To Withstand the Force of Storms (A Loki Laufeyson Fanfic)

Epilogue

"The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time." -Mark Twain

*

A glorious and shining city stands before Loki's eyes, only this time around, it's more than just a city. It's a dwelling safe haven that will hopefully be able to house the one person missing from the picture.

Loki stands on Mortem Mountain one year later in the exact spot Annaka had sat while he had told her his plans. He can see all of Asgard from there; it flourishes because it's new. The gold shines reflectively, and the town is larger, occupying double the space it had before.

Loki has rebuilt Asgard as close to the first one as he could, changing only the things he didn't like. For example, he replaced all the fountain statues with statues of him or Annaka or both of them, for it was more pleasing to the eye than animals. His favorite one is in the courtyard; it's of Annaka and he on their wedding day.

The population is slowing growing as well. Right now, about half of the town is filled, and it becomes civilized at a steady pace.

Sometimes to achieve greatness, you need to start over. He misses Annaka with a passion, and every thought of her iss followed by a pain in his chest, as if his heart misses her, too. He hasn't seen her since that night, and he can't wait to see her again, to make her smile.

She has agreed to meet him there on Mortem Mountain on the anniversary of Asgard's fall. She says that she only has about an hour before the atmosphere will catch up to her, but he's willing for even a second with her.

Loki waits for what feels like eternity.

Loki feels heat behind him and turns, feeling his heart race before he even sees her. He's greeted with a smile, the biggest smile he has ever seen on a person. She looks lovely, clad in black and purple, but the ring on her finger stands out the most.

"Annaka," he whispers as he flings his arms around her and holds her there tightly.

"Loki, it's been too long."

"I miss you here," he says, releasing her and becoming saddened when he notices the tears in her eyes. "Don't cry, love." He kisses her softly at first, remembering the taste and smell of her, then with more depth, intending her touch to remain on his lips forever.
"I'm working out a way for you to live here," Loki explains once they settle down. They sit on the mountain in a grassy patch. "It'll work, and we won't have to live apart any longer."

Annaka squeezes his hand. "I hate to be a downer, but that's going to be difficult."

"I'm up for it."

She kisses his neck. "I knew you would be. Asgard looks fantastic."

"Thank you. I redid it in your memory; there's a plaque at the entrance."

"You're too good to me."

Loki smiles.

Too soon it's time for Annaka to depart again. This time, she does cry, reluctant to leave.

Loki hugs her for the remaining minutes. "I'll find a way for us to be together, I promise. I've never broken a promise to you before, have I?"

Annaka grins, wiping tears away. "No, you haven't. I'll miss you. I think about you every minute. I love you."

"I love you more."

"Don't start that. You'll lose."

"I don't lose, love."

Annaka shakes her head. "Yes you do."

"I never lose at articulates," Loki says, leaning down to kiss her deeply, "or at dazing you."

"Goodbye, Loki," Annaka says with a smile, then disappears.

She left smiling. That's another promise, kept.