Consequences

7

Brynja and Loki retreated to an antechamber off the banquet hall while guests from around the realms arrived, greeted by Thor, announced by his servants. There were delegations from nearly every realm represented.

Loki sat on the end of a love seat, Brynja's head resting in his lap as he stroked her hair and she rested, her feet draped over the arm of the seat, "Well, Bryn, we made it through the easy part."

Brynja laughed, "We got through the important part- we're married, Loki. No one here can change that."

"Of course, Bryn. This is supposed to be the celebration with our friends...but there are so many people here I don't even know."

"I can live with that. I'd rather it be small, a dinner with the family, some music and dancing with friends, and the like, but if this is what we have, we might as well enjoy it. Think of it this way, we get to show off our mad dancing skills to all the realms- no one will doubt our awesomeness on the dance floor after tonight!"

"When you're right, you're right. You'd best sit up, though, they're going to want us to process in soon."

She made a face, "Ugh, I remember this bit from last time. We parade in and circle the room, you showing off your prize, me waving like an idiot, as you make sure everyone gets a close look at the gem on your arm."

"So why don't we do something different?"

"Because this is expected- as in, everyone looks forward to being able to get a close look at us. I heard the comments before- so many of the guests talk about this as though it is the highlight of the night."

Loki thought for a moment, "And the music?"

"At least that I got to choose- Midgardian song about a broken person building a mystery- of course, no lyrics, but I figured there was some cussing in it that wouldn't be appreciated anyway. It's a pretty song, though."

"And we're not supposed to dance together until the official first dance, correct?"

"Yep."

Loki sighed, "Well at least there will be something different for the guests to listen to- I think every wedding feast I've been to has had the same processional music."

"Yeah, same here. Gets really boring after a while. At least this one I can hum to as we walk and not feel like my head is going to explode."

There was a knock on the door and the attendant stepped in, "M'lady, m'lord, please follow me. We are nearing the time of your entrance."

Brynja sat up and after Loki stood, he offered her his hand, "Love?"

She accepted and rose noticing a slight trembling in his hand, "You're not too fond of facing the crowd yourself."

"Not at all. I always feel like someone is going to try to kill me when I'm in a large crowd- the larger the group, the greater the likelihood that someone there feels I deserve it."

They reached the door they were to make their entrance through and the attendant positioned them, "Remember, the lady is on the outside, walk slowly so they can all see you, and smile." The doors opened from the inside and he gently nudged them forward as the song began to play. Loki and Brynja did as instructed, her arm looped through his. She occasionally turned to him and whispered something or kissed his cheek to coax his smile along when she felt the trembling in his hand grow stronger. She winked and waved at her daughters and blew a kiss to Amundr, who began to squirm in Freyja's arms the minute he saw his mother close by. Loki hesitated as his son cried out for them. Brynja stopped and gestured for Freyja to bring him closer.