The man in the cell (Loki fanficktion)

A celebration

The castle, once enveloped in the despair of imminent defeat, was brought to life with light and laughter, its halls echoing the sounds of a hard-won victory. Lanterns, hung like stars from the vaulted ceilings, cast a warm glow over the faces of the warriors. In the grand banquet hall, a feast had been laid out, a testament to the resilience and strength of their collective spirit.

At the head of the long, ornate table sat Odin, his stern features softened in the candlelight. To his right was Loki, whose earlier confinement seemed like a distant memory in the seat of honor he now occupied. Emily was seated to Loki's right, her hand occasionally finding his under the table, a silent reassurance of their shared journey and intertwined destiny.

The room buzzed with the chatter of the Warriors Three, Thor, and Lady Sif, their camaraderie a beacon of hope in the aftermath of battle. Frigga, the queen and mother, moved among the tables, her presence soothing, her laughter a melody that lifted spirits and mended hearts.

As the feast progressed, Odin rose, commanding the room's attention. Conversations dwindled into silence, all eyes turning towards him with a mix of respect and curiosity.

"Ladies and gentlemen, warriors of light and guardians of our realm," Odin began, his voice resonant, carrying the weight of his earlier sternness but softened with a newfound warmth. "Today, we celebrate not just a victory over darkness but the strength of our unity and the power of redemption."

He paused, surveying the room before his gaze settled on Loki. "Loki, son of Frigga, brother of Thor, you have demonstrated valor and sacrifice beyond measure. Your actions, though born from a place of torment, have saved us all. It is with a heart humbled by your bravery that I offer you not just my gratitude but my apology for doubting your intentions."

A murmur of approval rippled through the room, as all eyes turned to Loki, whose expression was a mix of surprise and quiet acceptance.

"Furthermore," Odin continued, his voice gaining strength, "I hereby declare Loki pardoned of all accusations held against him. Let this feast not only symbolize our victory over our enemies but the beginning of a new chapter of unity and understanding among us. Forgive us all, my son."

A cheer erupted from the gathered crowd, the sound of clapping and joyful shouts filling the hall. Loki stood, meeting Odin's gaze with a nod of respect and gratitude, the tension of the past unraveling in the face of public acknowledgment and acceptance.

Emily's eyes glistened with unshed tears of joy, witnessing the man she loved being embraced by the community he fought to protect. She squeezed Loki's hand under the table, a silent vow of her unwavering support and their shared future.

As the feast continued, laughter and stories of bravery flowed as freely as the wine. The unity and joy in the room were palpable, a collective healing for the wounds of war. That night was a vibrant tapestry of celebration, a moment in time where differences were set aside, and the only titles that mattered were those of friend and hero.

After the feast, as the laughter and music began to fade into the soft whispers of the night, Loki led Emily away from the bustling hall to the castle's gardens. The moon cast a silvery glow over the flowers, transforming the garden into a scene from a dream. They walked in silence for a moment, the air between them filled with a tension that was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.

Finally, Loki stopped, turning to face Emily under the boughs of a blooming nightshade, its flowers luminous in the moonlight. He took both of her hands in his, his gaze searching hers with an intensity that sent her heart racing.

"Emilia," he began, his voice gentle yet laced with a nervous energy she had never seen in him before. "I have been thinking about us, about our future, now that I finally have one. There's nothing I want more than to have you by my side, not just tonight, but for all the nights to come."

Emily could feel her pulse quicken, a mix of joy and apprehension swirling within her. "Loki, are you asking me what I think you're asking me?"

He smiled, that mischievous yet endearing smile that first captured her heart. "Yes, Emilia. I'm asking if you'll become my wife."

A thousand thoughts raced through her mind, but one surfaced above all others. "But aren't you already married to Sigyn? How does that work? Aren't you... living as man and wife?"

Loki's grin widened, and there was a sparkle in his eye that reassured her even before he spoke. "It's... a bit different for us gods. Sigyn and I, we don't share the kind of bond that I feel with you. We don't live as man and wife in the way you're thinking. And yes, we have children, but that, too, is different in this realm. When we're alone, I promise to explain everything."

He squeezed her hands gently, his gaze earnest. "But know this, Emilia, if you say yes, I promise you will be the only woman in my life and in my bed. That's a vow I make to you, here and now, under the moon's witness."

Emily's heart felt like it was about to burst, every doubt washed away by the sincerity in his eyes and the promise of a future together. "Yes, Loki," she whispered, her voice steady despite the emotions swirling within her. "Yes, I'll marry you."

The joy that lit up his face was like the dawn after the darkest night. He pulled her into his arms, and she felt the warmth of his embrace, the steady beat of his heart against hers. In that moment, under the moonlit sky, she knew that whatever challenges they may face, they'd face them together. And that was all she needed to know.