softforloki

[softforloki]

This fic brings me life, I literally drop everything and lock in to read whenever I see an update. Thank you so much for this wonderful gift of a story ❤️

Frigga's arrival brings too many revelations for you to handle at once. You and Loki process what it means to bring a child into a world that threatens you at every turn.

CHAPTER WARNING: Reader has headache and pregnancy symptoms WORD COUNT: 2.5k

Upon the very hour Frigga learned of her pregnancy with Thor, bells rang throughout Asgard. 

The entire kingdom, from serf to noble, was invited inside the palace walls for the official declaration. Odin made free beer flow from every fountain, and music played for days on end. Taxes for all citizens were alleviated for that year in tradition (supposedly, this was to ensure that the future prince’s people did not resent him). Frigga and Odin rode to every event in a golden litter. Peasants scattered rose petals at the Queen’s feet. Asgard was nothing less than the brightest star in the heavens.

In a normal circumstance, you and Loki should have made a similar grand announcement upon the confirmation that an heir was nigh. Instead, you were brought up to bed and tucked as far away from the world as you could be. 

It was stark and quick how Loki chose to push aside Frigga’s revelation about his full fate for the sake of your wellbeing. He told the Warriors to leave them be, that nothing was amiss, and led you upstairs with the Queen following a few paces behind. Once the three of you were behind closed doors, you climbed onto the bed and leaned back against the headboard. 

“This is all too much,” you moaned through the headache. “Perhaps we could pace ourselves before revealing so much life-altering news at once?” 

“How can you be sure?” asked Loki, clearly worried but also trying to keep calm. 

Frigga shrugged. “A mother knows.”

“Oh, that surely isn’t an absolute confirmation!” Loki said lowly. 

Frigga stood over the bed and began waving her arms slowly over your body before jerking her hands upward. It was as if she pulled your soul out of your body, only you were conscious enough to see if from underneath. It was an orange specter in similar shape to yours. 

“It is very well that I was inclined to healing more than you ever were, Loki,” she remarked before pointing at a small irregularity in the image. It was too difficult for you to decipher on your own. “There. Rooted deeply…yes…oh dear…you may only have half of a year before…oh!”

Her demeanor, which had become hopeful in the last few moments, grew curious. “Oh…my…”

“Norns, just say what you see!” Loki was impatient, gripping your hand tightly and urging her on through gritted teeth. 

“There are two,” she said simply, pointing again so you could understand. “Here, and here. Strongly formed as far as I can see. Twin heirs. The first Asgard has ever seen.” 

Loki had always been pale when in his Asgardian skin, so when the little color he had in his face drained clear away, it made him look ghostly. He needed to sit on the bed beside you. “T…two? At once?” 

You flopped back against the pillows, moaning. “I thought I just said to pace yourself!” 

Frigga knew of an easy potion that could safely relieve your anxiety enough to allow you to sleep soundly for a few hours. After taking no more than ten minutes to brew it in the kitchen, she gave it to you. It did its work quickly. She opened the bedroom window to let the gentle sounds of the ongoing rainstorm lull you into unconsciousness. Loki kissed your forehead. “I’ll be back with supper,” he promised. “We can lose our heads over this when you’re feeling right.”   

After you fell asleep, Loki blew out the candle and closed the door. Then, he took a brave breath and turned to Frigga. “I, however, am not finished with you yet,” he said with brave defiance. 

“Then let us adjourn elsewhere,” agreed the Queen. “There is much more to say.” 

He only led her to the next room over, another bedroom. He closed that door and lit three candles to lighten the space. He wanted to see her face clearly as he interrogated her. 

“Say what you must to me, Loki, if it relieves you,” Frigga immediately began. “I do not pretend that what Odin and I have set upon you is stressful, to say the least, but there is still one more important thing you and your wife must know.” 

“Won’t saying so betray your beloved husband?” Loki spat. “Why should I take into account anything you tell me, seeing as moments ago you asserted just where your loyalties lie?”

“Would you rather take your chances missing this vital piece of information? Especially now that it concerns the mother of your children?”

Loki pouted and looked at his feet. “How dare you manipulate me now,” he grunted. “With my own emotions, no less!”

“Just listen, and then I will leave and you may never look upon me again, if that is your wish,” Frigga implored. 

The Prince crossed his arms and silently indicated to Frigga that he was prepared to hear what she had to offer. 

“On the day of battle, whenever that may be,” she said quickly, “Your wife will wield the scepter belonging to Hela of Niflheim. What is more, she will need to fetch it from Hela’s kingdom herself.” 

Loki hissed. “The only way to even enter Niflheim is through death. You suggest now that my princess dies for me?”

Frigga shook her head. “There is another way. She must be invited in by a resident of the Realm of the Dead.” 

“Well, if that’s all,” Loki sneered, looking his adoptive mother up and down with a sarcastic roll to his one eye. “I’ll pack her bags in the morning and--”

“--if you expect me to say more, or suggest how such a feat may be done, I am afraid I have no answer, my son,” the Queen interrupted, looking hurt. “Death magic is a dark, dark art, one even Odin fears.” 

Loki paused, the impossible task laid out before him, already twisting and gnawing at his brain. “Without it, the prophecy cannot come to pass?”

Frigga shook her head. “That is not so, but she may be hurt or killed if she is unarmed.” 

“Then I’ll keep her here!” the Prince quickly suggested. “Tucked away and safe with the children!”

“She was leading you, Loki,” Frigga repeated. “Her finger pointed forth at Odin’s oncoming hordes. Whether you like it or not, both of you are at the center of this storm. You both must obey the prophecy and face it together.” She paused, then added the last piece of unfortunate news: “And she wears my diadem.” 

Loki swallowed. He knew what this meant. “I thought…but…you said you’d be fighting alongside…?”

She shook her head. “I said I would be on his side, but from Hela’s realm.” 

The instant conflict rendered Loki lightheaded. He sat on the bed, quiet in a vain attempt to process this unexpected news. What he responded with surprised even himself.  “You…hid my true history from me. Yet…I cannot seem to tear off the need to call you ‘Mother.’” 

For every thought of betrayal that served to freeze Loki’s heart, there were three memories of the Queen’s true love for her adopted son, teaching him magic, soothing his insecurities when Thor’s shadow felt darkest, and even now, she took the risk to bring warning to him out of concern and love.

Frigga sat beside him and gently took his hand. “Am I not your Mother?” she asked slowly. 

After a pause, Loki sighed. “Yes. Forever.” 

It was dark when you stirred, temporarily unable to remember what had transpired to bring you there in the first place. It was when Frigga appeared with a tray of tea and fruit that you remembered, your face falling into one of quick confusion and fear. 

Frigga quickly put the tray aside to sit by you on the bed, laying a reassuring hand over your shoulder as you sat up. “Shhh, no need to fear. Loki is downstairs with his comrades. He needed some time with them to process this.”

You looked away and cringed. Something about the odor rising from the tea tray was off. “Am I really--? Or did I dream it--?”

“Yes,” she said gently. “But perhaps discussing that matter with my son first would be preferred. He and I have come to a plan.” 

She explained everything to you, including your forthcoming trial in Niflheim. Your skin went cold at the mere thought, and while you were not consciously aware of it, you slowly ran your hands over your stomach, as if afraid something within would be hurt. “However, more is at stake than before,” she concluded. “You must stay away from Asgard until the little ones arrive next year. Loki will be with you.” 

“All of this is shattering me,” you confessed. “How can I stay here when so much is going to happen, and soon? What if I have another vision? What if it gets worse?”

“You mustn’t worry about the future for now,” Frigga said. “You are protected here, and so is your family, for as long as you need.” 

You closed your eyes, savoring one word. “Family…” you whispered. “I have a family…” 

Loki had to lose his right eye to gain the knowledge and strength he needed to face his destiny. You’d always needed to have something worth fighting for. Until now you were a crumbling leaf on a river at the mercy of the current that carried you. Now, you had a family, a life worth risking everything to keep, and a love worth standing for in the face of death.

You were never more vulnerable, but you had also never been stronger. 

“I believe my husband created his own undoing in more ways than igniting this war,” Frigga went on. “Perhaps the stone was carved the moment he agreed to Heimdall’s suggestion.” 

Heimdall. 

“Mother,” you said, “Heimdall has Sight?”

“Yes. His gifts are the strongest in Asgard.”

“But how? Sybil’s curse is--”

“--a myth,” she admitted. “It was woven long ago by Borr in order to keep the Mistresses below and under his thumb.” 

You blinked. It should have been more of a blow to you, but you were numb to surprises at the moment. “Then menfolk can have Sight?”

Frigga shrugged and stood to bring the tea tray over. “It is a bit rarer. Heimdall’s visions work differently from any Mistress I’ve known, naturlig or trollmann.” 

“Why did he rescue me from the headsman?” you asked. “What stake did he have in aiding Mistress Nanna’s vision? Please tell me, I must know!” 

“I cannot, for it is not my place,” said the Queen. 

You sneered angrily. “You have kept enough secrets from the both of us,” you hissed impatiently. “Who am I to Heimdall?”

“For your health, I say enough!” Frigga’s gentle, motherly demeanor briefly gave way to her stern Queenliness, perfected over millennia. “You carry my grandchildren. Fussing now will not help anyone, least of all them. Now, take some tea.”

You shook your head. “It smells foul.”

She smiled. “Perhaps I should not have brought cheese. I’ve long forgotten what pregnancy feels like. You may want to make peace with sharp smells and odd tastes.”

You heard your name in the doorway. It was Loki, looking a bit disheveled, as if the stress of the news had already begun to toy with his mind the way it did with yours. “I thought I saw Mother come upstairs with tea.” 

The Queen smiled and moved aside to let him in. “I will leave you alone. You need time to be together. I will see myself to sleep, and I will return to the palace in the morning.” 

She left you be, and Loki immediately kneeled before the bed, scooping your hand and bringing it to his lips. “Tell me what you need.” 

You felt your stomach flutter, and it wasn’t from the babies. “Your arms around me. That is all.” 

The rain only increased as night fell, the window still open. Thunder and lightning began to join the chorus outside. It made Loki sigh with woe. 

“I wish Thor were here.” 

Five words never made you want to weep more. The way Loki said them, the pure sorrow painting his voice, made your heart fall. 

“What was he like? I only knew him for thirty seconds.” 

How long ago had that fateful day been? A year? A century? 

“I often felt myself standing in his shadow, being the less-physical second son,” Loki began, a gentle smile unfurling on his face in spite of the sad memory. “Thor could often get wrapped up in the perks and adventures befitting his place. But he was always the center of a crowded room. I held an admiration for his natural instincts with people. It was a gift I never felt I possessed.” 

“Would you have been happy with him as King?” you asked. 

“Yes, I’m sure of it,” he affirmed. “I am well aware of the constant rumors of jealous feelings between us, but in truth: Thor and I often discussed when his time came to ascend. He knew how much I love the arts and sciences, and sometimes suggested I take up a role as a Royal Patron, to care for domestic and cultural issues befalling the people within our borders while he minded our…relations…abroad.”

“Almost as if you were planning to rule side-by-side,” you mused. “That sounds wonderful.” 

“The more I think about it, the more I recall Odin pitting us against one another as children and youths. Brawn against seidr. Might against wit. He once said that we were both meant to be kings…but what father promises such to both of his children with only enough prize for one?” 

He looked down at your abdomen and hesitated before sliding a hand over your belly. “Two heirs at once. Norns, it could be the very same again…they are both meant to be kings…” 

“No!” you said quickly, leaning your head over his shoulder. “You know better! You can stop it.” 

A bolt of lightning illuminated the room, followed by a clap of thunder so loud that you could hear Volstagg whoop in surprise from downstairs. Loki moved to shut the window, but you threw an arm over him, to keep him next to you. “I’ve wanted this for a while, Loki. But now that it’s happening, it strikes me that this might be the worst possible time to have a child, let alone twins!”

“No” he whispered, leaning back against the headboard with you. “I feel inclined to the contrary.”

“Why?”

“I always thought when the time came for my marriage, it would be to some off-Realm princess, or at best, a general’s daughter of some rank. I always saw wedded bliss as more of a ‘duty with benefits.’ Love…love eludes royalty. Often. Sometimes I even wondered if my Mother and Father…” he trailed off for a moment. “...anyhow, this may be a foreign bond to me now…but having a loving family to fight for, a family who accepts all of me…I somehow feel richer and stronger than the King. As if I could move a mountain if you asked.” 

“I will never ask you to be more than you are,” you vowed. “You resisted me for some time, but you never asked me to raise myself higher than you knew I could be.” 

Loki waved a hand, and the candles in the room doused. “And yet here you are, my princess-star, already so high above me…” 

After nearly an entire day and night, the rainstorm finally left the first, just as you and Loki fell asleep, fully -clothed, in one another’s arms. 

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[softforloki]

Theory 👏 time 👏

I don't think Loki's going to be the one doing the nasty with wifey.

This:

As you made your way to the hall, you went over the dance steps in your head. Fandral could sense your fear. “I think, perhaps, you look ravishing enough to impress Our Prince,” he hinted with a distinct warmth to his voice. 

“What do you mean?” you asked, but he didn’t say more. The way he’d said it, it sounded as if he knew more than he was letting on.

And:

He kissed you sweetly, bringing out more reactions from the crowd. “My Princess…I may finally be prepared to reward you tonight after we retire.” 

Remind me of that conversation Loki and Fandral had a few chapters ago where he asked Fandral to sire a child on his behalf. I don't think that was just a throwaway line to show how Loki didn't want to sleep with wifey. I'm pretty sure that plan's still on and he's gonna magic Fandral to look like himself.

I feel like a dog doing zoomies rn. I'm so excited but so nervous krgnaoierjgnoae. Great chapter as always!!

After three lonely months pass, Loki finally begins to open his mind and heart to you, while you fully realize that you may well be longing for his love. A promising banquet approaches, a chance to fully prove to Loki, Odin, and the Nine Realms that you are worthy of your position.

CHAPTER WARNING: none WORD COUNT: 2.8k

Time began to roll before you like a wheel from dawn to dawn. Three months went by in a whirl.

Your relationship with Loki thawed little by little each day. For the time being, you found yourselves at your shared best when you were in the company of others. Loki clearly enjoyed his sparring afternoons with his confidantes. Some days, he asked for you to join him, which you relished. Others, he expressed a wish to go alone. You suspected those were the days Sif was to meet them. You had yet to see her again after that first unpleasant encounter. 

However, aside from Loki’s friends, you were making few strides toward building relationships of your own. You had not yet been given any ladies’ maids of your own, so Frigga was the only other woman with whom you spoke. The chambermaids were only good for one thing: giggling and gossiping when your moon courses came upon you, indicating there was no heir. 

Being locked away in the Inner Sanctuary for the majority of your life had given you no social skills. Your loneliness had no way of resolving, and you had no idea how to go about remedying the situation.

Routine quickly became your best friend in the palace. You woke mid-morning, bathed and dressed before being served a light breakfast, then studied star charts or Frigga’s diary until two. If Loki didn’t come for you by two, it meant he either wished to meet the others without you that day, or he was holding court with Odin. 

If Loki came for you, you knew it would be a wonderful day. If he did not, you awaited Frigga’s boy to fetch you for tea and lessons instead. Either way, at dusk every night, no matter where you were, you and Loki reported for supper in the private hall. After, you and Loki nearly always managed to share a private hour or two in light conversation over hot chocolate in his library before you retired, sometimes taking another long, hot bath before crawling under the sheets to do everything again in the same order again the following day.

Loki often came to bed, but there was only ever distance between your bodies when you shared the mattress. He was always up, dressed, and out of the apartments before you awoke. 

The monotony finally broke starting one afternoon, three months after the wedding. Loki was with Odin and the Generals today, so you’d gone to Frigga’s apartments, embarrassed that you’d forgotten to read an assigned lesson on hosting diplomatic tea parties. It did not matter, for the moment you were let inside, it was evident something else was afoot. 

These days, Frigga’s chambers were quiet around this time, giving you and your mother-in-law plenty of privacy. Today, however, advisors, maids, butlers, and servants were ducking in and out, carrying samples of cloth, food, drink, and decor. Frigga sat and pursued everything as it was laid out before her. 

“Yes, the ecru silk…oh, my dear!” she stood upon seeing you. “I’m afraid I didn't have the time to tell you before, but I am otherwise occupied today. I suppose you could sit beside me and observe. After all, these duties will be your own one day! What better way to learn?”

You had many questions, but Frigga answered the most vital as you sat beside her. “A diplomatic party is arriving from Alfheim tomorrow. The Allfather has summoned them to discuss matters of Olympia. Alfheim is one of our closest allies, Y/N.” 

“Yes,” you said, nodding and hoping you would understand. 

“I am to plan the banquet and evening’s entertainment, of course,” said the Queen. “Every detail is mine to dictate.”

“Do you enjoy it?” you asked, already feeling overwhelmed. 

Frigga sighed and leaned in, as if to share a secret. “Not in the least. I’d rather be studying or practicing.”

“And this is to be my job now as well?” you asked. 

The Queen shook her head. “Not while you are still only Princess. Your only role tomorrow night will be to look beautiful, and to stay on Loki’s arm as he mingles. At the banquet, Loki will make a formal announcement and present you. The Light Elves have been promised the first outsiders’ glance at Asgard’s newest treasure, so your presence will be essential to the success of the evening.” 

“My presence is so vital, and yet I am expected to remain quiet and pretty?” you asked, still not making the right connections in your head. 

“Surely you knew that you would be all the Realms are talking of, dear girl? A mysterious Seer marrying the most eligible Prince in existence with no warning? My dear, there are ballads being written of your allegedly immense beauty and grace by bards who have never seen you!”

“Then they never heard the truth,” you said solemnly, lying back against the sofa. 

Frigga quickly laid a hand on your shoulder, bidding you back to better posture.  “They’ve heard a…well, a variant of the truth. They don’t know of your prior position in the palace, or your connection to Thor. As far as they know, Loki expedited your union to douse his sorrows.”

“I see.” 

“Sit tall, my child,” she said. “Have I not taught you that the proper carriage can fool even the most experienced king into thinking a peasant is a princess?”

By the end of the afternoon, you were dizzy with knowledge. You saw flying satin tablecloths when you closed your eyes. 

You were thankful for one thing: Frigga saw to it that the pair of you were excused from supper that evening. There was simply too much to attend to, and you were learning so much at the Queen’s side! In response, Odin had the butlers send a meal to her rooms for the two of you. You were afraid you would get sauce or crumb on the exquisite samples still littered about the floor and furniture, so you ate delicately. Still, you were absolutely thankful for the excuse to avoid being all but alone with the King.

In the Sanctuary, you had minimum fare to subsist on. Old superstition often pointed to an empty belly indicating a pure mind, ready to receive the Sight’s deepest powers. Thus, bread, greens, and dried meats were all you’d ever eaten before recently. In the months since your marriage to the Prince, the constant supply of rich foods in generous portions had led to a small increase in your weight, but that pleased the Queen. “You look healthier,” she’d said. 

Before you went back to your chamber for the evening, after all with Frigga was said, done, and selected, the Queen had you stand before her while she glanced you over as she had your first day as Princess. “You already carry yourself a bit better. I think we will be ready to start on your Sight the day after tomorrow.” 

This both excited and terrified you. You still weren’t convinced that your miserable, imperfect Sight could be improved upon. What next, would the Queen attempt to artificially increase your height? 

“Yes, Mother,” was all you could muster. After all, she was still your superior. You weren’t yet in a position to protest. 

Satisfied at last, Frigga dismissed you. Looking forward to seeing Loki in the library, you  quickened your pace through the halls you were finally beginning to find familiar. However, the minute you made it inside the suite, you knew he wasn’t there. 

A small, unrolled piece of parchment sat on the sofa side table, the scrawl in emerald ink. Reading it, you sighed sadly, understanding that it was to be another lonely night. 

Y/N- Father requires me in the war room tonight. I will send your escort to the gala at dusk tomorrow. Please be ready. Yours, Loki

War room?

Perhaps it had to do with Olympia. Loki had been rather preoccupied plotting retaliation with Odin for the assassination of Thor. It was, in large part, the reason that after three months of marriage, you were still a virgin bride. 

To his credit, Loki was trying, as were you, to close the gap of intimacy between you. Five nights prior, he’d pushed himself further with you than you’d been thus far. Your book discussions were now into the third volume of The Price of Paradise. That night, you’d impressed Loki with your insight on a certain passage, and he’d responded by putting his book aside and kneeling by your chair. 

“What is it?” you’d asked lightly, wondering what was brewing inside his head. 

“What you’ve just said about Eira’s soliloquy,” he said. “I’d never thought her use of metaphor meant more than a simple artistic choice on the part of Sir Olssen.”

Smiling broadly, you’d taken a long, dramatic sip of hot chocolate. 

Loki looked pleased. “You’re actually sort of…brilliant.” 

One word flipped your heart in circles. It was as if the first crack in the shell had been made, that he was beginning to see beyond your circumstances, that there was something there that wasn’t there before. 

Not that it mattered. He still didn’t touch your body once the lights in your bedroom were doused at night. You were beginning to feel the pricks of lust that a young woman was supposed to feel for her handsome husband. This only meant that each night that passed in stillness felt more akin to a failure. 

You began to stay awake later, looking at Loki as he slept beside you. He was so beautiful in repose. No scowls, no hesitations or ceremonial masking. When he slept, he was only himself. In the darkness, you never saw what color his skin was, nor how his face wrinkled when he was deep in dream. To you, he was a sleeping Adonis. Soon enough, you began longing for the day he finally chose to part your legs. 

Putting the scroll aside, you could only roll your eyes and distract yourself by reading in bed until your eyelids grew heavier than your heart. 

The politics had ended for the day, and the Alfheim envoys and their pages were seated and feasting in Odin’s hall. Frigga had spent the afternoon dictating your appearance and reminding you of the dance steps you’d be expected to perform with Loki. 

It was this dance that made you most apprehensive. You’d practiced in ‘princess study’ with the Queen, but it was not the same as if you were practicing with your dance partner. After your presentation, you and Loki would dance before the assembly as a way to allow Alfheim to see the alleged grace of the new Princess of Asgard. 

You got the feeling it was also an opportunity for you to humiliate yourself in front of Odin, who would no doubt use a slip up as an excuse to punish you, or worse, accuse you of further espionage. Frigga seemed to agree, although she forbade herself from saying so bluntly. “Let’s just agree that your success tonight will be of the utmost importance.”

Loki sent none other than Fandral to escort you to your ceremonial presentation the following evening, which you were grateful for. The Warriors were growing on you as a trio of big brothers. You’d never had siblings of any sort, and even if you could not share in their inside jests and jousting games, you never felt out of place among them, unless Sif happened to be nearby. 

“My Princess,�� Fandral said with somewhat-exaggerated formality. “You look ravishing this evening.” 

You curtsied, playing his game. “And you dashing, My Lord.” 

As you made your way to the hall, you went over the dance steps in your head. Fandral could sense your fear. “I think, perhaps, you look ravishing enough to impress Our Prince,” he hinted with a distinct warmth to his voice. 

“What do you mean?” you asked, but he didn’t say more. The way he’d said it, it sounded as if he knew more than he was letting on. 

Your journey ended behind Odin’s throne minutes later, obscured by a gossamer curtain until the right moment. Fandral left you to join the others, still refusing to address your curiosity. 

The noise from the revelers was deafening, so when they went silent at the Allfather’s gesture, your ears felt hollow, longing for consistent sound again. You quickly began to feel small, as if you were shrinking.

“Friends and Allies of Alfheim, as promised, you will be treated to a historical presentation of a princess this evening. A fortunate young woman who proved her worth to join the Royal Family, and who won the heart of a Prince. She is a treasure to our family, and we hope that you will accept her as a friend and ally to Alfheim as well.” 

Polite clapping rang out. You felt your skin shiver. Odin was an incredible liar. 

You jumped when you felt something smooth and cool slip into your hand and wrap around your fingers. Prince Loki had joined you behind the curtain. 

“Are you ready?” he inquired softly. 

I am now, you thought, but instead of saying it aloud, you nodded. He was pleased. 

“I don’t enjoy these functions at all,” he noted. “And that is your new fact about myself for today.”

“I believe I knew that already about you,” you said with a playful cheek. 

Loki smiled. “And how, pray, did you come by this information when this is our first ball together?”

“I guessed.”

He looked down at his feet for a moment, keeping a pleasant smile. “How insightful of you. Perhaps I should worry about what else you’ve unwittingly discovered of me.”

You were bold, gently squeezing his hand. “You have no need to be afraid of me.” 

A tender gaze passed briefly between you before a servant began parting the curtains. Instantly, you both sprang to attention like the two obedient foot soldiers you were before the King. 

“I am pleased to present to the Courts of Asgard and Alfheim: Prince Loki, and his beloved bride, Princess Y/N.”

Loki guided you out from behind the shadow of Odin’s throne. Instant ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ went up as you strutted in sync to the center of the stage. Loki raised his arm to give you a twirl, which you executed with surprising grace. Applause went up. As it turned out, the dance lessons were good for more than waltzing. 

You curtsied deeply before the room, and awaited Odin to silence the room again, so that you could deliver the small speech that you’d authored with Frigga, and memorized. 

“My dear friends, I am blessed to find myself the child of the Allfather, the wife of the Prince, and the humble Princess of this realm. I pray that you will accept me as you have my newfound family, and that our days will be spent in friendship and harmony.”

The room erupted into cheers. Many stood from their benches. You bowed again, Loki bowing with you, and permitted him to begin leading you to the dance floor in front of the lined benches and tables. 

You caught a glimpse of Frigga, seated next to Odin at the High Table, beaming with pride at her protege’s first impression thus far. You were doing well. 

After several minutes of more thunderous approval from the Light Elves, Loki swung you around, positioning you before him in the starting position for a short, classic Asgardian dance. Typically, it was a bride and groom’s first dance at their wedding. Indeed, the dance retained at least half of its purpose. This was your first dance with your husband, after all. 

Just before the music went up, Loki leaned down and whispered into your ear. “You’re doing marvelously.”

“How can you tell?” you asked. 

“Because my father’s face is red.”

You snorted a little too loudly, and instantly hoped it didn;t diminish your appearance in the eyes of the assembly. To the contrary, they seemed to think your giggle was sweet. For all they knew, you had just shared a small intimate joke between you, like a pair of silly besotted lovers who cared not for the world beyond one another’s arms. 

“I’m happy to please you, Loki,” you said, recovering. 

He kissed you sweetly, bringing out more reactions from the crowd. “My Princess…I may finally be prepared to reward you tonight after we retire.” 

“Reward me? I--” you cut off when you understood Loki’s covert meaning. Your face illuminated. “You mean it? Tonight?”

“Yes, Y/N. Tonight. It may be time to acquiesce to Odin’s wishes for a grandson.”

You wanted to cry, but that was when the orchestra, seated above the room on a balcony, struck the first notes of an ancient love song. Did this mean he was falling in love? Or was he just prepared enough to fulfill his long-neglected duty? 

You chose to ignore the uncertainties for once, and you slowly began to dance as one while the music swelled. 

Series Masterlist Tags in the comments!

[softforloki]

in light of the trailer for the new captain america movie dropping, a reminder that bds has asked people to boycott this film specifically due to marvel's refusal to remove the character of sabra.

[softforloki]

Loki season 2 episode 6 Out of Context Spoilers

!!!! Though without context, these are still SPOILERS!!! If you want no clues or anything, come back later when you’ve seen the episode.

Also, shout out to @smolvenger who’s original post with the last image of this collection inspired this! Made me laugh out loud, and I wanted to have a little more fun with it in the midst of my sorrow.

[softforloki]

So, when I was watching episode 5 yesterday with Casey...all I could think about was "The Good Place" 🤣🤣🤣

...then...

Hehehehe.

@lokisgoodgirl @muddyorbs @joyful-enchantress @xorpsbane @give-me-a-moose @sailorholly @wheredafandomat @gigglingtiggerv2 @holdmytesseract @loopsisloops @ijuststareatstuffhereok89 @liminalpebble @lokischambermaid @ladyofthestayingpower

[softforloki]

Mobius just trying his fucking hardest to take Loki on a date like Loki we need to stop for refreshments so we can focus on the mission, let’s go to the balloon park, let’s ride this tandem bike which is totally necessary, let’s hold hands and kiss what

[softforloki]

loki over there losing his shit in this scene:

meanwhile mobius:

why is he like this 😭❤️

[softforloki]

[softforloki]

Chapter 14: Magic Lessons

Chapter List

Word Count: 1,944

Summery: Loki teaches Raven a spell under her mother's watchful eye, all while his heart aches for this little girl that he doesn't dare to call his chid. Goddamn does he want to, though.

Warnings: Minor sexual implications towards the end. Nothing too explicit.

Selene had once joked that being a single mom meant allocating most of her money to taking care of her kid and her house, and anything on the side went to the garden in the back.

Loki wasn’t entirely sure she was kidding.

Technically, there were two small gardens in different planter boxes. One was for herbs like peppermint, tarragon, tyme, rosemary, and sage. The other held a flourishing vegetable patch, complete with green beans, carrots, and ginger, which Loki wasn’t entirely sure was a vegetable, but there was enough space for it to grow.

There was also the little plastic swing set that Loki had helped Selene erect. Raven had been so ecstatic about it, thoroughly dispelling Loki’s assumption that she wouldn’t be impressed with it for long. It was a month later, and she still spent several minutes every day swinging.

Today though, she wasn’t playing. It was lesson time. Loki had seated her on a spread blanket as he placed several of her toys on top of the grass.

“What are you doing?” Raven asked, brow furrowing as Loki set a soft dolphin push on the ground a few feet away from her blanket.

“I’m going to teach you how to summon things.” Loki replied, gently placing a small stuffed leopard on the swing. He backed a few feet away, then opened his palm to the toy. With a green shimmer, the leopard flew from the swing to his waiting hand.

“Woah.” Raven marveled, eyes sparkling as she watched Loki return the leopard to the swing.

“Now, you have to promise me something.” Loki said, turning to face Raven. “If I teach you this spell, you must promise me that you will not summon anything heavy or fragile. Your mother will never forgive me if I teach you something that will hurt you- and frankly I won’t either.”

The girl nodded enthusiastically. “I promise.”

“Good.” Loki smiled at her as he propped a stuffed minion to lean against one of the planter boxes. 

“Why are we outside?” She asked as Loki came to sit across from her on the blanket.

“Because Mum wouldn’t let me teach you how to magically throw things around in the house.” Loki chuckled, using Selene’s exact words.

Raven nodded, her gaze traveling to the side. She giggled, pointing to the house. He looked where she indicated to see Selene standing at the window, lips pursed as she looked out. Her eyebrows shot up once she saw she’d been spotted, and she wiggled her fingers in an awkward wave.

Loki’s smile was tender and affectionate as he waved back. He laughed as Selene ducked out of view, as if to try to hide her anxious hovering.

He spent the next couple of minutes trying to explain the theory as best he could before he let her try any practical application. He sifted through his memories of his mother teaching him the spell, his words coming more confidently as he heard them in her voice.

“I want you to think of a string that connects the center of your palm to the object you are summoning.” Loki said, gently taking Raven’s small wrist, and opening her hand. He put a finger to the center of her palm to illustrate his point. “When you call it to you, picture it traveling along the string. The visualization will help you to keep the object in the air and not drop it.”

The girl nodded, her face drawn in focus as she listened. She extended her arm, palm facing out to the dolphin in the grass.

“Got your string?”

“Yeah.”

“Good. When you summon the object, imagine you feel the tug of the string as you pull it towards you. It’s no different than tying a line to something and physically pulling it by hand to you.”

She nodded again.

“Are you ready to try?”

“Mmhmm!” Raven confirmed.

“Alright then. Remember, it may take a few tries to get it right the first time.” Loki reminded her, scooting back so he could watch her form better. “Whenever you’re ready, pet.”

Raven’s brow furrowed in concentration as she stared at the toy, hand still held out. For a long moment, nothing happened. Loki was afraid to try to give advice, lest he break her focus. However, he recognized the tell-tale signs of frustration in the tightening of her jaw and the tension in the wide splay of her fingers.

“Relax your hand.” He whispered, holding his palm up to show her.

Raven quickly corrected her form, but didn’t unclench her jaw. Another few tense seconds passed. Loki saw movement out of the corner of his eye. A quick glance to the house confirmed that Selene was back at the window, spinning one of her rings around her finger with an unreadable expression on her face.

Just as Loki was about to open his mouth, Raven gasped. He looked just in time to see a faint flicker of pink curling around the stuffed dolphin as it scooted forward a few inches, before the color fizzled out.

“I did it! Kinda.” Raven exclaimed, looking to Loki as though she needed to confirm what just happened.

“You did! That was wonderful!” He praised, grinning from ear to ear.

“But it didn’t go all the way.” She said, momentary elation fading into disappointment.

“No, but you made progress.” Loki soothed, gesturing to the plush. “You moved it, that’s an impressive feat.”

The girl still looked unconvinced, so he got up to try to make his point. Loki walked over to where the dolphin had been moved, trying to estimate how far it had gotten. He wished he’d had the foresight to mark in the dirt where the toy had first been placed; all he had to go off of was his memory.

“I would say you made it about six or seven inches.” He estimated, squatting near the toy. “That’s very good; it’s about as far as I got on my first go.”

“Really?” Raven tilted her head, as though she couldn’t fathom the thought that Loki had ever been less than proficient with magic.

“Yes, little one.” Loki chuckled, coming back to sit on the blanket. “And what’s more, I started learning magic when I was a few years older than you are now. From my perspective, you just did something incredibly impressive for your age.”

Her eyes widened slightly, and she nodded slowly. “Okay. So, that was good?”

“That was very good.” Loki nodded. “Would you like to continue?”

“Yes.” She nodded again, more firmly this time. 

“Deep breath, try to clear your head.” Loki reminded. “See the string, feel the pull, you know what to do.”

Raven giggled, closing her eyes to center herself, just like Loki had taught her so long ago when she was still struggling to control her medium-like abilities. He glanced over his shoulder to Selene’s window, unsurprised to find her still standing there. This time however, she was smiling at Loki like he’d just done something truly spectacular.

And he felt like he really did.

. . .

“This is gonna bite me in the ass, isn’t it?”

Loki laughed, shaking his head. “Do you not trust your own daughter?”

“Have you met her?” Selene joked, unwinding the garden hose as she watched Raven enter the house, arms full of toys. “I trust her not to try that with anything heavy, but I just know I’m gonna get a stuffed animal to the face any day now.”

Loki smiled, walking with her as she dragged the hose to her planter boxes. “Perhaps. She can be a bit of a scamp at times, can’t she?”

“Mmhmm.” Selene heaved an overly dramatic sigh as she watered her vegetable garden. “Love that little terror.”

As do I. But he didn’t say the words. He knew Selene well enough by now that he highly doubted she’d raise an issue with it, but he still didn’t quite feel ready to verbalize it. Raven was Selene’s girl, not Loki’s. He had to keep reminding himself of that. Perhaps she liked him, but he wasn’t her father.

…But he sure did act like it at times.

Loki lapsed into silence as Selene attended to her plants. Him, a father? The thought was absurd. He was anything but father material- he had tried to take over the planet once, for Norns sake! That was hardly the behavior of a role model. 

But oh how that little girl made him want to pick up a parenting guide. How she and her mother again and again made Loki want to be worthy of them and the home they’d so graciously welcomed him into.

“Everything okay, Lokes?” Selene asked as she coiled her hose back at the spout. 

“Ah, yes.” He nodded, trotting after her. “Apologies, I was lost in thought.”

“You’re good.” She said, taking his hand. “Are you staying for dinner?”

“Am I invited?”

“When are you not?”

“Fair point, my lady.” Loki inclined his head, smiling. “I will stay. Would you like help preparing it?”

“If you’re offering.” Selene replied, taking his hand and intertwining their fingers together. “You know I love you, right?”

“Of course I do.” Loki blinked. “What brought this on?”

“I dunno.” She shrugged, kissing his knuckles. “You just looked like you needed reminding.”

He smiled softly. “I suppose I sometimes do.”

Selene brought both of his hands to her mouth, kissing them reverently. She laid her lips across his palms and digits again and again. She looked up at him through her lashes, her perfect red lips gently closed around the bend of his pointer finger. Loki swore his heart stopped. He also swore his pants tightened.

“Darling.” He tried, voice strained. “Do you have any idea what you’re doing to me?”

“Loving you.” She purred, dragging her mouth up the back of his hand to his wrist. “Is it working? Do you feel loved?”

“Among other things.” Loki admitted.

“Oh.” Her eyes gleamed, as though she knew exactly what she was doing.

“Selene, your daughter is not only home but awake.” He pleaded with her.

“You’re the one getting worked up.” She shrugged, trailing a finger sensually up his arm. “I’m not doing anything.”

Little minx. Loki’s eyes flashed. He seized her by the waist, pulling her in until her chest was pressed against his. “You’re treading in dangerous waters, dove.”

“Who, me?” Selene widened her eyes innocently, though she couldn’t hide the sparkle of mischief in them.

“Yes, you.” He leaned in, his lips tracing the shell of her ear. “Do you truly wish to play this game? You may not like where it gets you.”

“When have I ever not liked where it got me?” She drawled, curling her fingers in the collar of his button up. “There’s a Midgardian phrase I wonder if you’ve heard: don’t threaten me with a good time.”

If he hadn’t already been, the brush of Selene’s fingers against his clavicle as she grabbed his shirt, the way her voice pitched down and the way her eyes smoldered would have physically aroused Loki. “Well then.” He murmured huskily. “Perhaps we should resolve things later tonight when the little one is in bed.”

“If you can last that long.” Selene taunted.

“I’ll survive.” Loki growled.

She pulled him down to kiss him, hard at first but then softening into something more tender. “I love you.”

“And I love you.”

Selene pat Loki’s chest affectionately, moving around him to go back into the house. She gave him a light smack to his backside as she passed him.

Oh, he was going to make her regret that.

[softforloki]

New look at Zawe Ashton as Dar-Benn in The Marvels

[softforloki]

Holy shit YES! That's incredible.

Elie Saab Fall 2023 Couture

[softforloki]

Loki’s fighting

[softforloki]

the way these strikes get framed is always so funny to me

"the strike could stretch on until the end of summer" or the execs could pay their workers

"there won't be ANY new shows because of this strike" or the execs could pay their workers

"no more content for us because the mean old writers and actors are-" OR THE EXECS COULD PAY THEIR WORKERS

[softforloki]

We have some clues!

Possible spoilers for Season Two of Loki!

Okay, so this guy, whom we see Loki confronting several times in the trailer:

is the in-universe actor Brad Wolfe (as noticed on the sign to the right there):

In the comics, he was possessed by an entity that Dormammu created, turning him into the supernatural killer Zaniac (named after the character he played in the movies).

In the comic, the entity had been possessing men for centuries, especially misogynists (like Brad Wolfe), amplifying their desire to harm (and, as an extension, hunt and kill) women. It should come as no surprise, then, that the entity possessed someone in the late 1800s, turning them into the killer known as Jack the Ripper.

It should be noted that this is also very much like Redjac in the Star Trek TOS episode "Wolf In The Fold". Get it? Wolf In The Fold? Brad Wolfe? Anyway...

In the case of this version, however, it seems that the entity is exclusively going to be possessing Brad Wolfe, who will then be hopping through time, since he appears in the past as himself.

Where Loki and Mobius, looking very Holmes and Watson here, will be searching for him:

But the reason for his possession might be because he was originally from the 1970s, one of Sylvie's known time locations, and he was specifically meant to track down and kill her.

Now, we see Brad a few more times throughout the trailer, including being detained by the TVA, where Loki is "interrogating" him. I couldn't get a good shot of the interrogation, but:

In the comics, it was Thor that defeated Zaniac, but I don't think they are going to bring him into the picture, and it is of course unknown if Dormammu will have anything to do with it; but considering how in Doctor Strange it was time that messed up Dormammu's plans, you never know!

Anyway, that's all I got for now, but if any of this turns out to be right, think of me. I'll be over here pondering my orb.

[softforloki]

This is very interesting, because while Brad Wolfe hasn't been made to look like Holmes, he could easily be a variant or at least in disguise. After all, we don't see him during the 1890s scenes in the trailer, only at the movie premiere and in the TVA prison suit, so if he is at the World's Fair, we can't say for certain that he still looks the way we've been seeing him....

Two different brilliant folks made theories about season 2 of Loki, and the theories fit together very nicely!

@whispering-about-loki made this post which—to roughly paraphrase—says that the actor/antagonist in the trailer is named Brad Wolfe and is probably a serial killer who time-travels.

And @softforloki made this post which points out that Loki and Mobius “are at the World's Columbian Exhibition, also known as the World's Fair” and that “ the World Fair…was the ground for serial killer H. H. Holmes, who used the World Fair to target people who came to Chicago to see it.”

Putting this info together, I’m thinking that the character Brad Wolfe must be H.H. Holmes (or at least fill his role) in Season 2.

[softforloki]

Hopes for Loki Season 2

Really hope that Loki season 2 goes a little into the history of the time periods and places they're going, because they may accidentally stumble into one of my hyper fixations.

Because these guys are at the World's Columbian Exhibition, also known as the World's Fair.

And I happen to know about the World Fair, because it was the ground for serial killer H. H. Holmes, who used the World Fair to target people who came to Chicago to see it. He had a hotel which he literally named The World Fair Hotel to get people to stay there during their visits, and though many accounts are likely exaggerated, it was considered a "Murder Castle". Different accounts describe it as maze-like, with hidden rooms, gas chambers, peepholes to watch guests, and a furnace in the basement where Holmes would burn the bodies of his victims. However, little of this is known as absolute fact, as Holmes was dishonest during his trial and confession, and the hotel was burned by an unknown arsonist and a post office was built in its place.

There's a chance we get something similar to the D.B. Cooper scene in season one where it's a little history lesson for the audience about a not widely known and unexplained crime. I'm really hoping that either Mobius and Loki actually meet H. H. Holmes, or there's a scene where Mobius talks about him a little and is like "okay here's really what happened."

I could go into heavy detail about this man and his crime spree and just how the whole case was equal parts horrific and bizarre, but we'd be here for hours. If you want to know more, here's a quick article I found that covers the case pretty well.

In any case, hyped for season two. Whether or not they go into detail about this specific person, it looks like history nerds are going to be fed well this season with all the time travel that's actually centered on Earth in the past.

[softforloki]

I love the first gif so much cause he just looks like he's thinking "I hate that I'm in love with this man" agjbfgkjabjna

LOKI SEASON 2 ✦ TRAILER