arranged marriage gwyndoloki au pt. 5 (day 1)

itsAlana03/14/2018
Loki awakens, eventually, and sees that the sun is high outside; he supposes they should get up... Maybe he can wake his husband with a kiss?

Good morning, Gwyndolin, have a sandpaper kitty tongue licking your lips and chin and the tip of your nose. Rise and shine!

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/14/2018
Gwyndolin makes a funny noise, because sandpaper kisses is far from something he is used to when it is morning and he is sleepy. He's roused from his sleep to push his face away, and then yawn, and then his hands find fluffy fur- oh yes. His husband is a cat right now. Also, he has a husband and is in Asgard. He's gotten married, and it's the first day of his married life. Hm. That's different.

"Good morning..." He murmurs sleepily, peeking his eyes open, still shining like the moon was just last night.

itsAlana03/14/2018
Loki meows at him, nose touching his cheek, paws on his slender shoulders, then... well, he keeps his nose touching Gwyndolin's cheek, and his hands on his shoulders, as he returns to his usual form. "Good morning," he answers, and gives Gwyndolin's cheek another kiss, before rolling over onto the pillows. "I was thinking we could go have breakfast, for it's getting on towards lunchtime."

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/14/2018
Gwyndolin yawns, and stretches against the bed, squirming in the loose fabrics of his robe, a long sliver of pale skin visible where the robe has been just slightly parted by sleep, between his breasts, interrupted by the belt, and then continuing down to the hem of his bloomers... Gwyndolin is accidentally very attractive like this, especially as he arches his back.

And then he sits up, and adjusts his robe, nodding quietly. "I normally do not sleep in so.... My apologies. I hope thou hast not been hungrily waiting on me, to be allowed to have breakfast."

itsAlana03/14/2018
Loki yawns a little, and asks, with a smile, "Did you know cats can sleep twice as long as anything else in the universe? Half a day, or three days, or three centuries-- they have no trouble napping through it all. I only just awoke myself, though I admit to hunger." He stretches, his own sleep clothes barely disheveled, since he's been a cat most of the night. "What would you like to eat?" He hesitates, then asks, curiously, "Do your snakes need separate feeding from the rest of you?" Though it must be awkward to move if some of the snakes have lumps of prey in their gullets...

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/14/2018
For having six snakes in place of feet, the way Gwyndolin slithers out of bed and upright is completely elegant and fluid, and he stands nobly straight. "I am not entirely picky, though I do prefer lighter meals, especially with fruit." He says quietly, and then glances around the room, trying to get his bearings- he's so used to having his things in their own place, not in someone else's... "If it has cut fresh apples, I will be happy."

That said, Gwyndolin starts to slither off to the bathroom, hand going to his hair, only to make an annoyed sound, "Oh, I'd meant to rebraid my hair a bit before sleeping... 'tis going to be a pain to brush." He says, as if his hair, if a little bedheaded, isn't still ethereally silky smooth and easy to detangle.

itsAlana03/14/2018
"I could brush it for you," Loki offers casually, as if he doesn't want to bury his entire face in Gwyndolin's hair and stroke his fingers through it for hours. "And braid it, if you would allow me the pleasure." PLZ??????

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/14/2018
Gwyndolin smiles over his shoulder at Loki, looking somehow brighter than he had yesterday, despite all the effort to make him prettier than ever for his wedding- and yet here he is, bedheaded and in his pajamas, and glowing with morning energy. "I would like that, please." He says, and slips into the bathroom, to wash his face and freshen up a bit, do his morning rituals, clearly expecting Loki to follow. When Loki is in with him, after toweling his face, Gwyndolin asks, "I do hope the servants knew to bring my hand oils- wouldst thou know if they did, and where they might have left them? 'Tis to keep my hands from feeling dry."

itsAlana03/14/2018
Loki takes a few moments to follow, letting Gwyndolin go to wash his face and so on while he goes to the hallway, flagging down a servant and letting them know that he and his hhhwife will be wanting breakfast soon-- a light one, with fruit, especially apples-- and then comes to the bathroom, to wash his own face.

When Loki is asked about Gwyndolin's oils, he says, "Not off-hand, but I can help you look in a moment." For now, he finds his own mother-of-pearl-backed brush, and sits casually on the counter, and makes a twirling motion with his finger, to indicate Gwyndolin should put his back to Loki; once he has, Loki will slowly and methodically brush out his hair, running his fingertips through it behind the brush, and then work to braid it; Gwyndolin can probably watch in the opposite mirror, see how calm and happy Loki looks as he catches Gwyndolin's hair back from his temples, skilled fingers weaving a broad, flat braid of many strands and tying it off with a pretty ribbon the color of Loki's eyes that he seems to pull out of thin air. "There we are, let's go look for your hand oils," he says, and drops a kiss on Gwyndolin's shoulder before sliding off his perch.

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/14/2018
Gwyndolin smiles so sweetly at Loki, and maybe someday Loki will realize how infrequently before the last twenty-hour hours that Gwyndolin ever smiled, let alone so much, so genuinely, so warmly. He happily turns about for Loki, politely holding his hands in front of himself, so that his husband may brush and braid his silvery hair, fine as spider silk.

He definitely finds himself watching, watches how relaxed Loki's face is, how free of tension and stress he is in this moment, and Gwyndolin can't help but hope to see him like this more. And then his hair is braided, and tied with a bright green ribbon, a color of a vibrancy he's certain he's never worn before, and it intrigues him as he toys a little with his hair. Pulled from his temples, his ears are left exposed, and it's a different sort of look than the draping kind he is used to. He doesn't dislike it, though it leaves him feeling oddly exposed.

"Please," He says, following Loki after taking that moment to look at himself in the mirror, "And then I could get dressed, I could hardly leave the bedroom like this."

itsAlana03/14/2018
Loki agrees, "I wouldn't leave the room in my sleeping clothes, either." He goes to the next room, and shuffles around through the trunks and boxes of Gwyndolin's things, humming as he looks for-- aha! There's a small chest, and inside, padded with little silken pillows, he finds stoppered bottles. "Are these the oils you were looking for?" he asks, holding it up and tipping it slightly towards Gwyndolin to look at.

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/14/2018
Gwyndolin doesn't really help very much looking, mostly hovering after Loki's shoulder until the bottles are found, and he smiles brightly, taking the one Loki held up. "Yes!" He says, already removing to stopper to delicately apply a smidge of oil to his hands, replacing the bottle, and then rubbing the oil into the skin. A delicate and pleasant floral scent wafts from his hands now like a perfume- and so the reason why Gwyndolin smells so nice is revealed!

"My thanks, now I can get dressed..." Time for Gwyndolin to do some rummaging of his things! It takes him a bit to figure out where his clothes have been put, but then he's setting out a few garments to wear, as well as some accessories. And then he reaches behind himself, to tug loose the knot of his belt, so that he can set it aside, and then- and then, holding the edges of his robe, turned slightly away from Loki, he looks shyly over his shoulder at his husband, cheeks pink.

"... 'Tis likely I must become used to changing clothes in a shared space with thee..." He says, almost musing, to both himself and to Loki.

itsAlana03/14/2018
"I have no objection to it," Loki says, with an impish smile, "though I do also need to change, and perhaps put your oil in the washroom for tomorrow morning, so we do not need to search again." It's Gwyndolin's choice! What would he like?

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/14/2018
"If thou wouldst do that for me, it would be appreciated... and, perhaps, a bottle or two beside the bed?" He's trying to ignore Loki's mischievous flirt, though his cheeks are red, and he turns his back fully to Loki to- to continue changing. His face feels hot the entire time, and there is an occasional tremble to his form... He can't help it, he's so shy and chaste, to be undressing in front of another, it's nervewracking and it feels wrong, perverted... They may be married, and thus this is an expectation, but he still only met Loki yesterday! Forgive him his reservations.

But despite his evident discomfort, he tries anyways, and the robe is removed, leaving him almost entirely nude, though his breasts are out of Loki's viewpoint. And then he is entirely nude, after slightly trembling hands undo the ribbons tying the sides of his bloomers, so that he can change to a fresher pair- enjoy that brief view of delicately lovely hips and a round, smooth, beautiful moonpale butt, Loki! But it doesn't last long, as it's soon covered by a different pair of bloomers, slightly less fancy than the wedding pair- fine linen instead of lightly embroidered silk, simple ruffles rather than lacy, covering an extra inch or two of thigh- but in twisting enough to lace up the sides, Loki may be able to spy some sideboob, maybe even a nip, if he's feeling naughty enough to ogle.

And then comes a bra! It's simple enough, matching the bloomers, without shoulder straps: a strip of fabric with ruffled edges that laces up in the back almost like a corset, but only to keep in place, not to bind. And poor Gwyndolin struggles with that a bit, struggling to be dexterous while reaching behind himself. "... Loki?" He asks, in a shy voice, "Might I have some assistance...? At home, I would have a handmaiden to assist me, but I believe the expectation now falls to thee."

itsAlana03/14/2018
Loki had started off towards the bathroom, though a bit slower than he might otherwise have-- and he does get a few glimpses of pale, soft flesh, of pretty hips and a naked body--

Loki goes to the bathroom, and sets some oil next to the washbasin Gwyndolin used that morning, and tucks the chest into a cabinet, claiming another couple bottles for the bedside table before Gwyndolin asks for help. "Of course," he says, putting them down and coming back out to help Gwyndolin. "Do you need just your brassiere laced and tied up, or will you need help with the rest of your clothes?" he asks, warm hands taking the ribbon and pulling it taut but not over-tight.

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/14/2018
"I may require assistance with the belt I plan to wear." He confirms, holding his arms up slightly so that Loki can pull his bra taut enough as he ties it so that it will stay in place and not slip about. Gwyndolin gives a thankful smile over his shoulder and, once that's done, sets about putting on the rest of his clothes. Firstly, a gown of elegant, light, moon-white silk- an apparent favorite of his, Loki may have noticed by now- with only the slightest sheen of a pattern to the fabric. It sits loosely on him, an almost simple garment, brought in just slightly at the waist, and the collar ruffled around the neck with a couple buttons in the back- that, Gwyndolin is able to do on his own. The sleeves are long and slightly loose, though they fasten at the ruffled cuffs.

Then comes a robe, of a lighter, airier silk suited for overwear, a kind that ambient light could just barely shine through. It has a higher collar that delicately curves around Gwyndolin's neck, to almost tickle at his jaw, and billowing sleeves that open at the top. A pair of engraved, golden sleeve garters go over both pairs of sleeves, to very loosely bind the over-sleeves at the elbow, so that they drape under his upper arms, and then drape again to hang from his forearms, fastening with a golden, engraved moon-shaped ring at the wrists. Finally comes the belt, golden and rigid, wide enough to almost completely encircle his waist between his hips and ribs, with a fine, elegant, vine-like design and a ruffled bit of lace along the edges- it fastens in the back, by a series of pretty clasps.

At this, he glances over his shoulder once more, if Loki is ready to assist one more time this morning.

itsAlana03/14/2018
Loki had stepped back, so as to not get in the way of all this billowing and beautiful silk, but at the glance he steps forward again, closing the belt at the back and fastening the clasps. "You look lovely," he says, as he does it, and then presses a kiss to Gwyndolin's cheek from behind, warm body tucked up against his for a moment.

Then he steps back, and asks, "Will you need anything else?" If not, he'll go get dressed...

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/14/2018
Gwyndolin blushes, and smiles, if a bit bashfully, and he lets his fingertips touch at his kissed cheek after Loki steps back, still feeling the warmth of Loki's closeness, even if it's already gone. "No, I... I have the rest." He will decidedly Not Look at Loki changing, and busies himself with finishing getting changed... A rather extravagant golden necklace that fastens over the high collar of the robe like a collar or choker, a couple chains connecting to the rest that sits about his shoulders, dangles down his back like drooping, folded golden wings (this is also evidently a favorite). It's not as extravagant as the similar design attached to his wedding gown, nor even quite as large or detailed as a very similar necklace he usually would wear at home paired with his Dark Sun Crown. He is feeling relaxed today, and even if he must be decorated, it is at least *slightly* less extravagant.

Continuing that trend is a very light, sheer veil he drapes over his head and hair, the edge pulled almost to his eyes, that hangs down nearly to his rump, trimmed with a simple lace edge, and with an almost weightless, ethereal quality to it, with a slightly iridescent sheen, not unlike the veils he wore at the wedding. It flutters about his shoulders at the slightest movement of himself or the air around him. Over the veil he wears a very gorgeous golden circlet that some may think is extravagant, but those some haven't seen the crown he usually wears. The engraved gold is shaped into drapes and little flowers and simple, twisting designs, dripping with pearls and set with moonstones and crystals, especially the large crescent that sits in the center above his forehead, the points of the crescent rising up royally.

All set, foregoing gloves today, Gwyndolin dares a glance at his husband, to check his readiness, feeling quite ready for breakfast.

(circlet description inspiration: https://imgur.com/a/zXQgNeR)
itsAlana03/14/2018
Loki only occasionally glances at his very pretty husband as he picks out his own wardrobe for the day-- a long-sleeved shirt of a soft knit reminiscent of scales in a mottled dark grey that comes over his hands, thumbs slipping through holes near the end to keep them secure, a dark green tunic with a yoke of soft black leather and loose sleeves that brush his elbows, slim-fitting soft trousers in similar black leather with panels of grey knit cloth behind the knee, shoes that are barely more than green wool slippers, and a black leather belt brushed with gold to top it all off. If Gwyndolin dares to glance when he's done with his jewelry, he might get to see his husband lacing up the trousers and wrapping the belt around himself, but still shirtless, his back to Gwyndolin as he faces the wardrobe and dresses himself.

Gwyndolin can look as long as he wants, since Loki won't be able to see...

When he's done, he turns back towards Gwyndolin, smiling-- then blinks, and says, "Oh, you've quite outdressed me, haven't you?" Not that he minds... his husband looks lovely, all in gold and white, and he smiles, coming to offer Gwyndolin his arm. "I don't think I own so much gold as what you're wearing right now."

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/14/2018
Gywndolin's gaze maybe lingers longer than he intended to, before propriety takes him and he quickly turns his pinkening face away from his shirtless husband, to busy himself with fussing with his belongings- oh, look it's his wedding bouquet, let him fiddle with that, play with the petals a bit, tighten the ribbons, wonder if they could keep it on display somewhere...

He glances up when Loki speaks to him, looking mildly surprised. "Oh. Have I? I did not intend to." He says, looking a little bashful. "And here I thought I was dressed quite relaxed."

He's smiling gently when he sets the bouquet back down, and takes his husband's offered arm, to slither with him to breakfast. "Would it surprise thee to know my normal attire is a bit more decorated?" 'A bit' he says. Wait until Loki sees the Dark Sun Crown!

itsAlana03/14/2018
"How much more decorated can you be before you're climbing back into the wedding gown?" Loki looks amused as he escorts Gwyndolin to the nearest little parlor, where he'd asked to have breakfast brought, and lays his hand over Gwyndolin's on his arm, smiling at his husband-- it's amazing what knowing your husband's not a woman, and also getting to sleep all night on his chest in the form of a cat, will do for how you feel about a marriage! "You do look really spectacular, though. Almost as spectacular as you looked in only your underthings."

Loki used FLIRT!

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/14/2018
Gwyndolin gives a soft giggle, and says, a little teasingly, "Perhaps thou wilt find out soon enough. But I think I would like to relax a while longer- the wedding gown hath left me rather tired of truly extravagant clothing." His snakes, at least, are much more appreciative of the lighter clothes after that heavy gown and the yards of fabric they had to carry. They also have nowhere to hide, it seems, in Gwyndolin's more normal clothing, the hems of his dress and robe only just brushing the floor and dragging slightly behind him as he keeps himself low enough on his snakes to stay at a height roughly equal to that of Asgardians.

Gwyndolin is also feeling quite comfortable with this marriage so far, much more than he's been fearing for the last several weeks. His husband is neither angry at him nor going to hurt him for the 'deception' of his sex- finding it something that sweetens the deal instead! Nor does his husband find his snakes repulsive, or Gwyndolin himself strange and unattractive... and in fact, ADORES snakes, finds them a plus, and Gwyndolin himself beautiful. That, and spending the night with your husband in the shape of a very soft and warm and friendly cat does wonders for your psyche.

Speaking of Loki finding Gwyndolin beautiful, the first half of that flirting earns him a warm smile, Gwyndolin's moonlight eyes twinkling- only for the second half to make those eyes go wide, and a scandalized look to come across his face, and he squeaks slightly, bringing his hand up to cover half his face as he glances away. "Loki, please..!" He whines, voice hushed, "I can hardly handle such vulgar teasing, but especially not where others might hear...!"

itsAlana03/18/2018
Loki's smile is a little wicked, and his green eyes bright, and he asks, curiously, "What would happen if I teased you more? Would the moon turn as pink as your face? Would your snakes start to blush as well? Would you push me off a balcony when I least expected it? Or would you simply make more adorable noises and get even more cutely flustered?"

LOKI NO YOU'RE GONNA KILL HIM

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/18/2018
Gwyndolin makes more adorable noises and gets even more cutely flustered, cheeks pinkening further and Gwyndolin pulling away slightly, though his hand still barely rests at Loki's elbow and he still slithers along beside him.

"Thou art lucky there is no balcony here to push thee from, as I would surely find myself tempted shouldst thou return to that vulgarity!" He pleads, though at least now Loki is just teasing him, and not being directly naughty-flirty... "Already causing me so much fluster on an empty stomach, the nerve, husband..."

itsAlana03/18/2018
"Ahhh, forgive me, they should have warned you your husband was a terrible person," Loki says, lightly, and steps in closer, to press a casual kiss to Gwyndolin's temple and steer him into a little breakfast room, warmly decorated in golds and greens and with a beautiful view over the city. There's already breakfast laid out, empty plates for the two of them and platters in the middle of the table piled with fruits and pancakes and pastries and sausages-- probably enough food to feed four or five people of their appetites. There are apples, as Gwyndolin asked, sliced into bite-sized pieces and with little fancy toothpicks; there are berries of every variety; there are pears and oranges, likewise segmented; and there's melon balls just waiting to be nibbled off a spoon.

"Will this do for breakfast, my dear?" he asks, presenting it with a grand gesture, as if he had anything to do with the preparation besides asking for apples.

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/18/2018
Gwyndolin just *whines* at his terrible person of a husband, looking ruefully sideways at him, but not meaning it. Ahh, but at last, breakfast is here- or, more accurately, they've arrived at breakfast. Loki's question is immediately answered with a delighted hum from Gwyndolin, who takes his hand from Loki so that he can eagerly slither to the table and start to pick over the options to dress his plate.

"It looks *scrumptious*, yes," He answers properly as he looks pleased as punch picking several apple slices by their toothpicks to place on his plate, "I would have been quite happy with a nice porridge with apples, but this is lovely!"

itsAlana03/18/2018
Loki resists telling Gwyndolin that HE looks scrumptious, and instead asks, "Do you like porridge? I find it rather bland, unless I add enough brown sugar to make my mother frown scoldingly at me." He moves forward, and selects several pancakes first, adding butter and jam. "Thankfully, she doesn't watch me eat breakfast much anymore."

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/18/2018
"It is a bit bland, yes, but I do like to flavor it with cinnamon..." He hums a bit more as he starts picking other things to place on his plate- a few melon balls, some berries, an orange slice, a pastry and a couple sausages... to round it out, it seems.

"I have a rather mild appetite much of the time," He starts, and then blushes slightly as he takes his silverware, "and an oft delicate stomach."

itsAlana03/18/2018
Loki hums, and notes to himself that he, perhaps, ought to mention that to the chefs, so they don't upset his husband's belly--

Then his thoughts are rather shattered by Thor, who apparently can teleport now, sunshining from the doorway, "Loki, my brother! And fair Gwyndolin, my new sister! Have you only just arisen, dear family? Perhaps I will join you for a second breakfast!"

"Oh," Loki says, "brother," and gives Thor a very thin smile. His eyes say, Come on, he's, like, getting to know his husband, Thor, do you gotta?

Thor, unfortunately, has never been able to read Loki's telegraphed messages, and instead claps his brother on the back, and looks at pretty Gwyndolin, and says, with a wide grin, "Did you two keep each other up late, to be breakfasting at noon? Magnificent! I wasn't sure Loki had it in him! Though I suppose this means he had it in you, Gwyndolin!"

Loki is going to die, and then kill his brother.

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/18/2018
Gwyndolin is a bit startled by Thor's sudden, booming presence, nearly dropping his fork. While Loki suffers Thor's aggressive affections, Gwyndolin finds himself a place to sit so that he can eat- only for Thor to insinuate some rather naughty things!

And dear, sweet Gwyndolin, as austere and easily flustered as he is, is also quite clueless of such things, and so Thor's usually not-very-subtle attempt at subtlety actually flies right above Gwyndokin's head. The dear thing says, innocent and naive, "I beg thy pardon? We did stay up rather late, I suppose..." He smiles politely, cheeks tinting, "Loki and I spent quite some time getting to know each other. I hath found thy brother is quite a gentleman, really!"

Poor Gwyndolin. He's just being polite and didn't get it.

itsAlana03/18/2018
"Thor," Loki says, through gritted teeth and a smile, "Don't you have literally anything better to do? Maybe Mother needs help with moving her loom into some sunlight?"

"Oh, no, I've already helped Mother with everything she needed me for today," Thor says, earnestly, and ruffles Loki's hair. Loki looks about ready to bite him. Then Thor goes over to Gwyndolin, leaning over him to steal a pastry from the table, and asks, in a conspiratorial voice, "How did it go? Did my brother quite satisfy you while you were, heh, 'staying up late'?" He winks at Loki, and says, "If there's any areas where he needs to improve, I'll happily pass along some tips to him."

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/18/2018
Poor Gwyndolin! The dear thing still hasn't caught on that the topic is about sex! He just assumes Thor wants to make sure his new sister-in-law is being treated nicely... He'll be in for such a shock if it ever becomes clear to him.

"Oh, worry not, brother-in-law, Loki hath been an absolute delight," Gwyndolin says, still just making polite conversation and, perhaps, a little eager to compliment his new husband. I'm sure this is painful for Loki to watch. "I had not expected to get on so well so quickly with my arranged husband, but it seems we align quite wonderfully thus far!" And Gwyndolin smiles warmly over at Loki, with a bit of a conspiratorial twinkling in those moonlit eyes- he's partly talking about being secretly a boy to Loki's discretely gay, but Thor doesn't need to know that.

itsAlana03/18/2018
"Thor," Loki says, both looking like he's going to die and like he's about to kill someone, "I am going to turn into a snake and bite you if you don't leave my-- my Gwyndolin alone."

Thor laughs, delightedly, and says, "Whyever for, dear brother? She's just telling me how wonderful you are! And I am glad to hear it, for I've heard precious little of your dalliances otherwise. It seems my little brother does know his way around a woman!"

Loki contemplates his brother, smile frozen and barely even reaching his cheeks, let alone his eyes. He is considering where it will hurt most to bite.

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/18/2018
Gwyndolin looks so confused, frowning slightly over at Loki in bewildered concern- why is Loki so upset? Is this just how he shows his fluster, as opposed to Gwyndolin's agonized squeaking? It doesn't help that the vernacular Thor is using is a little lost on Gwyndolin, used to Anor Londo's more flowering, antiquated speech.

"Loki hath been terribly sweet to me, if that pleases thee to hear, brother-in-law," He says softly, a little more subdued in his complimenting now, very worried about that tight smile that won't reach the rest of his husband's face, "He even kept me company when homesickness left sleep out of my reach."

itsAlana03/18/2018
"That is excellent to hear, dear sister!" Thor sunshines, and pats Gwyndolin's cheek, with a grin at his new family--

Loki interrupts, telling Thor a little coldly and very, very firmly, "I'd like to spend some time alone with Gwyndolin, brother. The two of you have millenia to get to know each other, don't you?"

Thor finally seems to get the hint, and says, "Of course, dear brother! But next meal we share, we should share together, so I can get to know my pretty new sister better!"

Loki makes an impatient noise of assent and comes to his husband's side, and physically pushes Thor towards the door, though he clearly wouldn't be able to move Thor if Thor wasn't willing to be moved. Thor, departing, waves goodbye, and then they're alone again; and then Loki says, tension bleeding out of him and breath heavy, "I can't believe he tried to ask you how well I fuck."

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/18/2018
The pat to Gwyndolin' cheek and calling him pretty both earn Thor a slight blush, but then Loki is all but bullying Thor out the door, leaving Gwyndolin only more confused... until Loki finally spills the beans.

If Thor is still anywhere near the parlor he'll likely be able to hear Gwyndolin half *shriek* in alarm, with a loud "HOW VULGAR-!!"

His plate is abandoned on his lap as Gwyndolin cups his face with his hands, all blood drained from his face in horror. "I did not realize- I-I thought-!" He *whines*, practically sobbing as he hides his face now in his hands, muffling his voice. "I am so sorry! I did not fathom...! I hath been made a terrible fool of!"

itsAlana03/18/2018
Loki makes an alarmed noise, jerking back in surprise at the shriek, but then he bends close, and lays his arm over Gwyndolin's shoulders. "You didn't know! Gwyndolin, you didn't know," he says, alarmed but trying to be soothing, his other hand trying to catch Gwyndolin's to kiss his knuckles. "He was being inappropriate, I-- I'm going to go ask mother to have a word with him. A strong word. Shh, dear Gwyndolin, you-- you were very sweet, speaking so highly of me, if it had not been for what he was asking I would have been glad to hear those things..."

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/18/2018
He lets Loki pull a hand from his flushed face, to kiss his knuckles, and tell him he appreciated the thought, and try to comfort him... Gwyndolin peers over at Loki from around the hand that remains on half his gery red face, his eyes looking a little wet and shimmery- he really took the truth hard, looking so ashamed as he bites his lower lip a moment.

"I feel so utterly humiliated..." He mumbles, sniffling a bit. "He- it was not on purpose, was it? Yet I feel such a terrible fool. To think I would ever speak so openly of such vulgar things...!"

itsAlana03/18/2018
"I would have let you know, but-- in front of him-- it--" Words fail Loki, and he looks... more than a little distressed, actually. Here is his first... a... a person who is HIS, given to him as a snub but his all the same, and he-- "I'm sorry," he says, very quietly. "I've failed you a little already." He pauses, then adds, almost viciously, "I SHOULD have bitten him, when he first implied that we'd bedded."

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/18/2018
Gwyndolin whines softly, and takes his other hand from his face in order to... reach over and gently place his hand on Loki's knee. "Please- do not blame thyself! I would not do to see the two of thee quarrel violently over my naïveté." He says softly, and then smiles, despite the wetness in his eyes. "Thou hast not failed me, dear Loki. I am... happy to have thee here, at my side."

itsAlana03/23/2018
Oh, I see, Gwyndolin wanted to see how Loki looked when flushed pink and flustered! "I-- still-- I--" he mumbles, his silver tongue turning to lead in his mouth, tripping his words with its heaviness, then kisses Gwyndolin's knuckles again. "... I'll still try to do better by you," he says, voice low, "my Gwyndolin."

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/23/2018
Don't worry Loki, things return to the status quo of Gwyndolin being flushed pink and flustered pretty much immediately, and he smiles sweetly, his fingers gently squeezing around Loki's as his knuckles are smooched. "I think thou art already doing quite well by me," He says, soft enough to almost be a whisper, "my Lucky Loki."


This is the perfect time for another big brother to arrive on the scene, right? Because suddenly, the Heir of Sunlight himself is squeezing through the door (not impossible, but probably difficult, depending on the average doorways of Asgard), his hair wild and free and feet bare once more, like when Loki first met him. He's all smiles once he's fitted into the room, seeing Loki and Gwyndolin all smiles and blushing. "Good morning!" He greets, a bit booming and very jolly, "I am terribly glad to see the newlyweds are getting along well!"

He can observe the obvious! And also... "'Tis rather late for breakfast... I am assuming a late night was had?" Loki may be expecting another incident like with Thor, but, instead of insinuating sexual activity and gently ribbing over it like Loki's brother had, Gwyndolin's brother instead frowns slightly, and asks, more accurately, voice softening slightly, "Did Gwyndolin have difficulty sleeping?"

itsAlana03/23/2018
Loki can't help but smile at Gwyndolin, so sweet and so flattering, even if it makes something in his chest sting strangely-- like having dirt cleaned from a wound he'd forgotten he'd had--

He jumps, a little, when Gwynfor booms at them, straightening up and turning, and a line appears between his brows at the mention of a late night-- but then Gwynfor expresses concern for his little... sister??? Does Gwynfor know that Gwyndolin is a man, or is that privileged knowledge that only Loki and Gwyndolin's father know??? Ahhh--

He glances between them, then answers, "A little, I think. But sitting on the balcony and watching the stars move is very nice."

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/23/2018
Gwynfor's gonna come over and kneel nearby, and maybe steal a pastry to nibble as he talks to his little brother and brother-in-law, and Gwyndolin looks pretty happy to see him! "Indeed, Loki kept me company as I was missing my own bed and my own room terribly."

That just makes Gwynfor smile broadly! "Excellent! I am so pleased to hear you two are already bonding! But, ah," He then clears his throat a little awkwardly, lowering his voice as he leans a bit closer to Gwyndolin, "Have you talked to him about...?"

That makes Gwyndolin flush, and then smile quite brightly, which apparently alarms Gwynfor as his eyes go wide in surprise, and Gwyndolin looks pleased as punch to say, "Oh, yes! My husband is quite aware- and it seems the entire situation has turned out quite favorably for us both!"

Gwyndolin then smiles over at Loki, his cheeks pink, and Gwynfor looks over as well, clearly surprised and probably a little slackjawed behind his scarf, and he asks, hopeful, "Is that true? Thou doth not mind being married to my brother? I had a suspicion, but...!"

Looks like Loki was clocked as being pretty gay.

itsAlana03/23/2018
Oh thank goodness that was cleared up fast. Loki relaxes, leaning against the side of Gwyndolin's chair and smiling at Gwynfor, and at his husband. "I mind much less being married to your brother than I would anyone's sister, it's true." He's very gay! It's a fact! "And I must admit, I find my Gwyndolin very pleasant to behold, especially from knee to toe-- though the rest is rather nice as well, I suppose." He's smiling at Gwyndolin, a soft and teasing crinkle to his eyes, and drops a kiss on the crown of Gwyndolin's head, the warmth of his lips muted by Gwyndolin's veil and hair but the pressure assured.

Potente Byrd Mæmes03/23/2018
Gwynfor's eyes are practically sparkling- no, actually, they're literally sparkling, those bright suns shining with utter delight! And while Loki is flirting and Gwyndolin is blushing and bashfully turning his face away, Gwynfor interrupts by wrapping his arms around the both of them in a big, warm, simultaneous hug!!! "Oh, I'm so happy for you both!!" He declares, loudly, and it's clear that if Gwyndolin didn't have food in his lap, he'd probably be lifting them up and swinging them around!

Gwyndolin squeals with embarrassment and surprised delight, his cheeks flushed, and then Gwynfor finally lets them go, pulling back with a grin that shows even from behind the scarf. "Oh, I was so terribly worried Gwyndolin would be unhappy in this marriage. But everything has gone better than I even dared to hope!" And then he turns his grin specifically at Loki, to place a big, warm hand on his shoulder. "I am so glad I placed my faith in you, Loki. I hope the two of you continue to get along splendidly! I feel you may have much in common!"

Gwyndolin, meanwhile, has his face in his hands, dying of embarrassment.

itsAlana04/02/2018
Loki may not be a magpie at the moment, but he's still very accomplished at squawking-- he'll demonstrate for Gwynfor as he's hugged by a very, very large and handsome man with sparkling eyes. What big strong arms he has... what a warm, broad chest...

Loki is also dying, face red, though it's mostly from being very hot for his brother-in-law, and he clears his throat. "I'm glad you have faith in me, and I hope it won't be misplaced," he says, looking rather flustered, and leans a little against his husband. "I... I think it's not misplaced," he adds, a little bashfully, "though no doubt there'll be difficulties. But I'll try to do my best by my husband." His husband... his very own.... it's kind of thrilling, and kind of wonderful, even if it's not something he expected, and he curls his arm warmly around Gwyndolin's shoulders.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin lifts his head from his hands as Loki's arm curls around his shoulders, warm and affectionate, and he can't help but smile with an equal warmth, despite his slightly cold-blooded body- and Gwynfor's eyes aren't the only ones that sparkle, Gwyndolin's pretty moonlight eyes shining and glittering in delight. "At the very least," He says, softly, "I can certainly see myself becoming good friends with my husband, if nothing else..."

Gwynfor laughs, softly for him but still pretty booming, and says, "I do not doubt it. If I am perfectly honest, 'tis the most I have seen my little brother smile in so many years... Not since his youth, I'd wager!" Gwyndolin's smile drops a bit out of embarrassment and maybe a little shame, but is quickly comforted by his brother's hand on his shoulder. "I hope the smiles will only continue from here. It caused me much heartache to always see you so sullen at home, Gwyndolin."

"My apologies," The moongod murmurs in response, and then simpers slightly. "Though I find myself rather surprised with how pleased and mirthful I have been following the wedding. 'Tis much in thanks to Loki." Loki is going to die of overpraise at this rate, especially when Gwyndolin looks back at him with a smile. "And I can only hope I can bring an equal amount of joy to thy life as well, Loki, at least as thy friend."

itsAlana04/02/2018
YEP HE IS DYING, THANKS,

He blushes darker and objects, very bashful, "Stop praising me! I'm not used to it; my ego will surely inflate enough to make me burst if you continue so, my husband." He doesn't look very displeased with the idea of bursting with over-inflated ego, though, cheeks dimpled with a repressed smile and eyes sparkling, rather less literally than his husband's beautiful moonlight eyes. "Surely-- surely we can change the subject? Would you like some of our breakfast, Gwynfor? There's too much for the two of us to eat..."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin is all giggles at Loki's bashfulness, his own cheeks still quite pink, but he at least gives it a rest while his older brother laughs more boomingly. "Haha! Yes, of course!" Gwynfor says, taking up another pastry for more nibbling, though he has to tug his scarf down a bit as he does so- oh no now they all get to see his handsome smile! "Actually, I had something else I wished to speak of before I left the two of you alone."

"Oh?"

Gwynfor grins at Gwyndolin, and says, lowering his voice slightly, "Our talks with Lord Odin about having Asgardian help in our war with the dragons went well, and through it, I was able to volunteer to act as an occasional dignitary and liaison for Anor Londo to Asgard alongside Sir Ornstein, since he would be in charge of briefing and training of the Asgardian warriors for dragon warfare- and as I am Father's right hand, what better person to count on to carry his needs to his allies?" He pauses a moment to take a bite of his breakfast pastry. "I am sure Father guessed it was partially an excuse for me to be able to see you more often as you will be home so infrequently now, but still, he was quiet pleased I've finally shown at least some interest and initiative in politics, so we all win in a way."

This news brightens Gwyndolin considerably, his eyes going hopefully wide and mouth making a little 'o' shape. This just makes Gwynfor smile more widely. "So I get to see you more! It would've been dreadful to be apart so much. And I will hopefully be able to get to know you and your family more as well, Loki!"

itsAlana04/02/2018
GWYNFOR IS TOO HANDSOME AND SWEET? WHY COULDN'T LOKI'S BROTHER BE LIKE THIS...

He listens with interest to the politics talk, and with even more interest to the plotting of Gwynfor to come visit often, and says, with surprising earnestness, "I, for one, would welcome your company anytime you found yourself in Asgard, and hope that you find yourself here frequently. Perhaps you could introduce me to Ornstein as well-- he might be a little more polite to me if I am not a magpie, don't you think?"

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin is lost now- magpie? What? He looks over at Loki in curious confusion, hoping for an explanation, but he gets none when his brother laughs and claps Loki (gently, for Gwynfor) on the shoulder. "Oh, certainly! My apologies- he sometimes falls into the typical prejudices of Anor Londo, and I am certain he will be much more sociable with you as a person." Gwyndolin, meanwhile, since he is not getting ANY explanation for what the fuck they're talking about, is going to be quietly nibbling the food on his plate while he listens, as Gwynfor goes on.

"Ah, but when I do, Sir Ornstein may still be a bit standoffish- that is simply how he is, do not take it personally, he's simply rather business-oriented and... well," He chuckles at his own incoming joke, "Ornery." The joke makes Gwyndolin cough on a piece of apple for a moment.

itsAlana04/02/2018
Loki laughs, delightedly, and says, "Oh, no, I love teasing ornery people. Perhaps you ought to keep him away from me, then, for I'm not sure I could resist tugging his tail to watch him bristle!" He grins at Gwynfor. "Unless you enjoy watching him squirm? In which case, feel free to lock us in a room together, my new brother."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
That just makes Gwynfor laugh more, "Oh, but you tempt me, dear Loki! I can oft not resist tugging his tail myself!" He chortles heartily, all smiles and friendliness, and Gwyndolin is quite comforted watching the two of them converse, a small smile on his face. This is MUCH nicer than when Loki's older brother was the one bothering them! "Although, he may take it more personally and take much more offense if it is someone other than myself... Alas."

Gwynfor chuckles a bit, and brushes his hand off on his robe after finishing his pastry. "I am sure I will get to introduce the two of you sooner or later, however, and surely you will get to know him at least a little bit. After all, he and I will be visiting somewhat frequently to train the warriors of Asgard in the art of dragonslaying." And then, he smiles- he was already smiling, but this one is much more warm and fond, "My apologies if he comes off as unpersonable, or standoffish and stiff, but he really is a good man. Strong and passionate about what he cares about, a brilliant, fair, and strong leader, one of the bravest and skilled warriors I have ever seen, and an unyielding, wonderful friend."

"Brother," Gwyndolin interrupts gently, smiling sweetly at Gwynfor, if a bit knowingly, "Are you here to gush about your first knight now, or is there anything else you wished to tell us?"

"Uh," Gwynfor clears his throat, and readjusts his scarf back into place, apparently a bit embarrassed. "Not quite, but I probably shouldn't dawdle here much longer. Surely either Father or Ornstein is looking for me for some business or another. I'd best leave before either arrives and tries to turn your breakfast into a boring meeting." He smiles brightly at the two of them, though, and starts to straighten himself up.

itsAlana04/02/2018
With growing delight, Loki says, "I cannot wait to harass-- I mean, meet your Ornstein, my brother. And perhaps you can take him a couple of our pastries, to brighten his morning-- I could make a little bundle for you..." Bring your boyfriend nice things, Gwynfor!

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwynfor smiles so very brightly, eyes shining, the moment Loki calls him 'brother', and even more at the offer. "Would you? I think he'd like that, he is rather partial to pastries, both sweet and savory. I might steal some of this fruit as well, if you don't mind..."

Gwyndolin giggles softly. "Take him some apple slices, but please leave a few for me."

Gwynfor nods happily, bending down to help Loki prepare a little breakfast bundle to surprise his knight with. "... 'Tis very nice, to have another brother." He says quietly, looking pleased as punch. He looks like he wants to say more, but then he keeps it to himself.

itsAlana04/02/2018
"You're rather an upgrade over my own," Loki says, in reply, and smiles at Gwynfor. "Perhaps I can send him back to Anor Londo in your place, and keep you here with us?" It's a joke, but it sounds a bit wistful, too, as he piles pastries into the center of a large napkin and ties it neatly into a bundle, with a large knot even Gwynfor's hand can grasp. "I'll have to scheme about it," he says, with a little wistful laugh, and gives the bundle to Gwynfor.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
"Really?" Gwynfor says, raising an eyebrow. "I've found Thor quite delightful thus far. But if you truly do not like having him around, I am sure Anor Londo would happily take him off your hands if Lord Odin would allow it."

He chuckles, and takes the bundle, standing up. "My thanks- I am sure Ornstein had a smaller breakfast than he should have. This may make his morning." With a grin, he makes his way to the door, and then pauses to look back at the pair, "Have a good day, my brothers- and please do not hesitate to call for me when I am in Asgard, for whatever you wish."

And then he's squeezing his way out after Gwyndolin wishes him a fond farewell. And once again, he and Loki have the room to themselves.

itsAlana04/02/2018
"Your brother is a delight," Loki says, when Gwynfor is gone, smiling at his husband and settling in a seat near him. "I like you very much, but I can't help but think it might have been nice to have been married off to him... except that he's already attached, I suppose?" His tone implies a question, but he looks very pleased with how cleverly he's noticed that Gwynfor is crazy about his knight.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin is a bit hurt to hear that Loki would have preferred his brother, his smile fading a moment- unfavored beside his siblings, as always. "Yes... he is, isn't he?" It only lasts a moment, though, as the topic moves on to how obviously crazy about his knight Gwynfor is, and it makes Gwyndolin giggle.

"Oh, good, thou hast noticed?" He says in a teasing tone, despite the subjects of the teasing not being here. "They both very much fancy each other, 'tis quite obvious. I feel my brother has realized his feelings to a point, but refuses to do anything but sit on them, and fails to notice Sir Ornstein's feelings mirror his own, while his knight is oblivious to both my brother's and his own!"

Gwyndolin sighs a bit dramatically. "They have been in this equilibrium of obliviousness for as long as I can remember, yet they are so clearly taken with one another! Thankfully, that obliviousness extends to my Lord Father as well... I do not think he would take kindly to it."

itsAlana04/02/2018
Loki hums, and suggests, "Maybe next time, I'll suggest he take flowers to his knight, instead of just pastries." He's not oblivious, though, and with a flourish of his hand, he presents a white moonflower to Gwyndolin, still closed with the tines of the flower curled in a pointed star. "Maybe something like this?" he says, voice innocent, though his eyes are bright as he regards his husband.

When Gwyndolin takes it, it will bloom in his hand, releasing the soft fragrance of morning glories into the room.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
"Mm. I think the Dragonslayer would still miss the hint. He really is *quite* oblivious..." Still, he marvels at the conjured flower, humming softly as he accepts it- only to gasp as it blooms suddenly in his hand, which he promptly coos over, touching the petals with the tips of his fingers. "Oh, Loki, but this is quite beautiful! I know I would love them, myself..."

It seems Gwynfor and Ornstein aren't the only oblivious ones, as Gwyndolin has quite missed the double-meaning.

itsAlana04/02/2018
Loki smiles fondly at Gwyndolin, and says, "Maybe the bouquet for Ornstein could be shaped into a symbol of romance-- do your people use hearts as a symbol of love? Or perhaps mixed sunflowers and dandy-lions would get the idea across..." He laughs, softly, and scoots closer to Gwyndolin.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin is smiling warmly, still regarding the moonflower with delight, and failing to notice Loki coming closer. "Yes, and it may work, but I would not hedge my bets upon it... I think the Dragonslayer would refuse to register it in his silly head if my brother does not spell it out plainly for him."

He chuckles softly, and says, "For example- since my childhood, my brother, when speaking with or around Ornstein when none but myself or no one was around, he would call me a boy, his brother, instead of referring to me as a girl. I think Ornstein yet still has not realized I am not a woman!"

itsAlana04/02/2018
Loki snorts a laugh, and says, "Goodness, that is impressively oblivious. Maybe we ought to convince your brother to spell it out for him." His hand finds Gwyndolin's spine, and he casually uses his other hand to tuck another moonflower behind Gwyndolin's ear, the stem curling neatly into Gwyndolin's braid to hold itself in place. Then he kisses his husband on the cheek, sweetly. "But first, I believe we were eating breakfast, and then... did we have plans past breakfast? There's been so many interruptions, I've entirely forgotten."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
"Now that is something that may work, but we will have to wrestle a bit with my brother's fears..." Suddenly, Gwyndolin is surprised by a smooch and a flower tucked behind his ear- the flower so wonderfully compliments his pallor and silvery hair and veil, despite the cute pinkening of his cheeks.

"Ah, well... n-no, I do not think we had much else planned... " He pauses, and then says quickly, realizing, "save to, perhaps, meet with thy mother? I would love to know her more."

itsAlana04/02/2018
"Ah, yes! And she would love to know you more." He catches Gwyndolin's hand, and kisses his knuckles, and says, with earnestness, "I think that she's going to love you, my Gwyndolin, and she will certainly scold Thor for overstepping his bounds if he bothers you again-- I'll need to ask her to speak with him about this morning... and last night, when he drunkenly flirted with you..." He pauses, considering, then says, "Maybe, for once, he'll be scolded enough to not do it again."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin makes a funny noise and blushes rather deeply, curling his fingers in Loki's hand. "I would like that... Should he behave better, surely I could get along with him. But so far I am quite uncomfortable..." He sighs a bit, and reluctantly takes his hand back- so he can get back to eating, you see, he still has his plate of breakfast on his lap he must attend to. Let him just do that, nom nom.

"... Dost thou really think thy mother will enjoy me so?" He asks between bites. "She was so sweet at the reception, but I do not know her well enough to know how much is an affected geniality. In truth, I still cannot tell with mine own family at times."

itsAlana04/02/2018
Loki says, very confidently, "She does not affect geniality. She's..." He falters for a moment, then says, softly, "She's always loved me so completely, though at times I've been a trial for her, and she's always been kind to every student that tries to learn with all their heart from her. If you are lazy or... or cruel for fun, she won't be the least bit kind to you, but... you're sweet, Gwyndolin, and you love magic, and appreciate things like flowers. Mother will love you."

He stands, and says, with a lopsided smile, "I'm going to break out in hives if I spend much more time being earnest, my Gwyndolin. Just... know that you have nothing to fear from my mother." Then he goes to gather up another pastry for himself.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Some of Gwyndolin's fears melt away with Loki's words, and he smiles genuinely, his cheeks pink at the slight compliments towards himself thrown in. "She truly does sound wonderful." He says, voice soft, "I will trust thy word- I greatly look forward to getting to know her better."

His mood, which had drooped a bit after his brother's departure from breakfast, has improved again, and he's got a soft smile on his face as he continues his breakfast... even cleaning his plate! He even ate the sausages he picked out, instead of just the fruit and pastries. "Oh, but I think I am quite full now." He says, though in truth, he did not eat very much- he wasn't kidding when he said he's usually rather small of appetite. "But I feel terrible letting all this food go to waste, having hardly eaten any of it..."

itsAlana04/02/2018
Loki says, with a smile, "Don't worry, it won't go to waste. The servants will probably split whatever's left for lunch or dinner or snacking-- I happen to know the lemon-curd pastries are the head cook's favorite, which is probably why there's so many more of them than any of the other types." He winks at his husband. "How clever, to make more than we can eat of her favorite, right?"

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
That makes Gwyndolin giggle a bit, the tips of his fingers at his lips. "Oh, that is quite clever indeed! Well, I hope the servants and cooks greatly enjoy the leftovers, as what's left is still quite grand. I only wish my appetite stronger, and my stomach less prone to being delicate."

That said, he climbs to his...snakes, brushing off his skirt. "Shall we stay here a while longer, or wouldst thou like to depart this parlor?"

itsAlana04/02/2018
"I'd rather you nibbled lightly than overeat yourself sick," he says, offering Gwyndolin his free hand and taking the last bite of his final pastry. "And I would love to go with you to meet my mother-- she's probably in her garden right now..."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin brightens a bit at the mention of a garden. "Oh, I would love to see her garden!" He says, happily taking Loki's offered hand. "Which reminds me, wouldst thou show me thy garden sometime, as well? The one thy bedroom balcony overlooks... 'Twas quite lovely in last night's moonlight, and I would like to see it more closely."

itsAlana04/02/2018
He nods, and says, "Perhaps this evening? And-- and if there's any flowers from Anor Londo you would like planted there, we could ask your brother to bring starts with him next time he visits, or start some ourselves when we go to visit Anor Londo." He escorts Gwyndolin at a sedate pace, lacing his warmer fingers between Gwyndolin's cool ones. "I'm no great gardener myself-- I'm a little impatient for it-- but gardens are very nice to visit."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin is clearly delighted by this turn of topic, his fingers curling to hold Loki's hand in his own, their fingers interlaced. "Oh! I would love to grow some flowers from Oolacile if thou wouldst allow me- those lovely glowing flowers from the wedding." He says, quite happily, "I have never tried my hand at gardening, but with one just outside thy bedroom, I would like to try my hand at it... I doubt I will be much busier in Asgard than I was in Anor Londo."

itsAlana04/02/2018
Loki's eyes crinkle at the corners. "You don't intend to spend every minute of the day being flattered by me? I'm hurt, dear Gwyndolin! Are my compliments so lacking that you need to escape them by picking up new hobbies?" He is teasing, the jerk, and squeezes Gwyndolin's hand. "We'll see if I ever call you sweet again," he murmurs, "my dear Gwyndolin, or tell you how beautiful your eyes are when they sparkle like gems."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin makes a funny whining sound, his cheeks burning quite pink, and he gives Loki's hand a squeeze even as he turns his face away, cupping his free hand over one of his cheeks. "Goodness, thou art truly a dreadful flatterer!" He says, huffing a little, but unable to keep a smile off his lips. "But, really, what would be keeping thee from flattering me as I practiced a hobby? Unless thou art disinterested in me if I have soil upon my hands."

itsAlana04/02/2018
"It would make it rather more unpleasant to do this," he admits, lifting Gwyndolin's hand to kiss his knuckles and bat his eyelashes, "but you'd still be very pretty, even covered in an inch of mud all over. I suppose I could sit safely on some pavement and flatter you from there as you worked..."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin whines softly again, clearly so terribly weak to all of Loki's flirting, and he bites his lower lip a moment. "Well, luckily, I do not care much for being dirty, so thou wilt not have to worry about me getting too soiled, or gardening for too long should I take to it." He says, with another little giggle. "And I promise to wash my hands before going to hold thine."

With that, he gives Loki's hand another little squeeze, letting it last a little longer this time.

itsAlana04/02/2018
"Then I look forward to watching you garden, and flattering you while you do," he says, sweetly, and squeezes back, gently firm. "And my mother can teach you what she knows of that, too, if you ask her."

He takes a few steps in silence, then asks, softly, "May I tell my mother about that marriage-shattering secret of yours? Or would you like to wait until after you know her better?"

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin is all smiles and delight until Loki brings up his marriage-shattering secret, and his smile fades, his eyes turning down. "... Dost thou think it will be safe to tell her?" He asks, clearly worried. "I do not know her well, but I would trust thy word about her- if thou art sure she will not react poorly, nor inform thy father, then..."

itsAlana04/02/2018
"If I ask her, she won't," he says, softly. "She has kept secrets for me before, and she is... she loves my father, but she understands why not every thing needs to be brought to his attention." He blushes a little, and adds, a bit shyly, "She'll likely suspect something if she sees how fond I am of you already, my Gwyndolin, since she's... aware of my leanings. It might be simpler to cut off any speculation of hers before it can begin."

Loki has never been hot for a girl in his life tbh, and Frigga doubtless knows that; him being really into his "wife" is going to be a dead giveaway that something's up.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
"I understand." He says softly, and gives Loki's hand another squeeze, one that is reluctant to loosen- this time, from a desire of security. "If thou wilt trust her, then as will I. After all, 'tis an excellent point that she may need to be told sooner, rather than later and be left to speculate."

He smiles a little, and takes a breath or two, to keep himself calm. "... 'Tis a strange thing, that people are being made aware of what I am so quickly suddenly."

itsAlana04/02/2018
"... Only the two of us by the end of the day," Loki says, "though I suppose that must feel like a great increase." He kisses Gwyndolin's hand again, and asks, "Would you like to explain the situation, or should I? Or should we wait until you've gotten to know my mother a little, and then you can decide which would make you more comfortable?" Loki doesn't want Gwyndolin to hurt....

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
"It does, yes. In fact, that is nearly double the number it was before yesterday." He says softly, and his grip on Loki's hand loosens after the kiss, his hand relaxing. "I think I would like thee to explain to her what thou can, if thou wouldst... Since thou knowest her best. If she has questions, I can then answer."

itsAlana04/02/2018
Loki nods, and glances up and down the corridor, then-- when he's certain they're alone-- pauses their advancement, to turn Gwyndolin gently towards him and give him a light little kiss on the lips. "I DO like you very much," he says, softly, "and I'm... almost glad things have turned out like this. If it had been up to me to court you, not knowing your secret, I wouldn't have, and-- I like you very much, my Gwyndolin."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin looks confusedly curious as Loki makes them halt, and turning Gwyndolin to himself- only for the moongod to gasp when he's kissed, and make a funny little strained noise (likely trying to keep himself from squeaking and being embarrassing), his eyes briefly going wind before he glances away in bashfulness. His eyes start to shine, and his throat feels tight... His free hand find's Loki's matching one, so that he can hold both Loki's hands in both of his.

But then he asks, very quietly, his eyes looking down at their hands instead of up at Loki's face, "But... not as much as thou wouldst have liked my brother, yes?"

itsAlana04/02/2018
Loki blushes, and says, "Well-- your brother is charming and handsome, but-- I think I would be exhausted by his disposition after a few days, if I were married to it." He glances aside, and murmurs, "Probably not exhausted by how handsome he is, though."

So Loki's a little hot for Gwynfor's extremely large muscles. Maybe he likes a calf that's as big as he is. MAYBE he'd like to lay on Gwynfor's chest and kiss his throat and grind against his abs. A man can't help what his dick gets hard for.

"... But I think we're a better match, from the time I've spent with your brother," he says, softly. "I think I'll like being married to you better than I would have liked being married to him."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin, clearly, did not expect that response, judging by the way his eyes go wide and the way they shine, the way he's suddenly and briefly lost the ability to breathe, the way he starts to squeeze Loki's hands in his own, his grip trembling.

"I... art thou sure??" He asks, a hushed and breathless. "Forgive me if I find this rather... rather hard to believe!"

itsAlana04/02/2018
Loki laughs, and says, a little taken aback, "You-- your brother is very sweet and likable, but-- I like you, too. I think I like you more. Even if your biceps aren't extremely handsome boulders." He pauses, then jokes, "At least, they aren't yet. Perhaps you could learn from my brother how to be a slab of muscle to put bears to shame?" He's teasing, and nudges their noses together, then kisses Gwyndolin again.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
That actually makes Gwyndolin smile again, and then laugh, though wetness teases at the edges of his crinkling eyes, even as Loki noses their faces close to kiss Gwyndolin again. "I doubt it's possible, for one reason or another," He murmurs, breaking their kiss, a few giggles in his voice, "But 'tis fun to think about."

And then, all on his own, Gwyndolin leans in to press his lips to Loki's, to be the one to give his husband a kiss, rather than be kissed. When he pulls away again, he says, voice hushed once more, "For what it is worth... I really do like you very much as well, Loki."

itsAlana04/02/2018
Blushing once more, he says, a little wryly and a little shyly, "It's not often that people like me more than my own handsome brother, my Gwyndolin. So... I... it's worth quite a lot, actually." His arms sneak around Gwyndolin's waist, and he suggests, fingers lacing at the small of Gwyndolin's back, "Maybe we should tell each other how much we like each other some more, after we visit my mother... perhaps do some more of this..." and kisses Gwyndolin once more, a bit more firmly, stepping in a little closer so their bodies are almost brushing, Loki's chest and arms and hands warm.

He would maybe like to make out a little later, Gwyndolin!!

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Without Loki's hands to hold, Gwyndolin's have to find someplace else to be- and with Loki moving so close, nearly chest-to-chest with Gwyndolin, arms around the moongod's waist, the place Gwyndolin's hands find is resting daintily against Loki's chest while he's told how much his feelings are worth, which is much, much more than he is used to them being worth. And he's kissed again, firmly enough for Gwyndolin to have time to return it happily, melting just a bit in Loki's arms.

Gwyndolin may be able to be convinced to make out later! Wow, they've been married less than twenty-four hours and it's already going great!!

When they finally part, Gwyndolin laughs quietly, a little breathless, his eyes shimmering slightly with a hint of wet, and his cheeks quite pink. "Perhaps, if I'd met thy brother while he was better behaved, I could have been a bit smitten with him, but... I really do think I have much more in common with thee, Loki, and would find thy company more enriching and comforting. ...And thou art quite handsome."

itsAlana04/02/2018
Gwyndolin's compliments leave Loki quite pink, and he says in mock-offense, "And you call me a flatterer, my Gwyndolin? If you keep saying things like that, I'll have to kiss you BEFORE we go to visit my mother..."

He demonstrates the kind of kissing he'll have to do, edging in just a bit closer, so that Gwyndolin's hands are a little trapped between their bodies, and Loki's wonderful husband can feel Loki's chest brush against his with every breath they take.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin makes a soft but very pleased sound against Loki's lips as he's kissed again, with his husband so close against him that he can feel each of his own breaths against his husband's chest- and each of his husband's breaths against his own, and his fingers curl delicately in Loki's tunic. He melts a little bit again, and promptly decides that smooching and closeness? Is very, very nice. Very nice. And he's gonna smooch right on back with a little happy sigh through his nose, lashes fluttering as his eyes go shut. "Mh..."

itsAlana04/02/2018
Oh, this is-- this is nice-- Gwyndolin is softer and slighter in his arms than Loki is used to, but the relaxation and clinging, the feeling of closeness, the soft sighs and happy noises-- Loki has... has missed having someone he wanted to be close to and who wanted to be close to him, since his last lover had left, has missed the sheer physical closeness, the weight of someone in his arms and pressed against him-- he could kiss Gwyndolin for hours, he thinks, pressing light pecks between slower, more intimate smooches, and is just about to see how Gwyndolin would react to the touch of his tongue when he hears a very familiar throat-clearing from the end of the hall.

The sound pushes him back from Gwyndolin as surely as a spring, and he swivels, flustered, to face-- "Mother! We were just coming to see you," he says, face pinking right up to his hairline.

"Oh, were you, my dear son?" she says, from the end of the hallway, standing in the door to her quarters, and bestows a smile on Gwyndolin, her expression kind but her eyes glancing between them, as if she's wondering what was going on. "Good afternoon, Gwyndolin," she says. "Has my son been making you comfortable?"

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin has had absolutely zero experience in such matters, unlike his rather experienced husband. For Gwyndolin, every single one of these touches is shiny and new, from having his fingers curled in a man's tunic, to the feeling of lips against his own, from feeling another's chest breathing against his own, to hands on his body... such closeness and affection and intimacy so alien but, so far, so very welcome... An inkling of guilt wells up inside of him, the specter of his rescinded vows and his chaste, pious upbringing, but its quickly washed away with how wonderful it is to kiss, and to be kissed, and the reminder of the ring on his finger that he is *married* and, should he and his husband wish, there is no judgement in the world for a happily married couple to kiss!

But then comes the sound of someone clearing their throat, and Loki springs from Gwyndolin so suddenly that the poor thing tips slightly at the sudden lack of the man he was just leaning into, though he manages to keep his balance and straighten back up, readjusting his veil- oh. Oh, dear. Gwyndolin's eyes go wide and his face floods red as he realizes that it's his mother-in-law.

"Good... G-Good afternoon La- ah, F-Frigga." He stammers slightly, and fidgets his fingers. He fails to meet her eyes, looking terribly embarrassed and a bit ashamed of himself. "Y-Yes, he has. We just finished a brunch he'd had arranged for us, and were on our way to speak with thee."

itsAlana04/02/2018
Her smile softens even more, and she says, "I see. As luck would have it, I was just about to see if the two of you had risen yet." She steps back into her rooms, and calls over her shoulder, "Come join me, dear son, dear daughter. Would you care for some tea?"

Loki is still very pink, but says in reply, "Yes please, mother. May we take it in the garden? Gwyndolin had wanted to see your plants." Now that his mother isn't looking, he leans in to kiss Gwyndolin's red cheek, and murmur to his husband, "More later?" in a very soft, hopeful voice, and waits for a response before walking with Gwyndolin, hand on his back, to his mother's rooms.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin still looks quite ashamed of himself, but the way Frigga takes it all in stride, and the way Loki kisses his cheek once his mother's back is turned and asks for more so very softly- for more! He wants to kiss Gwyndolin more... He flushes all over again, and the shame melts away enough for him to smile gently, and nod, whispering, "Yes, please."

And then they're following Frigga, hopefully to see her garden, which Gwyndolin is certainly looking forward to, albeit quite thankful he has his veil to hide under slightly from the brightness of the sun. "May I ask what sort of tea? I hath yet to sample Asgardian blends."

itsAlana04/02/2018
As they enter the room, Loki drops his hand to hold Gwyndolin's, and after another glance at them, Frigga answers, "I have more than one kind... would a black tea with mint agree with you, Gwyndolin? I find it very refreshing. I also have orange, cinnamon, and rose hips..." She sets a kettle in the corner of her room to heating with a wave of her hand, and beckons Gwyndolin over to a little array of beautifully decorated tea jars, elegantly painted ceramic with gilded lids. "Would you like to smell the blends before you choose, my daughter?" she asks, retrieving a teapot and cups.

(Loki will keep holding Gwyndolin's hand for as long as possible.)

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin happily allows Loki's hand to hold his as long as he likes- he'll just have to do everything one-handed forever now!! He curls his fingers delicately around Loki's hand in return, and follows after Frigga, finding himself growing increasingly comfortable in the woman's presence as they talk about tea. "They both sound wonderful. Mint would be pleasing to my stomach after a meal, but... hm. I may like to smell the blends first, if thou dost not mind."

He has a smile on his face as he looks over the ceramic jars, reaching for one to take off the lid and bring it close to take a whiff- all while still keeping his other hand in Loki's. Anyways Gwyndolin's gonna be boring and talk about tea blends and tea smells and stuff for a couple minutes before he picks one out. Probably the first one with the mint because he has a delicate tummy and is worried breakfast will come back to bite him.

itsAlana04/02/2018
Loki is quietly pleased to be having his hand held so happily, and helps Gwyndolin whenever he needs another hand, and doesn't worry too much about the questioning looks his mother keeps sending him, giving her helplessly pleased smiles and crinkling the corners of his eyes at her, and offering his own opinion on his mother's teas-- mostly that they're all good, but agreeing that the mint sounds nice, and that he thinks Gwyndolin would like it.

Once the tea is selected, she urges Gwyndolin, "Why don't you go find someplace to sit in the garden, my dear, while I borrow my son to help me make the tea? It's a beautiful day out."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin is a rather smart boy, and he realizes that he is being politely ushered away so that Frigga can most likely have a talk with her son, probably about him making out with his new 'wife' in the hallway. Gwyndolin doesn't really mind, since it's to speak with Loki privately and not, like, to get him to go away just because he's disliked, so he says, "Of course, Frigga. I will see thee shortly?"

And with that, he gives Loki a slightly apologetic face as he reluctantly takes his hand away (alas!! Frigga ruins their plans of 'holding hands, forever') so that he can retreat outdoors, to find someplace warm and somewhat shady to sit, to protect his sensitive skin, but allow his snakes to spread across warm ground and perhaps reach a spot of sun to bathe in.

itsAlana04/02/2018
When Gwyndolin gets outside, he'll have no lack of shaded spots-- a good third of the garden is cast into cool shadows by the palace, the beds thick with hostas lifting proud columns of pale flowers from their variegated leaves and periwinkles sparkling their signature color from their low-laying vines, huge fiddlehead ferns rising behind them and mixed with hydrangeas bursting with pink and white and delicate blue flowers. The path from the door is wide and easy for him to move along, paved in a thousand rounded river stones fitted neatly together in swirling designs, stripes of cream and brown and black, and leads to a pergola that shades a little sitting area  both with its wooden slatted roof and the absolute riot of blossoming vines covering it, tinting the sunlight green as it dapples through the morning glories, wisteria, and jasmine, their heady floral scents filling the garden with every slight breeze.

The chairs in its shade are soft, surprisingly rustic wicker shapes, padded generously with thick pillows of blue-green cotton, with a low wooden table in the middle of them, a pair of gardening shears and gloves left on one corner. Gwyndolin will be very comfortable waiting for his husband and mother-in-law to come join him, and he can watch a wren splash in a birdbath, or listen to bees humming happily through the garden, or catch sight of mundane but sweet little yellow butterflies fluttering from flower to flower and chasing each other through the air.

Inside, Frigga is asking her son what brought him around so quickly on his wife, and being told that he'll tell her in a moment-- with Gwyndolin there-- and that she need not worry about it being insincere or some kind of trick; he does really, truly like Gwyndolin, and hopes that she will, too.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin finds that there are plenty of lovely shaded flowery places to sit, but none more appropriate than in a very comfortable wicker seat under a vine-smothered pergola, and it is the most delightful place he could ever imagine sitting on a nice warm day, really. He's more than happy to make himself comfortable there, allowing his snakes to slither freely back and forth over the stones as their tongues flit incessantly to taste the air, his hands folded in his lap. He takes the time while Loki and Frigga speak and make tea inside to admire the flowers and leaves overhead, the way they tint the filtered sunshine and perfume the air...

Maybe Frigga would allow him to come sit here sometimes, as he loves it already. Idly, he wonders if Frigga noticed the magicked moonflower tucked behind his ear...

itsAlana04/02/2018
Frigga would absolutely let her new child sit in her garden sometimes, especially now that Loki has expressed to her that he wants her to like Gwyndolin.

While they're preparing tea, he also mentions that Thor has been... inappropriate... with Gwyndolin, and asks that his mother scold his brother, and gets a promise that she'll speak to him; he adds that Thor tried to ask Gwyndolin if they'd had sex last night and that Gwyndolin, who'd been kept under a vow of chastity until the wedding, didn't understand what Thor had been asking, and also they hadn't last night, though Loki had some small hopes for tonight-- and his mother agreed with a rather steelier glint in her eye that she'd talk to Thor. And also a question of if Gwyndolin, chaste as she was, knew what to expect if she was interested in tonight?

Loki cannot answer that, and Frigga suggests talking to his wife; then the tea is steeped, and she has Loki bring it out to the garden, carrying it on a tray behind his mother, looking a little flustered but not upset as he sets the tray down on the table in front of Gwyndolin. "Hello again," he says to Gwyndolin, smiling, as his mother sits in the chair to one side of Gwyndolin. "Would you like any sugar in your tea?"

Apparently, Loki is serving!

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin probably looks terribly picturesque, all silvery and pearly and pale and dressed and robed in fine white silks and an ethereal veil, dripping with delicate gold jewelery, his snakes slithering lazily upon the ground while he sits so elegantly, surrounded by beautiful flowers that somehow, coincidentally, so wonderfully complement his looks.

He looks over when he notices the two step outside, and he smiles warmly at them both, and then even more as Loki greets him. "Hello again, husband." He says softly, and then looks mildly surprised when he realized Loki is doing the serving. What a helpful boy he is to his mother! "Oh, yes, please! Neither too much, nor too little, if thou wouldst? My thanks, dear Loki."

itsAlana04/02/2018
Loki isn't QUITE sure what too much or too little is-- he settles for two small scoops at the bottom of Gwyndolin's cup, and pours the hot tea over the sugar, the liquid dark and translucent and steaming only gently. The cups are also beautiful, clear glass vessels cradled in an enameled cradle of flowers, a stem forming the handle; Loki offers the cup to Gwyndolin handle-first, and cautions, "It might need another moment to cool."

Then he pours for his mother (no sugar) and for himself (four scoops of sugar), and sits beside Gwyndolin, after nudging the chair closer, careful not to run over any of his husband's snakes as he settles down in hand-holding distance, blowing on his tea a moment before taking a sip.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Two scoops is pretty perfect for Gwyndolin! Enough to sweeten it, but not enough to upset his delicate tummy. Loki is thanked with a smile warmer than his cup of tea as he accepts it, holding his cup carefully with both dainty hands, and looking awfully refined and beautiful and easy to fall in love with. It's really a crime that the life he's led caused someone like him to have such low self-esteem, isn't it?

The snakes scooch out of the way as much as Loki is careful of them, rather polite they are, and after a moment or two of letting his tea cool slightly, Gwyndolin mimics his husband, blowing on the liquid before taking a sip. "Mm! Oh, 'tis quite lovely, Frigga." He compliments. And then he takes one hand from his cup, to take the subtle hint Loki had left in the distance between them, to reach subtly over to, perhaps, find Loki's hand with his own? And, to his husband, Gwyndolin asks quietly, "Did the two of thee speak while inside...?"

itsAlana04/02/2018
Frigga smiles at Gwyndolin, and says, softly, "Thank you, my dear. If you want some for yourself, I can have some sent to Loki's suite later."

Loki, on the other hand, is having his hand held. AWWW YEAH SCORE HUSBAND HAND-HOLDING!!! Loki squeezes Gwyndolin's hand in his, smiling at him, and says, "Of Thor's behavior. Not of the-- the other thing. Would you like me to tell her now?"

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin, polite and eager, gives Frigga a yes, please, he would very much like to enjoy this tea more, especially after meals, etc. But back to the topic of speaking to Loki's mother, Gwyndolin is pleased, at least, that the Thor issue is going to be dealt with, but there still remains the more pressing concerns...

Gwyndolin, rather nervous despite all of his husband's reassurances, gives Loki's hand a squeeze for a moment, before saying quietly. "Please... if thou wouldst?"

itsAlana04/02/2018
Loki nods, and waits a moment, for his mother to swallow her tea, gaining him a curiously raised eyebrow as she lowers her cup to her lap. "Go ahead, Loki," she says, sounding curious, "what is it that you wanted to tell me?"

He takes a moment, then, with a glance around, spreads his magic in a web of privacy around them. Her other eyebrow raises, and she hums, softly, easily winding her magic with his with barely a twitch of her fingers, strengthening the bubble of muffling magic; the bees and the splashing wren and the breeze in the slats of the pergola are still clear, but the distant noises of the city and the palace fade away to nothing. Only then does Loki say, quietly, "Gwyndolin is not my wife; he is my husband. His father raised him as a girl, because of his fragility and affinity for their moon, but he was born a boy."

"Ah!" she says, looking illuminated, and her eyes sharpen on Gwyndolin, rather assessingly. "I see. How deep a secret is this, my... dear sons?" There's just a moment of hesitation, but she settles on 'sons' quickly.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
Gwyndolin is intrigued by the magic being worked by the mother and son, though it is somewhat dampened by the coming topic- so he stores his curiosity away for later, when he can be more properly excited. Because right now, Loki is informing his mother of Gwyndolin's maleness, and he looks down at his teacup, looking... so ashamed, like he's done something wrong by existing this way.

"A... A rather heavy secret. With thy knowledge, the people who know this truth now number in five, discounting my father." He says softly, even though he knows that they can speak openly yet privately for the moment. "My father does not realize I have not taken to being designated as a daughter in my heart, and that I remain a son in truth. I do not wish to upset him, nor his court... Nor do I wish to potentially jeopardize my marriage to Loki, as it might if it became known."

He squeezes Loki's hand, glancing briefly up at him, and then over at Frigga, before guiltily lowering his gaze again. "In truth, my father was expecting the nature of my body to become an issue, and was prepared to counter it should Odin or Loki be openly displeased. Since Loki is not, I would much rather... keep things quiet."

itsAlana04/02/2018
She hums, and sips her tea, and says again, "I see. And I expect that he's pushing through the warroom dealings as quickly as possible, before the axe he expects drops-- to entangle my husband in his war before your secret can be exposed..." She hums, and looks at Loki, and asks him, "Have you thought about the future yet, or has there not been enough time?"

Loki says, "Not really enough time. I've... I've mostly been being glad I like my husband, actually." He flashes a little smile at Gwyndolin. "But as long as we can keep the secret secret, I don't see why we wouldn't be able to carry on as... as I originally planned."

Frigga hums, and says, "I'd appreciate it if you keep me updated, dear Loki. And you as well, Gwyndolin; if ever you need advice or support, I'll hold your secret close, and advise you as well as I can."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/02/2018
When it's said like that, it really makes his dad sound like a massive dick, and Gwyndolin doesn't really like thinking that- and in fact, if it were anyone but his mother-in-law, he'd likely scold anyone speaking of his father and his motivations in such a way. But instead, he frowns, and bites his tongue, and lets Loki do a little bit of the talking while he sips at his tea- namely that they haven't had the time to really discuss much in the way of their future yet. Aside from 'I hope we can at least be really good friends'.

But then Gwyndolin is addressed directly again, and with such kindness, it makes his cheeks go a little pink. "I- m-my thanks, Frigga." He says softly, finally looking up at her, to give her a soft smile as he feels a little tightness in his chest. "I am simply glad there is someone else I can trust with my true self... Aside from my husband, who I am quite blessed to have met and been betrothed to."

itsAlana04/03/2018
"More betrothed to, THEN met, wasn't it?" Loki says, wryly, and lifts Gwyndolin's hand to kiss his knuckles. Frigga does not snort a laugh, but she does make a little noise behind a hand pressed to her mouth, and though she and her son don't look terribly much alike, her eyes also crinkle at the corners when she's smiling. "But I'm feeling rather blessed, too."

Frigga says, softly, "I'm glad it's worked out, then. At least between the two of you." She lowers her hand from her mouth, cupping her teacup, and leans forward a little bit. "As long as you and Loki are happy, that's the most important thing; I know my dear Loki needs it, and I suspect, my son Gwyndolin, that you have a need for happiness, too."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/03/2018
"I did not say in that order." Gwyndolin retorts with a growing smile, wiggling his pretty fingers a little in Loki's grip after his knuckles are smooched. "But still, thou art truly my Lucky Loki." Oh noooo, now Loki's mother gets to know the cute nickname Gwyndolin has given her son!!

And speaking of sons, Frigga is exuding maternal love, and Gwyndolin is really not sure how to react to it, aside from 'flustered', his cheeks going quite red. "I... w-well. I am quite happy thus far, at least..." He wants to deny that he 'needs' more happiness than he's had so far, perhaps imply that he deserves his unhappiness, somehow. But he doesn't want to argue with Frigga, not when she is so magnanimously kind and understanding, and- "... I have never been called a 'son' before."

itsAlana04/03/2018
Loki looks like he would object, too, but he doesn't, not even when his mother sets her teacup on the table, comes to Gwyndolin, and kisses the crown of his head, a benediction of motherly love. "I would call you my son again, my Gwyndolin," she says, crouching before him, hands on his shoulders as she meets his eyes. "The marriage may have been my husband's choice, and not any of ours, but you are welcome in my family, and I think we'll be glad you've joined us, my son."

Then she glances at Loki, and adds, "Some of us might already be glad you've joined us," with a little smile, making Loki blush and squeeze Gwyndolin's hand.

"Mother," he objects, more out of bashfulness than denial, but he cant help but smile at Gwyndolin, too.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/03/2018
It's certainly not the first time today that Gwyndolin finds his eyes stinging as they visibly shine with onset wetness. They sparkle, too, wide and bright with an almost reverent awe, his cheeks pink and his lips slightly ajar in wordless astonishment and admiration. And then he smiles with such delight, glancing briefly over at Loki, and then back to Frigga, his chest feeling tight and his stomach frothing with delighted butterflies.

"I... th-thank you so very much," He says, voice slightly hushed with emotion, throat feeling almost as tight as his chest, "I had never thought I could be so wanted, though we have only just met."

itsAlana04/03/2018
Frigga gently squeezes his shoulders, and smiles at him, and says, kindly, "Of course we want you. You've already brought light into my son's life, and that alone is enough to make me want you to stay, and while we do not know each other yet, I have no doubt you'll continue to be a wonderful son to me." She glances again at Loki, and says, sweetly, "Don't you agree, Lucky Loki?"

Loki makes a dying noise, but nods in agreement. "I think you'll really like him," he says, soft, and kisses Gwyndolin's knuckles. "I do."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/03/2018
Gwyndolin maybe... maybe sniffles just a bit, but he keeps himself together, keeps the wetness in his eyes instead of on his face, and he nods, cheeks pink. "I-I... I would love to get to know thee better, and spend more time with thee," He says, his voice tremoring slightly as he struggles to keep it together, "Perhaps, at least, more tea in thy garden, like this, some afternoons? I do l-love tea, 'tis good for my constitution, and some fine company to go with it would make it all the better."

His smile is growing and growing with every word, eyes sparkling with joy. It's clear he already likes his mother-in-law very, very much and is very looking forward to spending time with her. "After all, I would need some ways to pass the time while I am here. More than simply sitting cloistered somewhere reading and needling lace."

itsAlana04/03/2018
"Perhaps we can study magic together over tea, or I can teach you about the flowers I grow, with tea to keep us company," Frigga says, encouragingly, and cups her son's cheek with a warm hand. "Or simply chat about things, of great or no importance, however the mood strikes us. And if you want, you could even bring Loki along, my son."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/03/2018
"May I say 'yes' to all of these suggestions?" He says, with half a giggle bubbling into his voice. "It all sounds terribly wonderful, Frigga- I would be more than happy to learn what I can of the magic of Asgard, or do my best to teach thee the sorcery of my world. Or to simply enjoy thy company."

He glances back at Loki, smiling brightly, "And Loki's, too- my husband is of course welcome to join me. I would hardly dare keep him from his mother."

itsAlana04/03/2018
"I do like visiting with her," Loki says, "even if she does make me carry the tea tray."

"If you ever came to visit me with Thor, you could take turns carrying the tea tray," she says, rather primly, her voice stern but her eyes crinkled in amusement, and she squeezes Gwyndolin's shoulders again before straightening and gathering up her tea. "And of course you can say yes to all those things, my son."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/03/2018
Gwyndolin has honestly been having the best twenty-four hours of his life, really. It's especially amazing when he was so afraid it would be the worst. But here he is, having tea with a woman as wonderful as his sister- in the back of his mind, he even dares to wonder if, perhaps, she may be more wonderful even than Gwynevere- who wishes to spend time with him and speak magic with him, and he's married to a man who knows who and what he is and not only doesn't mind any of it, but *prefers* it, snakes and maleness and sorcery and all, and even wants to spend time kissing him. Imagine. A man who wants to kiss him, despite and even because of all the things everyone else would have thought wrong about him.

He bubbles up with giggles he can't restrain, before taking a few sips of his tea- he really should drink this before it gets cold. "In all honestly, I would be willing to spend time with my brother-in-law as well, if he could at least behave himself. He seems like a decent fellow, with his heart in the right place and rather charming enough, if he could simply be a bit less... boorish?"

itsAlana04/03/2018
Frigga says, rather firmly, "If he's at all boorish in my garden, he'll be corrected very quickly, my dear son, don't you worry." Her glance slides to Loki, and she asks, "Would you be all right with your brother sitting in with us sometimes, my Loki?"

Loki doesn't look the most pleased, but he's glad he's been given veto power, even if he decides... "As long as he keeps his eyes to himself," he says, and gives his Gwyndolin's hand a rather possessive kiss, "and does not bother my husband, and it's only sometimes... I suppose I could tolerate it."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/03/2018
Gwyndolin feels a little shiver run up his spine as Loki kisses his hand, as an inkling of Loki's mild possessiveness over him dawns on him. Oh. That is... new. Very new. That someone could ever want him enough to be jealous, to not wish to share... Gwyndolin's cheeks are quite pink at that realization, and he clears his throat a little.

"Th-That sounds reasonable enough..." He says softly, "I would quite prefer if Thor did not covet his own brother's spouse so openly, myself." It's flattering in it's own way! But mostly it just makes him uncomfortable. Especially with how it's tended to get... inappropriate.

itsAlana04/03/2018
Frigga looks VERY pleased, though she notes to herself that maybe she should talk to her son about his husband being his own person, not a possession to jealously cling to-- but Gwyndolin hardly seems to mind a little possessiveness, and she suspects that Gwyndolin isn't used to being wanted so jealously. (Well, it's hardly a suspicion when Gwyndolin has been so clear about not expecting to be wanted at all... more like a likely theory, at this point.)

"I think we can all agree that that's very inappropriate," she says, "and after we're done with tea I'll be speaking with him about his behavior." She sips her tea, and sighs, relaxing a little into her chair, testing her ignored muffling magic to make sure it's still solid, woven with Loki's into a dampening cloth over the garden. "So, Gwyndolin, my dear son... do you know much about the magical theory of your world, or are you more acquainted with its practicalities than the laws governing it? Does your magic still work here, or is it bound to some innate traits of your world?"

If Gwyndolin likes, they can talk about magic for the next half-hour or hour or so, Loki pouring more tea as needed and adding his own commentary as he thinks of things relevant.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/03/2018
Normally one would be happy to find their theory proven, but it is a very sad theory that Gwyndolin is so unused to being wanted, rejected and ignored as he is used to being, but alas, it is true. And while it is probably a good idea to remind Loki that Gwyndolin is people and not a thing... he certainly isn't minding a little possessiveness, of being wanted so.

Anyways, he gives some quiet thanks to Frigga, very glad that this whole Thor issue may be being sorted out (although Thor may still find himself behaving poorly in the future because certain writers really want to see Gwyndolin give him a smack). "Oh! Yes, of course, one must really have an understanding of the laws of sorcery to really access it to begin with, such that to become a sorcerer oft requires such studiousness before one can even manifest their first soul orb..."

And Gwyndolin will happily begin prattling off about his world's sorcery, how it originated with Duke Seath, who discovered that the powers of the soul can be manifested into forces that can influence the world- most commonly for combat, creating metaphysical orbs to cause destruction, but often for many other uses as well, and how Seath's discoveries also pertain to the inherent magical energies of the moon, the light of which can fuel sorceries itself separate from or in combination with the soul, how Gwyndolin, after much study under the Duke, has mastered his own unique brand of moonlight sorcery, and his special talents in illusions, and how the smaller state-kingdom of Oolacile have developed their own golden light-based sorceries, less for combat and more for changing perceptions, and how much of it is based off him sharing his own sorceries long ago, and and and...

Honestly, if no one interrupts him, he really just keeps going all on his own, practically a condensed History of Sorcery lesson.


Gwyndolin is just getting into the concepts of catalysts- "'Tis largely necessary for even the greatest of sorcerers to have a catalyst through which to concentrate their magic to cast their spells most efficiently, though some materials are better than others. In fact, my wedding bouquet-" But the secrets of Gwyndolin's wedding bouquet will, unfortunately, have to be revealed later (perhaps someone could be curious and ask!) as he is instead interrupted by the arrival of a maiden into Frigga's garden.

She is dressed in that elegant, veiled, if slightly risque way that Gwynevere and her maidens are known for, and wreathed in an aura of pleasant warmth, a soft smile on her face. "My apologies, my Lord and Ladies, for interrupting," She begins, bowing politely, hands held folded in front of her, "But I bring word from the Princess of Sunlight for Queen Frigga."

Her eyes turn briefly to Gwyndolin with a smile, and then looks back to Frigga, "It concerns the health of our Lady Gwyndolin, and that thou art the most appropriate person to be made aware."

itsAlana04/03/2018
Frigga inclines her head politely and smiles at the woman, gesturing to the open seat in invitation if she wishes to sit, and asks, "What is it that the Lady Gwynevere would like for me to know, dear?"

Loki is curious, and glances sidelong at his husband, offering him a hand to hold and a curious smile. What's this about, Gwyndolin?

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/03/2018
Gwyndolin's mood has been so high as he spoke of one of his favorite things in the world, he smiled so much as he spoke about sorcery... But now, with this woman's appearance, his mood has evidently plummeted... he takes Loki's offered hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, his eyes downcast. He remains quiet as the maiden takes the offered seat with polite thanks, and produces a scroll.

"First, I must say that Lady Gwynevere had wished to speak with thee about this personally, but, alas, she is not meant for Asgardian architecture, and has found it rather difficult. And so, she has sent me in her stead. Now, I am not sure if thou hast yet been told, but our Lady Gwyndolin is of quite poor constitution, terribly frail in body and oft falls victim to illnesses." She begins, "The Princess of Sunlight, our beloved Lady Gwynevere, elder sister to Lady Gwyndolin, hast thus far been at the head of Lady Gwyndolin's healthcare. Our Lady and her maidens- of whom I am member- have long since devised the best treatments we are capable of, supplemented by the Lady's most gracious healing miracles."

She sets the scroll on the table, made of fine parchment and edged with an intricate ribboned design. "She offers the finest recipes for medicines we have devised, first for Lady Gwyndolin's particular ills, but also to hopefully aid in any needs of thine own people, as well as a hearty supply of the necessary ingredients. However, she would like to encourage thee to experiment with thine own medicines, and see if thou canst improve Lady Gwyndolin's treatments thyself. As well..." The woman continues a bit longer, to say that, since Asgardians do not have access to the power of Miracles of their world, Gwynevere would like to offer a few of her own maidens to stay in Asgard, both for Gwyndolin, and to aid in Asgard's own healing needs, should Frigga wish to accept, but also encouraging Asgardian healing magic...

Basically, Gwynevere is very concerned for the future of Gwyndolin's health and really hopes the Asgardian's won't hesitate to do their best to treat him and see if they can make any breakthroughs where Gwynevere and her maidens couldn't. And all the while, Gwyndolin stays quiet, his eyes downcast, and looking quite... ashamed. He'd mentioned he has a poor appetite, a delicate stomach, and that he likes to think of his health, but he never before said the extent...

itsAlana04/03/2018
Frigga listens attentively, and then asks Gwyndolin, gently, "Would you like some of your sister's maidens to stay, my child? If it would keep you healthy, it would be no burden to host them."

Loki is silent, but his thumb is stroking Gwyndolin's hand, and he's watching his husband's face with clear concern. It's pretty gay! The handmaid can report that to her mistress, if she likes.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/03/2018
Oh, she most certainly will! Because Gwynevere will be most pleased to hear that her baby sibling is apparently already getting along so well with the new husband! Gwyndoling bites his lip a moment, and then nods, "Yes, I think it may be preferable. But, I suppose I am also eager to see what thine own people can manage with regard to thy health, so do not let the presence of my sister's maiden's cause thee complacency."

The maiden looks pleased enough with the news, and stands, leaving the scroll on the table. "The words of our Princess are inscribed in this scroll- shouldst thou have any further questions of her, she would be most happy to take audience with thee, Lady Frigga, before she is to return to Anor Londo."

itsAlana04/03/2018
Frigga nods, and asks, "May I also visit for social calls, my dear? I would love to know more of my new family, and if she is half so kind and interesting as Gwyndolin, it would be an incredible pleasure to share a meal with her before she returns to Anor Londo."

Ur new mom liiiiiiikes you, Gwyndolin!!!

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/03/2018
The maiden gives a soft giggle at that, apparently at least a fraction as good natured as Gwyndolin's sister is said to be. "Oh, of course. Lady Gwynevere is always happy to receive fine company." Gwyndolin, meanwhile, is quite pink-cheeked at the casual compliment, turning his face away bashfully, with a hand at his warm cheek. "Now, I must return to my Lady. Is there any message any of thee would like me to take with me?"

Gwyndolin pipes up at that, "If thou wouldst, please tell my sister I would like to visit with her before she returns home?" That earns another smile and a courteous nod from the maiden, before glancing at Frigga and Loki- anyone else?

itsAlana04/03/2018
"Tell her that, though I have no great skill in the art of healing, I'll do my best to take care of Gwyndolin's heart as my mother cares for her health," Loki says, with gravity, glancing at Gwyndolin through his lashes, "and that I might also visit with her to see if I can learn anything to help me with that."

Frigga smiles at her son, rather pleased, and tells the maiden, "Convey to Lady Gwynevere my thanks for the treatment information and assistance, my hope to speak with her soon, and that she can ask for anything for herself that we can provide as long as she is here, my dear."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/03/2018
O h  n o, Gwyndolin is going to die, his cheeks going QUITE pink, and he squeezes Loki's hand... The maiden looks slightly surprised, and is certainly filing more than just what Loki has said away to tell Gwynevere later, and she nods, before taking Frigga's request next. "I will pass on thy words to my Lady, then. I hope thy teatime remains enjoyable, and I wish thee all a good day."

With that said and done, the maiden departs, and Gwyndolin lets out a breath as if he'd been holding it. "... My apologies," He says, his fluster from Loki's earnestness fading, to again be replaced by his shame, "for not speaking more truthfully of my health sooner."

itsAlana04/03/2018
"You had bigger secrets on your mind, I think," Loki says, and kisses Gwyndolin's knuckles, gently, four soft presses of his lips across them. "And we've been married less than a day. I'm sure theres many things I've yet to find out about you, but you need not apologize for them." He smiles a little at Gwyndolin, his expression affectionate, and leans across the space between them, to kiss Gwyndolin's cheek.

Frigga is looking pleased, and says, "We'll do our best to take care of you, no matter what difficulties or illnesses might arise, my dear son. It's no trouble."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/03/2018
"'Twas not merely that..." Gwyndolin admits guiltily, "But that I hadn't wished to tell thee just yet. That, possibly, I had hoped to pretend to be less frail and sickly, for just a little while, among people who did not know better."

He sighs a bit, and squeezes Loki's hand. "I am sorry, as I did try to deceive thee by omission. It was not my most clever decision." Still, the kisses to his hand and cheek from Loki comfort him, and he rubs Loki's hand with his thumb. "I thank thee both for thy kindness and understanding... 'Tis my hope that, perhaps, I will not grow sick too soon."

itsAlana04/03/2018
Loki says, "You do not wish to be coddled," with certainty in his voice, and kisses Gwyndolin's hand again, turning it over in his to kiss the palm.

Frigga looks very, very, very pleased.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/03/2018
"I... perhaps, but that is not only it," He says, frowning, and letting his fingers remain uncurled, so that Loki can access his soft, pale palm. "I do not wish to be seen as weak. No matter how true it may be."

His weakness is, after all, a part of the reason his life has been this way. With a soft, resigned sigh, Gwyndolin leans forward, to nuzzle at the bridge of Loki's nose between his eyebrows. "I was afraid it would change how thou wouldst perceive me..."

itsAlana04/03/2018
"Hmm." Loki touches his lips to Gwyndolin's chin. "I thought you were charming and handsome and very interesting before I knew you were sickly... and now I still think you're very charming and handsome and interesting, and that I would like to kiss you very much, if my mother wasn't sitting there looking smug at how well we're getting on." OHHH CALLING HER OUT!!!

"It's nice to see my sons happy," she says, eyes crinkled, looking very smug that they're getting on well.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/03/2018
Gwyndolin sits up a bit straighter, to fluster, for very many reasons- for Frigga looking smug at how well they're getting on, at Loki's affections and insistence at not minding, and his many compliments, but especially... "H-Handsome??" Gwyndolin blurts, free hand going to his collar in shock. "Truly, thou art mistaken, to call someone of my countenance handsome. As much as I could ever dare to dream to be such, 'tis a quality ever out of my reach with the way I have been raised."

Gwyndolin is Shocked that someone could describe him with a term that could even be slightly masculine!

itsAlana04/03/2018
Loki laughs, softly, and says, "Well, you must be handsome, for I think your face is very nice to look at, and I would like to look at it often, and surely those are the most important qualities for a handsome face." He cups Gwyndolin's soft cheek, and says, softly, "Though perhaps by an objective measure, you might be better called beautiful, or gorgeous... I think you are very handsome."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/03/2018
Ohhhh nooooo. Loki really is silver-tongued, because it's as if he knows exactly what to say to really play Gwyndolin's heartstrings like a harp, and his words hit Gwyndolin like a blow to his diaphragm, leaving him short of breath, his eyes stinging.

"O-Oh," He breathes, at a loss for words. "I have... n-never before received such a compliment."

itsAlana04/03/2018
Loki's eyes light up, mischief crinkling the corners, and he says, "How blind people must have been! I'll make up for how silly they were, not complimenting you every day on how nice you are to behold, how sweet your voice is on the ears, how lovely your hand is to kiss, if you'll allow me, my husband." He kisses Gwyndolin's cheek, and says, "I can start today, if you want."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/03/2018
Gwyndolin, still fairly shaken by being called handsome by someone who so insists on meaning it and seemed so terribly sincere about it, manages to huff a little half-laugh, and say, "As if thou hast not been smothering me in flattery since this morning? And even last night?"

He has almost forgotten his poor mother-in-law, who is surely still watching and looking very smug at how well they're getting along. "I dare say thou hast already long since started, my Lucky Loki." Flirt flort flurt. But then, he remembers Frigga's presence, and flushes, simpering guiltily at her before looking back to Loki. "But perhaps thou shalt store it a while, so as not to further derail tea with thy mother."

itsAlana04/03/2018
Frigga says, "You do have your own garden to flirt in, Loki, as delightful as it is to see you so happy." She smiles at them both, and Loki laughs, softly, settling down into his seat so that he and Gwyndolin are only joined by being hand in hand.

"Of course. I think, before we were distracted, you were telling us about sorcery, my husband?"

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/03/2018
Gwyndolin flushes even more, and finds himself craving Loki's closeness the moment it's gone, though it brings a brief sting of guilt to his belly- a guilt he once more needs to shove aside. They're married! That's his husband! There is no need for him to be so chaste as to spurn even the simplest intimate affections!

"Ah, yes, sorcery..." He says, with a bit of a sigh, squeezing Loki's hand. "If thou wouldst pour me another glass of tea, my husband, and remind me of where I was at? I hath quite forgotten."

itsAlana04/06/2018
Loki prompts, "Catalysts to work sorcery through, and something about the wedding, I think?" as he pours his husband more tea, though he clearly wishes he could keep his eyes on his husband instead of the cup, glancing down only for a moment before looking back up at his handsome husband and returning to him with his tea.

"The wedding bouquet," Frigga says, after a moment's contemplation, "if I recall correctly, my dear son."

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/06/2018
Gwyndolin visibly brightens, as if this is something so juicy he's been just waiting to share with someone. Like an accomplishment you really wish to share in a field next to no one cares about, until you finally find someone who does. "Yes! The bouquet! 'Tis made entirely of plantlife from Oolacile, a sorcerous kingdom of Lordran that I favor. Sure thou hast noticed the lovely glowing flowers. However, they have little impact upon casting. But..." And he looks so eagerly conspiratorial as he continues, hushing his voice a bit as he leans forward slightly, "I managed to sneak pieces of ivory branches into my bouquet- the white-barked sprigs jutting out amongst the flowers really complimented the look, I think. However, enchanted ivory branches are the favored catalyst in Oolacile, with which they are fond of casting their golden sorceries."

Gwyndolin sits back, smiling very smugly. "I wished to have access to my magic should I need it, and it seemed the most tasteful way to have a catalyst."

itsAlana04/06/2018
Frigga says, approvingly, "'Tis always best to go subtly armed into a situation you know you're unprepared for, and I've rarely seen it done so elegantly, my son." She smiles broadly at him, looking pleased indeed with his cunning! "We have no need for such catalysts here, so I don't know if any of our plants have similarly helpful properties... perhaps, when we have the time, we could go through the gardens and see if anything is amenable to magic from your world?"

Loki doesn't remark on the sneakiness for a moment, but he kind of... gets all soft-eyed and admiring, leaning his chin in his hand and smiling at Gwyndolin like he's the magical thing, not the wedding bouquet. "How sneaky," he says, in a voice that suggests that he's VERY into that.

Potente Byrd Mæmes04/06/2018
Gwyndolin blushes; because of Frigga's praise, and because of the way Loki looks at him, the way he so admiringly says it's sneaky... "Sometimes one must be undetected to be effective." He says softly.

And then he moves on to explain the way the Ivory Catalysts worked, enchanted whitebark branches, and other woods that he knows of that are better able to carry enchantments, and that tin is the best metal for use in catalysts and even his own personal catalyst is made primarily of tin, blah dee blah.

He happily talks about sorcery and catalysts and fields questions about them both for as long as Loki, Frigga, and time will allow. But of course, tea-time cannot last forever...