invisible string

there should be no secrets in a family.

[glcriouspvrpose]

He snorted and shook his head. “If you’d asked me a year ago, I would have told you, very determinedly, that I hated him.” Loki smiled, though his expression softened as he continued, “We’re not getting married in Asgard,” he eventually said. “The location is to be determined, but we only want the people we care most about there. I don’t want all the stress and fanfare of another royal wedding.” Thor’s wedding and just the idea of their eventual coronation was and would be enough. After a brief pause, he added, “And I don’t want Father there.”

[queenmamafrigga]

Frigga laughed, the sound light and merry, because she knew it to be true. "You were always a fickle child," she teased, her voice gentle and sweet. It would've been more true to say that Loki sometimes denied himself what was truly good for him -- but some things a mother kept to herself. Loki's next words knocked her out of her brief reverie, she tilted her head as she listened. She felt the last sentiment before he spoke it, lingering in the air before it struck. For a moment, she just inhaled sharply and held her breath. She reached into the air and plucked the floating flower between them, spinning it in her fingers. "The world is a very different place now, darling. Things are not as they once were in the realms -- when chaos and calamity and wars raged on. When sacrifice was necessary, when love meant little next to survival and responsibility." A certain face flashed through her mind, but she pushed it away and continued. "Our people, we've upheld the traditions that kept us alive, that have carried our children into adulthood. There were many times," she said softly, her eyes flicking over to meet his. "When I've had to do things that I wished I didn't have to do. For the good of the realm, of my people. Or for my children." Her hand came to his cheek, cradled it gently. "But I did that in the hopes that you would be spared that," she said firmly. She took the flower in her other hand and threaded it through the buttonhole of his suit. "Things are changing. Quickly, more rapidly than I have ever seen the realms change. And while some might use that as an excuse to cling to traditions more tightly than ever -- perhaps it is a sign that it is time to move on." She smoothed his lapels and smiled up at him. "This is your time, Loki. You and your brother are young and vibrant, and you will do great things. And you will do them in your own way. You do not need your father's blessing for any of it," she said firmly. She rose up and kissed his cheek again. "Nor mine. But you have it," she promised.

[glcriouspvrpose]

“Hm?” Loki hummed questioningly. He turned back to his mother, brow furrowed, before his gaze dropped to his hands. “That I really hate this crap,” he teasingly replied, looking back at her with a smirk. “Why? You’ve met him,” he continued, then shrugged, always finding it hard to sit still at these events. “I guess I’ve gotten used to having him beside me. I didn’t realize certain things he does during parties and dinners are so I won't get overwhelmed.”

[queenmamafrigga]

She met his smirk with one of her own -- and it was frighteningly easy to see where he'd learned it from. "I have. But I like hearing the way you talk about him." And she thought it might settle the flutter of nerves in his chest, beating like a butterfly's wings. "Like a gentle touch here, a certain shared look there..." she mused, relying on memory and instinct alike. But it wasn't Odin's glance that she remembered catching from across the room, it wasn't his smile that put air back into her lungs -- not that she allowed thoughts like that to cross her mind. Not for long. "It brings me a great deal of joy to know you have him beside you, skatten min."

[glcriouspvrpose]

Loki smiled at her words and the accompanying magic, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He shrugged, fidgeting with his engagement ring as his eyes scanned the crowd of people he’d soon be forced to smile at and exchange pleasantries with for the next hour or so. “I’m good at hiding it,” he said, his gaze returning to hers. “But that doesn’t mean it won’t come back to bite me later.”

[queenmamafrigga]

Her eyes lingered on the ring, and a small smile spread across her face. Small, but sweet. With maybe... It wasn't more or less joy than she'd felt for Thor with Jane, but it was different. Held a different weight, meant something different. Both were special, both were unique, and both would hold a place in her heart forever. "When you feel that ring, what do you think of?" she asked, pointedly calm. "Tell me about him, skatten min."

[glcriouspvrpose]

"Feels like it," he mumbled, still fidgeting, but when Frigga reached out to straighten his tie, he dropped his hands. "Mm," he hummed in response to her question. "I could have been an amazing actor in another lifetime," Loki mused with a shrug. After all, politics was the stage, and being a prince his role. "It might be better for my sanity if I weren't so good at this."

[queenmamafrigga]

"Hmmm," Frigga hummed in response. She had a feeling the length of the party was not what truly weighed on him. "And I would have come to every show, my love." She stood up on her toes to press a kiss to his cheek, smiling gently at him. When he spoke again, she paused, considering his words carefully. "I suppose that's probably true," she said softly, gaze falling down towards the ground. "But then, the flower that blooms in adversity is the most beautiful of all, yes?" A golden yellow daffodil appeared at the tips of her fingers, and she let it float between them charmingly. "Besides. I've seen your sanity under much worse strain than this, darling. You always find your way."

[glcriouspvrpose]

"It’s only 10 and it already feels like we’ve been here forever." He made a face and sat his glass aside, far away. "I can't drink whatever that is anymore."

[queenmamafrigga]

"It hasn't been quite that long, skatten min," Frigga cooed. She smiled as he turned his face up at the drink. "These Midgardians are not known for the strength of their alcohol. A pity, really. They're otherwise such wonderful people." She smirked lightly at him, and straightened his tie in a way that only a mother could. "Your boredom never shows in the public eye, does it?" she mused softly. "You are quite the adept diplomat, my darling. In a way your father and brother can never seem to manage."

[queenmamafrigga]

Frigga had spent centuries perfecting her performance at parties such as this. She knew how to smile and how to laugh warmly, how to greet her guests with graciousness and gratitude. She knew precisely what hour was best to separate from Odin's side, when it wouldn't be noticed and if it was it wouldn't be seen as scandalous. She made her way outside, leaned against the railing of a balcony for a moment. And only then, with her back to the door, did she let some of the discomfort show. Some. Enough to wipe away immediately when she heard footsteps behind her. "Did you need some fresh air too?" she called, turning around.

[glcriouspvrpose]

He knew at some point, sooner or later, it was going to be hard to keep certain people out. Especially since he didn't know how long he'd be stuck like this. He also knew it was just a matter of time before his mother or brother made their way in, so he wasn't all that surprised to hear her voice. Loki didn't say anything at first, only looking at the shadow of her standing across the room. "Yeah," was all he said, not saying anything else for a moment. Once she came into view, Loki added, "You didn't have to come all the way back. I'm fine."

[queenmamafrigga]

"Are you?" Frigga asked, one brow arched. "Because as I understand it, you aren't letting anyone inside this room. Jane is going to have her work cut out for her, handling your brother while he can't see you." She came closer, and with each step more and more warmth seeped away. Was it merely her imagination, or was the bed freezing to the touch? She banished the questions, pushed aside speculations and superstitions and stories, and she reached out to take his hand in hers. "You are my son. My youngest treasure. When you hurt, I feel it across the realms, and I would even if we didn't have our gifts. Of course I came, Loki." However old he was, it didn't matter. Whatever state he was in, whatever color his skin happened to be. None of it made a difference. She put an arm around his shoulders, tucked his head close. "I came to remind you who you are, and what you're worth. So the least you can do is be honest with me, skattan min. How are you really?"

[queenmamafrigga]

@glcriouspvrpose

There were times in a mother's life when she had to weigh what her children wanted against what they needed. Both of her sons could have difficulty discerning betwixt the two, but a mother -- a mother knew. So when she heard that Loki wanted no one inside his hospital room for the time being, she knew that was a request she simply couldn't honor. "I'm sorry to disturb you," she whispered, stepping past the curtain. The lights were low, it was difficult to see him, but she could feel the chill in the air from here. "But I'm afraid I'm terribly selfish as a mother. I needed to see that you were all right." She drew closer, came to the end of the bed. "Will you let me see you, skatten min?"

[queenmamafrigga]

@klarafromasgard

Frigga and Klara did not need to be in the same room, nor even the same realm to communicate. Is now a good time, my dear? she whispered through the vale of magic. And when she received her answer, all it took was a simple spell to bring her to the young woman's bedside. "Kærasta, my darling heart, congratulations," the queen said, gently touching Klara's shoulder with one hand, the other stroking her hair. "Your daughter is as beautiful and strong as her mother, already such a fighter. And how are you, ástkær? Talk to me," she crooned, taking Klara's chin and gently tilting it up, smiling softly. "And do not think you can fool me, dear one. I am a mother and I know your heart as dear as my own children. You went through a terrible fear, didn't you my love?"

[klarafromasgard]

Klara couldn't help but smile widely once the queen finally found her, of course carrying a basket full of items that would help her as she went further along. Surprisingly it was only one basket, but knowing the woman, it was a bottomless one. "You are absolutely too kind," Klara spoke, genuinely grateful for having her in her life. Between her father's very questionable reaction and her mother's way too neutral reaction, Klara needed someone who was one hundred percent in her corner. No matter what - and that was definitely the woman standing in front of her, happy as if it was her own grandchild. "Well, if there is something inside helping raise them, then looking at your two boys, I surely need to use it," she added and then a smile slightly disappeared from her face. "I don't suppose you could have something for stubborn old men?" she asked with a heavy sigh.

[queenmamafrigga]

"Be sure to pull the pillow out now, darling, you will thank yourself later. The Midgardians have a fabulous design, I just gave it a warming enchantment for comfort." Nearly everything inside had an enchantment, for luck and health and comfort, every spell that had seemed useful. She laughed with the younger woman, patted her cheek gently. Pride filled her eyes, warm and shining. "Oh, mín kæra, if only I did. I would have used it on my own husband centuries ago." They shared a little knowing smile, and Frigga led them over towards the sitting area near a glowing fireplace. "What did your father do? Just say the word and I'll infest his garden with toads, just like that," she said, snapping her fingers. She smoothed Klara's hair. "This is such a happy time. Anyone who cannot see that does not deserve to be a part of your joy."

[cptcvrter]

"Well, I could tell it was something like that. I was expecting another wedding, but that's so exciting." Peggy smiled and walked over to hug the other woman. "She'll be an amazing mum. Morgan adores her." She was still smiling as she moved back to look at the queen. "I guess she just found out?"

[queenmamafrigga]

"Oh, something tells me that isn't too far away either," Frigga mused, smiling into the hug. "After all, the Midgardian love celebration begins soon. People tend to get so inspired this time of year." After all, Thor's own rapid proposal hadn't come too long after one such celebration. "She did. I've sent the first of many congratulations gifts." She smoothed her hair back behind her ear, sighing happily at her friend. "Her own parents did not take it so well, so I'm determined to make it special for her."

[glcriouspvrpose]

Still content, Eisa shifted in Loki's arms, burying herself as deep into his arms as she possibly could. His attention had been on his daughter in that moment so he hadn't seen his mother bring over a familiar jewelry box. Loki looked up, brow raised when he realized what it was. "It is," he replied with a nod as he soothingly moved his hand up and down Eisa's back. "We've only been together a few months, Mamma. And he's human. You know things move a bit differently for them," he teased lightly, though his expression softened soon after. "That's part of the reason he's here. Legal stuff. I wanted to make sure if anything happened, you know, with any of us, that there would be no question she'd stay with him." Because being a prince was enough, but being a prince and an Avenger was something different. That was only going to be truer when he and Thor took the throne. "If that is what I want," Loki nodded over to the box. "You don't think it's too fast? I know I do that sometimes."

[queenmamafrigga]

"Sometimes it takes only a second to fall in love," Frigga pointed out, thinking of that very first moment when she'd seen him. An innocent, tiny child in Odin's arms, so small and pale, his blue eyes shining up into hers. "You trust him with your daughter, elskede, which means you trust him with your whole heart," she said, a small smile on her face. "It's fast. But you have grown more in the past few years than in centuries before, and you have finally turned some of that perception back on yourself, my treasure." She glanced at the box, then back to him. "I think that being able to ask yourself that question means you understand the magnitude of what's before you. You know what you're asking him, and you know what you're asking yourself. All love is complicated, but... you're happy, my darling. And that's all I need to know."

[queenmamafrigga]

@cptcvrter sent 😄 for a happy starter

When Frigga had learned she was going to be a grandmother again, there was one person in particular she knew would understand. One of the first things she did upon returning to Midgard was call on Peggy at her home and tell her the good news. "Klara is the closest I have to a daughter," she said, sighing happily. She didn't need to elaborate or explain, Peggy knew better than most. "I'm thrilled for her. She's going to be an incredible mother."

[glcriouspvrpose]

Still do, Loki's head reminded him of why he and his brother were also there. Loki glanced down at his niece and smiled, leaning over to press a soft kiss to her head, before following Frigga over to sit down. "No, not really," he replied, looking up when Eisa padded over to him, half-asleep. Loki smirked and pulled her onto his lap. Within a few moments, she was back asleep against his chest. He reached up to move her messy curls away from Eisa's face again and slid his arms comfortably and secure around her. Giving his mother a teasing look, he said, "I'm sure you could tell me what you think is on my mind, though."

[queenmamafrigga]

She felt the ripple of thought, but didn't read it. This was part of parenting, knowing when to step back. When to let them spread their wings and take a step out of the nest, even if it terrified you. Loki and Thor had some time yet, before their own fledglings were ready to take flight, but the girls were growing every day. Frigga laughed lightly, unsurprised when Eisa joined them and promptly fell back to sleep. With a little wave of her fingers, she sent sweet lullabies to play through the child's mind, soft visions of flowers and fields. She did the same for Astrilde, who settled more slowly in her arms. Frea, sweet thing, remained snoring peacefully in her own bassinet. "Oh, I thought you might be hoping to ask me for something," she mused, her gaze coming back to her son's. His pale blue eyes shining with joy and mischief. She waved her hands again, and a particular golden jewelry box floated over and settled on the table between them. It was a box she had owned since he was a child, her grandmother's as was the prize inside, and he had been fascinated with both since he was very young. Drawn to the shine of it, she used to tease. But it was more than that. "It's a very special ring, skatten min."

[glcriouspvrpose]

Loki carefully made his way into the girls' room. It used to be his and his brother's room and despite the current and almost overpowering presence of florals and pastels, there was still a comforting feeling when he stepped inside. Not surprised to see Frigga already there holding one of the twins, he walked up behind her. "Hi," he said quietly, kissing the side of her head. Loki made his way over Eisa's bed. Seeing she was sound asleep, he reached down and gently brushed back her golden curls. "I wanted to check on her. She's been having nightmares again." He looked back up to the queen and smirked, softly. "I guess Amma had bedtime handled, though."

; @queenmamafrigga

[queenmamafrigga]

"Amma has been doing bedtimes for a very long time. Nightmares aren't new to me, skatten min. You and your brother had your fair share." Usually about their father's war stories or some terrible tale Odin had filled their heads with. Monsters and mayhem. And Jotun too, though Frigga begged him not to. She swayed the child in her arms and shook away the thoughts of the past. "I think this little one sensed you coming," she mused, smiling down at Astrilde. She nodded for him to follow her, over to a couple of comfortable seats, including a rocker so she could soothe the baby while they spoke. "Something on your mind, elskan min?" 

[glcriouspvrpose]

"Yeah but it's pissing me off." Loki continued to glare at it, putting his head back down. "Or I could drown," he mumbled, though he raised a hand in defense a second later, before she could reprimand him for it. "I'm kidding. I know. I'll talk to him." Loki lifted his head enough to look at her, though not even to dislodge her hand. "Edward's coming with me when we go to Asgard for the new year. I'll tell him before then."

[queenmamafrigga]

"You feel that way about a great many things that are good for you, my treasure," Frigga said, sighing as the sharp look and reprimand faded from her lips with the rise of his hand. "Your jokes are usually funnier than that. Perhaps you need more of Grandma's potion," she said, pretending to actually consider it before smirking lightly when he looked up at her. "Good plan, my love. Now go upstairs and get some rest. That is not a suggestion," she informed him, with one more kiss to the top of his head.

[queenmamafrigga]

@klarafromasgard

"Kærasta, my dear one, congratulations." Frigga kissed Klara on both cheeks, whispering blessings and protective wards and generally fussing over the beautiful girl, while her magic carried a large basket into the room. "This is for you," Frigga explained, directing the basket to a table at the foot of the bed. "It's a care package, everything I found even remotely helpful while carrying a child. Or raising them," she added, smiling gently. "You will make a fine mother, my dear. Just splendid. Oh my heart is bursting with happiness for you."