Firebird by NorseFan1

Chapter 8

Loki barely took note of Jane's shock at her first sight of Asgard. Horses had been brought for them, and he placed Anastasia on the back of his stallion. She slumped over, and would have fallen off had he not been holding her in place. He soon had the horse in a canter, heading across the bridge, eager to be totally sure nothing was wrong with Ana. She had not even stirred since he had removed her chains, and Loki wanted Eir to check her over. While he was very skilled with magic, Eir's healing abilities were undisputed. Loki was aware that the others were close behind him, but he was sure Thor would want to give Jane a chance to take in the sights as they rode through the city. The others, while being close, would not catch up.

The moment they reached the palace grounds, he dismounted, pulling Anastasia with him, leaving his horse for the stable hands to take care of. The Healing rooms were remarkably empty and both Eir and his mother were waiting for them.

"Place her down on this bed here, so I can get a better look at her," Eir said, in a tone that brooked no argument.

Loki did so, and Eir began examining Anastasia with magic. "Her powers were supressed?"

"They were," Loki nodded. "Anastasia is at least part phoenix. The chains used to force them into a familiar bond were used on her."

"Where are these chains now, my son?" Frigga asked.

"Last I checked, Fandral had them."

She nodded, and called for a servant, before giving the order to have Fandral take the chains to her study so she could examine them later. "Will she recover, Lady Eir?" Frigga then asked.

"Thankfully, yes, she will. There is no sign of any sort of bond being active; all I can sense is the dormant soul bond. Her magic is replenishing itself. She will sleep for a while yet, and even after she wakes, her magic will still be recharging. She should rest for a week after waking, but after that, she will be fine."

"Just rest from magic or bed rest?" Loki enquired.

"Bed rest for the first two days, then I suggest not allowing her to go far for the next day. After that, the final four days her only restriction should be on her using magic."

"Do you want her to stay here?" Loki asked.

"You can take her to other quarters if you wish, but you will be responsible for ensuring she rests," Eir told him. The 'or else' was not needed. Everyone knew not to mess with the healer and her commands concerning patients. "Also, make sure she drinks one of these with every meal," she summoned a vial filled with blue potion to her hand, and gave it to him. "I will be sure to have more sent to you for her recovery."

Loki pocketed it. "Thank you, Lady Eir," he nodded to her.

The healer nodded, turned and swept off. When in her domain, everyone received the same treatment. Even royalty.

"Have you slept, Loki?" Frigga asked, concern colouring her tone.

He knew better than to lie to his mother on this. "Not since before she was taken. I was searching for her. I could feel the pain those pathetic mortals were putting her through." His jaw was clenched, and his hands were fists.

"Then you need to rest as well. I will see to it she has chambers across from yours-"

"No," he shook his head. "She can stay in mine until she wakes. If she wants her own room when she wakes, she can, but for now, while she is still so vulnerable, I want to be close enough to her to protect her."