Chapter 3.2 Coming Together Part 2

Thor nodded as well, relieved. "As for being Drotta while raising our children… I suppose we could hire someone to watch over the children during the day until they're school-aged?"

"Yes, a nanny would be nice," Murmured Loki, sipping at his drink again. "How many children would you like us to have, betrothed?"

This was also something that Thor had never thought about and he frowned again, not knowing what to say. "I-I don't know."

"I won't get pregnant spontaneously, Thor. Because I have control over when I carry life, we have the ability to plan this out."

"I honestly never believed I would marry or have children of my own, Loki. I don't have an answer for you right now." Admitted Thor, that same dark look from earlier on his face.

Loki couldn't help but reach out, and rested what he hoped would be perceived as a comforting hand on Thor's side. "Why?"

Thor looked away, downing the rest of his water. "That is a story for another day. Come, I would like to introduce you to my council of ten, and make the arrangements for our wedding tomorrow."

The niouvi wasn't surprised that Thor dismissed him and changed the subject so quickly, and let it go, finally removing the cloak that Thor made him wear from his body. "Fine."

Laughing nervously, Thor stopped Loki from removing his cloak completely, not wanting him to reveal what he felt was a scandalizing outfit underneath. "I don't think it's a good idea to leave the house without this, Loki."

Loki huffed, slapping Thor's hands away. "As I've said before, I refuse to alter the way I dress. There is nothing wrong with it, and I will not cover myself up like I'm ashamed."

"Loki, you can't be Drotta and dress that way!"

"And why is that?" Snapped Loki, beginning to get upset. "This is how niouvi from Jotunheim dress! We are the highest echelon of being in our kingdom and are symbols of fertility and sex. We are meant to be revered, and all who gaze at us are meant to resent the fact that they do not have our abilities. I will not cover myself up because I'm marrying someone who doesn't understand this!"

He and Thor stared off quite fiercely before Thor sighed, getting frustrated as well. "Must you leave 90% of your body uncovered? Is there no compromise we can make?"

Loki opened his mouth to give Thor the verbal tongue-lashing of his life before snapping it shut, remembering that Thor could cast him away at any time. If he was too difficult and Thor decided that he didn't want to be with him anymore, there was nothing that was stopping him from kicking Loki to the curb.

He clenched his jaw then, deciding that a compromise was the best he was going to get. He huffed and turned away from Thor, frustrated that he had no other option. "...If I am taken to a tailor, we can determine how I should dress in a way that allows me to still express myself and heritage, without upsetting you."

Thor relaxed significantly when Loki said this and handed his cloak back to the niouvi. "For the time being, please put this on."

Wordlessly snatching it out of Thor's hands, Loki put the cloak back on, annoyed that he had to do this. He kept telling himself that being here with Thor was infinitely better than being in Jotunheim or Muspelheim right now, and exhaled slowly, forcing himself to calm down.

Thor felt bad about upsetting Loki but stood firm on his position about Loki's way of dressing. The best he could do was suggest that they come to a compromise at the tailor, and he could only hope that this would work. "Are you ready to leave?"

"I am." Muttered Loki, turning around and following Thor out of the home. After getting onto Thor's horse with the Aesir, the pair made their way to the center of this settlement, where Thor's council of ten resided during the day.

Loki honestly wondered how they would take the news of Thor marrying him, as he understood that it came out of nowhere. He'd only come this far because of his charms, and now it was up to him to prove that he could protect everyone and be an asset to their settlement.

After helping Loki off of his horse, Thor tied it up at a nearby stable and gestured for Loki to follow him, nodding and waving politely at his passing citizens. Today was a Wednesday, and he and his council of ten always met on Wednesdays, so Thor led Loki upstairs in a large building to a room with a large oval table in its center, greeting his men. It seemed that they were in the middle of this meeting, and were shocked to see Thor enter the room, amused laughter leaving their lips.

"By the Norns! You couldn't have sent a hawk ahead with a message of your return?" Laughed Fandral, one of Thor's Warriors Three. He stood up to clasp Thor's shoulder and hugged him, relieved that he returned safely.

Thor returned his hug and grinned, glad to be back home. "I honestly didn't consider that, my friend. I will keep it in mind for my next journey."

Fandral looked behind Thor then, finally noticing Loki. "Oh… you've brought a Jotun here. Who is he?"

"Ah. This is Loki. We're going to get married tomorrow." Answered Thor, gently bringing Loki up to his side. "He is a powerful sorcerer, and will protect our settlement."

"Humor me for a moment, Drott." Called out Arvid, one of the members of his council of ten. "This isn't the Loki that you were tasked with kidnapping and giving to King Surtr, correct?"

Thor straightened up then, a serious look on his face. "They are one and the same."

Another member of his Warrior's Three, Volstagg, sighed, beginning to shake his head. "Thor… please tell me that you didn't give up on being paid a billion dollars because this witch worked his charms on you."

Loki scoffed at being called a witch, crossing his arms in frustration. "I did no such thing! Seidr doesn't work like that!"

Before any more of his men could protest, Thor interrupted them, coming to Loki's defense. "We still received payment. Bringing Loki here did not interfere with that."

"Oh thank the Norns," Sighed Volstagg in relief. "Thor, sit down, please. Let's discuss this so that we can all see your face."

Thor nodded and gently took Loki's hand, leading them over to his designated seat at the head of the table and helping him sit in it. There were no other chairs at the table and Thor refused to have Loki standing by him, so instead he stood by Loki as the niouvi sat, undoubtedly surprising everyone present.

He cleared his throat and then began to explain. "After delivering Loki to Muspelheim and receiving payment, I was able to sneak back into Muspelheim and get him back. He has promised to protect our settlement in return for us giving him his freedom, and will help us grow large enough to where we can stand against the might of a kingdom."

"How do you know this?" Scoffed Egil, one of the members of his council of ten. "How do any of us know of this Jotun's capabilities? For all we know, he could've lied about everything!"

Loki didn't like being talked about like this and narrowed his eyes, speaking up. "I beg your pardon? Do you really believe that one of the strongest sorcerers in the realm would give up a lavish lifestyle just to live in a no-name guild? I could kill a thousand men with a flick of my wrist - I am renowned all across the realm for my abilities and you dare suggest differently?"

Egil sputtered in disbelief, not expecting Loki to talk back. "Well, how are we supposed to know you're telling the truth?!"

"What do you want me to do? Summon endless amounts of gold? Turn a horse into a rat? Heal the sick? Why do you think King Surtr paid you so much to kidnap me? I am valuable!" Spat Loki, annoyed with this conversation.