Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait folks!

Here we are now, at journey's end. The title of this chapter is named for the song To Build a Home by the Cinematic Orchestra.

EPILOGUE

to build a home

My eyes fluttered open, fighting against the pull of blissful and far too scarce sleep. The temptation to slumber for days on end was great, a battle I nearly could not overcome. But, as much as I never wanted to rise again, there was work that needed to be done. There was always work that needed to be done. Not for the first time, the burden of responsibility struck me as undesirable.

With a groan, I shifted my head, cheek pressed against my soft and luxurious pillow. The heavy red-orange curtains were drawn over the balcony doors, allowing the barest sliver of sun to peek between the panels. I blinked in the light, curious to know the time of day.

Brow furrowed, I rolled over—an endeavour unto itself—the mountain of pillows surrounding me flying about. Through the gloom, I managed to perceive that Loki's side of the bed was absent his presence. Frowning, I sighed and trailed my hand over where he'd lain. It was not unusual to wake without him, so often was he stolen from our bed by his duties. Or his nightmares.

I laid on my side for a short while before the slow movement of the sun prompted me to prepare for the day. Of late, sitting upright proved a struggle. Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed demonstrated itself even more so. I was ungainly as ever, climbing to my feet with my hands braced around my pregnant belly.

Any day now, I thought. Until then, my already rotund stomach only seemed to grow greater with every passing night.

The very act of walking itself was becoming increasingly difficult. My whole body ached, and my back and feet were beyond sore at all times. Slow and steady, I paced the steps and padded over to the balcony doors to pull open the curtains. I squinted against the harshness of the sun and discerned that it was already well past daybreak. Which meant that I was late to the assembly. My neck flushed at the thought. Punctuality is a sign of respect. I could still hear my father saying those words.

Loosing the deepest huff I'd ever conjured, I all but waddled across the bedchamber and called for Arlessa. It was curious that she hadn't woken me earlier; she usually anticipated the start of my mornings, seeing as she began her day before even I did. And that was especially evident now that I slept at odd times.

The bedchamber door swung wide swiftly but not violently. Arlessa came bustling in, her gaze immediately seeking my protruding belly. "Is it time?" she asked—a question she bestowed upon me often of late. Perhaps my tone had been a touch more urgent than the situation warranted.

"Not yet," I replied.

Her whole form seemed to sag, but she said nothing more of the subject, instead hurrying about to prepare my garb for the day. "It is a fine morning, is it not, my lady?"

"Yes, lovely indeed." I had to suppress a smile upon seeing her pursed lips and obvious disappointment. "It is also rather late in the morning. I was hoping to have risen earlier."

My handmaiden scurried over to the wardrobe and rifled through the few court dresses that still managed to fit me. "Do not fret, my lady. I am certain the visiting dignitaries shall forgive you this one transgression."

I quirked a brow. Her words sounded too much like that of Loki, which led me to believe that she was repeating the reply he would've given had she raised the same concerns to him. And knowing Arlessa, she definitely did. "Where is my husband now?" I asked. "Or perhaps I should enquire as to when he left."

"Near an hour ago," she told me. "He said not to wake you."

I tried not to sigh at that.

She returned to the wardrobe and withdrew the elegant pale green dress I'd worn the last time the same dignitaries visited. It was the only one whose skirt began above my abdomen, allowing maximum comfort in such an uncomfortable time. Though dismayed by the lack of variation, I approved her choice and dressed with her assistance.

Impatience mounting, I forewent having my hair braided, instead letting it flow in loose curls. Arlessa sat me at the vanity and insisted on brushing it out, noting the tangles born of all the tossing and turning I did in the night. As she set out undoing one particularly nasty knot, I reached out to my golden hair comb, still sitting on my vanity, and ran my fingertips along the emeralds embedded in the surface. It amazed me, how such a small trinket had survived so much.

While Arlessa took hold of the comb to pin my hair back, a pang churned through my lower abdomen. I grimaced, hand clutching my belly, but thought little else of it as soon as it passed; it was nothing I hadn't felt in prior months.

Once I was deemed fit for the day, I rose to my feet, and we exited my chambers to meet my personal guard, Orvar, in the corridor. He bowed low to me and offered Arlesaa a wide smile that she was more than happy to return. Wordless, I headed down the shall, Arlessa and Orvar never far behind.

In the distant wake of Ragnarök, Asgard brimmed with life once more. People filled the great halls of Asgard, nobles and common folk alike, their words and laughter resounding throughout. I smiled and nodded to all I passed, and they bowed in return. In the beginning, I had found it disconcerting, that they would endow me with such respect. Had they shown the same deference to Queen Frigga when she walked these halls? Did I deserve that which they had afforded her?

Upon reaching the grand steps, Orvar hurried forth to take my hand and help me to the top—a feat that was becoming more gruelling than I would've liked to admit. A contingent of Einherjar guarded the north wing in full this day, each inclining their heads as I meandered by. They opened the doors to the throne room, granting me passage to the immense chamber. With softly spoken words of gratitude, I entered as quickly as my encumbered body would allow. Pacing the length of the chamber demonstrated itself to be a daunting task, but I did not let it deter me.

In due time, I climbed the last of the steps and caught sight of the assembly. King Faradei hovered on the left side of the throne room, accompanied by a half-dozen Light Elves and Lord Meyrick, who continued to serve as his most trusted advisor. Directly at the foot of the dais, Prince Brokk and his party of Dwarves had taken up their customary positions. Halfway up the stairs, Fandral and Hogun kept vigil, notably bereft of Volstagg whose recent difficulties with his prosthetic leg kept him from attending the past several assemblies.

When my gaze found that of Loki, a pleasant warmth spread through my chest. Since his appointment, never did he sit upon the throne of Asgard. He always stood on the dais, just at the base of the throne. He might not have been king, but he certainly dressed as one would. His black leather overcoat was chased with strips of gold, complementing the green cape he remained ever fond of.

As I ambled nearer to the throne, the envoys gave their greetings, bowing their heads at my approach. It was a reverence I did not think I could ever become accustomed to. Loki, on the other hand, seemed to take it in stride—in fact, he might have even enjoyed being held in such high esteem. The Lord and Lady of Asgard, they called us.

I graced all in our company with a soft smile. "You have my sincerest apologies for my belated arrival."

Instead of awaiting me at the top of the dais, Loki descended the steps to meet me, sweeping forth to bestow upon me a fleeting kiss. "Ah, dear wife, good of you to join us."

Hands braced on his shoulders, I lifted a brow. "Why did you not wake me? I would have rather been here with you."

Loki cast a glimpse towards our audience, each group murmuring amongst themselves, pretending not to heed our exchange. "I thought it best not to wake you," he said, eyes glinting. "The last time I attempted as such, I was nearly rewarded with a blast to the face. Forgive me for not feeling so inclined to take such a risk again."

I cleared my throat and smiled, my cheeks growing a touch warm. "That is... fair enough."

Turning, I glanced round at the guests of our assembly. "Again, I apologize for the interruption," I said, clasping my hands to my chest in a show of humility. Not that it was necessary; most of them seemed amused. Even Faradei smiled in a surprising show of good humour, considering that his dealings with Loki were often met with discord—one among several reasons why I made certain to attend every meeting.

With no further comment on my tardiness, I nodded to Faradei and the holographic map of Alfheim beside him. "In your last missive, I believe you expressed some fear with regards to a band of Kree lingering on your borders quite uninvited."

"We were in the midst of speaking on that very subject." Loki circled around me to stand across from Faradei. "There remains some uncertainty as to whether or not these Kree are mere mercenaries or actual representatives of their empire."

Faradei lifted his chin. "Yes, they make no attempt to approach, and they are oft stealthy. Even Lord Meyrick has difficulty monitoring them at a distance."

I made to speak, but a mild twinge rising in my lower abdomen forced me to pause. Folding my hands over my stomach, I grimaced and took one deep, steadying breath. The instant it passed, I paid it no further mind, so intent I was on keeping to the topic at hand. "Regardless of their affiliation, I think they should be given a wide berth for the time being," I suggested. "Watch as closely as possible while exercising caution. We do not want to alert them to your presence, yet we do not want them to catch you unawares as the Chitauri once did."

A shadow passed over the faces of all those in the Light Elf party. Even after so long, the anguish of that day lingered close to the surface. Never before had they lost a king and a prince all at once. And never again.

After a moment's pause, Loki gave a small nod. "A preferable approach, given the circumstances. Not once has any association with the Kree ever proven to be pleasant." A sardonic smirk tugged at his lips. "Aside from that, I am willing to wager they are simply passing through your realm. Alfheim has nothing of value."

While I cast Loki a sharp look, Faradei merely pursed his lips, his irritation simmering behind his eyes. "That is not a wager in which I would partake, for these are my lands they trod upon," he said. "At the least, we are in agreement about one thing: there is nothing we have that the Kree would want, and we have had no contact with them in the past."

"Perhaps this has more to do with their increased interest in Midgard. There is a certain subset of humans with which they have been curiously fascinated—the Inhumans, I believe Lady Sif calls them," Loki remarked. "Alfheim happens to lie in that trajectory. I would send Sif to Alfheim in the instance the Kree do pay you a visit; she has had dealings with them in the past."

"Don't you think that perhaps Hogun and I should see to the Kree?" Fandral suggested.

Loki lifted a brow. "What? So you might exercise your wonderful skills of diplomacy should the need arise?"

Chuckling, Fandral shared a glance with Hogun. "You say that as though Sif is any better skilled at diplomacy. Her last encounter with a Kree did not end on the best of terms."

"I think Fandral might be right—about going to Alfheim in her stead, not about her lack of diplomatic expertise." I chewed on the inside of my cheek to withhold a smile. "In any event, King Faradei will most likely serve as speaker should the need for diplomacy arise. Fandral and Hogun will simply be representatives of Asgard in a bid for peace—or as our finest warriors, if anything goes awry. Even so, I do not recommend engaging the Kree in violence."

Fandral and Hogun bowed their heads. "You may rely on us, my lady," Fandral said.

"I will be glad for the assistance. But, before we depart, I would like a moment longer to consult with the Lady Eirlys." Faradei looked towards me, smiling now. "You know your warriors and you know the lands of Alfheim. Your perspective on our approach would be much appreciated. That is assuming there is nothing else Lord Loki wishes to discuss."

Lord Loki. I did not think the title would ever stop sounding strange to my ears.

Although Loki lifted a brow, he did not hesitate to nod in agreement. "We shall see what becomes of the Kree before we intervene any further." With his back to the holographic map, he turned to address me. "In the meantime, Thor has left me with the scintillating task of assessing the Dwarves' dragonling problem." A few of the Dwarves grumbled, irked by his impertinent tone. Prince Brokk, on the other hand, gave a soft chortle. "I fear the matter requires my immediate attention."

The 'dragonling problem' was, in some ways, our responsibility. Hakurei had nested in the tunnels beneath Bàhn Modan not just to hide, but to lay her eggs. Left unchecked, those eggs hatched into dragonlings that were now compromising the integrity of the tunnels with their wild scampering and unruly dragon fire.

"Thor left the task to you?" I said, quirking a brow. "And why can he not attend to Nidavellir himself?"

Loki scoffed at the very notion. "I would not trust Thor to handle such creatures with due care. He would, in all likelihood, cause greater damage before actually solving the problem."

"Aside from that, he's already promised to help his fine mortal friends with some new quandary of their own making," Fandral chimed in.

Gracing Loki with a wry look, I shook my head. "Still, I worry. Slaying dragons was never your forte, even if they are not fully grown."

"If it will assuage your fears, I will send for Sif the Dragonslayer to lend aid once she completes the day's training," Loki replied.

I chuckled at that. "Very well then. I would accompany you to the Bifrost, but I suspect that it would not be a particularly expedient departure."

Ever astute, Hogun descended the dais steps and gestured for those in our company to allow us a moment to say our farewells. As the Light Elves moved to stand some ways to the left and the Dwarves began muttering to one another, I stepped close to Loki and cupped his jaw. "It will be a lengthy journey to the tunnels deep beneath Bàhn Modan. Who knows how long it shall be until your return."

His expression grew pinched. "I know. Now it's no challenge to see why Thor was so willing to entrust me with this vocation. Such menial tasks are below him."

"Menial tasks? This is what a king does. Someone must look after the Nine Realms—all nine of them," I told him, and the tension in his frame dissolved. "Let us simply hope you are not kept past sundown this time."

Smirk in place, Loki leaned down and captured my lips with his. While I was eager to return the kiss, we had to end it too soon for my liking, for we were still in the presence of friends and envoys. "I will not be gone long," he murmured, his fingers brushing my stomach. "My patience runs dreadfully thin. I may resort to razing the tunnels after all and be done with it."

"And resort to what you'd surely claim to be a Thor-like tactic?" With a small smile, I took a step back. "Rest assured, there are only so many of them to be found. There is always an end."

Even as Loki gave me a long, searching look, gaze flitting over my features, I sensed his thoughts to be elsewhere. "Yes, I suppose there is." He pressed one final kiss to my temple. "We best go. I believe we have kept our guests waiting long enough."

I felt my cheeks grow warm, knowing full well there were a dozen people waiting on us, and he turned from me to usher the Dwarves from the throne room. Glancing at those who remained, I inclined my head and returned to the holographic map of Alfheim where the Elves prepared to hold further discourse. Lord Meyrick led the conversation, as he'd often done during my time in Alfheim. I had not been privy to Alfheim's assemblies when King Tylock was present, but Castien often sought my opinion on matters in his absence. This was no different.

Using the holographic display and a perfectly thorough description, Lord Meyrick shared all that they knew. The Kree had taken to hiding in the mountains, the rocky and uneven terrain too difficult for the Light Elves to ascend and monitor with any semblance of stealth. "And what of the surrounding hillsides?" I asked. "Too steep to climb still?"

"Indeed," Faradei replied. "Though the forests do provide excellent cover."

I shared a glance with Fandral before nodding towards those forests. "Could a skiff hide in those trees?"

Meyrick raised a brow. "I do believe so."

"Then you are fortunate you've already enlisted the help of an exceptional pilot," Fandral said.

Hogun loosed a breath of laughter. "That is what he believes."

With a bemused smile, Faradei canted his head. "You would spare a skiff for us?"

"It's not as though we are in grave need of it," I told him. "Loki might have even suggested it if he thought the presence of the Kree were any real concern." I upturned one hand, resting the other on my stomach. "Truth be told, I do not see these Kree as a threat, but I would rather you be certain than be forced to speculate from afar."

In response, Meyrick beamed. "It is a greatly appreciated boon, Lady Eirlys."

The remainder of our meeting was spent strategizing, a discussion I left to Fandral and Hogun, for they would ultimately be the ones to accompany the Elves on their surveillance. When all was said and settled, we did not linger much longer in the throne room, concluding our conference with no more words than necessary. Left with the task of escorting our guests from the realm, I led them down the length of the chamber, basking in the beam of sun that shone from directly above.

Once we entered the north wing, Fandral moved through the others to match my pace. "Should you be walking as much as you are? I do recall you remarking upon the endless ache in your back just yesterday."

His concern somehow put me at ease and made me flush all at once; perhaps it was the knowledge that I was always surrounded by those who cared for me. "It is a short walk to the grand entrance. I am quite certain I shall find a nice place to rest afterwards."

"Would this 'nice place' be the sparring grounds?" Hogun asked from Fandral's other side.

I had to smile at that. They knew me well. "Possibly." With the assumption that Sif had not yet left for Nidavellir to accompany Loki, she would be found on the sparring grounds, training the newest Einherjar recruits. Had it not been for my condition, I would have joined her—I certainly wanted to. But, alas, being extremely pregnant was not conducive to swordplay. "It may require an inordinate amount of time to reach my destination, but I will not be dissuaded."

Fandral chuckled as we arrived at the entrance hall. "Then we shall leave you to your leisurely amble and see you on the other side of this hall." Together with Hogun, he led most of the Elves to the fore of our group, conducting amiable conversation. They did not seem to heed the baleful look I cast their way.

Slowing to stride at my side, Faradei bestowed upon me a faint smile. "I am glad to see that Asgard has found some form of stability." He nodded and glanced round the entrance hall, in the direction of my good-humoured friends and the presently carefree Asgardians milling about. "It is quite the wonder."

"You sound surprised." I canted my head. "Did you think we were not capable?"

He looked to his left, exchanging a look with Meyrick before shaking his head. "I did not mean it like that."

"You did, but you're much too polite to admit it," I said, pressing my lips together to smother a laugh. "And you're not wrong to think it. I find myself amazed that everything remains so intact after... after the All-Father passed from this universe."

Meyrick peered over at me, his kindly gaze calming. "Did you doubt Loki's abilities?"

"No, it wasn't that." Heaving a sigh, I let my regard drift over the grand chamber laid out before us. To say that Loki had an appalling history with Asgard was an understatement. A great number of denizens protested Loki's designation as the 'Lord High Steward of Asgard'—a chorus of voices silenced by the fact that Loki had been among those who stopped the breach into the Netherverse from swallowing the entirety of the Nine Realms. That did not, of course, erase every speck of doubt. "It has not been easy. A great number of Asgardians questioned Thor's decision to bestow such power upon Loki. And I cannot blame them, even as I cannot agree with them."

Faradei bowed his head. "For whatever it may be worth, I might not appreciate Lord Loki's attitude, nor do I always agree with his methods, but I do think he has proven himself."

"He is not so unlike Odin." Lord Meyrick levelled his gaze with mine. "I think you realize that. As does Thor."

The thought brought the smallest of wry smiles to my lips. "Do not let him hear you say that."

Well ahead of us, the waiting Einherjar opened the grand entrance for Fandral, Hogun, and the Light Elf warriors. The sun streamed through, widening from a mere sliver to a seemingly endless glow. As we approached, Fandral and Hogun were prepared to take their leave, waiting only to bow their heads to me. "We will return before long," Fandral said. "We shall report our findings when we next speak. Assuming that we have anything of interest to report."

The Asgardian warriors were the first to march through, requesting an Einherjar to bring forth a skiff while the Light Elves sent for grooms to fetch their steeds. As the rest of their company made ready for their departure, Faradei and Meyrick came to a standstill beside me.

"I do believe we have been away from Alfheim long enough," Faradei remarked.

"Of course." Grimacing, I placed my hands on my stomach at the feeling of another cramp. Nothing more than early contractions, I thought. The same as I felt several days ago. I brushed the thought aside once the grooms brought forth Faradei's horse. "Do not let me keep you."

Faradei tilted his head, glancing down at my pregnant belly. "Will the baby be born soon?"

"We expect so. I very much hope so."

"Then I expect we shall not be parted for long." Steps slow and doddering, Meyrick crossed in front of Faradei to take my hands in his weathered ones. "I am proud of you, of all that you have accomplished and overcome. Of the life you have found here."

With a shaky smile, I curled my fingers over his.

In return, he bore a far more mournful smile. "And I know she would be too."

Heart aching, I lowered my eyes. I did not have to ask who he meant. "I miss her."

"As do we all. But she is not gone." He released my hands and tucked a knuckle beneath my chin to meet my gaze. "Not entirely."

Nothing else passed between us before he turned to hobble down the cobblestone, accepting aid from the nearest Einherjar with as much grace as he could muster. As Meyrick endeavoured to mount his horse, Faradei lingered beside me, quietly watching his kin manoeuvre into formation.

"Never did I think our lives would turn out this way. The circumstances in which we have found ourselves... Castien would have thought it humorous." He gave a wry breath of laughter and shook his head. "I am glad, though, to see you happy and among those you love most."

Although I thought to speak, the lump in my throat kept me from doing so. He's right, I mused. I am home at last.

"Farewell, Lady Eirlys," he said with his fist over his heart and the bow of his head. "I am certain we shall see one another in the near future."

When he made to leave, I reached out to grasp his arm, drawing him to a stop. "You serve your people well, Faradei," I said. "Your brother would have thought the same."

At that, he smiled. "And this is what Castien wished you could have. You are yourself here, surrounded by all these people. You thrive in the disorder."

I blinked, a little taken aback by the observation, but I did not seek to refute him.

Again, Faradei bowed his head. "I should also remind you that Driana and her ladies-in-waiting wish to pay another visit to the great Lady of Asgard. I am sure they would love little more than to fuss over you."

I chuckled and tried not to let being called 'the Lady of Asgard' bother me. "I will be sure to call upon them soon."

We exchanged our final partings, and he joined his fellows, mounting his black charger in an effortless motion. I watched them go, their horses' hooves beating noisily upon the cobblestones. As I lifted my hand in farewell to Fandral and Hogun, my mind drifted back to Faradei's words. You thrive in the disorder. Even if I desired nothing more than peace and quiet, Asgard would never grant it to me. Yet I could not find it in myself to be concerned about it in the slightest. Perhaps I was never meant to live a life of utter tranquility. Perhaps that was never what I wanted.

With a heavy sigh, I looked to Arlessa and Orvar before turning to make my way towards the sparring grounds in the hopes of paying Sif a visit prior to her departure for Nidavellir. Just as I turned, I very nearly walked into a tall, firm figure. Thankfully, the sedate speed of my dawdling body kept the minor mishap from escalating into a disastrous collision. "Oh! My apologies." When I peered up to see the owner of the expansive chest, I realized that it was Thor.

"The apology is mine," he replied, beaming. "I approached with the assumption that you were aware of my presence."

"No harm was done." Brow furrowing, I canted my head. "I thought you left for Midgard this morning?"

His grin grew a little wider. "That was my intention, but I succumbed to distraction on the sparring grounds."

A distraction by the name of Sif, I thought. "Ah, so your 'mission' on Midgard wasn't a falsehood imparted to unload all of your kingly responsibilities upon Loki?"

Thor had the decency to look abashed. "I would never do that if it were of great import. The most menial of tasks, however..."

"Dragonlings in Nidavellir, a menial task?" With the playful roll of my eyes, I could not suppress my amusement. "Then I suppose you do not regret appointing Loki to his position."

"Not at all, if you can believe it."

"I can." It was heartening to see that his faith in Loki had not wavered despite the many protestations. What was even more heartening was the fact that his faith had never been proven to be misplaced. "The wellbeing of Asgard is more significant to him than many realize. He is nothing if not dedicated."

For a moment, Thor frowned, a shadow passing over his features. "There was a time when I did not think I could ever trust Loki again. But we've since fought side by side, faced the end of the Cosmos together... and he is still my brother." With a faint breath of laughter, he shook his head. "I know many have questioned my decision to allow him such authority. Many have even questioned whether or not I am of sound mind. All the same, I do trust him."

I snorted softly. "If that is the mark of madness, then neither of us are of sound mind."

Though Thor chuckled, his mirth seemed to fade into an uncommon show of sincerity. "Truth be told, it was not Loki's shrewd mind that leant to my choice. You may be right to say Loki is dedicated to Asgard." His eyes gleamed in the sunlight streaming through the grand entrance when he gazed down at me. "But the one thing in this universe to which Loki is most dedicated is you. He cares about you first and foremost, and I know I can trust him because of that."

"You think his love for me matters that much?" I asked.

"I do believe it matters the most." Thor thumped a hand on my shoulder, this time with a surprising amount of restraint. "He trusts and relies upon you. Which is why I am more than happy to leave Asgard in your capable hands while I am gone."

My cheeks grew warm at the implication, and I loosed a heavy breath in an attempt to dispel the feeling. "Of course, you best go soon." I pressed up on my toes to kiss his cheek. "Give my greetings to the Avengers."

"I will," he replied. "The mishaps on Midgard never seem to cease. It appears they will always require my might."

A laugh accompanied the shake of my head. "Ever so—"

Pain churned through me, causing me to double over, hands clutched around my belly. Thor came to my side and clasped my elbow to support me, frantic questions spilling forth. Even as I perceived his confusion, I could not discern his words, for the escalating ache twisting through my abdomen kept me from comprehending anything else. The pangs I'd experienced earlier in the day were negligible compared to this. There was no need to hazard a guess as to what was happening.

I was in labour.

"Oh Norns..."

That seemed to be enough to prompt Arlessa into action—she'd been prepared to take action for weeks now. Circling around Thor, she took my other arm in her grasp. "We must get you to the healing room immediately, my lady."

Without another word, Thor and Arlessa gently guided me forwards, but not before I glanced back at Orvar. "Find my husband! He'll have reached Bàhn Modan by now."

Orvar bowed and did not hesitate to dash through the grand entrance to retrieve a horse.

The walk to the house of healing was made swift by virtue of the support provided by Thor and Arlessa. I took Thor's hand in mine, peering up at him. "Should you not be venturing to Midgard?" I asked. "You are late as it is."

Thor shook his head, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "We do not expect to begin the mission until tomorrow," he said. "And I would not leave you now. They can wait if need be."

Wordless, I smiled and nodded, comforted by his mere presence.

We reached the healing room in little time. Most of the beds in the lengthy chamber were unoccupied, save for those nearest to the door where Volstagg and Hildegund were sitting with Marawen—a consult about his prosthetic leg, I presumed. Brusque as ever, Marawen leapt from her seat to attend to me, not even bothering to spare a word for Volstagg and Hildegund.

"Step back, let me see her." Waving Arlessa and Thor away, Marawen took my arm and set me on the fourth bed from the door. "Contractions? How far apart?"

I grit my teeth as another contraction gripped my whole being, squeezing and twisting. "I... I don't know. They've only just begun."

Marawen gave a curt nod and shouted, "Sigrun! Time her contractions."

From a chair in the far corner of the room, Sigrun sprang to her feet and hovered over me with a small sandglass in hand. As Marawen bustled about, collecting all that was needed for the coming birth, Hildegund approached to offer me a tumbler of water. I accepted it eagerly and took several large gulps, pausing only to take in deep breaths.

Balanced almost precariously on the edge of the bed, I felt the full brunt of the circumstances. Tears threatened to well in my eyes, and for one fleeting moment, I wished Frigga were here. I wished she could guide me. Support me. As I hoped she would have been able to do well into our lives. Most of all, I simply wanted her to be here for this, to bear witness to the birth of what we would have considered her grandchild.

Again, a contraction wrenched at my insides. I groaned and gripped my stomach, the tumbler nearly slipping from my hand. But Hildegund was swift, taking the glass to place it aside before brushing her hand over my brow. "It's all right, Eirlys. Just take deep breaths. If you feel like you need to walk, you can. I was pacing up a storm when I had Gudrun."

With a shaky breath, I took Hildegund's hand, and she helped me to my feet. When I began pacing up and down the aisle between the rows of beds, I caught sight of Arlessa, Volstagg, and Thor lingering by the door. All three of them looked rather uncertain of what to do. In the back of my mind, I found their unease amusing, but I was much too consumed by my pacing to comment on it.

Concentrating only on my own breathing, I paid little heed to anything else until movement at the door drew my attention. My heart leapt and settled in an instant. In the doorway was not who I was hoping to see, but it was a welcome addition to our company nevertheless. Sif entered the room, her eyes meeting those of Thor before she made her approach.

I pressed a hand to my chest, smiling at the sight of her still dressed in her armour. "Sif? What are you doing here?" I asked, coming to a halt. "I thought you'd been called away to Nidavellir. You needn't be here for this."

Sif scoffed and exchanged a look with Thor. "Of course I do," she replied. "Eirlys, you are my dearest friend, and you are about to give birth. I'm not going anywhere. None of us are."

A pleasant lightness seemed to spread from my heart, filling my chest. I gave her a hug as best I could considering my current size and increasing soreness. Just as I was on the verge of voicing my gratitude, I backed away, hands clutched around my tensing abdomen, as if I could mitigate the pain brought about by the contractions. Sif's grip on me tightened, and she led me towards my designated bed.

"All right, everyone, you must wait in the corridor!" Marawen declared, hastening back to my side with a bowl full of water. Sigrun and several other healers—Gaila and Lyress, both healers who I'd apprenticed beside—remained behind her, awaiting instructions. The ordinarily severe Marawen stopped next to Sif, her expression a touch less stern for the briefest of moments. "Even you, Lady Sif."

Casting me one last look, Sif offered an encouraging smile before departing from my side to join Thor and the others on their way out.

"Hildegund is right," Sigrun said to me, her voice infinitely gentler than that of Marawen. "You should walk a little, if you prefer."

Once my friends exited the room, I stood still for several long moments, resting my hands on my belly, my heart sinking. Despite being surrounded by my familiars, I felt oddly alone. Where was Loki? His absence weighed me down, gripping me with a strange sense of unease. With a deep inhale and an equally deep exhale, I began walking up and down the chamber once more. My chest tightened, the heavy thud against my sternum near unbearable.

I paused to address Gaila. "Where is my husband? I want him to be here."

"I know not, my lady," she said, her tone warm. "I am certain he will arrive soon."

Doubt flooded my mind. I'd always pictured Loki at my side when the baby was born. I didn't like to imagine otherwise. I wanted him to be here. I needed him to be here. Wringing my hands at the thought, I stopped only when another contraction wracked my body. As soon as it passed, I walked again, pausing to drink and eat a little some minutes later.

The healers stayed with me at all times, providing whatever I may have needed. It felt like days went by—in truth, it was mere hours. Endless hours. And with every passing hour, my worries and fears heaped on top of one another. What if Loki could not be found in time? What if he could not return fast enough? What if the baby arrives and Loki is not here?

When what must have been the hundredth contraction tore at me from the inside, all the healers in the room descended upon me.

Sigrun was at my elbow first. "Less than two minutes apart now."

For one ludicrous moment, I thought to resist their guiding hands to demand where Loki was before I recognized that it would make no difference. The baby was coming now.

They escorted me to a bed further in, one that had been piled high with dozens of pillows, and eased me onto the soft, thick sheets. After propping me upright against the cushions, Gaila removed my hair comb and placed it on the bedside table with a careful hand. Turning back to me, she pressed a moist towel to my forehead, the coolness soothing. Before I could revel in this simple pleasure, a figure of black and green came barrelling into the room.

The imagined burden of facing this trial by my lonesome lifted from my shoulders when I saw him. His gaze passed over the healers scurrying between us until he found mine. They cleared a path, allowing him to pass them by, his green cape billowing behind him as he marched across the chamber to kneel at my side.

When he took my hand in his, I took in his appearance—hair in disarray, eyes watery, cheeks reddened. I quirked a brow. "Loki, did you run here?"

"Run here?" he scoffed. "Don't be absurd. I rode my horse to exhaustion to reach you. The guard you sent took far too long to locate me; I should have him flogged."

"Please do not have Orvar flogged." I could not be certain of whether or not he was being facetious. Either way, a laugh burst through my lips, which soon gave way to yet another contraction. The sheer pain of it coursed through me, and I crushed Loki's hand with mine in some attempt to alleviate the torment. It was an anguish that rivalled the greatest of which I'd ever felt before. That notion sent my pulse racing, a terrible chill surging through my veins before the pain settled, ever threatening to rise again.

Gripping Loki's hand harder, if at all possible, I leaned closer to him, my eyes brimming with tears. "I'm scared," I murmured. "I don't know if I can do this."

He did not seek to console me with empty soothing words, nor did I expect him to. Instead, he chuckled and tucked his free hand beneath my jaw, his thumb stroking my cheek. "Eirlys, you've faced Dark Elves, sorcerers, demons, the Mad Titan, even Surtur himself," he said. "If you can endure every other peril the Nine Realms has thrown into your path, I am certain you can accomplish this."

"Loki..."

His eyes softened then, and he pressed his brow to mine, the unexpected gesture making my heart twist. "You can do this."

At my feet, Marawen tugged up the skirt of my dress and removed my smallclothes. Several seconds passed before she appeared in my sightline, just over my knees. While the other healers gathered around her, Gaila came around to stand on the side of the bed opposite to Loki. After a moment, when everyone was in place, Marawen nodded. "You're dilated and ready," she said. "It's time to push."

Something made me hesitate. I glanced at Loki, my chest rising and falling with strained breaths. He was right. I'd faced all manner of things. I'd survived all manner of things. I took part in averting Ragnarök, wielded the Aether, and helped banish Surtur from this universe forevermore. I can do this.

Marawen looked at me again, and I was surprised to see her expression was not full of the irritation I expected. She gave a soft smile and nodded once more. "Eirlys, push now."

With a deep breath, I did as she bid.

I squeezed Loki's hand in mine, screams spilling unbidden from my lips. I'd suffered many pains over the years. I carried scars born from the worst of them, some visible and some unseen: the arrow wound on my side, the terrible invasion of my mind, the jorgandr venom burn, the heartbreak, the deaths of loved ones. It seemed strange that pain of such magnitude could be the herald of death—and yet it could also bring forth life.

I had no way of knowing how long it lasted. Agony wash over me in waves while I pushed when instructed, my hold on Loki never loosening, the cold compress at my brow offering minimal comfort.

Again and again, I pushed and pushed.

"Just one more, Eirlys! You're nearly there."

Then, as one last scream tore through my throat, another voice joined my own.

The baby's cry filled the room, and I gave way at the sound, slumping back against the mountain of pillows, panting in a desperate vie to catch my breath. My hand grew slack within Loki's, but he did not let go. I lifted my eyes, my vision growing bleary but not bleary enough to rob me of his smile. He did not speak. He simply leaned close and pressed a kiss to my damp brow, the simple affection all but overwhelming.

Marawen approached some moments later, a well-wrapped bundle in her arms. "Here she is," she murmured, bending at the knees to shift the baby into my arms. "You have a healthy daughter."

I sniffled, tears burgeoning in my eyes. Heart swelling, I held her to my breast, fingertips trailing gently over the soft tufts of dark hair curled atop her head. She squinted in the sun, the light proving far too much for her eyes. Eyes that were experiencing the world for the first time. I caressed her tiny fingers, my thumb almost larger that her entire hand. With a trembling breath, I looked at Loki and met his glistening eyes.

Angling myself nearer to Loki, I held her towards him, and he took her into his hold, his touch more careful and tender than ever before. He cradled our daughter close, his gaze taking in every last detail of her small features. "Welcome to Asgard, Alleria."

He stared at her, silent and in awe. Like he could not believe something so wonderful could ever exist.

When he returned her to my arms, I heaved a great sigh and leaned my head into Loki, my brow against his neck. He rested his chin atop my head and hugged me close, his long fingers stroking Alleria's cheek as her eyes opened a little wider. Hazel. With flecks of green. She had my eyes. My mother's eyes.

We remained as such for a time, the healers scuttling about to maintain my comfort and clean up as best they could. After a fashion, once I was made moderately presentable with a blanket pulled over my legs and up to my waist, our friends and family entered the room. Volstagg's cheer and Thor's deep chuckle were the first signs of their approach. Sif utterly beamed at us, and I could not help but laugh at her expression.

Everyone gathered around, gazing down at Alleria, brimming with delight. Loki relinquished his hold on me to draw away, but I tugged on the lapel of his overcoat to gift him with a fleeting kiss and did not let him stray any further.

I nestled close to Loki, our daughter between us, and wished this could last forever. For once, we were at peace. We did not live in the shadow of death. Even so, there was no knowing how long it would remain that way. Our world would never see such serenity. All we could do was revel in the quiet moments and treasure the life and hope that they bestowed upon us.

Leaning back, I found Loki's gaze, his eyes shining in the midday sun. No matter what the future brought, there seemed very little that we could not endure. We'd withstood the worst the Cosmos had to offer. We'd been forced apart, forced to fight, forced to risk our lives for one another. We neared the very ending of the universe itself and turned back from it. We protected each other, no matter the cost.

And yet, of everything that we'd done, one endeavour surpassed all the rest.

Together, we built a home.

fin

Author's Note: I suppose this will be my final author's note for this story. Let me just start off by saying a huge thanks to all of my readers, whether you've been here since the very beginning or you're here now long after I've posted. It's been a blast sharing this with all of you.

I also want to say thanks to my original beta, Hr'awkryn. I don't know if you'll ever see this, but I hope you know your help was indispensable and I learned a lot from you as a writer.

Five years ago this month, I started writing this story as a kind of experiment. I wanted to see what I was capable of as a writer, and I wanted to play around with the idea of writing a redemption story for Loki. This was the result. It's had its ups and downs, and for a moment there I was afraid I wasn't going to finish. But I'm glad I did, even if it took me years and I lost a lot of readers along the way. Now I'll have to say goodbye to Eirlys and the journey she's taken. It's been an epic ride.

As for me, I'll keep writing without a doubt. Whether or not that involves more fanfiction, you never know!

Please feel free to leave a review. I'll always read and appreciate them. And if you have any questions, I'll do my best to respond.

Fare thee well, my dear readers.