Frost & Fire

Chapter 39 (Abigail)

We watched the kids' cartoons until they all were fast asleep, but stayed where we were. I always loved these nights when we could cuddle with our kids and not have to worry about much of anything. These were the nights that everything made sense while the rest of the world was in utter chaos.

I looked around the room we were in and saw so much prospect that part of me wanted to tinker with electronics to bring us into an electronic world but I knew that was an impossible thought and nobody would really go for it, plus it was nice that nobody was stuck with a screen in their faces and everyone had actual conversations. Back on earth, we all just texted and barely heard each other's voices unless we had to. Then again, there was the prospect of schools here now and I was really excited for that.

I wanted it partially based on the school system that we had on earth, but better. I didn't want every child to have to be tested the same as the others, I wanted to see them all grow and show their specialties. There would be kids who would be interested in the arts while others wanted to join our armies as soon as it was possible, so why should they get the same education?

"I'm calling a council meeting tomorrow, Daddy." I said softly.

"What are you thinking about?" I gave him a quick run down on my thoughts. I knew up until recently everyone was more worried about being able to battle still and teaching the girls to keep the home running while the men defended them and that wasn't the world I wanted this to be. "That sounds like a fantastic idea, Kitten." He said softly.

"Thank you. And I was thinking it would work better than the fostering system for some. It gives parents and caregivers a break from the kids and they get to explore the worlds to come. We're so advanced in some ways, but in others we're still behind. I was also thinking of trying to work around something like an interworld committee that would be in control of keeping peace between the realms while also lending a hand where we can."

This was going to be a plan that was much easier said than done and there was no guarantee that peace would always be possible, but until someone got a bug up their ass, it was very possible to me.

By the next day, I laid out my plans for the council who proved to want to push back on the plans. "Look, I know you all still hate some of the changes and hate even more, but this is a good step for us! On Midgard, we have made amazing advances to the point of even being able to reverse some mind controls. We have the ability to save our dying and help the elders remember not only themselves but their families."

"You're asking us to open our world!" One of the men fought back. "How are we going to protect ourselves from enemies if you plan on welcoming them in!"

"I'm not saying welcome them in with no issues. There will be safeguards put in place as well as us leaders will be able to communicate in order to keep our worlds safe."

"Misgard has how many! How are we supposed to know who to trust?"

"The avengers." Loki said simply. "They're already a vast group and most humans don't even notice when someone comes to visit so they'll be perfect. This is an opportunity we've never had before."

There was a grumble around the table. "Let's not forget, we will probably get the most push back because of the history here. I'm not talking about easily going to the different realms, there would have to be reasons to go or each realm will make the choice as to what consists of a good reason to be allowed access."

"Will we have military positioned in each realm?" One of the members asked.

"That will be determined upon discussions. Best case scenario, at first yes until everyone is comfortable but then we can slowly decrease military presence." I said calmly. "I will give you all some reading material and we will meet back tomorrow for a final vote on this. Next on the itinerary is a school system."

At least that was an easier acceptance from everyone in some aspects. We already had educators that would go home to home, but they were only teaching certain things, not always what the children wanted to learn. As well as finding each child's strengths, I offered up a bare minimum requirement for the kids. For example, they would take a class on the history of our race right up until very recently so we would have the correct information about our children and what is being expected of them. We would go back and edit everything every few years to keep things up to date and running smoothly.

We adjourned for the day with the expectation that we'd have a final vote on both topics the next day and a more in depth aspect for the lessons. And since we didn't have anything like a printing press here on Jotunheim, I knew I'd have to get everything edited and figured out before going back to earth in a few weeks. It would give me something else to focus on while apparently looking for a new home there and the ever going drama bullshit there.

I was already expecting push back from my father on the plans, though. He would give me shit about my decision making, but he was a great grandfather and that was something Bucky and I would have to figure out. Saying that he'd allow me to move in almost right away and that I'd have my children with me a good bit.

"What are you thinking about, Kitten?" Loki asked as we walked.

"Just a million questions with no answers." I said honestly. "You know Arn and Daliah are going to notice a change. How are we going to teach them about the three of us?"

"We tell them that while we love each other very much, you and their uncle Bucky also have a special relationship. Just enough to satisfy their questions and as they grow we can explain more."

"You always have the right answers, Daddy." I said as I wrapped my arms around him, leaning up to kiss him. "Then it'll just be figuring out the whole living situation while we're there. I don't want my father to influence their thoughts about anything, but I will not stop him from seeing them."

"I know. I wouldn't expect you to." He said softly and I looked up into his eyes. I loved him more than words could say for his understanding and for finally being so comfortable in our home and how I looked at him that he almost completely stopped hiding his true looks. When he was warm and on earth or Asgard, he looked more human, but here at home, I could see more depth in his blood red eyes than his blues. They held so much love and I was always reminded that this was the life we needed before we knew we needed it. "Are you sure you're up for training today?"

"Oh yes, I need a good workout to keep up with you." I said playfully as we walked into the space we used with the army.

There were men and females fighting together, all more agile than the day before. When we stepped into the room, they stopped and bowed before returning to their training. In this space, we were all equals and there was no holding back when it came to me and Loki here, letting everyone know that while they were still supposed to protect us in battle, we were not weak in any sense of the word. We all paired off again, this time being in teams of three. We'd all switch off as to who would get cornered by the opposing pair in hopes that we would never be taken by surprise by any other army in all of the realms.

This time, we were paired with Hredr. He was always my favorite to pair off with because he never pulled his punches and it felt like more of a fair fight. Meanwhile, I'd always start off without my armor so I wouldn't rely so much on it like my father. It was as if when he didn't have one of the suits, he didn't know how to fight and that wasn't something I wanted. I wanted to be dangerous with or without it.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to battle for long before the markings from the night before got to be too much on me and I had new bruises forming from being thrown across the room in the matches. I cussed as I walked to the sidelines and watched everyone else, but used the excuse that my unit was malfunctioning and making me too warm, which I was sure everyone knew was a damn lie. At least I could watch Loki in action, though. I watched as he made duplicates of himself, battling for a win and looking damn good while he did it.