Time Unchanging

Chapter 161

The celebration feast was set in the great hall of the palace. All of the ladies went to change into their Asgardian armor. Even Laura got a set of simple armor, having been a SHIELD agent before she retired and started her family. They all returned to their stunned partners as Volstagg was recounting one of many battles the newlyweds had taken part in.

Sharon Carter

Yelena Belova

Eva Rogers (née Richmond)

Laura Barton

Pepper Potts

Children were running around and music played as Volstagg said, "And just as we thought the enemy had the upper hand, Loki drops his guise and places a blade to the throat of the general! 'Have your army surrender, or I'll gut you like a fish!' he says!" Everyone let out a chuckle, as they could all see Loki doing that. "You're missing the best part!" Volstagg opened his arms for one of the younger children to jump upon his lap. "Where was I?"

"We were captured," replied a jubilant Thor.

"For once," said Fandral, sounding almost bored.

"Oh, yes, yes, yes!" Volstagg responded, returning to storyteller mode while Loki beamed with pride. "The general didn't believe the young prince. Even Thor could not convince the general Loki spoke true!" All of the Avengers were just as engaged in the tale as the children, hanging on to Volstagg's words. "A fight ensued! The enemy army didn't know what to do. They stood in awe! Then, in comes the colonel! Thor jumped to Loki's side! A flourish of red and green ruled the battlefield! No finer battle had been fought! When the dust had settled, it was the two princes who stood victorious! "

"Still don't know what happened." Fandral sounded condescending.

"I love that story!" Eva said, trying to make up for Fandral's poor attitude. "Loki was so brave, and Thor went to aid his true love!"

Bucky picked up his goblet, saying, "Not sure I like how everyone seemed surprised that our brother helped them."

"To be fair," Loki said, holding his own cup, "I made it look like I sided with the general."

Thor laughed. His husband seemed like such a different man now. Before, he would stab people in the back if it meant getting ahead. Now, he was lending a hand. This also meant that Loki was smiling more. Real smiles that reached his eyes. That meant more to the golden god than all the victories in the Nine Realms.

"And a wondrous trick, indeed!" praised Volstagg, returning to the tale. "He won us the battle! The look of love and pride Thor had!" He pointed to his friend. "Look! He wears it now!"

Thor seemed embarrassed as he said, "It was Loki who won the battle. Of course, I was proud."

Loki shared a loving smile with his husband as Volstagg continued. "The enemy surrendered in the wake of the battle. The colonel and general lay in defeat at their feet!" He hit the table for dramatic effect. "Alas, victory was ours!"

The table erupted in cheers. Bucky patted Loki on the back, some of the Avengers drank to Loki's fast thinking during the attack, and Eva reached around Thor to clasp Loki's arm in congratulations.

"Truly a tale for the ages!" Thor said, lifting his own glass.

Fandral scoffed, "I never did like using underhanded tricks to win."

Eva whipped around and snarled, "Says the walking blowup doll."

"Yes... well... um..."

Volstagg let out a boisterous laugh and declared, "And the lady wins!"

Loki gave his sister a grateful smile as their cups were refilled and more merriment ensued.