold on him and rubbed his back. "From one mother to another, I do."
"Did she ever try to get me back?" Loki asked softly, clinging to his mother.
"She searched for you for a long time, and even when she actively stopped, she never gave up on you," she murmured.
"Did she ever suspect I was here on Asgard?" Loki asked, then sniffled.
"Not that I know of sweetheart," Frigga soothed. "I don't know where all she searched."
"What would have happened if she had found me?" Loki asked curiously.
Frigga pulled back and shrugged her shoulders. "If you were little, she would have taken care of you. I assume if she found you with a new family, like you are, she would want you to live your best life."
Loki nodded again. "Is that all she said?"
Frigga nodded. "For now. Unless you have anything else to ask."
"What about the prophecy that's been mentioned?" Loki asked curiously.
"The only thing she said was what she could remember. It was something about creating peace through fighting."
"That's all she remembered?" Loki questioned. "That doesn't say very much..."
"I know it doesn't. But she thought you might be able to figure it out."
Loki went quiet for several minutes as he thought about it. "If I did figure it out, what would that mean?"
Frigga let out a small breath of air and took a small step back. "I'm not really sure Loki." She looked over just as the door opened to reveal Laney as she walked in, dressed in a pale green gown. "I like that color on you dear."
Laney smiled as she shut the door behind her. "Thank you." She looked over at Loki and smiled wider. "I'm happy to see you on your feet."
Loki looked up when Laney's voice pulled him from his thoughts. "You look stunning darling." He said sincerely, giving the best smile he could. When he turned back to his mother, he just looked tired. "I think I know the solution, but I need to know what it means for me first."
Frigga nodded and grasped his elbow before she led him to sit in a chair. "Let me know when you do. I will let you and Laney have some time together," she said softly, then quietly left the room.
"Have a good visit with Frigga?" Laney asked as she walked over to the bassinet and checked on Star.
"I guess so. I mean, we did have a nice visit. It's just hard to hear the things she has to say right now." Loki explained.
Laney looked at him with a furrowed brow before she walked over to sit in the chair beside his. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Will you sit on my lap, so I can hold you?" Loki asked, wanting to have Laney closer.
"I don't want to hurt your injuries." Laney murmured.
"It won't hurt me darling. Being away from you so much is what hurts." Loki said truthfully.
Laney smiled and stood before she gently made her way onto his lap and snuggled up against his chest. "I have missed this."
Loki wrapped his arms tight around her and held her close. "I have missed this too."
She nuzzled her face against his neck and breathed in his scent. "I'm sorry I'm being so difficult," she murmured.
"You aren't being difficult darling. These last few weeks have just been a challenge." Loki said softly and started rubbing her back. "Mother found out about that prophecy..."
"She did?" Laney asked. "What did she find out?"
"She said that peace has to be created through fighting." Loki said simply.
Laney furrowed her brow. "That's a bit... intense."
Loki stayed quiet for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "It... scares me." He finally admitted.
She leaned up and met his eyes. "I'm right here by your side Loki. We will go through it together."
"I was taken from my family and my home because of this prophecy... what if that happens again..." he said softly.
"You're not going anywhere. Everyone here will fight with you to keep you safe. That includes me."
"If I admit to knowing the solution, I don't know what I'll be getting myself into." Loki sighed. Odin won't fight for me...
Laney leaned forward and pecked his lips before she cupped his face in her hands. "It's up to you. Whatever you decide, I'm not going anywhere."
"I don't know what to do. I want peace between the realms, but I don't want to put you and Star in any danger." Loki said truthfully. "Mother is going to find out what would happen if I knew the solution. Depending on what she finds out, we can decide from there."
"That sounds like a good idea," Laney replied. "Your mother's foresight may be able to help you."
Loki nodded. "I didn't even think to ask her about that." He admitted, then nuzzled his face into her hair.
Laney smiled and ran her lips along his cheek, then kissed his temple. "That's what I'm here for."
"Whatever happens, I want us to decide together, alright?" Loki said, not willing to compromise on that.
"Always," she whispered into his ear. "We do everything together."
"Yes we do." Loki said softly. "I hope we can go back to our chambers soon."
"We might be able to this evening. Desi said if you were moving around okay, that we could," she replied.
"Will she be back in here again today?" Loki asked curiously.
She shrugged. "I assume so. Thor has been on her about working too much though," she smirked.
"I don't blame him. She needs to take it easy. I would never forgive myself if she overworked herself over me." Loki said sadly.
"Desi would work hard for anyone," Laney replied. "It just feels special to her because it's you."
"She works hard for all of her patients, especially me." Loki agreed. "Is it true that I'm her only patient right now?"
Laney grinned. "Yes, it is true. The healers and Thor don't want her to overwork herself."
"Why did she decide to keep me as her only patient, instead of one of her other patients?" Loki asked curiously.
"When we were summoned back, you were in great need of help, so Desi helped you. Without her, I fear we would have lost you."
"I am very grateful to her for her help. I just hope my care hasn't been too stressful for her." Loki said softly.
"I think she'll be okay. She's been resting and the healers have her on a right diet now," Laney explained.
"What was wrong with her diet before?" Loki asked curiously.
"She wasn't eating enough, and it was making her feel sick," she replied.
"I'm glad to hear they have her on the right track now." Loki said sincerely. "Mother thinks I need more Jotun food again..."
Laney shrugged. "She may be right. It could help you out."
"It was the Jotun woman who told her I need the Jotun food." Loki sighed.
"She would know about some things like that," Laney replied. "Does it upset you?"
"The food itself doesn't. I have very recently come to fully accept that I'm Jotun. It's everything else." Loki sighed. He pressed his face further into Laney's hair, taking in her sweet scent.
Laney ran one hand along his neck in soothing movements, then kissed his temple. "It's a lot to take in. But I'm right here with you."
"I don't know what to do... I don't know how to handle any of this." Loki said, his voice wavering.
"Shhh," Laney soothed. "Just know you have a lot of people that support you and love you."
Loki stayed quiet while calming himself. "I'm sorry darling. I'm trying to be strong through this." He said, feeling ashamed of himself.
"You can only be strong for so long Loki. Showing your feelings doesn't mean you are weak."
"This is not how I ever wanted you or Star to see me though." Loki said softly.
Laney leaned back to meet his eyes. "Loki, you will always be strong to me, and to our daughter. Both of us have been through a lot, but we're still here and we're together."
Loki gave a little nod. "I never would have made it this far without you and Star." He said in barely more than a whisper.
"I wouldn't have made it without you either, my sweet Loki," Laney murmured.
"I can't wait to officially call you my wife. You are the most amazing woman in the realms." Loki said, sweet and sincere.
"I can't wait to call you my husband. I don't know what I would do without you."
"You will never be without me darling." Loki promised. He glanced over when a servant brought a tray of food in for them and left.
She smiled at him and pecked his lips. "Are you feeling hungry?"
"I didn't feel hungry until I caught the scent of the food." Loki chuckled. "Are you hungry?"
"I could eat," Laney answered. "I'm sure there's enough for us both."
"They normally always have enough for us to share, but you can eat first darling." Loki told her.
"You need it just as much as I do, love."
"No, you are also feeding Star, so you need it more darling." Loki insisted.
Laney sighed and smiled at him. "We can eat together then."
"Alright, I can agree to that." Loki said, then pressed his lips to hers.
She returned his kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you sweetheart."
"I love you too darling. More than anything." Loki said, keeping his arms around Laney.
Laney kissed him gently once more. "Let's eat before Star decides to wake up."
Loki smiled and nodded. "We should save some fruit for her. Mother said it's good for her."
"Fruit? Isn't she too young?" Laney asked.
"Mother said the Jotun woman said it's good for her." Loki explained.
"Hmm... we'll she can't eat it, she doesn't have any teeth to do so," Laney replied as she climbed out of Loki's lap and walked over to the tray of food.
"I think she just gums it and sucks on it." Loki clarified.
Laney shrugged as she fixed them both a plate of food. She quickly returned to Loki and handed him a plate. "That seems reasonable, but I'm surprised she's coordinated enough to hold onto it."
"I haven't seen her eat it yet, but she is a very smart little girl." Loki said proudly as he took his plate.
"Yes, she is. She also has you wrapped around her tiny finger," Laney said with a smirk as she took a seat in the chair beside him.
"Yes she does, but I wouldn't have it any other way." Loki said happily.
Laney smiled as she began to eat the food on her plate. "I wouldn't either."
"I wasn't really able to accept who I am, until I saw her." Loki said softly.
"That's rather adorable Loki, really." Laney met his eyes with a look of adoration. "I'm glad that you're feeling better about yourself."
"I couldn't risk Star ever feeling bad about herself. She is perfect in every way." Loki said truthfully.
"She never will if either of us have any say in it." Laney ate another couple bites of her food before she heard the baby begin to fuss. "How long has she been asleep?"
"She has been asleep for almost an hour, I think." Loki told Laney. He set his plate aside so he could get up and get Star.
Laney watched as Loki picked up the fussing infant. "She might need changed then."
"You are quite stinky, aren't you?" Loki cooed at Star. "How about we cheat and use a little magic?" He whispered to her, instantly cleaning her diaper.
"Well aren't you clever?" Laney teased, although she had a smile on her face. Meanwhile Star stared up at Loki with wide eyes.
Loki felt himself slowly shifting back to his Jotun form as he held his daughter. "It's alright little one, daddy has you." He said in a soft and soothing tone.
Star gave Loki a tiny smile as she reached up and clutched to the fabric of his shirt. "She knows your voice," Laney said softly.
"Do you think she recognizes it from when I talked to her before she was born?" Loki asked curiously. He walked back to the chair with Star and sat down.
"I think so. She has always calmed or moved towards the sound of your voice," Laney said. "She still does."
Loki smiled proudly. "That's because she's daddy's special girl."
Laney chuckled and watched Loki snuggle Star to his chest. "I think she will always be a daddy's girl."
"I hope so. I love how she's a daddy's girl. She brings me so much joy already." Loki said happily, smiling at his daughter.
"Both of you bring me joy. Seeing you happy, seeing you with her, I love it."
"I hope she grows up to be as sweet and caring as you." Loki admitted.
Laney smiled and sat her now empty plate on the small table beside her. "I'm sure she will. I'm also sure she will know how to defend herself at a moment's notice."
"While I hope she never needs to defend herself, I guess it's only smart that I teach her how to." Loki agreed.
"When she's old enough, I would love to teach her how to use a bow. Something simple."
"I'm not too good with a bow, but I can try to teach her." Loki told Laney.
Laney smirked. "You haven't seen me in the ring for sometime. I'm quite efficient."
"Did you continue your studies with the bow?" Loki asked curiously. "I would love to see you in the ring again."
"I had some teachings in Yamir. I was top of the class."
"Will you give me a demonstration sometime?" Loki asked, eager to see her in action.
"I wouldn't mind at all... although don't get all jealous on me," she giggled.
"I won't get jealous darling. If anything, it would be more likely to find it to be a turn on." Loki teased.
Laney blushed as she met Loki's eyes. "I'd like to see what would happen if it does. I should be fully healed in a bit over a week."
"It would be exciting to see what happens." Loki grinned. "Do you think Desi would be well enough to watch Star for a little while?"
"She should be," Laney nodded. "I also need to get vials from Desi to take, or we'll very quickly have another on the way."
"Yes indeed. I want you to have more than enough time before we consider another. I know Star was very hard on you." Loki said, gently rocking Star.
"I've been told that every experience you have in carrying a child is different, but I would like to wait a while and let Star get older before we have another," she replied.
Loki nodded. "I'm fine with that darling. Even if we have no other children, you have still given us the perfect baby girl."
Laney smiled. "She really is one of a kind. I wouldn't trade her for anything."
"I couldn't agree more." Loki said truthfully. "She's more amazing than I ever imagined."