Entries tagged with bingo: checkerboard: 3

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Fill 45 Card 3: Healer

Sigyn stood in the healing chambers of Asgard nervously awaiting her first lesson as a new apprentice. Her mentor was a healer, a woman named Tove who had many, many years of experience and had agreed to teach Sigyn all that she knew of the healing arts. The decision for Sigyn to be her apprentice had come after many hours of discussion regarding why Sigyn wished to become a healer. Tove had wanted to know her heart in the matter, and to be sure she knew her time as an apprentice would be a lengthy one, and that she was prepared to spend all the time required to learn the art

Tove watched her for a moment, then she asked, "Are you ready to begin?

She swallowed, and nodded, "Yes, milady. I'm ready to begin learning."

"Good," Tove said, and motioned for Sigyn to follow her to a nearby table where a variety of herbs as well as potions were already laid out, "We'll start with the basics today. Healing usually begins with understanding the properties of the different plants and their effects on the body, both good and bad. Do you understand?"

"Yes, milady," Sigyn murmured.

As Tove began explaining the healing properties of each of the herbs, and Sigyn listened attentively, scribbling down notes in her journal. She was amazed at how much knowledge was needed to an effective healer. Tove taught her how to identify each herb, when as well as how to harvest them properly, and the appropriate dosages to use for various wounds or ailments.

On their third day together, Tove said, "Now, I think I should show you how to make a poultice. Watch carefully, Sigyn." The healer began to demonstrate the process of crushing and combing specific herbs to create the desired healing mixture.

"Now you, Sigyn."

"Yes, milady."

Sigyn did everything Tove had done, grinding herbs with a mortar and pestle as her mentor watched closely. Sigyn's motions were a bit clumsy at first as she was nervous, but then she gradually found her rhythm and soon after she had a fine powder ready for a poultice.

Tove looked over the powder, and nodded approvingly, praising her, "Excellent work, Sigyn." She gave an encouraging smile before she said, "Now, I will show you how to apply the poultice to the bandage and wrap it on a wound."

Sigyn watched her actions, and when she was prompted, she repeated the healer's actions. She tried her best to mimic the gentle touch she'd seen the healers tend to the wounded. She felt a surge of satisfaction when she completed the task, even if she knew she still had much more to learn. With time, patience, practice, and dedication, Sigyn knew she would achieve her desire to help the sick and wounded by being one of Asgard's healers.

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Fill 44 Card 3: Black Hole

Once more, the Guardians of the Galaxy were in a predicament. They were being chased by a group of none so happy bounty hunters whose plans they'd inadvertently screwed up, and as a result of the bounty hunters firing at them, their ship had suffered some heavy damage. Rocket, with his sharp tongue and even sharper wit, had just managed to hotwire the engines again when he yelled out, "I don't know how much longer this thing is going to hold together!"

"I am Groot!"

"You got that right," Rocket replied, "We need to find a safe place to lay low for awhile and fix the ship!"

All of a sudden, Gamora sounded the alarm about a new problem: there was a black hole in their path! As everyone grumbled about the new problem, she said, "If we can time it rightm we might be able to use it to lose the hunters chasing us in the gravity well!"

Quill shot her a look then rubbed his hands together, "Sounds like a plan! Gamora, Rocket, can you plot us a course?"

Rocket groused, "Yeah, yeah, just don't expect anything resembling a smooth ride!"

"Hey, along as we come out the other side in something resembling one piece and our **friends** back there don't, a bumpy ride works for me!"

"Course plotted! Hang on!" Gamora interjected.

As they began to approach the black hole, the Guardians felt the pull of its massive gravity. The ship started shaking and creaking could be heard all around them. They all gripped their seats tightly.

"Well, well, well. Look who is in a lot of trouble now." Nebula sneered from the communications screen.

"What did you want, Nebula?" Quill retorted, glaring at her

"Oh, just to say goodbye, Star-Lord," she replied, her smirk growing bigger. "You're about to be sucked into a black hole where there is no escape. I'd say it's bye bye time for you.

Gamora's eyes narrowed as she also glared at her sister, "Why are you here, Nebula? Have you joined forces with those bounty hunters?"

Nebula's expression turned dark, "I'd never ally myself with them. See you on the other side.

With that, she severed communications.

The Guardians plummeted into the black hole, and everyone screamed. But after an eternity, they did emerge on the other side, more or less in one piece. Good news was they lost the bounty hunters but the bad news was they were stranded in the middle of space. They would have to make repairs, of course, but at least for the moment they had survived to fight another day.

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Fill 43 Card 3: Historical Figure

One day, Pepper was sitting at her desk taking a short break, rifling through a magazine when she came across an article that made her pause. "If you could meet anyone from history, who would it be?"

She looked at the question for a few seconds, and muttered, "I don't who I'd want to meet from history, but I do know one person I definitely should not meet from history, and that is Howard Stark!!"

Thoughts of Tony, her brilliant and wonderful husband, filled her heart. She smiled as she thonks of his mischievous grin and the ways he always pushed the boundaries, whether they were personal, cultural, or just considered to be impossible. But intertwined with those fond memories were the shadows cast by Howard Stark, Tony's father. Pepper's grip on her chair arms tightened as anger clouded her face.

"If I could ever meet a historical figure, it would be a very good idea if I never met Howard Stark." Pepper muttered, "Because if I ever met the man, I would probably give him a piece of my mind over the many times he hurt Tony."

At the moment the words left her lips, the office door opened, and Tony strode into the room. Pepper's heart skipped a beat as her eyes met his sparkling ones.

"Talking to yourself again. Pep?" Tony asked, in a playful tone.

Pepper blinked, stunned for a moment by his unexpected entrance. Her anger vanished like a wisp of smoke, replaced for genuine happiness to see the man she loved. She stood up, and walked over to him, kissing her tenderly as she reached him.

"Mmm, what was that for?" he asked as she pulled away.

"Just because you're here and because my thoughts were taking a dark turn before you walked in."

"They were?"

Pepper nodded, and gestured at her desk, "I was looking through a magazine that had a page asking the question about if you could meet a historical figure who would it be and why? I couldn't think of anyone I'd want to be meet but I thought of one I knew I shouldn't ever meet if I could."

"And who is that?" Tony asked, curious.

She hesitated then answered, "Your father. I know if I were to ever to ever get a face to face moment with him, I would have some very harsh words for him."

The smile disappeared from Tony's face, "Yeah, I bet you would. But my father is in the past, and I would like for him to stay there. I don't want to talk about him. Instead I want to talk about why I came and that's to take my wife out to lunch."

Pepper touched his cheek, and nodded, "Okay, that sounds good. Let me grab my coat."

He nodded, and when she walked away he said, "Pep?"

She looked over her shoulder at him, "Yes?"

"I love you and... thanks."

"I love you too, Tony... and you're welcome."

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Fill 42 Card 3: Retirement

Rhodey was sitting on his front porch, and watched as the sun set in the distance. Many years had gone past years since the Battle of Earth, and since Tony had died to defeat Thanos. Rhodey still missed him every day too. They had been through so much together, had saved the world together countless times, but in the end, it had been only Tony who could defeat Thanos for good.

Rhodey had retired from the Avengers and the military almost three years ago now, and made for himself a different life in a small town. He enjoyed the quietness of the place, but it's quite a change from what he'd been used to. No more suits, no more hopping jets to fly around the world. It was just him, and his memories of the past.

"Hey, James!" A voice interrupted Rhodey's thoughts.

He turned his head to see his neighbor, Henry, standing by the fence. Henry had moved in a year and a half ago, and Rhodey had quickly become friends with him. Like Rhodey, he was an old war vet too.

"Hey, Henry. How are you doin'?" Rhodey asked.

Henry shrugged, "Never better. I just wanted to see if you'd be up for a game of poker tonight? You know just something to do to pass the time."

Rhodey nodded, smiling. "Sure. I can use the distraction."

They spent the next few hours playing cards, drinking beer, and just joking around. It was nice to have someone to talk to again, someone who had some experiences that were close to his own.

"I always have a good time playing with you, James!" Henry said.

"Thanks. Same here. It's nice to have someone around, you know?"

Henry nodded, "Yeah, I do. But you don't have to worry. There are a lot in the neighborhood, heck, the town who will be here for you. Just like you were there for us when you were War Machine. Heck, we won't even hold the whole lame Iron Patriot moniker thing against you either!"

Chuckling Rhodey then sighed, "Yeah, those were the days. I miss them."

Henry nodded, "I know you do. We all miss the good old days at some point or another. I know I didn't know him other than by his larger than life reputation but I don't think Tony would want you to stay lost in the memories, just moping around. I'm pretty sure he'd want you to live your life to the fullest."

"You're right. He would," Rhodey said, with a slow nod. "And I've got to get myself out of this funk I've been in for so long now. Thanks, Henry."

"Anytime, James. Anytime."

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Fill 41 Card 3: Pomp and Power

They were sitting on their private balcony overlooking the city as they're currently there for a week's visit. The sunset is currently painting the skies magnificent colors as it sinks beneath the horizon. Shades of fiery orange and deep red merged with soft hues of pink and had them mesmerized with the magical atmosphere it was creating.

"You know, minkjære," Loki started, "I used to crave power and all of the pomp that when with it. I wanted to hear the people chanting my name in devotion. To feel the rush of pleasure I would feel when I elevated myself above everyone else. It was a feeling I could never resist.

Eva turned her eyes away from the skies to look at him, "I know, but you don't need those things anymore, the devotion of the masses.

"No, I do not. I don't need the masses or power or devotion of the masses. As long as I have you, I have what I need. You truly are my everything, Eva, and my world."

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Fill 40 Card 3: Like Romeo and Julia

It is late summer on Asgard, and after spending a full day working in their garden together the day before, Loki and Eva are lounging together on a pile of blankets underneath their favorite tree. Eva was reading one of the books she brought back from their last visit to Earth, and Loki was entertaining himself by simply watching nature as he thinks.

After a long time of neither of them speaking, Loki turned to his love to and asked, "Pray, what precisely does it mean when one says 'Just like Romeo and Julia'?"

Eva looked up from her book, surprised at his random question. She marked her place in her book, then turned to face him, "I think you meant "Juliet", minkjærlighet." She gave him a small smile.

Loki returned her smile, then said, "Ah yes, my apologies. So, tell me, what does it mean?"

With a sigh, Eva leaned back against the tree, "It means a tragic love story, in which the two lovers of the story are from families who are feuding which, of course, makes their love forbidden. In the actual story, it ended with Romeo and Juliet's deaths so when someone references them, it means the love is a tragic one.

Loki raised his eyebrows, surprised, "That sounds rather bleak and depressing. Why would anyone want to compare theirs or anyone else's love story with that of this Romeo and Juliet?"

Eva couldn't help herself and chuckled at how naive he sounded for someone so much older than her, "Well, some people think it's romantic. It's a story of two people who were so deeply in love that they were willing to put everything, their lives included, on the line for each other."

He gave it come consideration, "I see. But why compare oneself to two people who never lived? Shouldn't one's own love story be considered unique? Such as ours?"

Eva smiled at him, "Of course, minkjærlighet. Our love story is very unique, one of a kind, and unlike any other. But at times people like to draw parallels between their own lives and stories they like or admire. It's a way of expressing their depth of their love."

Loki reached out, taking her hand, "Well, there is no comparison for us with Romeo and Juliet because quite simply, our love surpasses theirs by far."

Eva laid her head on his shoulder, and as he wrapped his arm around her she said, "Yes, it does, minkjærlighet. Yes, it does."

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Fill 39 Card 3: A secret admirer

My dearest Pepper,

I hope you are well when you read this letter. I can't believe that I am FINALLY writing this to you, but I've been holding back how I feel for far too long. I can't help the fact that I am completely enamored by you. Each and every day that I am away from you, my mind is consumed with thoughts of how many great things you bring into my life. You make me whole, and dare I say serene (don't laugh), and complete.

I know this may come as something of a shock to you, my sweet Pepper, but my feelings got you are anything but new. It's taken me some time to come to terms with them myself. See, I've tried to convince myself that what I felt was just a crush, a fleeing infatuation. But as the days went by and became weeks then years, I realized that this flame inside of me has only become bigger with every moment that goes by.

Pepper, my Pepper, do you know that you're my world? You are the brightest light in my dark world. You add so much joy and positivity that it's hard to even remember what my life was life before you. I treasure the moment we have spent together just being together laughing, exploring, and just simply being with each other.

It's hard to say why I wrote this letter to you in "disguise", but I hope that hiding behind this "secret admirer persona" will allow me to have the courage to express just how MUCH I really do love you. I hope to see you soon, Pepper, so we can celebrate our love together. Until then, please know you are always in my heart and my thoughts. I love you so much, my one and only Pepper.

Yours always and forever,

I think you know who I am xoxoxox

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Fill 38: Unrequited Love

Many years had passed in the realm of Asgard since the passing of Eva, and a beautiful young noblewoman had come to the Palace to serve as a lady-in-waiting to the Queen. Of course she had heard of Loki and his propensity for causing chaos everywhere he went, but as he did not live at the Palace full time any longer she had yet to meet him. But that changed one day when she was walking through the halls of the Palace on an errand for the Queen, and she saw Loki laughing with a young girl.

Brynja felt her heart warming as she watched Loki doting on the child so tenderly. She knew of his reputation as a cruel and deceitful trickster, but what she was witnessing was something entirely different. The way he obviously cared for this little girl, made Brynja curious as to who she was.

"Brynja!"

When Loki looked in her direction, Brynja hurried along to meet the one who had called her and to complete he tasks.

The days passed, and Loki stayed on in the Palace with his daughter as Brynja realized, the more she found herself drawn to him. She often sought him out in the gardens or one the training grounds when she was free from her duties, hoping to always catch a glimpse of him. On one of these occasions she watched as he gave his daughter a lesson on wielding his preferred wepaon of choice, the daggers.

Then one day, Brynja decided she would do more than watch. She approached Loki as he watched Sigyn practicing with her bow.

"May I join you both?" she asked in a demure tone.

Loki turned to her, smiling faintly, he said, "Of course, my Lady."

They were silent as they watched Sigyn hit the target with remarkable precision for one so young.

Brynja broke the silence with a quiet compliment, "She's quite good."

Loki gave a nod, his eyes still on his daughter, his voice almost wistful, "Yes, she is. She takes after her mother in many ways."

Brynja was hesitant to voice what she was thinking, since after all she didn't know him personally. At last she spoke with sincerity, "I... I am so sorry for your loss, my Lord."

Loki nodded an acknowledgement of thanks but he did not take his eyes off of his daughter. He did speak, however, not sure why he said what he said to her other than it was grief presenting itself once more, "Thank you, my Lady. Eva... Eva was everything to me."

Brynja nodded, "it is true, I did not know her, but I think she would be proud of the way that you care for your daughter."

Loki smiled softly. "I hope so. I do hope so."

In the coming days, Brynja was less hesitant to make her presence known to Loki or Sigyn, and she began to spend more time with them. Every day they talked more, they even laughed, and Brynja found herself falling in love then even more in love with Loki. But Loki never gave her any signs he returned her feelings, and she knew it was because his thoughts were for his lost wife.

Then one day, Brynja found Loki sitting along on a balcony looking the city below.

"May I speak... openly with you?" she asked softly.

He turned to her, and nodded, "Of course. Please sit down." He made room for her to sit beside him.

"Thank you," she said, sitting down.

"We shall be returning home... Sigyn and I shall be going back to our home the day after tomorrow."

"Oh?" Brynja inquired, feeling her heart race, "But I thought that you both lived here?"

Loki looked at her, "No, we do not. Since Eva and I were wed, we lived outside the Palace in our own cottage. We come to the Palace to visit at certain times of the year, but the Palace has never truly been the home Sigyn has known in her life."

"I see."

The silence fell back over them, and a few minutes passed before he asked, "What did you wish to speak to me about, Lady Brynja?"

Brynja took several deep breaths trying to calm her heart and nerves. Did she really still want to give a voice to what she was feeling? One look at him told her that, yes, she did want to give voice to what she was feeling. She took a deep breath, and started speaking.

"I know that you will perhaps never feel the same way about me as I do about you, but i wanted you to know how much my thoughts and feelings regarding you have changed since I first met you. Watching how you are with Sigyn... and all the time and talks we've shared with one another has made me... come to love you, Loki. I love you not merely as a friend but... in another way as well. A deeper way."

Loki looked at her for a long moment, neither speaking or moving, and she knew she had made a mistake.

"I've made a fool of myself, and ruined what lies between us," Brynja said, standing up, "I am so sorry, my Lord, I never should have—"

He grabbed her hand before she could hurry off in humiliation, "No, please don't." He stood up so their eyes were on equal level. "My dear Brynja, you haven't made a fool of yourself or ruined anything between us. I had suspected it for quite some times, and I am sorry. But hear me out, I am not sorry because you feel the way that you do for your part. Rather, it is on my part. If we had met another time or way, I could perhaps return your love for me in the way you deserve. I am honored that you see me as being worthy of loving, but I am afraid I cannot return that love i the same way. I am still and shall always be in love with my wife, you shall. Eva isn't here any longer, has not been for many years, but I still love her with all of my heart."

Brynja looked deeply into his eyes, and saw the depths of his love for his late wife there. She nodded, and tried to hide her disappointment as she replied, "I understand, Loki. I... I just couldn't hold my feelings inside me any longer."

"And I thank you for sharing them with me. It is as I have said, I feel honored, both how you feel for me and for the courage you had to share your feelings with me. Pray, I hope we will still be able to be friends henceforth?"

"Of course, we will. I would like that very much," she said.

He opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted by a small voice calling for him.

"Father!"

With a smile, Loki turned from her, and Brynja watched him go greet his daughter.

Just as she said, Brynja remained a friend to Loki from that day forward, grateful to be his friend.

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Fill 37 Card 3: Death

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Fill 35 Card 3: Sun/Son

Both Clint and Natasha had accepted certain truths about their lives many years ago such as they'd never have ordinary lives as long as they were a part of SHIELD, and then later, the Avengers. That was fine with them, and then they found a little girl in an orphanage in Moscow they wanted to adopt as their own daughter. Soon after they adopted and brought Nadia home, they learned nothing short of a miracle had happened and Natasha was pregnant with their son Franky.

From the moment he was born, they knew that they had to do everything possible to ensure he would have a normal life far away from the dangers and violence that came with being in SHIELD.

That's when they decided that they needed a completely private and uninterrupted chat with the Director of SHIELD.

That's why they decided to break into SHIELD headquarters to talk to Director Coulson face-to-face. They couldn't risk leaks or misunderstandings.

They planned the operation meticulously together, and executed it with as much precision. They disabled cleverly placed security mechanisms and evaded guards without being detected. When they finally reached Coulson's office, he was standing in front of his desk with arms crossed with a stoic expression with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"Director Coulson, we need to have a conversation with you," she said as she locked the door.

Coulson nodded, "I've been expecting this conversation for some time. I know it's a little late but allow me to say congratulations on your son's healthy arrival." Sure Franky was almost seven years old now, but it's never too late to offer sincere congratulations right?

Clint nodded in acknowledgment, then he said. "We're informing you now, Director, that we want you to keep your distance from both of our children. SHIELD is never to have any part of their lives."

"Especially when it comes to Franky," Natasha emphasized.

"I understand your concerns and reasons why you don't want SHIELD anywhere near him, but are you sure that's the best course of action? At some point, if they're not already, other agencies will become aware of the fact that the famous Hawkeye and Black Widow have a biological son together. They might get to him at a moment you're not watching him, and make him into their own tool."

"We've already taken that into account," Clint assured him, "We'll protect him from the others if and when the time comes."

Coulson nodded, "Understood but consider this: As good as you both are, you can't be everywhere or alert all of the time. Now what I am suggesting is that when he's a little older that you allow SHIELD to—"

"No, Coulson!" Natasha snarled, "When we say Franky is not to be touched by SHIELD in any way, it's what we mean. Neither you or any Director who comes after you is to ever touch him in any way!"

"Or they can expect a nice little visit when they're least expecting it," Clint finished.

"Understood, Agent Barton. I'll be sure to note and tell whoever succeeds me as Director that the Romanoff. Barton children are off limits."

Natasha unlocked the door, "That is all we ask."

With that, they slipped out if SHIELD the same way they'd come in, like vanishing shadows in the night.

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Fill 34 Card 3: Curse

Loki's attention was drawn by the snort of a horse, that signaled the arrival of his anticipated guest. Letting go of the fractured twig he held, he managed a smile that failed to reach his eyes, and then he pivoted to greet them, "Greetings, Mother."

Frigga dismounted gracefully from her horse and approached him without hesitation, confident that her steed would remain in place. She accepted both of his outstretched hands, and after exchanging cheek kisses, she gazed at him a moment before she remarked, "Tell me the reason for your fear, Loki."

He tried to keep his voice light as he responded, "What fear, Mother? Perhaps I called you here because I wanted to see you? After all, Eva and I do not—"

Frigga quieted him with a meaningful gaze, one that only a mother could give to her child, "Your message requested secrecy, and I sensed the spells you cast upon this place as I approached," she said. "You wouldn't take such risks without a powerful motivator behind them like fear, my son. So, why have you hidden us from Heimdall's sight and hearing?" The risk she referred to was the fact that when Odin released Loki from prison, Loki had sworn never to shroud himself from Heimdall again. "I'm waiting for an answer, Loki. I want to understand why you're jeopardizing your freedom and the life you have with the woman you love."

Loki turned, and walked away from her, not speaking for some time.

"It is for Eva that I've risked my freedom," he finally said.

"Go on."

He walked around the circle he'd made for them another few steps before he inquired, "Mother, do you remember Rowena of Vanaheim?"

The Queen of Asgard nodded, although he was not looking at her, "Yes, I remember her. She was one of the more powerful wielders of magic the Nine Realms have ever seen. I have not heard her name in almost nine years now. Pray tell me why you are speaking it now, Loki."

Loki continued to pace the boundaries of the protective circle that he had created as he spoke, "The reason you have not heard that name for almost nine now is because soon after I wed Eva, Rowena was becoming a threat to the peace of the Nine Realms, and so the All-Father commanded that the Einherjar put an end to her. Because she was such a sorceress, I was dispatched along with those sent to deal with her."

"The battle did not go well," Frigga stated, not asked.

"No, it did not. Over half of the Einherjar died within minutes of engaging the witch. The only reason I was able to come near her without being slain is because of my own power. I put spells on my daggers and then hurled them at her. Her power was strong, but she was not able to keep my daggers from finding her. She fell to the ground in a heap. I had to be sure she was indeed dead, and when I approached the hag's shell, she grabbed my wrist. She pulled me to her, smeared her blood on me, and told me..." He stopped, closing his eyes.

"She told you what?" Frigga asked, pulling her cloak tightly around her.

"She spoke an incantation, and she told me she had cursed my Eva to die as she had." Loki turned to face his mother at last, "She told me that Eva will bleed to death, in childbirth, when she gives birth to our first child. A daughter, Rowena said."

His words fell into the heavy silence around them as both of them pondered the past.

Frigga walked over to her son, and lifted his head up so he was looking at her, "Hear me, Loki. Her last words were not a prophecy of unavoidable certainty. Yes, they were a curse, but curses are breakable. Eva is not doomed to this fate. I promise you I will make it my personal quest to find a way to shatter Rowena's hateful curse."

Loki's eyes glistened, and he allowed her to pull him into her embrace.

"Thank you, Mother. I can't bear to lose her."

The Queen of Asgard held her youngest son close, "I know this, Loki, and you're not going to lose her." She held him even tighter to her when the dam holding back his emotions begun to break. For several minutes, the only sound in the circle was that of his sobs as he finally released the fear and grief that he had borne alone for so long. When his tears were finally spent, Frigga asked, "Is Rowena's curse the reason you and Eva have not been blessed with a child of your own for these years of your marriage?"

Loki nodded against her, and then he pulled away, wiping his eyes, "Yes, it is. When I returned to Asgard and after I had told Odin everything that had transpired with Rowena, I begun putting spells into place that would prevent Eva from conceiving a child. I've maintained them until only just recently when I could no longer do so. Eva wants a child so much that I believe her heart is breaking at the thought we may never have one. In Midgardian terms, she has less time to conceive a child than she once did. Soon, Mother, I believe she will soon conceive, and I do not know how I will react to the news."

"With joy, Loki. You will react with the great joy all expectant fathers react with. Then when her time comes to be delivered of your child, you will find out in the moment you hold your child, what unconditional love feels like for the first time in your life."

"Pray let it be so, Mother."

"It will be, Loki. It will be everything that you and Eva dream of."

Two months later, when Eva joyfully shared the news with Loki that he would be a father, they wept in joy together.