Chapter Text
The next few centuries passed in a blur of events. Everything seemed like it was finally falling into place. Eisa nearly cried the day she turned eleven-hundred, receiving a letter that Thyra was pregnant with her first child. Eisa quickly made arrangements to visit her friend a few months from then.
The woman was waiting when she arrived in Vanaheim, smiling widely. Eisa ran forward to embrace her, careful of her protruding stomach. “Oh, Thyra, you look wonderful she said pulling back. It was very true. Thyra adapted well to nobility, learning very quickly how to maneuver the game, though she never lost her kindness. “Thank you, Eisa.” She smiled. “You look quite well yourself.”
“I have been feeling exceptionally well lately.” Eisa noted. “Loki has made sure I keep to a steady routine, which I think helps. It also distracts me from the stack of paperwork my father leaves me.” Eisa shook her head with a soft laugh. “I am starting to think that taking my family over is simply a pleasant way of saying I am signing my life over to the throne.”
“Depending on how your future relationship goes you just might be.” Thyra noted with a smirk. “I am still waiting on a wedding invite.”
Eisa looked at her friend amused. “A while longer, Thyra. Odin has been discussing stepping down from his place as king, and with those decisions being in the works, as well as renewing all of the realm’s peace treaties, now is not exactly the best time for his youngest to get married. Much less to his ambassador’s daughter.”
Thyra laughed softly. “I suppose you are right.” She motioned Eisa to walk beside her. “How long are you staying?”
“I have leave for the next three days. You let me know when the little one is born though, and I will be right back out here.” Eisa said looking fondly to her abdomen. “You two will have the prettiest baby.”
“We’re taking bets on whether they will be more Aesir or Vanir.” Thyra laughed. “However, we will be happy either way.”
“Put my money on dark hair and blue eyes.” Eisa smiled at her friend.
“Hmph, I see you have little faith in my hair genes.” Thyra said playfully crossing her arms.
Eisa shook her head. “You say that to the woman who was born with hair from an ancestor, Thyra. Hair genes among our kind can be unpredictable. What if they are a redhead?”
“I would have some serious words with the Norns.” Thyra muttered. Eisa laughed again.
“You have a good midwife?” Eisa wanted to make sure.
Thyra smiled brightly. “I have Saskia.” She said and Eisa looked at her surprised. “I wrote a request into the palace. They agreed, and Saskia was ecstatic to get to come here. The girl always wanted to leave the palace.”
“You still have a good heart, Thyra.” Eisa smiled brightly. “I am glad nobility did not change that.”
“Names and titles will not change who I am, Eisa. I will not let them.”
“I know. I am certain of it now.” They went on their way to enjoy the few days they had together, enjoying the presence of the friend they did not often see any longer.
***
Thyra ended up having a boy, hair dark like his father’s, and eyes as blue as his mother’s. Eisa was rather proud her prediction had been correct. They named him Sigurd. After his birth Thyra ended up keeping Saskia as an attendant, having her live as she had while a maid. Both were quite pleased by the situation.
Eisa did go to see him, though briefly. As much as she wished to stay her father was busy in Alfheim and she had to take over things in his stead, so she had to make a day trip only.
Eisa adored the boy though and holding him brought forth a longing in her she never quite expected to have. Growing up she had not truly given children of her own that much of a thought, but now she hoped that maybe one day she would.
Then a creeping thought entered her mind, one that bothered her greatly. Her abdomen had been severely damaged when she was attacked, and sometimes she was fearful she was unable to carry a child. She and Loki took all of the precautions as though she could, but deep down she had doubts.
Eisa shook her head slightly to clear it, trying to ignore such intrusive things, and Thyra’s voice drew her out of her mind completely.
“You are certain you cannot stay longer?” Thyra held a longing look on her face as she watched her friend.
Sigurd was cradled in the dark-haired girl’s arms as she doted on him with a sad smile. Without looking up from the babe Eisa replied. “If I was able you know I would, Thyra.” She glanced at her friend then. “Every year my father gives me more responsibilities. It will not be long before he asks me to take over a majority of our affairs.”
Thyra’s face fell but she nodded. “I do understand. I just wish it was different.”
“You and I both.” Eisa sighed, finally handing the baby back to his mother. “I will try to make it back again sometime soon.” She promised.
“You had better. I miss my best friend.” Thyra said pointedly.
“I miss you too.” She said sadly. “Growing up together for centuries only to have you move out of realm has been difficult on us both, but know I still love you as my sister.”
Thyra smiled then. “And I you.” She made a shooing motion with one hand, the other holding her son tightly. “Go on now, before you are late.”
Eisa gave a somber smile before bidding goodbye once more and heading for the bifrost’s travel point. She truly did hope to return again soon, though she knew that would likely be harder than she wished it to be.
***
Over the years most of Asgard had picked up on Loki and Eisa’s relationship, knowing it was no longer a mere friendship. The words were there, whispers behind their backs, but nothing overly harmful. Moreso nobles bragging to others how they knew all along. It made Eisa shake her head, as the only one who ever truly knew anything was Frigga.
Eisa had made a habit of ending up in Loki’s chamber’s at least twice a week. The comfort and release she found in his arms were some of the only things that kept her going. “You are going to run out of herbs as this rate.” She muttered into his shoulder one night.
“Not likely, I have made sure to keep them well in stock.” Loki told her. “I am alright keeping you vacant of another life a while longer.” He added with a hand pressed to her abdomen.
“That makes two of us.” She sighed. “Have you been able to speak with your father?”
There was an uncomfortably long pause before Loki answered. “I have. He has been unable to give me a direct answer.”
Eisa sat up a bit, confused. “Why?”
Loki shook his head. “I do not know. He just says there are things to consider. Mother says to give him time, as the treaties have still not been finished, and there is still much going on right now.”
Eisa sighed heavily before laying back down. “I am sure it is nothing to worry over.”
“Of course not. Give it a bit more time. We will try again.” Loki said kissing her forehead.
Eisa smiled and nuzzled into him. She stayed in his room that night, held securely in his arms. Come morning she dressed for her day and made sure to steep some of the tea before she left to attend her duties.
***
Centuries more passed until finally, when Eisa was fifteen-hundred fourteen, the day came that Odin made his announcement to the court.
She sat beside Ver, upright and far more attentive than she once was. Her father had expressed his pleasure at her change over the years. Eisa thought that could possibly be the other reason he was sharing so many responsibilities.
Other than the noticeable absence of both princes, most of it had been normal, some news from other realms of oddities they had noticed, though nothing of serious concern. A request for someone to make a trip around the realms and check on the order of things was made, and Ver was quick to respond, ever an attentive ambassador.
Eisa knew that would leave her to look after things for a few weeks, but the idea did not seem so terrible any longer. She would have to give her father something to take Kori, Thyra, and Sigurd. Her mind wandered to whether or not her friends had been successful at trying for another child. Sigurd was far grown, and Eisa knew they wished for another. Both were quite young parents.
Eisa was drawn from her thoughts when Odin stood and drew the attention of the room. As he began to speak, it was increasingly evident why his sons had not joined him. “I have made a decision regarding my sons as my successors, and my intent to step down.” He told them. “In a few months time, I will step down from my place, and my son Thor will rule in my stead.”
His words made Eisa’s throat tighten a bit. It was no surprise, not really, but to hear it finally spoken was still a shock. She knew Loki would be slightly put off, younger brother or not. Some of the other nobles began to mutter amongst themselves. Ver himself looked over at his daughter, setting a hand on her arm. Eisa relaxed despite not having realized she was tense.
A few quick taps from Gungnir and the room fell into order once more. “My decision is to be final, and respected without question.” His single eye peered over the room. “Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, my king.” Most of the room rang in unison.
“Good.” He relaxed back a bit. “In that case, I shall call things to a close here.”
As soon as they were dismissed Eisa went to flee the room. “Eisa!” Her father called after her. “Do not be brash.”
She hesitated slightly before answering. “I know.” With that, she vanished around a corner toward the main palace halls. Ver watched her go with a sigh. Her personality very much reminded him of her mother and he smiled sadly.
***
Eisa rushed through the halls, only one person on her mind. They already knew she knew they had to. The library did not yield what she desired, and so she made her way to Loki’s chambers. She could see the sun setting through the large windows of the palace. Court had run quite late. Her palm touched Loki’s door and it unlocked to her.
“Loki.” She said upon entering and finding him trying to study a book in his hands, though she could see from where she stood that his hands shook slightly. The man glanced up at her and his emerald eyes cut into her. She slowly approached him, taking the book from his hands and laying it on the table beside him as she moved to sit on his lap. “I heard.” She whispered brushing a hand through his hair.
“Do not speak it, not now.” His words pleaded. Eisa nodded her understanding and kissed him softly. Loki took her affection at first, then he slowly twisted it into something more heated. Eisa was unsurprised and let him have this, have her. Their proximity was often a grounding point for both of them.
Eisa gasped when his hand worked its way under her skirt, and he toppled them both off the chair they sat on. The first time they did not even make it to his bed and he took her on the floor where they fell. Neither spoke. Not after, not when they moved to his bed, not even in the moments of silence before sleep took them both. They simply held each other, taking comfort in the other until the early morning hours.
***
Eisa awoke the next morning to the sun already high in the sky. She groaned and rolled over to hide her face against Loki’s bare back. Sleep was about to claim her again when she had the sudden realization of the day and shot up. “Eisa?” Loki asked sleepily looking over at her.
The woman hurried around his room, pulling a clean dress from her stash in his drawers and pulling it on. “I was supposed to meet my father.” She said hastily. “If I hurry I might still make it without drawing too much suspicion.” She looked at Loki’s tired face and walked over to him. “Sleep longer, my love, and find me later.” She said brushing hair from his forehead to kiss it.
“Be sure you do not forget anything.” Loki told her sleepily.
Eisa was already lacing her dress up. Eventually, she had managed to master the art, a necessity when it came to her escapades. “I know.” She replied, but when she glanced over he was already asleep again. Eisa put on her shoes, brushed and braided her hair, and then paused, trying to make sure she remembered everything. The sun seemed to mock her as she stood there and she brushed the uncertain feeling off, running from the room.
Thankfully, when she did find Ver, he did not question her tardiness, and they went about their business. “I will pretend you came home last night.” He said suddenly.
Eisa nearly froze up before catching herself. “What are you talking about?” She asked with a head tilt.
“I was up very late unable to sleep, Eisa, and not once did I hear our door open.” He glanced up to meet her eyes. “I do not wish to know, just do try not to do it again.”
Eisa swallowed. “Of course, apologies.”
“You are a grown woman.” He shook his head. “I simply hope you are being smart.”
There was a sense of finality in his tone, and Eisa looked back at her paperwork, face just a bit pinker than before. If only her father knew of the many, many nights she had spent not at home. It was better if he never did she decided.
***
Loki did finally find her later that afternoon. Eisa had been walking toward the courtyard in hopes of enjoying some of the warm weather the day brought. “Eisa.” He called and she stopped.
“Loki, I was beginning to think you would sleep the entire day.” She teased.
Loki smirked. “Not today, love.” He looked at her and when Eisa glimpsed his eyes she thought he looked nervous. She went to ask but he spoke first. “Walk to the garden with me? It is an incredibly beautiful day.”
Eisa smiled, her question forgotten as she accepted the offer.
Soon she walked through the garden’s many flowers, her hand clasped firmly with Loki’s. “So Thor is to be king.” Eisa spoke softly, carefully, hoping to break the silence between them, and get him to open up as he would not the night prior.
There was a short silence before Loki replied. “Yes.” He whispered. “It is no surprise, but I fear he may not be ready.” Loki shook his head. “He still thinks with his fists. Father should give it more time.”
Eisa hummed softly to herself. “Do you think yourself better?” She asked suddenly. Loki stiffened a bit. “I am not going to judge you, Loki. I personally think you would make a wonderful king.”
Loki breathed a soft laugh. “Perhaps. I do not necessarily believe myself a better king, I am simply more level headed.”
“That is true.” Eisa replied with her own laugh. She looked around the part of the garden they wandered to. A fountain lay in the center and recognition crossed her face. “This is the place you first took me as an apprentice.” She smiled. “Fifteen-hundred years ago now, almost exactly.”
“Indeed.” He moved to stand in front of her. “That day changed my life in more ways than I ever expected. It tied me to you and I never wished to let that hold go.” He brushed hair back from her face before taking a step back and kneeling down.
“Loki…?” Eisa spoke softly, hand moving over her mouth.
“Eisa Verdottir, you have spent the last fifteen-hundred years at my side. First as my apprentice, then my best friend, and finally my lover.” Loki smiled at her. “Now I am going to ask you to spend the rest of your days as my wife.” He pulled a box from his pocket, opening it to reveal a gold ring with an emerald centered in it. An intricate knot pattern ran down the sides of the band, small diamonds embedded in some of the gaps. “Eisa, will you marry me?”
Both of her hands were now clasped over her mouth as her eyes teared up. Wordlessly she nodded before lowering her hands slowly. “Yes.” Her voice cracked. “Yes, Loki.” Her voice came clearer. “A thousand times yes.” She moved forward, falling to her knees to embrace him, lips pressing firmly to his. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Loki took her hand, placing the ring on her finger. “I must speak to my father, but I do not believe we have anything to worry about. You have the support of my mother already.”
“I understand.” Her eyes watered once more as she looked at her hand. “Oh, Loki. I am so happy.” Her eyes met his once more with a smile.
“I will see to it that you stay that way forever, Eisa.” He helped her stand with a loving look in his eyes. “I promise.”
“I believe you. Now more than ever.” She wrapped her arms around his neck again and pressed her lips to his again. In that moment Eisa felt everything would be fine. They had each other, and that was all they needed.
Maybe Thor was to be king, and maybe Loki was a bit jealous, but the younger prince knew he had something Thor never could. He had Eisa, and her love, and their future. Whatever it may bring.