Mischief and Magic

Chapter 27

The group headed to dinner once their work with Morgan's weapons were done Loki let Morgan walk with her father, keeping back a little so he wouldn't intrude on the family moment. Morgan didn't drag him into keeping up with her and her father. She didn't want to make him uncomfortable and it was clear that he didn't want to intrude. It was just as clear to Loki how much Tony and Morgan loved each other. It was a love he wished he had had from his own supposed Father.

Loki couldn't help smiling softly at the pair of them. This was where Morgan belonged. She was safe and loved here where she could be herself, regardless of how powerful she was, regardless of her differences, of her fox ears and tail. She was safe and loved. The team was her family. She'd grown up among the Avengers and heroes and was was well on her way to becoming one herself.

When they made it to the common room, a raven flew over to Loki and landed on his shoulder with a caw of greeting. Loki gave her a fond, familiar smile of greeting. "Hello, Mu," he greeted her warmly.

Morgan looked surprised at the familiarity. "Mu?" she asked as the raven nuzzled Loki and trilled, clearly checking up on Loki and clearly familiar.

Loki gently stroked the bird's feathers, doting more on the raven than on anyone or anything Morgan had seen him dote on except Morgan herself. "This is Munin, one of Father's famous ravens and the Valkyrie who has looked after me since childhood," Munin trilled an agreement and affectionately nipped Loki's ear.

Loki chuckled and nuzzled her gently. "How have you been, Mu?"

She made a sad little noise. Odin wasn't caring for them again. As per usual. He got so distracted by his own endeavors that he neglected his duties to his Valkyrie. Loki frowned. "Yeah, no. We're not having that. Come on, let's get you fed and brushed." Munin nuzzled him and trilled, looking around with interest. When she saw that Loki's wards protected them from Heimdall's sight, she hopped off Loki's shoulder and shifted back to her mostly human form. her wings were a mess and she was far too thin Loki's eyes widened in shock. "Good Norns, Mu!" He took her hand, led her to the couch and had her sit so he could brush her wings.

Munin let him help her to the couch. "Thanks, Loki" she said softly

"Don't thank me," Loki said firmly as he summoned a brush and the cleaning tools. "You wouldn't need this if Father hadn't been neglecting you." He was disgusted at the way the Allfather treated his Valkyries. He made a noise of distress when he began to brush her feathers and a slew of oil rolled out. "Oh, Mu, your feathers are loaded with oil! How have you even been flying lately?! Much less all the way here?!"

Munin winced. Her feathers were a mess and hurt. "Not easily" she admitted. She looked like a teenager. Younger than Loki, though she was centuries and centuries older. Being kept in raven form hindered her aging.

Loki frowned. "I can't brush these until we wash them. They're going to stick if I brush them while they're full of oil." Munin made a noise that sounded quite similar to one that a cat made when informed about needing a bath. She tended to get less articulate the longer Odin forced her to stay in raven form. "I know, but you haven't been able to preen and you desperately need it," Loki said gently, soothingly, like he would to an upset animal. "Can you guys watch over Lady Morgan while I tend to my guardian?" he asked the team.

Stark nodded "Morgan's safe" he wouldn't let anything happen to his daughter Loki inclined his head. "Thank you," he said gratefully before turning to Munin. "Let's get you cleaned up, Mu." Munin trilled her agreement and let Loki lead her to get cleaned up. The team was just amazed at seeing this side of Loki. At least all of the team beside Thor, who was used to Loki tending the Valkyrie, or any injured animal he came across.