Desi met up with Loki and Laney just as they were walking into the hall of healing. "Sorry I'm late." She said, a little out of breath.
"You're not late, I think we're early," Laney replied. "Why're you so out of breath?"
"I ran halfway here." Desi answered, then led them down the hall to a new room. "I didn't want to make you wait."
Laney rolled her eyes as they followed her into the exam room. "You know we wouldn't have minded."
"I know, but I overslept and had a room call before your appointment." Desi explained. She led them into a different room where the soul forge was temporarily placed.
"Well, in any case, we're all here now, so it's all good."
"How did you keep your energy up with Star? I'm worn out all the time." Desi sighed, then closed the door for privacy.
Laney walked over to the forge and sat on its edge. "I was tired at first and wanted to sleep a lot. But then I gained energy back. I think hydration and sleep is really important."
"How long was it until your energy came back? I'm sleeping plenty and staying hydrated." Desi replied. "Go ahead and lay down."
"I think it will be different for you, but it was close to half way through when I felt pretty normal for a while." Laney laid back on the forge and watched as Desi messed with the controls.
"It is normally just the first trimester, and I'm still in that. I just didn't expect it to be this bad." Desi admitted. "Alright, have you had any significant pain or discomfort?"
Laney shook her head. "Nope, I haven't had any pain in almost a month."
"That's good." Desi said, then turned the soul forge on. "Just hold still."
"Okay," Laney replied and watched as the forge lit up in a golden light above her. This thing is always so interesting.
Desi quickly manipulated the forge, changing the holographic image at a rate that only she could understand, until she had what she needed. "The good news is that you're healing very good. The not so good news though, you still need to wait a bit longer for intimacy." She said, and a moment later, the forge went dark again as she turned it off.
Laney sat up and shrugged. "How long?" She asked, "Out of curiosity," she added with a giggle.
"It shouldn't be too long. I can check you again in another week or two." Desi answered. "Is your stomach still blue?"
"Yes," Laney answered. "I'm starting to think it will stay that way."
"Do you mind if I take a look?" Desi asked curiously.
"No, I don't mind." Laney pulled up the bottom of her shirt, revealing her pale blue stomach.
Desi moved closer for a better look. "I'm not so convinced it will stay, that's extremely rare. It is slow to fade though, so we just have to wait and see."
"So you've seen this happen before?" Laney asked. "I've never heard of it."
Desi shook her head. "I haven't seen it personally, but my father had." She explained.
Laney nodded. "Is there a reason for it?"
"It's basically like a stain, from constant contact. That's the best way I can explain it. It is completely harmless." Desi explained.
"That's unique," Laney commented as she lowered her shirt.
"It is. The Jotnar do not often breed outside of their race, and it is even less often for the blue pigmentation to develop." Laney explained. "Father never fully figured it out, but he did know that it never caused any harm."
Laney smiled. "I choose to believe that it's a sign of soulmates or something. That would make it mean more."
"That's what the mark on your neck means." Desi reminded Laney.
A wider smile lit up Laney's faces as she ran her fingers over the mark on her neck. "I forget it's there sometimes, I'm so used to it."
"Anyone who sees it instantly knows you're bonded for life." Desi replied.
Laney looked over at Loki and their daughter with pride. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Nor would I." Loki said lovingly.
"I don't know how long the blue pigmentation will stay, but do you mind if I keep an eye on it? I just want to see the process for myself." Desi told Laney.
Laney nodded. "That's understandable." She looked back over at Loki and Star and grinned at seeing Star playing with her dress. "Such a happy girl."
"Star is supposed to have her exam in a few days. We have time now if you want to do it early." Desi said, looking at the schedule.
"Sure, I don't mind," Laney replied. "Loki actually had a couple questions."
"Her eyes started out black, is that normal?" Loki asked Desi.
Desi nodded. "Yep, all Jotnar babies are born with black eyes and they change later. It's just like with the Æsir and Vanir, who have slate colored eyes at birth." She explained.
Laney nodded. "Her eyes are actually changing to green instead of the Jontar's usual red."
"That's because she isn't full Jotnar." Desi answered. "She could develop other traits that are different from the Jotnar too."
"I'm curious about if her skin will change or if it will stay the same," Laney replied.
"Her skin will stay blue. That never changes. The exact shade of blue might change a few times as she grows, and her markings will change slightly, but that's it." Desi told them. "Can I hold her?"
"Of course Dess. You can hold her anytime," Laney told her and watched as Loki handed her over. "She is seemingly bright for her age too. Her motor skills are exceptional."
Desi carried Star over to the little scale to weigh her. "That doesn't surprise me at all. According to their files, it is common in Loki's Jotun family."
"Do you think she will possess magic like Loki?" Laney asked.
"That's impossible to tell. She does have elf bloodlines, so it's possible. With magic though, you never know until they actually use their magic." Desi explained.
Laney chuckled. That could be for anything."
"It is usually random magical outbursts in the beginning. You would definitely know it when you see it." Desi promised them.
"Well, we'll be happy if she does or does not have magic. We'll just have to wait and see."
"Most elves start showing their abilities before the age of five. When the bloodlines are mixed, some don't show into their teenage years. It's also not something that is in their file, so I don't know at what age Loki showed his magic. You would need to ask Frigga about that." Desi explained. She moved on to check all of Star's vitals.
"I can do that. It's been a long time, or I would remember myself."
"All I know is that from what she has said, I get the impression that his magic started showing early." Desi said, then brought Star back over and handed her to Loki. "She's a little heavier than I expected, but she's in perfect health."
Laney watched as Loki took her and kissed her cheek sweetly. "Good milk and some occasional fruit juice will do that I think."
"The fruit juice has been amazing for her. I have made a note of that. It has helped Dia a lot as well." Desi said happily.
"I'm happy that she loves it so much. We need to make sure to cut back a little though, I don't want to upset her belly."
"Has it upset her belly?" Desi asked Laney. "If it's not, I wouldn't cut back yet."
Laney shook her head. "It hasn't. I just don't want her to have too much."
"I would like to monitor her more closely with the fruit, but so far, it seems to only be benefitting her." Desi said truthfully.
"I'm okay with that." Laney looked over at Loki. "Do you have anything to add?"
"I don't think so. It was her eyes I was worried about." Loki said truthfully.
Laney nodded and stood to stand beside him. "Does that conclude everything Dess?"
"It does, but could you and I have a very quick word alone?" Desi asked Laney.
"Sure, anytime." Laney turned and kissed Loki's cheek. "I'll meet you out in the garden darling."
Loki nodded. "We will be waiting for you." He said, then pecked Laney's lips. After, he turned and walked out with Star snuggled in his arms.
Laney sat in a chair off to the side of the room and crossed her legs. "What's up?" She asked.
"I just wanted to know if Loki's birth mother is still in the palace? I didn't want to risk upsetting him though." Desi said truthfully as she put Star's chart away.
"As far as I know, she is. I know that Frigga takes Star to see her. Loki just hasn't made the step to speak with her."
Desi nodded. "I know it's still a difficult thing for him to face. I'm glad she's still here though as I planned to ask her if she would work with me on some various treatments."
"I'm sure she would like that. Frigga has told me that she doesn't feel very welcomed because she knows how the Jotuns are normally seen here. But she knows you want to change that."
"I don't want to change it, I will change it. It still sickens me to see how scared her and Loki are." Desi said sadly. "The Jotnar are just like everyone else."
"You have me and Thor in your corner. I also know that Frigga is on your side," Laney replied. "I think Odin's mind is slowly changing."
"Frigga has already openly supported my petitions. All I need is Odin's signature, and I just don't understand why he won't do it." Desi sighed.
Laney sighed and slumped in her seat. "I'm not sure. I think he still has resentment against his own family, but I can tell he's coming around."
"Loki is his family. It's just hard because Dia can't come visit right now either. Her family isn't comfortable bringing her here, because of the hate." Desi said and shook her head.
"I hope we can fix this. I'd love to see Dia and have her meet Star. I think they'd be good friends as Star gets older."
"Me too. I have a list of Jotun clients that would come here as well. I have told them they will not be turned away, but they are still scared." Desi admitted.
Laney turned and looked out the window to see Loki sitting beneath a tree with Star in his lap. "At least Gall and his family are willing to be here. It starts somewhere."
"Now that Gall knows he is blood related, he refuses to let Odin stop him." Desi said proudly.
"I am proud of him for that. I just wish he would speak to Loki. He hasn't done so," Laney said.
"I don't think he knows what to say either. From what he has told me, he is rather fond of Loki, and he is now scared Loki will feel differently about him." Desi explained.
"I haven't asked Loki much about it. But I don't think Loki will be upset."
"I don't think he would be upset about it either. Gall had nothing to do with what happened..." Desi pointed out. "If anything, I would think Loki might be happy to find family not involved." She shrugged.
"I can talk with him about it. But I do know his biological mother should still be here." Laney stood and straightened her sweater. "It's going to be a hard couple of weeks resisting each other," she chuckled. "Should I go ahead and start taking vials?"
"Please do talk to him, Gall would love to visit again." Laney said truthfully. "No, don't start taking them yet. Your body needs to return to normal first."
Laney nodded. "Just let me know when I can. How soon do they work?" She asked curiously.
"They are designed to work fast, and I've been tweaking the potion some. If you can be cleared at your next appointment, I will give you the potions then. We will do a morning appointment and you would be ready by that night." Desi promised.
"Thank you Dess. It means a lot. I'm sorry I'm being so forward about this, it's just a bit charged between us right now," she told her.
"You know you can always be forward with me, especially when it's medical. If you need, I do have some short term potions that will help take the edge off." Desi offered.
"I don't know. I've never really needed anything like that before," Laney said apprehensively.
"You two can talk about it first if you want. It has no bad side effects or anything. It just takes the edge off for a few hours at a time. There's no long term effects on drive or performance or anything." Desi assured Laney, just so she would have the information.
Laney nodded. "I'll talk to him this afternoon. I will see you soon okay?" She said with a grin. "I better go catch up with Loki."
"Alright, and don't forget to stop by to start your training!" Desi said excitedly.
"I won't. It'll be tomorrow morning right?"
"I thought it was going to be today, but tomorrow is also fine." Desi said cheerfully.
"If I need to be here later today, I can. I just need to let Loki know."
"I'm working off and on all week, so whenever you want to fine. I just thought today as Thor doesn't have anything to do, so him and Loki could keep each other company." Desi explained.
Laney chuckled. "It would give Thor a clue as to what to look forward to."
Desi gave a little grin. "It sure would. He's excited though, even if he hasn't been around a lot babies."
"I'm glad he's so excited about being a dad. It took Loki a while to be on board, but now he's just... amazing."
"I think Loki was just scared though. From what you told me of him before, it sounded like he had always wanted a family, until he found out he was Jotun." Desi pointed out. "He isn't still worried about abandoning Star, is he?"
Laney shook her head. "No, he's not. But he still wants to hide himself from everyone else."
"Will he try to hide if Odin isn't there? He seems perfectly fine around others." Desi said, hoping he was becoming more comfortable.
"I honestly don't know Desi. Loki is fickle."
"We need to get Gall and his family out here, along with his birth mother. Him and Odin both need to walk into the dining hall to see a table full of the Jotnar." Desi said, thinking it might help them both.
"That's not a bad idea... but it would take persuasion," Laney said.
"Not really. We plan it without either of them knowing so they can't object." Desi shrugged.
Laney began to pace back and forth in the exam room while she thought. "I don't know. I don't want to make anyone upset or for anyone to feel like they're in danger."
"I would have everyone on board, except for Odin and Loki. We would definitely need Frigga's help to make it work successfully. I want to show Odin and Loki both that Loki is not alone here... heritage wise." Desi said, sounding more and more determined.
"I do too. We'll figure out something soon."
Desi nodded. "When you come for your training, I will see if Frigga can stop by towards the end of the time so we can talk with her about it."
"That sounds like a plan. I will meet up with you later today or we can do it tomorrow. Just let me know. It's getting close to a feeding time for Star."
"Either day is fine with me, but Thor has court tomorrow, so he won't be able to keep Loki company." Desi explained.
Laney nodded and headed towards the door. "I will ask Loki and see what he would like to do," she told her. "I will let you know."
"Alright, I'll see you later!" Desi said cheerfully. She turned to get the next chart to be ready for her next appointment.
Laney made her way out to the gardens and found Loki and Star beneath their childhood tree. "Having fun?" She asked.
"We are. Star is settling down for a nap, but she enjoyed playing in the grass." Loki said with a soft smile. "Will you join us?"
"Sure." Laney sat beside Loki and leaned over to kiss his cheek. "I'm glad you two had a good time while I talked to Desi."
"We did. I thought you would visit with her longer." Loki said truthfully. "You two haven't had much of the girl time lately." He pointed out, then shifted Star so he could wrap his arm around Laney's shoulder.
"I didn't know if Star would be hungry. Desi offered to give me something to take the edge off though if I want it, until I heal."
"She was a little hungry, but I gave her a slice of fruit and that seemed to hold her over." Loki told Laney. "I think I will be alright, but I will keep that in mind."
"I can feed her when she wakes. But if you think we can behave for a bit longer, I won't get them," Laney replied.
"I will do my best, I promise. Potions like that make me nervous." Loki admitted.
Laney nodded. "I'm not sure I would be happy about taking them either."
"I worry it will make things more difficult in the future." Loki said truthfully.
"Desi said it was safe to take them, but I'm not so sure. I think we can be good... for the most part," she giggled.
"If we do find it's a struggle, do you think she would be alright with some questions about the potion?" Loki asked, wanting to keep all options.
Laney smiled and leaned against Loki's side. "I think she would be okay with that. Desi is very hands on with everyone and likes to keep them informed."
"I didn't think she would have an issue with it, but I have also met healers who are very offended by questions." Loki said with a little shrug.
"I don't like that. I've had healers be that way toward me in Yamir and I quickly told them my thoughts," Laney told him.
"I have as well. I think it is very rude to refuse to answer the questions of a patient. It is not questioning their choices, just wanting to understand them." Loki explained.
"Exactly." Laney turned and nuzzled into Loki's neck. "It's really nice out today," she murmured.
"It is. The snow is supposed to come in next week, I think. We should enjoy this while it is still comfortable for you." Loki said, very content to relax there with Laney.
Laney sighed softly and snuggled further against Loki. "I don't mind the snow, but feeling cold does get to me. It's a double edged sword."
"I know, which is why we will limit our time out here. I don't want you uncomfortable." Loki said softly, then shifted to press a soft kiss to Laney's lips.
She returned Loki's kiss and let her hand move to trail along his jaw. "I love you my wonderful Loki."
"I love you more darling, more than anything else." Loki said truthfully.
Laney smiled and pecked his lips. "Do you want me to start training today or wait until tomorrow?"
"That is up to you darling. I have no plans for either day." Loki answered.
"I know Thor has court meetings tomorrow, so you wouldn't have adult company if I train tomorrow," Laney told him.
"It would be nice to visit with him, but I will still leave it up to you. Star and I will be fine if you want to go tomorrow." Loki said truthfully.
"Loki, if you want time with your brother, that's fine. I can start my training later this afternoon." She looked up at him from her place against his side and smiled. "It makes me happy that you two have gotten closer."
"It's entirely up to you darling. I was only saying that either day would be fine for Star and I." Loki clarified.
Laney turned and quickly pecked his lips. "I'll go this afternoon. That way you have some time with your brother."
"Are you sure you are feeling up to it?" Loki asked, worried about Laney.
"It will be hard to leave Star for that long," she admitted. "But I can't sit around and do nothing while living here."
"You are not required to work darling, not with us being together." Loki told her.
"I know. I just feel like I need to do something," Laney replied. "I don't want to seem lazy."
"I understand darling, just don't push yourself, alright? You are still healing and you need to take your time." Loki insisted.
Laney nodded. "I will. If you want me to take more time off, I will do that also."
"I feel like that should also be up to you. I just don't want you to overwork yourself." Loki said truthfully. If I could have you all to myself forever, I would...
"Loki, darling, your opinion matters. If you think it's too soon I will take that into account," she told him.
"I think it's too soon to go back to full time work, but if you want to do some part-time, light work, I think that's alright." Loki answered.
Laney smiled up at him, then pecked his lips. "Then that's what I'll do."
The sound of approaching footsteps alerted Laney, causing her to turn and see a servant walking towards them. "Prince, princess," the young man greeted. "This arrived for you." The man held out a light blue scroll, still sealed.
Loki moved his arm from around Laney to take the scroll. "Thank you." He told the servant. "Do you want to hold Star or read it?" He asked Laney.
Laney watched the servant walk away before she turned back to Loki. "I'll take her. I wonder what it could be?" She gently took Star in her arms and watched Loki unroll the scroll.
Prince Loki of Asgard,
On behalf of Jotunheim we congratulate you on the birth of your offspring. We hope that the child is well and that the mother is doing just as well after delivery.
I hope we can meet soon, but feel free to write. We have things to discuss since you now have offspring.
Toruń, chancellor of Jotunheim
Loki slowly read over the letter a couple times, then set it aside. "Is Star hungry yet?" He asked, fully disregarding the letter.
"What is the letter about Loki?" Laney asked, then glanced down at Star to see she was still asleep.
"It's from Jotunheim, just to congratulate us on Star's arrival." Loki answered, figuring it was an honest enough answer.
Laney smiled as she gently rocked the baby back and forth. "That is nice of them to do. They didn't have to write anything."
"I didn't expect anything from them at all. I suppose I should write back and thank them or something... I will need to ask mother about that." Loki said, not nearly as cheerful as he had been before the delivery of the letter.
"Baby, it's alright. It's a good thing that they're being kind," Laney told him.
Loki sighed softly. "It's not just that, they want to meet with me, specifically because of Star's arrival." He said softly.
Laney furrowed her brow. "I wonder what that could mean. You are the true heir to Jotunheim... maybe it's just protocol?"
Loki gave a little shrug. "I don't know, and I am not looking to find out. I don't want to meet with them." He said firmly.
"You don't have to meet up. Maybe you can write them back." Laney shuffled in her spot as Star began to fuss as she woke up.
"I plan to write back once I figure out the best way to decline their request." Loki replied, watching Star.
Laney quieted Star as she looked all around them. "Do you think I could nurse her here?"
"Of course darling. It is unlikely we would see anyone else at all. Even if someone did happen by, it would be of no concern of theirs." Loki assured her.
"As long as you're sure," she replied as she unclipped one side of her dress to nurse Star.
"I am absolutely certain darling. Feeding like this is not discouraged on Asgard." Loki promised, content to watch his daughter.
Laney smiled and leaned back against Loki's while she cradled Star to her breast. "This is peaceful."
Loki wrapped his arms around Laney and Star both. "I wish we could stay out here all the time. It is so relaxing."
"Maybe we should have a weekend to ourselves like Thor and Desi did," Laney commented.
"I would love that. Star would need to learn to drink from a bottle though." Loki pointed out.
"I could ask Desi. We can also wait until I'm healed too, that way if we get... excited, things will go okay."
"I think that would be best. It might be better for both of us, if we are not restricted for our first time completely alone." Loki agreed before glancing at the discarded letter again.
Laney watched him for a few moments before she put a hand on his knee and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Are you okay?"
Loki gave an unconvincing nod. "I don't want Jotunheim wanting anything to do with me. I don't trust it. What if that woman has someone do something?"
"I don't think she would do anything Loki. She came here to help you despite everything going on between the realms." Laney caressed Loki's knee while she looked down to check on Star's eager nursing. "I know you never got to meet her, but that woman does care for you."
Loki gave a little nod, feeling ashamed of his words. "I could meet her though..." he said in barely more than a whisper.
"That is up to you, love. I know it's a lot to think about," she responded softly.
"I'm scared to meet her. I don't know what I would say or do. What if meeting her brings me closer to my natural side?" Loki asked softly.
"There's nothing wrong with that. Our daughter may have traits closer towards the Jontar that we have yet to figure out," she told him. "It's okay to be scared."
Loki shook his head. "I might be a different person, if I move closer to my heritage."
Laney sighed softly as Star finished nursing. She put her dress back in order before she laid Star on her legs, then partially turned to grasp Loki's hand. "Loki, I think you will always be you. Just because you speak with your birth mother and learn more about where you came from, does not change who you are or how you were raised. You will still be my Loki."
Loki gave Laney's hand a gentle squeeze. "It's what I'm scared of though... that who I am might shift as easily as my appearance. I am already different just when I'm around Gall."
"Sweetheart, I don't think you are. You're more relaxed around him now, which is a good thing. Knowing that he is a part of your family makes it even easier," she said softly.
"I thought it would make it easier... but he hasn't responded to my letter yet. I'm not so sure he's comfortable being related to me." Loki said sadly.
Laney furrowed her brow. "When did you send him a letter?"
"It was before I was released to go back to our chambers. Mother helped me with the letter." Loki answered. "I wish we could go back to where we had just been friends."
"You can still be friends Loki. I am sure you'll hear from him soon."
"He's never taken this long to write back before. What if being related to me drives him away?" Loki asked softly. "He's the first friend I've made in a very long time."
"He could be traveling or working Loki. It's hard to know what the hold up could be. I'm not really even sure what Gall does for a day to day job."
Loki frowned and fell silent for a moment, thinking. "On Yamir, he said he would visit us when he came this way for work, but you're right, we've never asked what he does." He said, thinking back. "Do we even know anything about the land dispute that won't allow him to return to Jotunheim?"
"I don't think we ever asked him what the dispute was about. For all we know, he could be pretty busy." Laney looked down at Star and rubbed her tiny belly, soothing her to sleep.
"I think it's time we find out who he actually is." Loki said, feeling determined.
"We can do that. Just don't be harsh about it. It would be nice to know more since we know he's family now."
Loki nodded. "I wish he would communicate with me so we could ask him directly."
Laney leaned back against Loki's side once more. "Hopefully we can soon, love. He has already helped us a lot. I feel like we can trust him."
"I did trust him, but I have not heard anything from him since learning he's family."
"He might wonder if you would be angry with him," Laney pointed out. "He did something that could normally get him into trouble, but Odin has said it wouldn't."
Loki gave Laney a confused look. "Why ever would I be angry with him?"
"What he did was a large risk," Laney said. "He also must have known he was family to you somehow. Or he would not have done what he did."
"I know, and he restored our titles. He also ensured the council will not harass me as much. I haven't even seen him to thank him... he just... vanished." Loki sighed. "What he did made me respect him more."
Laney smiled and grasped Loki's hand in her own. "I'm happy you do. I'm very thankful to him as well."
Loki gave Laney's hand a squeeze. "Is that why he's been silent? Because he thinks I'm mad at him?"
"It could be part of the reason," Laney replied. "Other than being busy, that's the only other thing I can think of."
"Should I write to him again and tell him that I'm not mad at him?" Loki asked Laney.
"If you wish to, it couldn't hurt. I hope he comes to visit again soon," Laney replied.
"I hope so as well. I do miss him." Loki admitted.