Work Text:
Jotunheim is a harsh realm. With winter only just begining to thaw into spring, thick sheets of ice and snow cover the ground. Even the burliest Jotun still needs a fur over their shoulders to defend against the chill. It's morning, but with the sun only beginning to rise, the temperature is frigid.
Inside the palace halls of Utgard is a completely different story. Despite what the climate of their realm makes outsiders presume, the Jotuns are a warm and loving people who enjoy a cozy atmosphere. Large fireplaces are lit to keep out the cold. Many Jotuns are seated around a långbord, a large table where nobles, servants and common folk alike break bread. The sound of cheerful chatter is a pleasant background noise as the royal family enjoys breakfast together before starting their day.
Laufey is seated at the head of the grand table, she smiles as she surveys the scene before her. To her left is her eldest son Byleistr and his mate Kristjana, though they have yet to marry, she considers Jana her daughter. Byleistr is level headed and sturdy while Jana is wise and compassionate, Laufey is certain Jotunheim will be in good hands when it is their time to rule.
To her right is her husband Farbauti. A devoted spouse and father. While other realm's Kings hoard power, Farbauti knows it's best shared. Laufey and Farbauti rule equally, dividing the burden makes them stronger.
Next to Farbauti is their middle child Helblindi. He is a boisterous man, quick to rash decisions, but can be counted on to defend those who need it. She can see great things in his future, although currently he looks a little peaky.
Seated next to him in a booster seat is her youngest, Loki. Almost too clever for his own good, Loki has a passion for learning and pranks. Laufey and Loki share a love of travel. They tend to come and go as they please, sometimes together but other times Loki joins his brothers or Jana on their trips.
Loki looks very different from his brothers. He is short, lean, and still has the bright sky blue skin of a newborn, despite being well past the age for it. His brothers are tall, muscular, and have the cooler powdery blue that Jotun's develope in puberty. Where his brothers wear more traditional browns and grey's, Loki proudly wears bright colors that are traditionally reserved for children. Today he is wearing a violet tunic with gold detailing and matching trousers. To this day she is humbled that she was allowed the Glorious Purpose of birthing a kærleika.
Loki notices Laufey's gaze and raises an amused eyebrow before pointedly turning back to Byleistr. Laufey tunes back in to what her eldest is saying.
"-still getting reports, but I think the villages in the outer regions will need help. The thaw may take longer this year and several villages have reported their seed savers took damage from the winds."
Ah, yes, the blizzard, it happened unusually late in the year with stronger winds than normal. Laufey isn't worried about the thaw, having a kærleika born guarantees good springs and a plentiful harvest for as long as they live. Farbauti sends her a glance, probably knowing exactly what she is thinking, but she stays quiet on the issue. She's glad to see her children taking this problem seriously. Besides, even with the good fortune their Loki brings, it doesn't mean they should get lazy.
"I know Utgard's nursery has some spare crop seed savers, if we can get every town to contribute just a few, there should be plenty for everyone" Jana pipes up, she is well trained in horticulture, "once we find out how many are needed I can collect and deliver them."
"I'd like to join you," Loki adds "I think-"
"Uhg, guys really!?" Helblindi interrupts, covering his face as he drops his toast "can't we discuss the realm's problems later? This is breakfast, can we not enjoy it?"
With his face covered Helblindi misses how Loki's annoyance at being interrupted flashes into a look of understanding before morphing into a sly smirk.
"Yes, let's!" Loki agrees, "Hel, how was that whiskey you "sampled" last night, hm? The rare one from the locked--"
Well, a hangover explains his peaky-ness. Helblindi shoots up, his hand crashing right in to the lingonberry jam in his haste "I hear the kitchen staff is going to prepare a ridiculous amount of almond spritz cookies for the Spring Festival!"
"Smooth" Byleistr snorts as Loki's eyes widen.
"Really?" Loki asks, all thoughts of getting back at his brother erased.
Laufey hides an amused smile behind her tea cup as Farbauti frowns "rare whiskey? Wait, was that my-"
"Pardon the interruption" an older Jotun, Birk, shuffles his way over to the family. His face is grim, "we just received an urgent telegram, there is a Frost Beast attacking a village in the High Toskas' eastern valley. They are requesting aid right away, the damage is heavy and the beast still rages."
Laufey and Farbauti are out of their seats before he finished talking, ready to take charge.
"Loki, wait for the group, you can't just-" Laufey turns at Byleistr's distressed call, she catches a shimmer of green where Loki was sitting.
"And he did" Helblindi jokes, but he looks worried.
"Stubborn boy" Laufey mumbles affectionately.
"He gets it from you" Farbauti reminds her before addressing the others "Byleistr, I want you to gather warriors, leave the moment you're ready, the village is still under attack." Byleistr nods and heads out right away.
"Isn't the village of Thrymheim closer? It would make more sense to have them send soldiers, Loki needs backup!" Helblindi protests.
Laufey shakes her head "they are closer, but their path through the mountain is steeper, our warriors will arrive faster. Have faith in your brother, he will be alright until we arrive."
Farbauti nods in agreement, "Jana, I want you to go inform the healers of the situation, gather any salves you have that may help."
"Right," Jana walks briskly off to the healing halls.
"Helblindi," Laufey looks to her son "I want you to summon a zoologist and a tracker."
Helblindi stops short, confused at her directions "what, why? Surely you don't plan on studying it."
"No," Laufey agrees, "however it's unusual for a Frost Beast to leave the inner caverns of the High Toskas Mountains. It's best to have an expert with us."
Helblindi nods, "yes, mother," she stops him and hands him an herb from one of her many pockets.
"For your hangover and headache." He nods gratefully, putting the leaves under his tongue as he goes to complete his task
Laufey and Farbauti share a look "one of us should stay here to keep things running" Farbauti points out.
Laufey merely raises her eyebrow.
Farbauti huffs "yes, yes, alright. You go to him, goodness knows he'll want you anyway."
Laufey smiles and kisses her husband on the cheek before heading to the nursery to prepare a bag.
***
Loki lands on a high ledge overlooking the small town to see how he can help. He lets out a shiver, wishing he had grabbed his furs, his small stature makes him more vulnerable to the cold. It'd be a waste of magic to go back now. Even if it wasn't, the urge to protect his people is too strong to ignore. A quick sweep shows many injured Jotun and damaged buildings, they need him.
The shrieks of the Frost Beast catch his attention, he sees a handful of villagers trying to corral it away from the village. One man jabs the beast with a spear and it lets out another shriek, ready to charge.
Loki teleports down to the group and erects a shield just in time, the beast slams against the shield hard. Loki keeps his arms up, pouring energy into the barrier, the creature is stubborn though and keeps pushing back. While protective magic is Loki's specialty, the Frost Beast is twice the size of the Jotuns around him and incredibly strong. Loki worries he'll run out of energy before the beast does.
"I need rope!" Loki demands to a nearby man who has lost his weapon.
"I don't have enough to hold that thing!" The Jotun cries back, fear in his eyes.
"Don't worry about the-ah- the amount! Any will do!" Loki grunts out.
He looks doubtful, one of the other Jotuns with a spear shakes a hand at him "go! Listen to the Kærleika you fool!"
The man runs off to complete his task. Loki grits his teeth, sweat beading on his brow. The villagers who still have weapons gather by his side, ready to defend Loki and the village if the shield falls.
Luckily the Jotun who went to get the rope returns quickly "I have it!"
"Good," Loki strains "hold it beside me."
The Jotun rushes to Loki's side, holding the rope out. The mage takes a deep breath, and gathers his strength, taking a moment to center himself before using the shield to shove the Frost Beast with all of his might. He quickly drops the barrier, casts a spell to multiply the rope's length and then uses a separate casting to bind the creature's legs with the rope, causing it to fall. Luckily he had used that particular prank on Hel and By a lot growing up, so binding spells were second nature. The beast was thoroughly secured.
The Frost Beast struggles against the ropes, trying to get free again.
"We should kill it," a villager approaches the animal with his spear raised.
"Wait," Loki says, the man immediately stops, "this one seems small-" that earns a laugh from the Jotun who had gotten the rope. "No, really" Loki approaches the beast, appraising it. "I've read that Frost Beasts can grow up to 10 meters. I think this one is a child." He cautiously puts a hand onto it's back. Now that he is touching it he's able to release a calming stream of seiðr over the creature, lulling it to sleep.
"Leave it alone," Loki cautions, "it's best we wait for the reinforcements from Utgard. I'm going to check on the town, I want you all to guard the creature. Do not harm it, if I'm right and we kill this animal we'll have a very angry mother on our hands."
With the beast secure and the Jotun's word they won't hurt it, Loki turns back to the village. He makes it past the first few buildings before letting out a shiver, in the excitement he had forgotten how cold he was. His attention wavers, for a moment he simply stands still, trying to gather his thoughts. What.... what is he doing? Why is he outside alone? Helblindi plays with him outside all the time but... he doesn't see his big brother anywhere. It's so cold. His eyes swim with tears, he wants someone to pick him up and tell him he's ok but-
"Kærleika, help! Please!" The desperate call snaps Loki back into a big headspace, he hadn't even realized he was slipping. He shakes his head to bring back his focus and jogs to the source of the yelling. A woman is bent over a young girl who can't be older than 9. "Please help her!" She cries again when she spots him.
Loki kneels down beside them. He can already see the girl's leg is broken. He clears his mind and places a hand to her stomach, his seiðr flows into the girl, letting him "look" for other injuries. He's grateful for the time he spent training with the healers while he learned to control his gifts. He's able to identify where the girl is bleeding out internally. He carefully weaves the wound back together with his magic. Glad she's still passed out, he snaps the bone in her leg back into place before knitting bone and skin back together with seiðr.
"She'll be all right," he reassures the woman.
"Thank you!" She cries, reaching out and squeezing his arm with her free hand.
"Of course," he smiles and squeezes her arm back. He gets up to see who else needs help. He mends and heals those in dire need. A few times he uses his seiðr to help locate Jotuns trapped under collapsed walls. Loki's head is feeling really fuzzy, but he wants to keep helping.
"Kærleika," a large man greets respectfully, Loki had seen him several times but they hadn't spoken until now, both much too busy. "Thank you so much for your help. I am Velli, leader of this village."
"I'm glad to help," Loki replies honestly. "I think I'm almost done with the injured, then I can move on to the rubble."
"While we appreciate that, the warriors have just arrived and the healers should be here momentarily. They can take it from here Kærleika, you should rest."
"Pardon?" Loki pouts "no, there's still so much to do, I can help!"
"You could" Velli says agreeably, keeping a gentle tone, "you've done so much for us though, I think it's time you let us take care of you."
"But-"
"No no, Precious One!" An old woman gently scolds "and why has no one gotten the baby a coat!? He will freeze!" She hobbles up with a thick fur in her arms. Even with the bent over way she walks, she is still a good head taller than Loki. "There we go" she soothes and fusses, making sure Loki is well bundled. He does have to admit the warm furs feel nice on his cold skin.
"Are you ready to go inside?" asks Velli as the old woman continues to fuss, rubbing circles on Loki's back and arms to warm him up.
"Inside?" Loki feels confused, the fuzziness in his head is only growing. "No, I'm still... I- people are hurt and there's... I can help!"
"Loki, what's wrong?" a familiar voice asks sweetly.
"By!" Loki turns to his brother who has joined the group. He automatically takes a step forward to get a hug but stops short. "I... I'm, I don't think I'm done?" Shoot, he meant that to be a statement "I'm not done! I can help, I'm a good helper!"
"You are a very good helper little brother," Byleistr agrees "but Loki, this is way more magic than you're used to using. You know it's not healthy to fight your body when it wants rest." Clearly seeing logic isn't working, Byleistr changes tactics, "mother is on her way, she'll be here shortly."
Loki's next protest dies on his tongue "....mama?"
"Yes." Byleistr gently picks Loki up, rubbing soothing circles on his back. "How about you get ready for Mama? I need to go take care of some things out here, but I think our new friend Velli would be happy to take you somewhere warm."
Velli nods in agreement "it would be my honor, we have a very nice room set up for you."
Loki glances around before leaning against his brother's chest, snuggling in close while he thinks. He doesn't like to see the damaged buildings and he really hates to see people hurt.... By said he'd take care of it though, and he is really smart and strong and brave. The village is in good hands, and being held makes Loki realize he is rather exhausted.
Loki gives in with a huff "I wan' Mama" he mumbles, sticking his fingers in his mouth.
"I know" Byleistr replies, giving his little brother a kiss between the horns "she'll be here soon, are you ready to go to Velli?"
Loki reaches for Velli in response. By passes him off and fondly cups Loki's cheek, "I'll check on you again soon brother, enjoy your rest." One final kiss to his head and Byleistr is off.
"Thank you for allowing us to take care of you" Velli murmurs kindly.
Loki tucks his head against the large Jotun's chest and sucks on his fingers, slipping into a very small headpiece. He feels better with all the cuddles he's been receiving . Well, feels better until he realizes the warmth spreading in his underclothes is quickly going cold. Loki always wears padded underclothes no matter his headspace. He had wet himself in his mother's arms one too many times and she made it a rule. They aren't as thick as the cloth diapers he wears though and don't wick away the wetness as well. He squirms in discomfort, letting out a whine.
"Shh, shh, we'll take care of you little one," Velli pats his back as he walks towards a small wooden building. Loki let's out a cry. "Hilphé, please inform Queen Laufey where we'll be when she arrives," Velli says in passing to a nearby Jotun.
"Ha!" One of the elder Jotuns snorts, Loki hadn't noticed how many had gathered around "the Clever Witch Queen won't need to be told! The bond between kærleika and mother is powerful, she'll know!"
"Regardless, it doesn't hurt" Velli answered as they enter a cozy building
The room is filled with a flurry of elderly women determined to make sure the Kærleika will be well taken care of. Loki wiggles and cries as a fire is started, furs are laid out, and changing supplies plus new clothes are brought over.
Loki is laid out on the warm furs, he feels a lot better as soon as his wet underclothes are removed. The old women sing a traditional lullaby, Velli joins in, singing in a low rumble that makes Loki smile. He's oiled and powdered before getting wrapped up in a new cloth diaper. Warm yellow pajamas follow.
"There we are! There's a happy baby!" One of the grandma's coo as he's sat up, "I brought a special treat for the baby! I baked it myself, good for digestion!"
Loki accepts the cookie with a happy squeal. A nice warm blanket is draped over his back as he eats. He adores the attention that is being lavished on him. The door to the small building is closed to keep the heat in, but villagers are welcome to come and go as they please to pay their respect to the Kærleika. Loki is given treats and gifts, one Jotun gives him a yellow pacifier. They had purchased it from a Vanir who claimed to get it from Midgard. Loki nurses on his new gift with vigor.
"Kærleika?" A young girl steps in to the room "my Mom said your mind is resting and you won't really remember what happened earlier, but you saved my life. I wanted to come say thank you."
"Ah-bah mamamamama" Loki smartly replies around his pacifier.
The young girl giggles and comes forward "my name is Dina, I brought one of my rag dolls for us to play with." She sits in front of Loki and shows the impressed baby her toy.
She bounces the doll in front of Loki, he lets out happy coos and tries to catch it, but his arms are too clumsy. Eventually she stops moving to give him a chance, but even then it is a struggle for him.
"Here you go baby" Dina says warmly, she takes his hand and places the doll into it. He lets out a squeak of joy and promptly throws the doll.
"Prince Loki!" Dina giggles, she retrieves the doll and puts it back in his hand "keep your fingers closed silly!"
Loki immediately bounces and throws the doll again. One of the elder Jotuns laughs "he's playing fetch with you child, all babies love to play it, trust me!"
Loki is having fun and enjoys the attention, but it would all be even better with his Mama, he hopes she finds him soon.
***
Laufey can feel a strain deep in her core, like someone's attached a rope there and is insistently tugging the other end. She knows what it means, Loki has regressed. The urge to run to him is almost maddening, but she resists. She could have been to the village already had she gone ahead with Byleistr or Jana however she knows she can't keep Loki to herself. Since the moment she was aware she had conceived the next kærleika she knew he would never be just her child, but a child of Jotunheim. Every village in Jotunheim has some form of nursery for their Kærleika. Loki travels often, and though it's tempting to hide him away, Laufey knows she must share her son. His travels bring good fortune and joy to the people.
This village just survived a harrowing event, the people will be shaken. She knows how soothing and spirit healing it is to feel needed by the Kærleika. Caring for Loki is like a balm for the heart. The Kærleika is a reminder that even in hard times, love prevails.
So yes, she will continue this torturously slow walk (anything slower than a sprint can currently be considered torture) and give the village time with their Kærleika.
However, the moment she arrives it's her turn. She can see the village, only a few minutes now. Laufey is walking near the back of a group ferrying building materials for the damaged buildings. Helblindi is up front taking charge.
While Helblindi enjoys his drink and fun, she trusts him completely in difficult situations. He knows when it's time to be serious and put in hard work. From what she's heard, the same can't be said about Odin's Son. News of his upcoming coronation has spread right along with tales of his bullheaded and selfish nature. Jotunheim already has a strained relationship with Asgard from the war, she hates to think how his kingship will effect it.
Laufey still remembers holding Loki, only hours old, while the Asgardian's marched through Utgard. She was on her way to their most sacred temple to hide her child when a gut feeling her told her to stop and keep him close. Laufey always follows her intuition, so she turned back and guarded her children. She later heard news that Odin Glad of War had raided the temple. She couldn't even fathom what Odin would have done if he had found their Kærleika. Would he have killed their precious treasure? She has no doubt Odin would have been able to sense Loki's power, would he have taken and hoarded her son as a weapon? Laufey is grateful she'll never find out.
With these unsettling thoughts she is more than ready to see her baby. As soon as they cross the village gates she allows herself to give in and follow the pull. A villager greets her and points in the right direction. Even though it was wholly unnecessary, she simply nods in thanks and makes haste to her child.
Laufey enters a small house, she pauses at the entrance to take in the scene of Loki being doted on by some villagers.
A young girl hands Loki a doll, he babbles happily and shakes his hands until the doll falls out of his grip. The girl and Loki share a laugh.
Laufey steps fully into the room, Loki spots her and lights up, squealing with joy he reaches for his mother.
"Mamamamama!" Laufey sets the bag she's been carrying on a table and picks him up, cuddling him close.
The young girl and older Jotuns say their goodbyes to Loki. More then one elder gives Loki cheek kisses and tickles as they leave. Laufey can't help but snort at Loki basking in the attention.
The village leader approaches last, he gently puts a hand on Loki's head "thank you kærleika, you saved my people today." He nods to Laufey before leaving child and mother alone.
Laufey hugs Loki close and takes a moment to enjoy simply holding her baby. Loki doesn't stay patient for long though, the pacifier drops from his lips as he opens his mouth, rooting around her chest trying to find milk.
"All right little one, Mama has you." She grabs Loki's favorite stuffed rabbit from the bag and sits with him in a rocking chair. Loki hugs the rabbit, cooing as Laufey lowers one side her blouse. He doesn't waste any time latching on, hungry after using all that power. Her breast tingles as she lets down milk.
She gently rocks the chair, relaxing to the sound of Loki's snuffles as he drinks. One arm stays around his rabbit, while his other hand holds firmly on to Laufey's blouse.
"I'm not surprised you're practically a newborn babe, that was a lot of magic you used today" Laufey murmurs sweetly as Loki nurses "I'm proud of you. Next time though, take time to grab a coat!"
Loki's eyes begin to droop, although he doesn't seem willing to let go of the breast anytime soon. Laufey carefully stands, cradling Loki to her chest. She walks them over to the bag she brought and pulls out a fur lined wrap. She uses her finger in Loki's cheek to break his suction on her breast, he lets out a sharp cry to let her know he's not happy. She smiles in amusement and frees her other breast, letting him latch on to the full one before expertly creating a sling under Loki with the wrap. She ties him to herself, only pausing to return the stuffed rabbit to the bag before bundling him up nice and snug. His little sniffles and snorts are muffled by the cover.
As he continues to breastfeed in his little cocoon, Laufey packs up his gifts from the villagers and heads outside to see how progress is going.
She finds Jana with the healers first, they have set up a station to distribute salves and help the wounded.
"Mother," Jana greets, clasping Laufey's arm. Her attention is drawn to the fur covered bundle on Laufey's chest, "how is he?"
"Very small, but he is well. The village took good care of him" Laufey doesn't miss how some nearby villagers stand straighter with pride.
"Wonderful" Jana smiles, "the healers have everything under control here. Loki took care of the most grievant injuries, now we're just dealing with scrapes and splinters."
Laufey nods "good, will you join me in finding Byleistr and Helblindi? I think it's time we get Loki home."
With agreement from the healers that they can handle things from here, Jana follows Laufey. They find Byleistr and Helblindi hauling rubble onto carts for clearing. They join Laufey when they see her.
"He's good?" Helblindi asks, eyeing the furs critically.
"Yes, napping now. He will recover" Laufey had noticed Loki drift off some time ago. He's still latched on, but only occasionally nurses in his sleep.
Hel and By update Laufey on their progress. The zoologist arrived some time ago
"He said it was good we didn't kill the beast" Byleistr explains, "it's barely older than a baby. He thinks it must have wandered from it's cave during the blizzard and gotten disoriented. Had we spilt it's blood, the mother would have followed the smell and decimated the village. The tracker, zoologist, and warriors have set off to return it to it's home."
Laufey had suspected as much. Despite how dangerous Frost Beasts can be when angered, they like to stick to their caverns. They spend a lot of time sleeping and outside light is harsh for their eyes, even if they do leave their caves they generally don't attack unless provoked. It's why the High Toskas are still a safe and popular hunting ground for muskox and bears. This Frost Beast wandered a long way from any caves, she's sure it was scared and hungry.
After making sure that the village has what it needs the family heads home. The walk is peaceful until Helblindi grabs his stomach and groans "we didn't even finish breakfast, it's well past lunch, I'm not going to make it!"
Jana let's out a giggle and reaches into her satchel "here, I thought we would be busy, I packed some food."
She hands out Møsbrømlefse, a flatbread stuffed with caramelized goat cheese and syrup reduction.
"Yes! You are the best!" Helblindi gratefully takes his filling treat.
The walk passes quickly with friendly chatter. Laufey smiles as Byleistr and Kristjana unthinkingly cuddle close during the journey.
As they enter the halls of Utgard Laufey can feel Loki squirming in his blanket. Good timing.
"Someone is waking up" she smiles affectionately, stroking the blanket.
"Shall we go to the nursery then?" Jana suggests.
Laufey nods and they climb the stairs to the nursery. It's by far the coziest room in an already cozy palace.
It's a wide space with floors of stone covered by thick fur rugs. Perfect for a toddler who falls down often. Large windows overlook a forest and the Drevnya Ocean, creating a magnificent view, and a large stone fireplace keeps the room a comfortable temperature. While most tapestries in the palace depict scenes from history, the nursery's are covered in rabbits, moons, stars, and flowers.
The room is well stocked with everything to care for their Kærleika, there's a brightly colored changing table, multiple dressers, a comfortable rocking chair and of course plenty of toy chests for Loki's many toys.
The star of the room is Loki's crib. It's a handsome piece, the two end posts have been carved to mimic the onion domes that top Utgard's palace. Between them is a stretch of wood that has been painted with the image of white stag horns. The white stag is the official symbol of the kærleika. Surrounding the horns are painted stars and flowers. The bars are intricately carved, and within them is Loki's impressive collection of stuffed animals.
Byleistr goes to stoke the fire as soon as they enter. Laufey kneels in the center of the plush rug, bending over so that as she unties the wrap Loki is laying on the ground. Loki squints and fusses on the floor, obviously not happy about the brightness.
"What's wrong baby brother, huh?" Helblindi asks as he moves to pick him up.
"Hel!" Jana cautions, holding out a burp rag, but it's too late. Helblindi has Loki sitting up then lifted in one fluid motion, Loki responds by spitting up on Helblindi's shoulder. "He hasn't been burped yet" Jana reminds him sweetly, obviously holding back laughter. She wipes his shoulder down with the rag.
"Oh geeze" Helblindi grouses "gross Loki, and his diaper is full! I thought he was changed at the village???"
Laufey laughs "yes, and he drank milk all the way home. Nuh uh" she wags her finger at him as he tries to pass Loki back, "you picked him up, I think you can handle changing him."
Helblindi let's a out a defeated sigh and carries Loki to the changing table. Loki is crying and squirming in discomfort.
"This would be a lot easier if you'd stop wiggling buddy" Hel grunts, trying to get Loki's legs out of the pajamas. By walks up to the table and shakes a green rattle above Loki's head to catch his eye. While Loki's busy reaching for the rattle Hel gets him out of his bottoms and wet diaper. By keeps jiggling the rattle, letting Loki grab on and "help" shake. Despite his complaining Hel's quite good at changing diapers and has Loki all swaddled up in no time.
"All better!" Helblindi picks Loki up again.
"Ah behbeh!" Loki chirps, apparently his headspace has grown in his sleep, Laufey is guessing he's not much older than one, maybe very early two's. Helblindi gives Loki a little toss in the air, making him squeal in laughter.
"What shall we play, hm brother?" Helblindi sets Loki on his feet, hands hovering incase he's not ready for standing. Loki has no such qualms though and zips to one of his toy chests.
"Ope-eh!" He slaps the top of the chest.
"Loki," Laufey sing-songs "can we ask nicer?"
"Ope-eh peas?" Loki corrects, gently patting the lid.
"Much better" Laufey praises.
Byleistr walks over and opens the chest, "what have we got in here?" Loki practically dives in, his tummy resting on the rim as he digs through to find what he wants.
"Ah sir-bah sair!" Loki cries victoriously as he takes out a medium wooden box.
"You found your circle and square? Shapes sound like an excellent idea" Jana says as she sits on the ground. Loki joins her with his toy.
"Yeah!"
"How the heck did you get 'circle and square' out of that?" Helblindi asks as he and By join her on the ground. Laufey sits behind Loki, putting her legs on either side of him.
Jana laughs "how did you not? This is around the age he normally regresses to, plenty of time to practice understanding him" she teases. "It also helps that I saw the shapes on top of the box."
Laufey helps Loki open the little door on the side of his toy and free the blocks inside. Each block is a different shape that has a matching hole it fits into on top of the box.
Everyone takes turns helping him. Loki knows where all the shapes go, but he gets a kick out of hearing people say "does it go there?" And getting to respond "nooo!" with them. Laufey is certain that Loki's also noticed that he gets more praise for getting it right when he's gotten the answer wrong a few times first, her silly boy.
Eventually Loki tires of the game. He moves to get up but Laufey reminds him he needs to clean up what he plays with first.
"Kay!" He says, and gets to work. He manages to put one shape away when he notices Helblindi stack several to store all at once.
"Mo'!" He cries excitedly "mo' up!"
"Should we build a tower?" Helblindi asks.
"Yeah!" Loki agrees, they go and gather several bins of blocks in various shapes and sizes. Laufey rolls her eyes and joins Byleistr and Jana in picking up the toy they abandoned. Luckily it really only takes a few moments to clear. Then Byleistr is up and grabbing another bin of blocks.
Once they have plenty of materials Byleistr, Helblindi, Jana, and Loki begin to build. Loki clearly wants to be in charge, but his only directions are "up" and "big, mo' big!" so the others have a lot of creative freedom to work.
Laufey smiles fondly watching her children play. She eventually moves to Loki's dresser to put away a basket of clothes. While they do have staff who help with most of the chores, Loki's nursery laundry always seems to be in need of washing or putting away thanks to the messy boy.
When Laufey glances back over, the block tower has gotten impressively wide and tall, reaching above Loki's head at some parts.
"What are you building?" Laufey asks.
"Cassuh 'n ah big-a-sie 'n unbee!" Loki declares loudly, the others nod along to this explanation.
"I see" Laufey replies sagely "and so your bunny will live in this castle that's as big as the sky?" Loki nods and runs to his crib to collect stuffies, Jana stands and helps him out.
"Oh come on" Helblindi smacks his face "can everyone understand him but me when he's this small!?"
"I caught about half of it" Byleistr shrugs.
"I'm his mother dear" Laufey smirks "I've had a lot of practice with the three of you."
Most of Loki's stuffed animals migrate to live within the castle walls. Soon enough it's dinner time but Loki is reluctant to leave the blocks.
"Don't you want to see Daddy?" Laufey asks knowingly.
It's easy for Loki to leave his toys when he realizes his father is near. They make their way to the dining hall and sure enough Farbauti is right outside the doors waiting for them
"Papa!" Loki squeals and shoots into his father's arms.
"Loki!" Farbauti laughs, picking him up and spinning around, "there's my little guy!"
Farbauti carries Loki into the dining hall, pausing several times for Jotuns who want to coo at their obviously small kærleika. Laufey uses their delay to go grab Loki's highchair and a bib, knowing Loki would slide right out of his booster.
She gets the chair set up just in time. Everyone settles down to eat as Farbauti straps Loki into the chair and ties on his bib. He completely takes over feeding Loki mashed veggies, which Laufey won't complain about, it gives her time to eat her meal. Even being fed Loki manages to make a pretty impressive mess, Farbauti has to wipe down Loki's chin, cheeks, neck and hands. At least his hair and horns were spared this time.
The family retires to the nursery. Farbauti gives Loki a fresh diaper and pajamas for bed before heading over to the fireplace. Everyone settles down on the plush rug, Loki is sitting in Farbauti's lap while holding Laufey's arm.
Jana is well versed in the history of Jotunheim and knows many of the old tales. Everyone listens as she tells an ancient Jotun myth. Loki eventually squirms his way into Laufey's lap, she lowers her blouse for him. Between nursing and Jana's calming voice he is out in no time.
After the tale is complete Helblindi, Byleistr, and Jana say their goodbyes. Laufey gently lowers Loki into his crib, for a moment it looks like he might grow restless, but he settles down and falls back to sleep when she places a hand on his belly.
She and Farbauti head to bed, it's been a very long day.
A few hours after they've fallen asleep the door opens.
"Whosit?" Farbauti mumbles, barely awake. Laufey rolls her eyes and sits up, already knowing who it is.
"Yes my love? Would you like to lay with us?"
Loki nods and comes to bed, he's hugging his stuffed rabbit. Laufey can tell he's older, but she still wouldn't put him past 3.
"Mama?" Loki asks once he's settled between Laufey and Farbauti.
"Yes my little Moonbeam?" She asks softly, holding his hand.
"E'eryone ok?"
Farbauti sleepily strokes Loki's hair between his horns as Laufey answers.
"Yes dear, thanks to you, everyone in the village is fine"
"An boo boos?"
"All better" Laufey replies "Jana made some very nice salves and they helped heal any boo boos that were left."
Loki let's out a large yawn.
"I think it's time for this kærleika to get some sleep, yeah?"
Farbauti hums in agreement.
"Nigh' nigh'"
"Goodnight my dear one." Laufey gives him a kiss on the head. She's overwhelmed with humility and gratitude that she was chosen to birth the Kærleika. Her stubborn, sly, wise, sweet baby.
Her Loki.