Loki of Vanaheim (Part 3)

Work in Progress (LOKI)

My heart wouldn't settle from the moment I awoke. Today would be the day. Of all the promises and vows I'd given Ginny since we bound together months ago, this was the one I fought the hardest for. If I could keep this, it would mean more than a gesture of intent for our family and our future. It would mean the many changes I'd made with my conduct weren't temporary.

She lived. She survived. I couldn't take her, or the children, for granted. Not when I felt them slip through my very fingers and wave me goodbye. It was too close. Too painful. I'd never make that mistake again.

Freyr met me on the southern edge of the fortress, as he did every morning for the past several weeks, to help me with final details. It was nearly complete. Not a moment too soon, as a fortnight was not guaranteed, and I couldn't very well ask Sigyn to fend for herself once they were born.

"Aye, you look like there's springs in your feet," Freyr said with a stifled laugh.

I grinned. "Know any spells to move time along?"

"If I did, I wouldn't dare use them now. You've no idea how quick these things can happen." He patted my back and walked with me to the home of the fortress's best carpenter where some of my final details were waiting. "Still planning to bring her in today?"

"Yes. I can't bear to see her sleep on those infernal cots anymore. I've owed her a proper bed. Among other things..."

"Don't fret. She'll probably be so grateful for what you've done already that she won't even notice how much of the place is empty." He cocked a brow at me, yet jest was written all over his face.

Ultimately, I was grateful not just for the opportunity to prove my worth to Sigyn. I mended my only trustworthy family bond in the universe, too.

We reached our destination and found my carpenter Tomas sliding grit over a few bowed strips of wood to polish them. His worn, callused hands shifted without any detectable effort, like the years that turned his hair white made every movement routine. He hummed a quiet tune as he worked, cheerfully satisfied with his skills and ability to make something of nothing. Unlike my illusions, his creations carried greater weight—more than practical. It was art. Even surrounded by sorcery, he chose to use his hands, which earned him my respect.

Tomas greeted us with a nod and stood from his workbench to shake our hands. "Aye, you're earlier than I expected."

"Not a problem, is it?" I asked, hopeful that he hadn't been delayed.

"No, no. Quite alright. I was just finishing this piece now." He pointed to the project below beside a series of smooth rungs that were equal in length and refined. "Can you manage the larger piece on your own? By the time you return, this one will be finished for you."

I glanced at Freyr. "Mind helping me move it? My shoulder's not as strong as it once was."

"Of course." He kicked his chin forward at Tomas, who led us behind his home to the piece I commissioned weeks before.

I gulped to calm the intermittent rushes in my belly. Almost there.

***

I stood before our tent and took a few deep breaths before trying to enter—not that Tiwaz would let me be alone for more than a few minutes. He sensed my presence and came out with a chirp, running his fluffy tail against my right calf.

I chuckled and picked him up, nuzzling into his neck. "Are you ready, Tee?"

He purred as an answer and didn't fight as I put him down. Certainly, he'd already sensed what was happening like the babies did. Had he told Ginny anything?