#the third line crossed out is from “How Do I Love Thee?” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

[ash-muses]

❤️ — astrid-ingrisdottir

(OOC) Bold of you to send this in November, I love it xD Hopefully this works! There's more explanation in the tags to clarify and give credit where it's due. The image at the very end was a quick edit I did for this, too. ♡ Send ❤️ to receive a Valentine from my muse ♡ Starter for @astrid-ingridsdottir

Although Valentine's Day was typically a Midgardian celebration, Thor had proposed the idea to Asgard and its people, much to Loki's dismay. His brother had droned on about the various muses through which they expressed themselves: artwork, poetry, songs, ballads, and baking, for starters. However, the comment was followed by Thor's lighthearted banter about who Loki might be interested in, which earned a scowl from the God of Mischief. Despite his brother's teasing, he had someone in mind...

Upon Asgard, Loki sat off in the corner of the library with a semi-bowed posture, head in his hand and brows furrowed in concentration. He read over the parchment in his hand, composed of several scratched-off lines, and groaned almost inaudibly.

Roses are red, violets are b

Stars upon which you dance

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

"This is asinine," the trickster hissed under his breath with a tinge of exasperation. Chest heavy with a mix of nerves, determination, and vexation, he lifted his quill and tried again. After a few minutes, he had finally penned up something he was content with. He read it aloud quietly, testing the words upon his lips as though it were a fine Asgardian wine — it needed to be light yet carry a depth, sweet yet not overtly.

She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes; Thus mellowed to that tender light Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

When he was certain it sounded right, Loki sealed it up in an envelope with a wax stamp upon the back. As the days passed by and it approached Valentine's Day, the God grew a bit nervous. It was rare for him to display such vulnerability, and so willingly — particularly for a celebration that revolved around affection, something that he discreetly struggled to show. During the festivities, Loki had waited for the opportune moment, then stole Astrid away from the others, finding a secluded little corner down one of the nearby corridors.

"I've been waiting to give you something," he explained lowly, careful to keep his tone steady. The trickster's gaze seemed to soften as he studied her for a long moment. Then, hesitantly, he produced the envelope he had so neatly left his signature upon and a couple of pristine, violet carnations. "For you, Astrid..."