By the time Loki carried you back down the slope and into the Docat's settlement, he had nearly regained his full strength.

You both crept silently through the same corridor that you had initially travelled down and passed Ovahh's room. But Loki, being an inquisitive and somewhat nosy ruler, placed his ear to the door and listened without shame.

"Loki, that's rude." You whisper.

"Ovahh would have certainly done the same, darling."

"He wouldn't dare! I'd feed him to the Wesson beast."

Loki laughed and lifted his head from the door after hearing nothing.

"I think they are asleep."

You release a big yawn. "That makes perfect sense, making love undoubtedly induces sleepiness."

Loki grabbed your hips and pinned you against him. "Ah, ah, sweetheart, we have one more round before bedtime approaches."

"Then let us stop dawdling, before Bear—"

Your mouth was suddenly covered by Loki's hand and you were forcibly dragged against the shadowy wall.

"Shh.." Loki whispers. "Someone is coming."

You both remain perfectly still as you observe a black shape further down the corridor. This time you were certain that it was not Suri.

"He is outside your bedroom door." Loki murmured.

You realise that Loki was correct; the figure was lurking outside Suri's chambers, where you were intended to reside. You both watched as the figure bent down and placed something outside the door, but then continued to hurry towards your direction.

In a panic, Loki used magic to unlock Ovahh's room and ushered you inside. You both braced yourselves against the door and listened as the individual passed, exhaling a sigh of relief when the they left without noticing your rapid flee.

"I think it's safe to go now, Loki." You murmur.

Loki grasped the door handle, but the sudden illumination of the room caused you both to abruptly turn around and confront an astonished Ovahh.

He sat up in his bed with a grin on his face. "Normally, I wouldn't mind your unannounced visit to my quarters, even in the middle of the night, but as you can see." Ovahh leaned back against the headboard to reveal Suri. "I have a guest..."

Suri gingerly looked at you both while clinging to her blankets to conceal her modesty.

"Hi Eden, hello, King Loki." She sheepishly spoke.

You swiftly covered Loki's eyes with your hands, allowing Suri to grab her nightgown and place it over her head.

"I'm sorry, we would not normally have barged in like this."  You begin to explain, but Loki quickly intervened, removing your hand from his eyes.

"We were on our way back from an erotic-fueled wild excursion when we saw someone approaching; your room was our only means of escape. Apologies to you both"

Ovahh's grin widened, and he leapt up to pat Loki on the shoulder.

"Indeed! This night, both Jotuns relished the pleasures of the flesh!" He boasted, and Loki mirrored his exuberant demeanour with an equally broad grin.

You glanced at Suri, who seemed calmer in her nightgown, and you both rolled your eyes at the conceited males.

"Ovahh.." Suri called from the bed.

He turned around and gazed at her adoringly. "Yes, my Cat."

"You do realise that you are without clothes, right?"

The low light prevented you from noticing that Ovahh was bare further down. And immediately your eyes were drawn to his uncovered lower half.

Now it was Loki who rapidly covered your eyes, but not before noticing the astonishment on your face at witnessing the size of a Jotun appendage. You thought Loki's was big in his Asgardian form, but it was almost double the size in Jotun, the girth of it like a child's arm.

Ovahh smirked with pride upon seeing your reaction. But Loki was not impressed with his nakedness in front of you.

"Well, don't just stand there, cover yourself!" Loki abruptly ordered.

Ovahh laughed as he sluggishly wrapped a robe around his waist.

Loki removed his hand from your line of sight as soon as Ovahh was adequately concealed. However, you could not look directly at ovahh until the heat of your embarrassment left your body and psyche.

Loki noticed you avoiding Ovahh's gaze and your flushed cheeks. You spotted him narrowing his eyes as he glanced at you with a trace of jealousy on his face.

"Can I make you tea?" Suri offered, politely.

"We have room on the bed should you wish a sleepover." Ovahh quickly added, sitting down upon it and shuffling over.

Loki respectfully declined Suri's offer of tea, but when he looked at ovahh, he gave him a scornful glare. "Eden sleeps in no one's bed but mine!"

Ovahh grinned, he knew exactly what to say in order to tease his king.

"Are you sure? There is much that can be accomplished with your one-minute warming magic." Ovahh exploited Loki's obvious jealously, causing Loki's expression to be a mixt of disbelief and rage.

"Ovahh!" You snapped.

Suri and Ovahh both laughed.

"It is a jest, birdy."

"It better be!" Loki snarled. Quickly grasping your body towards his and reaching for the doorknob.

Your voice drifted off as Loki ushered you out of the room and down the long corridor, "Goodnight, both..."

"Well, that was... um."

Loki regarded you with side eyes, his face still visibly displeased.

"He was just teasing you, Loki. He didn't mean.."

You were unexpectedly swept against the wall and Loki's intense eyes regarded you with serious intent. You could feel his upper body heave against yours as he pressed closer to you.

"I dislike such playful taunting when it is in regards to you, Eden. No one but me will have you, and as you have claimed me as yours, I have also claimed you as mine. He should be more respectful. To even suggest that I would use my warming magic so that he could touch you in bed is...," he growled in contempt. "It's ..."

You quickly subdue his raging fury by pressing your lips to his and silencing him with the power of a kiss. You forced your tongue into his mouth, at which point he immediately relaxed.

You peer into his love sick gaze. "It is Ovahh, our dear friend. You are well aware that he enjoys to tease." You paused and looked intently into his eyes, and sensed that there was more to his rage.  "However, that is not the cause of your agitation, is it? What else angers you?

"Nothing," he responds swiftly. "Forgive me.."  He adds, trying to close the conversation.

He continued walking while holding your hand, but all the while the silence was deafening. Something was on his mind, and you had a inkling of what it might be. However, you didn't want to bring it up until you were safely in your chambers and out of earshot of anyone who was sleeping lightly.

Loki halted as he approached your bedroom door and looked down.

"Whoever was here has left you something."

You see something tiny on the floor that was wrapped in linen. You attempted to retrieve it, but Loki seized it before you.

"Too slow, darling." He playfully mocked as he opened the small package.

"This is Suri's room, so perhaps we shouldn't open it, it may be intended for her." You say.

Before you could finish speaking, Loki's eyes had already begun examining the contents. "Perhaps you are correct." He said quickly, scrunching up the small note that was included in the package and depositing it in his pocket.

"What is it that you hold?"

You attempt to look into his hand to determine what he was hiding. However, he refused to reveal it to you, turning his body and raising his hands to block your view.

"It's something intended for the manure heap!" He immediately began walking away. Whatever he concealed from you, he held tightly.

You walked rapidly behind him, following his steps; but as he reached the door of his bedroom, you snatched the crumpled paper from his pocket and sprinted inside.

"Give that back!" Loki demanded while closing his chamber door.

"Not a chance!" I can tell from your expression that this is intended for me, and I have every right to read it!"

He scowled at your disobedience and then strode towards you. Your eyes widened in shock at seeing him pursue you, and you swiftly retreated to a round table, positioning yourself behind it.

"This is not a time to be stubborn, Eden!" He chased you around the table and you playfully giggled as you avoided his capture.

"Oh, but I must." You tease.

"Don't read it, Eden." He pleaded as he puffed out of breath.

His demeanour appeared almost sad, the jovial attitude fading. Now you were even more intrigued.

You managed to read a few lines before you were forced to circle the table to avoid his pursuit. You run away and continue reading the note, but as you reach the final few lines, you halt in place, tears welling up in your eyes.

Loki saw your wet eyes and approached you from behind. He extended his hand to touch you, but your abrupt words stopped him.

"Don't Loki." He hesitated and withdrew after sensing your intense emotions.

"They are correct." You speak in a subdued tone. "Everything stated in this letter is accurate. I am being selfish by claiming you as mine. By marrying me, you will terminate the Laufey line, and I will be responsible for Jotunheim never having an heir."

"A jealous woman has penned this in an attempt to destroy us. Do not allow anyone to come between us, darling."

You look at his tightly clasped hand. "What else did you receive with the note?"

Loki swiftly put his hands behind his back.

"Nothing of importance."

"Show me."

"But darling.."

"Show me!" You yell.

Loki reluctantly outstretched his hand, and when you saw what it contained, you choked back sobs. It was a miniature figurine of a blue baby. When Loki saw the pain on your face, he closed his hand and crushed the ornament to a fine dust.

He sped towards you and drew you into him. "I want you and only you, Eden! I care not for heirs."

"But the people of Jotunheim, they will want.."

"Damn all those who oppose us! Let them take my crown and place it on another if they truly wish for heirs. I want nothing else but you. Not a crown, not a realm, not a palace. I need only you by my side in a cosy home. I swear to you that this is my heart's only desire."

Loki wiped away your tears and gently kissed your lips.

"There will be those from Embrodi who will say the same about me. About our union. Although I expect more than notes of disagreement. But I am prepared for war should it come to it my love, because you are worth fighting for."

"I cannot bear the idea of a conflict." You murmur.

"A fight is sometimes inevitable. The people must realise that there is more to existence than producing a line of heirs. Together, we can accomplish so much for our realms and our people. They will eventually realise this, and our love will prevail."

"The difficulties we face as a result of our decision to be together will be a constant occurrence, won't it?"

Loki sighed. "There has never been a monarch who was universally adored. Someone will always criticise, even if they have no right to do so. However, I will shield you from the worst of it, my love."

Leaning your head against his chest, you let out a deep sigh. "Why didn't the gods make me a Jotun?"

You could feel Loki's laughter reverberating against your cheek.

"You are an Embrodi; that is why. Though little in stature, you are every bit fierce as a Jotun."

His words made you smile, and as you fought the urge to yawn, you felt him kiss the crown of your head.

"Come, darling, sleep awaits you." He lifts you up and carries you to the bed. To your surprise, he placed you on the edge and began to undress you.

He raised your arms before gracefully removing your shirt to reveal your breasts. He took a quick glance of the beauty of your bare chest before leaning you back against the mattress and tugging at your skirt's waistband. He drew it down and away from your legs and neatly placed the garments on a chair with care.

"With or without clothes, darling?" He asks.

He saw the confusion on your face.

"For sleep ... do you wish to slumber in a nightdress or naked?"

"You choose." You reply.

A smile tugged at his lips before he proceeded to remove your boots rendering you completely naked. He opted to leave you nude rather than conjure you some night-ware.

You grabbed his belt and pulled him between your thighs before he could begin tucking you into bed. He looked down at you from his higher position as you slowly began unbuckling him.

You give him a small grin as you pull the belt from his waist in one rapid motion, and start unbuttoning his pants. Your hunger is fueled by your desire, causing you to eagerly drag down his leathers to reveal his semi-hard arousal.

"Careful, darling, you are waking someone up."

"Good. Because I don't believe I gave him permission to sleep."

Loki grinned and began taking off his tunic. Using his magic to fade away the trousers from around his ankles.

Now naked and standing in front of you while you remain perched on the bed, you take his firmness in your hands, causing Loki to coo in response.

You cast your gaze up and lock eyes with him as his fingers wind through your hair. You extend your tongue and lick his tip, sampling the combined juices of your most recent orgasmic experience.

You stroke his shaft with your hands several times before opening your mouth and sucking him in. Loki clenched his teeth as he moaned; the abrupt sensation of your warm mouth on his head was an entirely new form of pleasure.

You retreated and allowed him to fall from your mouth, much to his confusion and disappointment.

"Before you fill my throat, my king, I wish to see you in your Jotun form."

"As you wish, my queen."

He took two steps back, and allowed his Jotun visage to appear.

You exclaim upon seeing his significantly larger appendage. "You were not wrong." You admit. "You are impressive in both guises."

"Bigger than Ovahh even." Loki boasted.

"I could not say. I didn't look." You use a white lie to heal his mental anguish.

Loki perceived that you had lied, and he grinned, appreciative of your effort to calm his envy.

You rose to your feet and crept towards him. Loki froze, afraid to move in case he touched you.

"Stay still, Loki." You whisper.

His body became rigid. Rooting himself firmly before nodding to signal that he understood.

"Close your eyes." You command.

Loki did as you asked, finding your orders to be erotic. After he had closed his eyes tightly, you obtained a feather-tipped pen from the desk.

"Now, do not react. I am in no danger."

"Darling, what are you doing?" He attempted to peek, but you firmly scorned him, and he ceased his action.

"Do you trust me Loki?" You ask.

"With every fibre of my being."

"Then keep your eyes closed, and you will be justly rewarded."

You wave your hand back and forth in front of his face several times to ensure he was not spying. When you were certain he was not, you swiftly lifted the pen's feather end and began gently stroking his chest.

Loki stuttered a gasp upon feeling the delicate sensation against his skin; his body reflexively tensing.

"Imagine this is my fingertips, softly caressing you." You whisper while continuing the gentle contact by trailing the feather across his body in a downward direction.

"Imagine this is my plump lips, delicately kissing every inch of your body."  You descended, and as you did, Loki's breathing became more laboured, his arousal intensifying.

You lower your body to your knees and position yourself in front of his blue erection. It was a glorious sight, and you found yourself licking your lips the longer you gazed at it.

"Imagine this is my tongue, licking your large royal cock, and tasting your honey."

Loki's eyes shot open upon hearing your provocative name for his appendage, it was dirty, erotic, and he throughly adored hearing it come from your mouth.

"Tut-tut-tut." You smoothly scorn while looking up at his surprised face. "Close your eyes, my king."

He glanced at the beauty of you on your knees for a second longer before complying, and as soon as he did, you continued to glide the feather along his shaft, causing it to twitch in response.

Upon firmer applied strokes to his sensitive head, a pleasurable moan escaped his lips and he produced a white bead of cum.

"Oh, Eden. This is... this is so wonderful." He panted, his desire piquing.

Now that you had him completely absorbed in intense arousal, you stood up on your tiptoes to appear taller.

"Loki.." He opened his eyes upon detecting your presence in front of him.

"Yes, sweetheart."

"We can do a lot in one minute."

His pupils dilated in alarm, he fully comprehended what you meant, and, feeling anxious, he decided to use humour to conceal his nervousness. "Perhaps a game of cards.."

You giggle. "No... not cards.."

"A board-game then... may I suggest a popular midgardian game called, Monopoly?"

"I desire no games this night, Loki."

He exhaled heavily. "We can do anything but that, Eden."

"I understand why you were upset in the hallway, and it was not all because of Ovahh's teasing. You were disappointed that you could not experience intimate interaction in your Jotun form as Ovahh does."

"No. It does not bother me." He replied, but you sensed his untruth.

"It does, Loki. Perhaps it was fleeting and inconsequential, but it did cross your mind at the time and obviously dampened your spirits."

"But I overcame the minor lapse. It will never again enter my consciousness, I promise." Loki contends.

"But why shouldn't you feel touch in both forms, Loki? As I previously stated, we can accomplish a great deal in one minute... perhaps not the entire act, but at the very least some form of intimacy."

"You don't have to do that for me, Eden."

"Oh, but my king. I do it for me." You smile provocatively. "Do you know how wet your Jotun form makes me?"

Loki's concerned visage morphed into a beaming grin.

"Well, if it is what my queen request of me, I will endeavour to fulfil what you desire. Please specify what you have in your thoughts, keeping in mind that penetration is not an option."

You slowly descend to your knees. Your mouth hovering over his large Jotun erection.

"I believe you know what I require."

"Can you even open your mouth wide enough?" He asks.

"It is a challenge I am more than willing to take."

"We have two minutes, three at most.." Loki said, his countenance brimming with eager joy.

"Three?" You repeat in astonishment. "I thought you could only maintain the enchantment for one minute?"

Loki emits a smooth snicker. "When I pass on my magic to others, it only lasts a moment, but for myself it lasts longer."

Loki observed your ecstatic expression at the prospect of spending more time with his Jotun body.

"Tell me when." You say while performing a jaw exercise in preparation.

Loki's emerald radiance surrounded his body, and he felt his skin temperature rise.

"You're good to go, sweetheart."

No sooner had he said his words, your lips were around him. Inhaling as much of him down your throat as possible.

You heard him groan with ecstasy, his head jerking back in response to the overwhelming joy he felt. It was a distinct sensation when he was in his original form, and while he thought your previous delights were incredible, this was something else entirely.

You used your hands to stroke the parts of him that you couldn't fit into your extended mouth, and as you bobbed your head along his length, you fought the temptation to gag as his head smacked the back of your tender throat.

Loki's gentle hands were on the back of your head as you ran your lips along him, but his fingers instinctively gripped a fistful of hair more roughly when you flattened your tongue to get more of him in. He purred contentedly as the vibrations from your moans rubbed against his drool-coated shaft.

"Oh, darling, your mouth is exquisite. You're going to make me come well before three minutes."

You laughed, and with each giggle, your throat contracted, tightening around him and increasing his exhilaration even more.

A familiar trembling of his hardness rippled through your mouth, signalling that he was about to release his seed. And although you were desperate to taste him, something inside you made you swiftly pull away and leap upward, straddling your legs around his waist.

Loki looked at you with a bewildered expression on his face.

"Eden, what are you doing?"

"I want to feel you inside me, in this form."

Before he could protest, out of fear of harming you, you engulfed his lips, silencing him, while your hand grasped his large stiffness and positioned it at your entrance. You push yourself onto him, gasping against his lips as you stretch once more to accommodate his larger size.

Loki's eyes widened in dread, concerned that he had injured you. But when he saw your face lit up with joy as you moved your hips and absorbed him into you, his racing pulse and anxiety subsided.

"You feel so good, Loki." You reassured him further.

He swiftly leaned you against the wall, stabilising your slender frame, and thrust his hips upwards, burying more of himself within you. He let out a loud wail, unable to contain his euphoric cries.

He believed he had reached the pinnacle of pleasure after experiencing your lips on his Jotun manhood, but he was astounded by the tidal wave of endless rapture that engulfed him when he was securely encased within you. The torrent of bliss that only you could evoke, blew his mind.

He snapped himself harder against you as he gave in to feral lust, his animalistic Jotun side emerging and taking control. Your groans collide with his, leaving you both unable to suppress or even reduce the volume of your pleasure-filled whimpers.

As he continued to thrust wildly, striking the rear of your core and making it exceedingly tender. You put your arms around his neck, and lock with his lips. Your mutual high-pitched screams were muted by his mouth, masking the evident shrieks of the painful pleasure that you felt.

You pull away from his mouth to take a gasping breath, and as you look into his crimson eyes, you observe a change. His bright red eyes had been replaced by a darker shade of garnet.

His exhilaration had completely overtaken him, and the ferocious passion of making love in his Jotun form had totally consumed him. Now, as your back kept sliding up and down the wall as he continued to drive himself into you, you pondered if he was able to stop before the remaining minutes of the enchantment expired.

Though concern for yourself entered your mind, the thrill that derived from the very real threat that you faced, only added to the pleasure you were experiencing. It was a new feeling of excitement that Loki had unlocked in you. Danger was your turn on.

"Loki, we are running out of time." You pant, feeling your core begin to quiver.

He merely grunted into your ear and continued using your body to gain his fulfilment.

"Loki!" You gasp, overwhelmed by the rapid river of pleasure that now flowed all over your body.

He felt your dripping wet arousal saturate him, before you began to pulsate, gaining your blissful rapture. However, you couldn't lose yourself in your orgasmic bliss for too long as time was of the essence.

Realising that his mind was lost to heavenly ascent, you quickly act, and deliver a powerful bite to his neck.

He drew his head back and hissed almost viciously, yet now that you had his attention, you quickly reminded him of the expiring enchantment.

However, Loki did not respond with any sense of urgency. He simply leaned in closer, mouth to your ear, his hip thrusts still incessant, and growled, "Bite me again, my queen."

You smirk against his skin and quickly sink your teeth into him again, this time more forcefully. You felt his body violently shudder, and a loud wail that was deep and powerful resounded around the room.

Now, you anticipate the Docat's imminent arrival with bated breath. You knew an audible sound of this nature could not have gone unnoticed.

His body continued to jerk as he expelled strands upon strands of his warm seed that filled you to the brim. He peered into your features while you gazed into his deep blood eyes, and you witnessed the gradual transition of them as they turned back to their brighter red hue.

"You are heaven-sent, my goddess." He panted; the beads of sweat that had formed on his brow now trickled down his face.

Loki felt his knees begin to wobble after attaining ecstasy, his energy once more beginning to deplete.

"Your magic is waning, Loki. Quickly, you have to let me go."

He sighed, never wishing to disengage from being buried inside you. "I shall want this again and again, should you permit." He confessed.

"I am at your service, my king."

With a broad grin on his face, he helped you onto the bed and then stepped back as the effects of his warming magic faded.

He assumed his more safe appearance and climbed into bed with you, drawing your body close to his and cradling you in his arms.

As you rested against his chest, his fingertips drew intricate patterns on your back. And within his tender embrace, he hummed an enchanting lullaby, both of you falling asleep to the sound of it.

***

You have never slept with such peace as you did last night, and you know it was due to the beautiful encounter you had with Loki. However, the niggling twinges of soreness around your private regions prevented you from falling into deep sleep. Yet, you were glad to remain in a light slumber as you anticipated Suri's early awakening.

You remained idle as you listened to Loki's deep breathing, at peace with the knowledge that he was in a state of exhausted slumber. His sound, coupled with his large arms enveloping you, evoked reassuring feelings, and you hoped Suri wouldn't arrive too soon to disrupt this pleasing sensation. 

However, just as your thoughts pleaded for more time, you heard a gentle knock on the bedroom door, and you sighed softly, knowing exactly who was on the other side.

You cautiously unwrapped Loki's arms from around your waist before swiftly dressing and fleeing out the door in silence.

Suri hid in the dim lighting of the hallway and motioned anxiously for you to follow her. The fact that the sun had not yet risen, allowed you both to hide in the early morning shadows.

You stealthily make your way with Suri to her room to retrieve Prune, using the opportunity to change into warmer clothing.

You again leave the territory of the Docat's while adhering closely to Suri. Once you were out of sight of the dwellings and certain no one was listening, she began to speak.

"So, how was your night?" She smiled.

You returned a bashful grin. "It was everything and more."

She beamed broadly, before gripping you into a hug.

"Oh, Eden. Me too! Ovahh, was.... Ovahh, is... he is just so wonderful."

You withdrew from her squeezing embrace and admired her excessively joyful demeanour.

"We have chosen our mates well." You reply.

She nodded in agreement.

"Although this question may not be the most appropriate, but I must inquire, are you as sore as I am right now?"

Suri laughed merrily. "Oh, you poor thing.  Your frame is considerably smaller than mine, so it makes reason that you would need time to recover after encountering a Jotun, even if he took on his other form."

"Well, actually, we discovered a means to enjoy his Jotun visage as well."

Suri looked at you in shock. "You mean..."

"Three minutes of warming magic meant the duration was brief. However, it felt significantly longer."

"I suppose that's a good thing." Suri giggles. "Can you really endure much longer than that?" She stopped in her tracks to review your shorter form.  "It's no wonder you're staggering this morning. You have been throughly mounted and bred."

"Bred?" You query.

"I thought I had heard a distinct sound that reverberated through the air last night." She maintained her laughter. "When a Jotun or Docat gives in to their primal urges, they lose all sense of reality and enter a state of euphoria; for the males, breeding is the ultimate delight. For the women, we tend to be sore for a short while. But it is a welcome tenderness, for it means a kit soon comes."

"A kit?"

"Indeed, a bouncing blue baby." She grinned.

"How can one tell if your companion has entered the breeding phase?" You inquire.

"For a Jotun, their red eyes appear darker, and like Docat's, they grunt; their pace is fast, rapid, and hard. The males have a tendency to lock onto your hips, effectively holding the female captive while they deposit their seed into you. It would be impossible for you to escape... it's like a..what's the word.."

"Suction?" You say, having felt a vacuum like seal when Loki was close to expelling his seed last night.

"Exactly!" She glanced at you with a knowing smile. "It indicates that you gave him immense pleasure. To the point where he was unable to control his Jotun desires. You must be extremely pleasing in the bedroom." Suri grinned broader.

"Did Ovahh..."

"No, he didn't. But that's okay. It is not often that it happens out of breeding months."

"Breeding months?"

"I believe I should teach you about Jotuns while you teach me about scientific concepts." She chuckles prior to proceeding. "A certain time of year is more favourable for reproduction. We are genetically predisposed to mate at that time because childbirth  during winter is hazardous. It's a survival technique."

"Well, I'm glad Loki got to experience it, even though no child will come of it."

Suri stared at you blankly until your words registered and she came to an understanding. "I am sorry, Eden. It is difficult not to perceive you as one of us. Please, forgive my error."

The abrupt glow of prune diverted your attention from the conversation, and you now smile.

"We are nearby other Sedenia's!" You exclaim. "Was it here that you found him?"

"Yes, just up ahead." Suri answers.

You extend your view farther, and notice a big rocky mountain.

"If he was discovered downhill, I would assume he was swept from within that mountain. There must be a cave entrance." You surmised.

Suri and you trekked ahead, and as prune neared the mountain, his leaves glowed brighter. You cautiously clung to the rocks as you stepped on the fine snow, wary of tumbling at such a great altitude.

"I see the mouth of the cave!" You exclaim, preparing to hurry ahead, but Suri's caution made you stop and wait for her to catch up.

"Eden, don't leave my sight. We need to stick together, who knows what lurks within the shelter of the cave."

When she reached you, you both took deep breaths and slowly ventured inside; your forms disappearing into the darkness.

"Prune, can you glow and light the way?" You ask.

He didn't respond, not even a light shake of his leaves.

"Why isn't he glowing?" Suri asked, feeling concerned.

"I don't know. He's silent."

"Perhaps we should stay silent too then." Suri said.

You nodded, and both of you walked further inside while remaining mute. Yet an unnerving feeling overcame you when you heard movement. However, because the cave echoes all sounds, it was impossible to pinpoint where the noise originated.

"Do you sense we are not alone?" Suri whispered, feeling the same energies you did.

"Yes. I have sensed so for some time. What could inhabit a Jotunheim cave?" You inquire with apprehension.

"At this altitude, few creatures desire to inhabit this land..."

You exhale in relief.

"However, since the decline in agricultural production and the unanticipated migration of Lassim. Wesson and wolves have been observed in this area."

"Oh gods. I wish I had my stick!"

A sound of scurrying was heard, causing both of you to panic and halt. Suri grasped your hand and drew nearer.

"I will protect you with my life." She declares.

Your heart dropped upon hearing her proclamation.

"No one die's for me. We survive what lurks, together." You declare. "Don't be alarmed, I am going to use my magic to light up the darkness, be prepared to face whatever it is." You whisper.

You nervously concentrate your magic and summon a small flame in your hand; as the flame grew, it illuminated the surrounding area.

You both examine the space around you with great attention.

"I don't see anything, do you?" Suri asked.

"All I see is moss covered rocks."

You begin to walk and almost slide on what you believe to be moist moss. You glance to your feet and direct your flame downward, observing the floor filled with a greyish residue.

"What is that?" You ask, puzzled.

Suri looks to the ground, her face abruptly falling as she realises what it is. "Oh, gods, Eden. Extinguish that flame!"

"What? Why?" You become anxious and take a clumsy step towards her, causing you to fall to your knees.

Suri began frantically blowing on your flame, while loudly yelling for you to diminish it.

"Quickly, Eden, stop the fire before it ignites the methane!"

Her shrill scream reverberated throughout the entire cave, it alarmed the creatures whose movement you had previously heard. Just as you extinguish your fire, you observe thousands of bats awakening. Suri shielded her body over yours as the gale-force winds generated by the bats flying around you increased in intensity.

"Let's crawl towards the wall." You yell over the deafening sound of the bats flying above you.

"No! Don't get up! Avoid moving. These bats are not ordinary. They have razor-sharp claws on their wings that could sever your head."

Your body halted in response to Suri's grave warning, and you crouched lower to the ground. After what seemed like hours, the commotion began to subside, and the bats eventually returned to their original position.

"Let's proceed cautiously. But do not use your flame. The light will alarm the bats, and your fire could ignite us."

"I guess we know why prune refused glow." You say.

Your eyes eventually acclimated to the darkness, allowing you to see the outlines of the rocks. You follow along the edges until you see a little glow peeking through an opening.

"Do you see that light?" You query.

"Yes. It looks like.."

"Like prunes glow." You answer.

Excited, you both take larger strides to reach the destination more quickly. As you enter another large cavern, a vast pool of clear water is surrounded by hundreds of dimly illuminated prunes.

"We found it!" Suri exclaimed.

You rapidly scan the air and surroundings, relieved to find no bats in this area.

"There glow must deter the bats from taking residence here." You say in awe.

"And the pool, it is a natural spring, bats won't hang over water as they fear falling in." Suri added.

Prune abruptly began to rustle his leaves, and as he did so, the entire Sedenia population came to life, imitating his action and causing hundreds of leaves to emit a reverberating hiss.

"They are welcoming him back home." You remark.

Upon witnessing the reunion, your entire body grew warm and tingly.

"It's beautiful." Suri sobbed, feeling overwhelmed with happiness.

You leaned into Suri as a tear ran down your cheek.

"It is.." You murmur.

"Where shall we plant him?" Suri asked.

"He will decide."

Suri regarded you with intrigue and followed you as you moved among the plants while holding prune in your hand.

"Show me where you wish to go prune."

As you venture further back, prune began to glow, and as you approached a small cluster of plants at the pools edge, he beamed brightly.

You placed him in the centre, surrounded by the others, and they all lit up, their leaves reaching out to gently touch his.

"Do you think it's his family?" Suri asked.

"They are." You smile, sensing they share the same genetic code as prune. "I believe this whole cave flooded after the landslide, uprooting him and washing him out of the cave."

You began to manually shovel the soil to create a large enough hole for prune to adjust to his new habitat. After completion, you face Suri.

"Would you like to plant him with his family? It seems appropriate that you do the honours."

Suri's visage beamed. "Yes!"

She knelt and carefully removed him from his pot, placing him gently in the soil and covering his root until he was securely rooted in the ground.

"Now, just pat him down, while I gather some water."

You scoop up water with your bowled hands and gently trickle it onto the soil around prune. He rustled his leaves in response; the special quality of water was clearly a missed source of sustenance for him.

"Goodbye prune." Suri wept. "You were the best pet that anyone could have had." She extracted a large frost mite from her pocket and fed it to him. He immediately sealed his mouth and began sucking on the insect.

You carefully stroked his leaf and sensed his immense joy. It sent tremors throughout your entire body.

"He's happy, Suri. He's so happy." You beamed.

Suri grasped your hand as you and she admired the spectacular view in front of you. The entire floor and walls were covered in sedenia, and as you walked away, they all lit up, illuminating the entire chamber. 

You shielded your eyes from the intense light and regarded the scene with astonishment. Even the pool was illuminated, as their roots reached into the water and highlighted the bottom.

"I will visit you prunes! I will bring you all tasty frost mites!" Suri exclaimed.

You chuckled. "That's a lot of bugs to carry. You'll need more than two pockets."

"Ovahh will help." She smiled as she grabbed your hand and drew you away. You reluctantly moved your feet and gazed at prune one last time before departing the Sedenia residence and reentering the dark bat colony.

"Keep your head low. We don't want to bump into a flying blade." Suri once again warned.

You both crouched as you headed towards the beam of sunshine that peaked through the cave's exit. Upon reaching the outside, you swiftly stand upright and stretch your body, releasing a long sigh of satisfaction at no longer being hunched over.

However, your joy was short-lived when the sounds of panicked yelling echoed from below the mountain.

"Oh no." Suri said.

"What now?" You ask.

"I guess we were not back in time before they woke up."

You both looked at each other and gulped.

"Let's say a Wesson dragged us away, but we resisted!" Suri said.

You chuckled. "In this situation, I believe that honesty is the best policy. Let's keep things straightforward and say we went on a walk to replant a rare flower."

Judging by Suri's expression, she was not convinced.

As you both started to descend, the clamour of frenzied voices grew louder as you approached Docat territory.

"This is our last opportunity to use my excuse. As soon as we turn this corner, they will detect our presence. With your forthright account, they will refer to us as troublesome and disobedient. But if we adopt the Wesson narrative, we will be praised as courageous and resilient." Suri pleaded.

Loki abruptly appeared in view, his face blanched with distress.

"Urgh, well I guess it's too late now." Suri moaned.

Loki rushed towards you and grabbed you tightly, his large arms enveloping you so firmly that it was bordering on painful.

He drew your face back and cradled it, observing your facial features.

"Are you hurt? Who took you and what happened?"

His voice was frantic, and his expression of despair caused you to feel guilty.

"I'm fine Loki, I'm not hurt. And no one took us, we simply went for a stroll."

His eyes bulged in shock. "A stroll?" He reiterated your words incredulously.

Upon observing his growing fury, Suri spoke up immediately.

"A Wesson! We escaped a Wesson and thus we are heroes! You can't be mad at us.."

She grabbed your hand and yanked you away from Loki's hold. "Let's stick to the Wesson story." She whispered into your ear, just as her father came into view.

"Suri! You are safe!" Bear exclaimed. "Thank the gods that you are both alive. What happened, was it a Wesson?"

"Exactly, father! It was probably the mate of the Wesson who attacked Loni and sought vengeance. We're fortunate to be alive. You should not have allowed two to survive; we could have perished because of your incompetence."

You were stunned by her brazen lies and the skillful manner in which she shifted blame to her father. She was very clever and highly persuasive.

He held his daughter firmly. "I am sorry. You are correct. Wessons do not live in isolation, there were indeed more present. We ought to have pursued the other. Forgive me, daughter."

Suri put on a false mask of anguish.  "We have experienced too much. Allow us to rest, father. After which I will indeed grant you forgiveness."

Her brilliant performance warranted a standing ovation, and you almost began to applaud.

Loki abruptly materialised at your side, his movements silent and cat-like.

"A Wesson you say?" He queried.

You looked to the ground and avoided his direct eye contact.

"How did the Wesson get to you?"

"Wesson are smart." Suri answered. "They found a way in."

"Indeed, but how did it get both you and Eden?" Loki persisted with his interrogation.

"I pursued Eden after hearing her scream."

"You saved our future queen, you are a hero daughter!" Bear praised.

"Undoubtedly." Loki muttered. "However, if you'll pardon my ignorance, how did you evade a monstrous Wesson?" He arched his brow and waited for an appropriate response. When the only reply was silence, he slowly raised your chin to match his intense stare. 

He peered into your eyes, and you attempted to conceal your amusement with a smile.  "It was fortunate that I found a large stick." You respond while resisting the urge to laugh.

Loki observed the glee on your face and immediately deduced that you were telling false tales. 

"It appears that a stick has again prevailed, sweetheart. I must remember to add it to our armoury as the weapon of choice against even the most formidable beasts."

You began to snicker, unable to contain your laughter, but Suri quickly started coughing, disguising your amusement.

"A stick!" Bear expressed astonishment. "You are a princess of battle with such talents."

"Well, I have been invited to join the warriors three; the mighty soldiers of Asgard." You boast to Bear, now consumed by Suri's fabrication.

Loki regarded you with fascination upon discovering your invite into the warriors three. "My queen has many talents, and it seems I am still being surprised by them. I would certainly enjoy a demonstration of your warrior skills, darling." He smirked.

Suddenly, Ovahh came into view. "Suri! Eden!" He advanced quickly. "Where in the name of Valhalla have you both been?!"

"Evidently, our females defeated a Wesson." Loki exclaimed. 

Ovahh's brows elevated in surprise. "A Wesson?" He laughed, thinking it was a jest.

You were irritated by his haughty demeanour, which indicated he believed you and Suri were incapable of defending yourselves.

"We did indeed fend off a Wesson! Now excuse us while your females go and rest!" You abruptly grab Suri's hand and depart with her.

You felt Loki's intense gaze on the back of your head the entire time you walked away. You glanced at him prior to entering the building and confirmed your intuition was correct. He gazed at you with a small smirk resting on his face.

However, despite his mischievous smile, you anticipated that he was not finished with his questions and that he was not yet willing to forgive you for abandoning his bed.