by Rose, Dahlia
“The family is in the room of souls, where homage is paid to those lost in honorable battle,” Loki said. “We’ll first go there, and then I have a surprise for you.”
“What kind of surprise?” Vivi asked. She tucked her hand through the crook of his arm as they walked.
Loki leaned over and kissed the top of her head. “Have patience, Vivienne. My family may be a bit distant, but don’t be offended. My past is not quite forgotten here.”
Hearing that irritated her to no end and she spoke stiffly. “If people can’t let go of something that happened thousands of years ago, then they have their own issues, not you.”
Loki chuckled. “This should be interesting.”
They stopped walking when they came to a set of massive stone doors. Carved scenes of war throughout the years were etched on either side—a tribute to those who died in glorious battle. Loki pushed open the doors and they moved easily, belying their monumental weight. The scene inside was just as festive as everything else she’d seen, but it was the people who stood or sat close by that caught her attention.
A man bigger than anyone she’d ever seen sat in a chair that she was sure had to have been handmade. He was at least seven feet tall and his beard was white and neatly combed. He didn’t have to say a word; Vivi knew he had to be Odin. Sitting on the arm of the chair was a stunning woman with long hair the color of a raven’s wing. Vivi looked at her and Odin’s wife. She smiled at them both as they stood in the doorway.
“Loki, you came home after all.” She got up, smiling widely, and walked toward them. “And you’ve brought a guest. Is this the lovely Vivienne?”
Loki bent to kiss her cheek. “Yes, Mother, meet Vivienne.”
“It’s wonderful to meet you.” Vivi held out her hand and it was ignored. Instead, Joko pulled her into an embrace.
“It is more than an honor to meet you,” Joko whispered close to her ear. “Thank you.”
Vivi didn’t have to ask why she said thank you. She could see the honest and pure love the woman who Loki called mother had for him. She wanted his happiness as much as Vivi did.
“Come meet the rest of the family,” Joko said warmly. “Everyone, this is Vivienne and she is with Loptr.”
“She does understand who he is, right?” a man with hair as white as frost said drily.
Beside him, his wife slapped his hand and rolled her eyes. Her round tummy showed that there was an addition to the family on the way. “Pay him no attention. My name is Lucy and this is Jack.”
Jack’s words stuck like a bone in her throat, and Vivi couldn’t help but respond. “Pleasure to meet you both, and, yes, I do know who he is. Just like I also know some weather issues we had a few years back was not just a blizzard of the century. You were a little punchy with the snow that year, weren’t you?”
“Right hook and Jack goes down.” A tall, handsome man with black hair roared with laughter and stood. He was wearing red pants and a coat to match. Santa was a looker, that was for sure.
“Serves him right too,” Lucy muttered. “We’ll have a talk about it later.”
“Hey, who said it was gang-up-on-Jack day?” Jack demanded to know.
“I taught you to think before you speak,” Joko murmured. “Now accept it.”
Vivi watched Odin’s smile widen, but he had yet to speak. She wondered uncomfortably what he might be thinking and what he would say.
“I’m Nick, and this is my wife Neeva,” the man in the red pants and coat said. He motioned to his wife who was sitting close by sipping from a cup. “Looks like you have got yourself a mate there, Loki. I never thought I’d see the day.”
“You know I live to prove you wrong,” Loki said drily.
“I’d get up, but the morning sickness is kicking my ass,” Neeva said and Vivi instantly fell in love with the lyrical melody of her voice.
“Is the tea not helping?” Nick was instantly at her side, looking worried. “Mother—”
“Give it time,” Joko said. “She just started the cup.”
“Bring your woman here,” Odin said to Loki in a commanding voice.
Vivi watched Jack roll his eyes and Lucy pinched him this time. Nick grinned all the while rubbing his wife’s shoulders.
Loki took her hand and together they moved toward Odin. They stood in front of him silently for what seemed like minutes, and Vivi shifted uncomfortably.
“Stop it,” Joko commanded her husband. “You’re not fooling anyone with that scowl.”
Odin’s face split into a grin. “Finally brought home a woman, and a fiery one at that. I approve.”
“I’d be with her even if you didn’t,” Loki replied.
“That worked real well last time,” Jack said drily.
That’s it! Vivi whirled around and pointed directly at Jack. “Okay, Snow White, I guess you have never made a mistake in your life. If I recall correctly, I’ve seen you in your glamour around New York City being playboy extraordinaire. If you or anyone has a problem with Loki, then you have a problem with me. We can take our happy asses back to New York and you can sit here stewing in your pious self-serving soup. I rightly don’t care. But, if we’re staying, enough with the little caustic remarks.”
“I forgot to mention she can see the second natured,” Loki said mildly.
Odin roared with laughter. “I like her.”
“Serves you right,” Lucy said. “And if I wasn’t your assistant before we got married and set up most of those dates she’s talking about, we’d be heading to our room for a talk.”
Jack held up his hands and a smile hinted at his lips. “Loki, you seem to have a defender. I’ll refrain from the caustic remarks as she said. My apologies.”
“Loki, you’ve chosen well, but there may be a problem,” Odin said. “In trying to find unity, an invitation was sent to Madge for the great feast. I do not expect she will attend, but you should know.”
The name from his past made her heart lurch. Did he still have residual feelings for the woman who almost cost him his life?
“If she stays out of my way, I’ll stay out of hers. She no longer has the control she had over me from long ago,” Loki answered.
“Well, then, with that said, let us pay homage to the fallen and invite them into the halls for the feasting,” Joko said with a smile.
The ritual was a simple one. Odin sat at the head of the table and the men of the family took their seats on either side. The women set the table and since Neeva was not well, Vivi took her place. Empty chairs were left in front of plates piled high with food. All the food on the table was for the fallen warriors. Mugs were filled with ale and Odin invited the fallen to eat at his table. No one touched a piece of food, but stood and left the plates where they were. This was the one day the spirits were allowed to take corporeal form. Odin and Joko left first while the others followed behind. Vivi looked back just before the doors closed, and she swore she could see men and women dressed in garb of old and warrior’s armor sitting at the table, all smiling and laughing. It proved that Valhalla was more than meets the eye and all the myths were true. The dead were honored and never forgotten.
Later, they were sitting in the most impressive greenhouse she’d ever seen. The scent of hundreds of flowers filled the air. The warmth of the building reminded her of the spring and summer months in the Caribbean. She and her parents used to visit each year and one thing she could remember was the air being thick with the sweet smell of fruit and flowers. Unexpectedly, Loki pulled her into his arms and ravaged her mouth with a kiss. When they finally broke the kiss, both she and Loki’s breathing was ragged.
“Hold out your hand,” he said. “It’s time for your gift.”
Vivi held out her hand to him with the palms facing up. He lifted her hand close to the blooming flowers they were sitting under and gave a delicate bloom a shake. She watched as the liquid pooled on the petals fell into her hand. Loki closed her fingers and then held his hand over hers.
“You are the rar
est person I’ve ever met,” Loki said huskily. “I am deeply honored to be the one you love. You deserve to have something just as amazing as you.”
He then opened her hand and a gem sat in the center of her palm. It was milky white and in the center there was a miniature image of the flower it came from. It hung from a silver chain and he placed it around her neck, fastening it at her nape.
“Be my wife, Vivienne,” he asked.
“I could never say no,” she whispered and cupped his cheek. Vivi kissed him and felt elation and happiness fill her until she was brimming with pure joy. “You’re stuck with me now, Mr. Loptr.”
Loki grinned. “Now let’s go to my room so I can see you wearing nothing but your gift.” Her laugh echoed as he pulled her close and they disappeared from the greenhouse.
* * * *
The feasting was just as Loki told her, but this time it was not just a feast of Christmas but a wedding celebration as well. Tables stretched along the entire length of the great hall, while a long table at the front of the room was for the family and children of Odin, which now included her, because Odin had given his blessing for their marriage and performed the ceremony right there.
She looked out into the crowded room and saw fairies, elves, kelpies, and every creature humans thought to be nothing but folklore and childish tales. She had finally met Thor, who lifted her as though she weighed nothing, all the while clapping Loki on the back. The rest of the feast he sat at the end of the table charming a beautiful elf until the tips of her ears turned pink. He looked over and winked when he caught Vivi looking and she laughed.
“Did I mention you look ravishing?” Loki leaned over and kissed her.
“You don’t look so bad yourself,” she purred.
“Will you be making us more grandchildren right after the reception?” Joko teased.
Loki smiled and brought Vivi’s hand to his lips. “You never know, Mother. You never know.”
“Good. I’ve got a big lap. The more children the better.” Odin’s voice boomed and they laughed.
Vivi looked down at the white dress she wore. It was made from gossamer chiffon and was so light and airy she felt as if she were floating on a cloud. Loki wore a hunter-green shirt with a black sweater-vest over it and his slacks matched the vest. She smiled brightly as they threaded their fingers together on the table. The thin silver wedding bands they wore caught the light of the fire in the hearths. Each time she looked down at their linked hands, Vivi wanted to laugh with joy and the sheer elation inside her. Her prince came with a tarnished armor, but that didn’t mean one thing to her. Loki had her heart and he in turn gave his love to her.
Everyone was in a joyous mood, even Jack had given up his sarcasm and now was leaning over talking to Loki. Nick bounced a child on his lap while Lucy was feeding a toddler that sat on her lap. Vivi pressed her hand to her stomach knowing one day that would be her and Loki when they started a family. She couldn’t wait. The air around them was filled with revelry, so much so that Vivi could practically taste it.
Without warning, the doors of the great hall blew open and snow flew in with it. It blew out the great hearth and everyone stopped to look. Vivi’s heart dropped when the snow queen, Madge, stepped inside, along with others behind her. It could only be her, as her face was almost porcelain in its beauty, but the eyes were cold as ice and somehow seemed empty. Her dress was such a light blue color that it could almost be called white. The sparkling diamonds that hung from her neck and ears reminded Vivi of ice sculptures.
Odin stood and the silent room looked on. Everyone seemed to be holding one collective breath. Loki squeezed her hand reassuringly, but never took his eyes off Madge. When she looked at him, Vivi didn’t see lust or longing in his eyes, only rage. Madge walked in with her head held high. You could see she loved the fact that all eyes were on her. Her eyes traveled from Loki’s face to their joined hands. Madge curled her hands that were hanging at her sides. They were clenched so tightly her sharp nails drew blood and drops dripped from her hands.
“The prodigal son gets a seat at the table while I, a queen, must sit with the lowlies?” she said haughtily.
“You are no family of ours, Madge. You were invited as a guest to this realm,” Joko stood and extended her hand. “This was to broker peace. Take your seat or leave.”
“I will do neither. I’m here to throw Odin’s invitation back in his face,” Madge snarled. “After thousands of years do you think one messenger would change anything between us?” She turned to Loki. “I can smell the mortality on her. You’ve sunk very low.”
“As a matter-of-fact, I’ve actually crawled up from where I was with you since you were and are the lowest of the low,” Loki said mildly. “This is my wife.”
Madge laughed. “You married a mortal? She is a fragile sack of meat. One flick of my hand and I can dispose—”
“Are you threatening my wife?” Loki’s voice was like a roar as he stood. Vivi watched as little elves scurried to hide as the air crackled with energy. She seemed to have underestimated Loki’s power because the air crackled and gusts of wind were whipping at the faces of everyone in the room. The power was so immense it made the hair on her arms stand on end. “You may have a treaty with Odin, but not with me. I would have no problem killing you if you even think of looking in her direction once more.”
“Calm yourself, Loki,” Odin said sternly before standing and facing Madge. “You were called here to broker peace. Is it or is it not your intention of doing so?”
Madge lifted her head. “No, that is not my intention, not after the way my people and I were treated.”
“Leave this realm then and never return,” Odin said loudly. “Those of the Frost Queen’s court who are tired of being cast away and treated poorly, you may seek asylum with us and if you swear your loyalty, then Asgard can be your home.”
“None will join you,” Madge snapped. But even as the words left her mouth, some of her people came forward and knelt in front of the great table.
“It seems you are wrong, Madge. Your people can’t stand you either,” Thor said, chuckling.
“She does tend to stick in the craw,” Loki said.
“This is an act of war!” she said loudly.
“Mind what you ask for, Frost Queen.” Odin’s voice was deadly. “I almost did away with your people before. Complete annihilation is something I distaste, but if I must, I will do so.”
Vivi had no doubt that Odin could wipe them out of existence if he wanted to. Desperation showed in Madge’s otherwise empty eyes, and she tried one more tactic. She rushed to the where Loki sat and reached across the table to take his hand. He pulled away and a menacing sound came from the back of his throat.
“You loved me once. It can be that way again. Leave this mortal, this life of servitude to Odin and be with me,” she practically purred.
“Oh, woman, have a little respect for yourself,” Vivi muttered.
“Don’t dare speak to me, human,” she snapped. “This is between me and him.”
“No, she actually speaks for me right now. Have some decency to know that you’re not wanted by me, by your people, by anyone,” Loki said. “I was a child then, but no more. I was not in love, but in lust. I know the true meaning of the word now. I was offered a gift and accepted. It took a long time for me to figure that out. But here you are, thousands of years later, still cold, still cruel, and full of hate. Go back to your desolation, and leave me out of it.”
“You will all pay,” she screeched. “Especially you, Loki. You will suffer like no other.”
“And I will be waiting to snap your neck when you try,” he replied.
This time she didn’t use the door. With a flip of her long, glistening cape she disappeared in a flurry of snow and ice. The group of her people that stayed bowed before Odin. They were no longer trapped by her magic.
“Let the festivities continue. This is a celebration!” Odin said loudly.
The music started up
again, and the guests got back into the flow. Before long, there was dancing and gifts being handed out. Madge’s little show was all but forgotten, but Vivi couldn’t help but wonder what the Snow Queen would do to get her revenge.
Later that night, when the halls were silent and the fire was burning down in the hearth, Vivi lay in the arms of her new husband and voiced her concerns. They were lying on their side spooned together, fitting as perfectly as puzzle pieces and his body warmed hers beneath the thick blankets.
He kissed her shoulder. “Madge always had a more blustery wind than actual power, even at the end of the war she chose to sacrifice her handmaidens while she escaped. I take no threat from her seriously. She is more bark than bite.”
Vivi sighed and turned in his arms. “I couldn’t lose you to her evil, Loki. It would rip my heart to shreds.”
“Nothing can take me away from you, Vivienne. Even if the stars came tumbling down from the heavens, I’d find a way back to you,” Loki said fiercely. “I love you, and even Madge didn’t get those words from my lips.”
Vivi fingered the necklace he’d given her hours earlier. “I have a gift for you.”
“What is it?” Loki said. “What we did a few moments ago is more than enough of a gift for me.”
Vivi chuckled. “You are so bad, but it’s something Joko taught me. Call it my first act as a semi-immortal being and one full of love.”
She whispered words still foreign to her tongue, but said them just as Joko had told her. It didn’t matter how they were said as long as she felt every word. She placed a kiss on his bare chest over his heart, and Loki gasped and arched. She saw a gold outline of her lips on his skin before it sunk into his chest, leaving not a trace, but she knew the magic had taken hold.
“Take my love with you everywhere, even if I can’t be with you,” Vivi said. “Merry Christmas, my love.”
“My darling, Vivienne, Merry Christmas. For the first time in a long time I actually love those words,” Loki said.
