Docat Territory

Loki struggled to catch up with the Docats, who fled in a frenzy towards their base camp.

You heard screams in the distance and panicked.

"Loki, set me down; you'll be quicker; something is wrong, and they may require your healing."

"Out of the question, you do not leave my arms."

"But Lok—"

"NO, EDEN!" His loud scorn silenced you; you were his top priority and he was determined to keep you safe.

As he ran forward, Ovahh glanced back when he heard Loki shout. It was not often he witnessed his king's genuine wrath, but on this occasion he did.

As Loki puffed out of breath upon reaching the numerous small buildings nestled around the mountainside, he witnessed the frantic hysteria of Docats scrambling for supplies. The thick anxiety in the air indicated that someone had been injured.

"Put me down, Loki."

Loki placed you on the ground but kept you near to his side.

"Blood," you exclaim as you observe a dotted trail of red in the snow. You began following it, but Loki pulled you back.

"No, Eden. This is Docat territory, we cannot intervene unless they request it."

"But the women look frazzled from gathering supplies, while the males don't even appear to be present."

"They have chased off a Wesson beast," Ovahh answered the mystery surrounding the missing men.

"Please, Loki, allow me to assist them." You cast an imploring look in his direction.

He exhales an audible breath.  "We go together and offer aid."

You eagerly proceed ahead but are once again drawn back. Loki takes hold of your chin, directing your focus to his eyes. "Didn't I say together?"

You nod timidly.

"Verbal response is required, darling."

"We stay together." You reply.

Loki smiled. "Good girl."

He grasped your hand, and the two of you walked cautiously towards a small house that appeared to be the centre of activity.

You approached the entrance and peered inside, your expression conveying shock upon seeing an elderly Docat on the floor; bleeding to death. She was encircled by numerous women who focussed on applying pressure to the wound with blood-stained rags.

The Docat's instantly froze upon seeing you and Loki, frightened at the sight of strangers in their camp. They were seemingly unaware that Loki was their king; his Asgardian form foreign to them.

"They don't know you are their king, Loki. Perhaps change into your Jotun form. It may make them feel more at ease."

"I doubt that very much, Eden. Jotun's and Docat's do not mix well, remember. I'm willing to wager that the younger generation has never seen a Jotun in their lifetime."

As Ovahh approached the threshold, his crimson eyes revealed that he was not a Docat, eliciting gasps from the onlookers.

"See, I told you so." Loki said.

You entered the room and grimaced in dismay at the sight of the woman who had passed out from loss of blood.

Loki held you back, keeping a tight hold of your hand, preventing you from venturing further. "Loki. Let me go; I can help. We can both help."

He relented and loosened his grip on your hand, allowing it to slip from his grasp. He remained in the doorway, guarding it, secure in the knowledge that this was the only exit and that you could not leave his line of sight without him noticing.

You rapidly knelt beside the women, who all stared at you with trepidation, yet they were less afraid of you than of Loki and Ovahh. You surmised that it was due to the fact that you were a woman.

"May I help in any way?" You ask.

They didn't answer. It was likely ingrained in them to not talk back. To ignore those they were unsure about.

You inspect the injured woman's body and try to determine the extent of her injuries.

"She has lost too much blood. We must cauterise the wound and stop the bleeding."

Your words go on deaf ears as the ladies remain motionless. You reach out to Loki in frustration. "Can you heal the wound, Loki?"

"I can, sweetheart, but they will not permit it, and she will continue to require a blood transfusion."

You look at the women with eyes of pleading. "He can help, he possesses magic, and he can contain the haemorrhaging. She will die if this is not slowed down, do you understand?"

"No. He cannot assist. Our leader must grant permission first." An older, but not quite elderly looking Docat courageously spoke.

You huff in exasperation. "Ovahh, do you see, Bear, anywhere?"

Ovahh exited the doorway and began searching the area, but you knew that by the time Bear returned, the woman would have succumbed to her injuries.

"This is absurd, Loki. You have the means to assist, but they refuse!" You rise to your feet and grasp an iron bar used to beat dust from rugs.

Loki observed with interest as you focused your thoughts while extending your hand. When a scorching flame materialised in your palm, he raised his eyebrows in shock.

You swiftly hovered the metal rod over the flame until it glowed a fierce orange. You kneeled back down, and before anyone could attempt to prevent you from performing the task at hand, you shot them a determined look.

"I am closing the wound. Try to stop me and I will permanently brand you!"

"Darling, that is not the Docat way; the Jotuns cannot intervene without their leaders consent..." Loki cautiously reminded you.

"Then I suppose it's fortunate that I am an Embrodi, isn't it?" You smirked as you swiftly pressed the hot poker onto the wound.

Her skin sizzled as it burned under the heat, and all the women turned away, unable to watch; some even heaved as the odour of charred skin entered their noses.

Loki gazed at you in admiration, surprised by your take charge attitude.

"You are amazing, Eden." He could not refrain from praising you, and he instantly knew you were going to make a wonderful leader; a powerful queen.

"There," you exclaim, peering proudly at the closed wound. "Now, who is going to be the lucky one who donates blood?" You direct your big smile towards the five women who looked at you queasily.

~

"I still don't see why you didn't just instil fear in them like you did with the hot poker. One of them would have relented and offered up an arm." Loki said, as he sat besides you while you donated your own blood to the sickly Docat.

"It appears that even though they are able to survive the harsh climate, when one of them sustains a critical injury, they give up. They have no understanding of how to heal a wound correctly. So, pricking them with a needle and allowing them to observe their own blood draining, would likely induce a cardiac arrest." You state.

"They have remarkable knowledge of how to survive in the wilderness, but little else penetrates their rudimentary mind. Their simple existence consists of reproduction and hunting." Ovahh said, his mood rather oppressive since being within the badlands.

"I am sure their is more to them than that, Ovahh." You claim, surprised by his rude assumptions.

"I inhabited this region, Eden. I resided in their midst. There is nothing else to do. No educational institutions, scriptures, or the arts. It is crippling labour, all day, everyday. There is no joy in this desolate place."

"It sounds miserable." You murmur, sadness in your tone.

"Welcome to the badlands." He mocked, exiting the room to face the once-familiar lands that he'd come to despise.

"Don't mind him," Loki remarked. "Being here has evoked haunting memories from his past. I will reach out to him later." Loki kissed your forehead.

A wary young woman of a similar age to you entered the room and saw Loki pressing his lips to the top of your head. She stood immobile, gazing inquisitively at your display of affection, and only recoiled when she realised you had seen her staring.

"I am sorry. I had no intention of viewing your affection." She spoke hesitantly.

"It is quite alright, it was only a chaste kiss." You reply.

"Only?" Loki arched a brow. "Only implies it meant nothing, when that touch stirred my loins and fired up my heart"

"Loki!..." You giggled, your cheeks flushing. You lowered your voice to a low whisper. "It is clear she is pure, more innocent than you and I, let us not mar her with provocative words."

"I'm sorry, darling, but I must do this."

You furrowed your brow in confusion until you noticed a grin on his face. Then you knew he was up to something. He swiftly pressed his lips to yours and groaned with delight. You recognised that the sounds he made were louder than usual, and you pondered why.

He continued to engulf your lips, and gripped your face to prevent you from pulling away. You tried, numerous times, but his grasp on you was unyielding and he wasn't quite finished with the intimate display.

Infuriatingly, just as you relaxed and stopped resisting, now savouring the passionate kiss, he pulled away, leaving you in a haze of love.

"There," he declared. "Now she will tell everyone, including all the males, what she has seen, and they will know that you are mine. Putting an end to the other men's fascination with you."

"What a devious king you are!" You state.

"Before we met, I was never jealous, but now I perceive every male as a potential threat. It has to be known that you are my possession, Eden."

"I suddenly feel all woozy." You reply.

"I think you've supplied enough blood, darling, you grow weak."

Concerned, Loki began removing the intravenous needle from your arm. However, immediately after he removed it, you grip his collar and pull his lips back to yours and kiss him passionately.

"It is not the donation of blood that makes me dizzy. You, my king, induce feelings within me that I have never experienced before. When you are close, it is difficult not to feel as though I am floating towards the heavens."

Loki growled amorously, your words igniting his desire. He snapped your body against his and encircled his arms around your waist. His large hands rested on the curvature of your posterior before you suddenly realised the female docat was still in the room, this time not looking away when you spot her.

You observe her curious gaze as she examines Loki's hands on your rear. The elder Docats were considerably less inquisitive and preferred to retreat when Loki simply neared your proximity. However, you sense that she was not as timid as the others. In fact, her demeanour was somewhat peculiar.

You speak in the hopes of breaking her hypnotic stare. "I'm sorry, you're so quiet that I forgot you were here. What is your name?"

She immediately snapped out of her trance. "Suri" she replied.

"Hello, Suri, I am Eden."

She smiled briefly at you before glancing up at Loki. You noticed that she was observing him, but he was too focused on devouring your neck to notice her. You don't believe he was even aware of the conversation since he was so absorbed in your body.

"You know who this is, don't you?" You ask.

She nodded.

"Loki," you curtly whisper, attempting to get his attention. "I think a loyal subject wishes to meet you. Now is the time to make your kingly introduction."

He groaned against your skin, too preoccupied with nibbling your lobes and squeezing your buttocks.

You quickly step forward in an effort to separate his lips from your body. He frowned as he looked towards you, but then noticed Suri was still present and gazing at him.

"You are back?" He arched a brow.

"She never left." You replied.

Loki regarded you, uncertain of what she wanted, and now he also sensed the same feelings you did,  that she was unusual in her behaviour.

"Loki, this is Suri, she wishes to meet the king of Jotunheim."

"Oh." Loki said, surprised. Immediately, he assumed his Jotun form and introduced himself.

His Jotun physique was significantly taller, causing her eyes to broaden as they shifted upwards. She curtsied to express respect. 

"You may rise, Lady Suri." Loki sounded confident and proud.

She grinned and repeated his words. "Lady" she giggled.

You found her adorable.

"Have you gained immunity to our touch yet, Suri?" Loki enquired.

"I have, my king. I evolved early, merely a kit when I developed resistance to Jotun skin."

"Then allow me." Loki stepped forward and took her hand, placing a chaste kiss upon it. Her blue cheeks tinged pink.

You were also never a jealous person, but that small hand gesture brought out a trait you never knew you possessed: envy. You knew it was benign, but the emotion it evoked in you was negative; ugly. You didn't like it. Not one bit.

Loki's lips curled into a sly smile when he noticed the narrowing of your eyes. You immediately recognised his smirk as a deliberate attempt to gauge your level of envy.

"Suri, I'm sure you wish to see the progress of your senior Docat." You gently link with her arm and pull her towards the unconscious but stable Docat that lay comfortably on the bed.

Loki glides cat-like to a chair and settles down, grinning as he observes your every action. He definitely detected your jealously and revelled in it.

"She lives!" Suri said in surprise.

"Of course, she will pull through just fine." You smile.

"We thought she had perished. I was sent here to prep her body for burial."

Loki abruptly spoke up. "So you didn't just come here to meet your king?"

You directed your heated gaze at Loki. "Clearly not." You scoffed. Still sour from his lips on another hand.

"No, meeting you too was also a reason to come here. I have encountered Jotuns before, those banished to the badlands. But only as a young kit. When I learned that our new monarch had arrived, I could not pass up the opportunity. A tale I will tell my own offspring when I bare my own. It is a privilege."

Loki stood proud and rather smug. "Agreed. It is not an everyday occurrence a royal graces the badlands. Therefore, could you put in a good word for my queen and I, we require the best accommodation for our nights stay?" He gave you a sneaky wink.

"Oh.." she uttered with a glum expression. "I am afraid that because you are not yet wed to Lady Eden, my father, Bear, will not allow you to stay together at night. Docat's are traditional in that sense." She paused and looked downcast. But like a flip of a switch she gazed back up, beaming broadly. "However, you are in luck! We have recently had a few deaths in the tribe and thus now have spare rooms. And you will not need to be concerned about frost mites. I spent all summer collecting them from the soft furnishings; the accommodations offered are now free from those pesky creatures. It is a good thing too, they have a particularly harsh bite....see.." Suri lifted up her dress to reveal her lower legs.

You gasp when you saw the red dots that littered her ankles.

"Do not worry, Lady Eden." She said upon seeing your horrified expression. "These are healed, I feel no pain. And my red rash will eventually turn back blue."

You were struck aghast by much of what she said, not only by the bed bugs, but also by how casually she discussed recent fatalities in the tribe, as if she were discussing the weather.

While you displayed an astonished expression, Loki merely exhibited a frustrated one. He was annoyed that he would have to sleep alone during your stay in Docat territory. He had hoped that a promise would be fulfilled tonight. One that involves your mouth. 

"I regret to learn of your recent passings. I hope they had a long and fruitful existence." You frowned with remorse.

Suri giggled. "It is the badlands, no one dies from advanced age here. Would you like to know the details of their deaths?"

"Uh..no thank—"

"We have had three fatalities. Weber died from a glacier landslide. We have yet to retrieve his body, but assume that come summer, when the ice melts, he'll eventually emerge. Kraykon perished from the recent superstorm; the hails struck him right between the eyes; it was a bloody mess, and such a shame, as he was handsome, and... " she pondered in thought as she tried to remember the third victim. "Oh, and Asiff, he met his end after a Wesson attacked. Hence why we thought our elder, Loni, had also succumbed today."

You were taken aback and instantly grabbed her hands, drawing her into a hug. "I'm so sorry, I know you must be devastated." You take a step back, expecting to see some grief or maybe tears. However, she just stared at you blankly.

"Are you not sad?" You ask frankly. Seeing her unfazed expression.

"For a time, we experience sorrow, but death is commonplace here. Everyday, it hovers over us like clouds. It is never a shock when we suffer another loss. We expect it." Her expression, normally devoid of emotion, suddenly brightened. "Besides, they depart for superior lands; Valhalla has no snow." She laughs. 

You glanced at Loki, and he noticed your sorrowful visage. It saddened you to learn that Docats have become so accustomed to mortality that they no longer fear it. 

Now you stood corrected and realise that Ovahh was right. Docat's survive only to endure hard labour and a horrible demise in the end.

Suri dashed for the door when she heard a disturbance outside. "My father and his men have returned. I must depart. They cannot know that I have spoken with you so candidly."

You nodded, indicating that you would not reveal anything. As she hurried through the doorway, she bumped shoulders with Ovahh, who was also rapidly approaching. They both paused and exchanged glances.

She squinted as she peered into his features.

"I know you." She smiled.

Ovahh frowned. "You are mistaken." He spoke abruptly, trying to end the interaction.

"No. I do. I have seen you here before, many years ago." She widened her smile. "I am glad to see you still live."

Ovahh's gaze followed her intently as she sauntered away, his mind shifting through his memories, trying to remember if he had ever encountered her before. As she approached another nearby residence, she looked back, surprising Ovahh when she once again offered him a toothy grin. Even more startling was the fact that he instinctively smiled back.

"Well, someone likes you." You say as you lean against the wall, arms crossed against your chest. Mimicking Ovahh's signature pose.

He still had a look of puzzlement on his face. "I admit, it is odd for a Docat to be that open and keen to speak. But no, she does not like me." He looked back towards where he last saw her, hoping to catch another glimpse of her again.

"Would you like to know her name?" You ask.

He snapped his head to you. "She divulged her name?"

"She did, and I happen to know that she is not wed, or betrothed, and quite importantly, Suri, has gained immunity to Jotun touch...so..." you grin.

"Suri" he whispers softly. A smile forming on his face.

"So..." you repeat.

"Why do you keep repeating the word, so?" He asked in frustration.

"Ovahh, Eden is implying that you should endeavour to communicate with Suri in the hopes of forming an intimate relationship," Loki plainly stated.

Ovahh scoffed. "Jotun's and Docat's do not mix."

"The same could be said about Embrodi's and Jotun's, and yet, here I am, planning my life with one." You declare. 

"A treaty will be signed shortly, Ovahh, and to echo what Eden said, together we progress; segregation is a thing of the past. Let us merge and evolve."

"We will lead by example. Both of us. And how exciting! A new race will form should you and Suri have children. A mix of Jotun and Docat... A Jocat!" You exclaim with a giggle.

Ovahh grew red as his thoughts buzzed and his pulse accelerated rapidly. The idea that he would no longer be lonely and have someone for himself brought him great joy. Now, he could not help but view Suri any other way. Could he make her his?

"Will you help me to woo her?" He beseeched Loki and then you.

Loki smiled wide, and patted him on the shoulder. "I recall someone once helping me in wooing, a friend once instructed me to don nothing but a loincloth and parade my naked self around. Perhaps this pertains to you now."

"I am astounded that you listened to me. I'd never be so brazen." Ovahh suppressed a laugh. "Perhaps it best I ask Eden for advice on how to charm her."

Loki scowled.

A call from Bear was heard, and while Loki and Ovahh went to address him, you remained with Loni, the injured woman. However, prior to their departure from the room, Ovahh turned to face you.

"I'm curious as to what name we'll call your children; having Embrodi and Jotun ancestry. Maybe a Jodi?" He gave a hearty chuckle and then bounded out of the room. 

Loki hovered in the doorway and peered at you, both of your faces slowly dampening.

"His elation has rendered him a little docile." Loki said lowly. "He will realise soon enough and be full of remorse."

You could hear ovahh's hurried steps as he dashed back towards you.

"See, I told you." Loki said.

Ovahh panted out of breath as he barged through the doorway. "Eden, I'm sorry. I forgot, please forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive or be sorry about. It is no secret that Loki and I will never bare children together. But we look forward to spoiling yours."

Loki walked towards you and cradled your face. "I wish I could give you a child, my queen. To watch your belly swell and to see the glow on your cheeks as you enter motherhood. It is a sight I wish to see. An experience I desire for you. But with me, it could never be so."

You assumed another mask to conceal the anguish you felt at never being able to bear Loki's children. It mattered not that he had another form; his heritage meant it was impossible for those not Jotun or those not immune to their skin to conceive.

You were thankful that the Docats had the ability to evolve; their wonderful talent to adapt meant Suri could give Ovahh the family he deserved.

Yet, you couldn't help but be saddened, because you knew Loki would make a wonderful father.

"Your love is all I need, Loki. You alone are enough for me. And should I be enough for you, then make me your queen, and let us be happy together."

"You are my world. I need none more than you."

A tear ran down your cheek as you blinked. Loki wiped it away with his thumb and brought your lips to his, kissing you tenderly.

"King Loki." Bear called from the doorway.

Loki sighed against your lips and turned around. Once he stepped away from your form he resumed his Jotun self.

Bear and Loki remained outside and you stayed back, monitoring Loni's vital signs while inconspicuously trying to listen in on their conversation. Ovahh occasionally gazed in to see how you were doing, and you could tell that he still felt guilty for his blunder, despite the fact that you were already getting over it.  So you tell yourself.

After a brief moment you found Bear walking inside, with Loki to the side of him.

"Lady Eden, I am eternally appreciative for the healing action you took to save our Elder, Loni. We believed her to be destined for the afterlife, and having recently suffered losses; it is a relief not to grieve another so soon."

"It would have been a lot less problematic if your women had simply authorised Loki to treat her. Do you not permit them to think independently?"

Bear detected a little hostility, but expected as such.

"Our methods here are different to others because we think as a collective rather than one individual. The perilous nature of the badlands means a consensus of intellects is necessary to make the best choice. A single individual's error in judgement could be responsible for the demise of the many. It is how it's always been done, and how we survive."

You realise you were being ignorant towards a different way of life, a different culture. Your mood was likely due to your hunger, and in truth, because of Ovahh's little slip up. It made you marginally bitter.

"I apologise, please pardon me; I did not intend to offend. Evidently, I will need to adapt to your manner of life. I promise to be less judgmental, as it is not the Embrodi way."

Bear nodded. Accepting of your apology.

"Come, my wife and daughter have a place for you to freshen up while they prepare sustenance. Tonight we are feasting Wesson." He chuckles as he peers outside the door at his son, who appears to be holding the head of the Wesson beast that attacked Loni.

You suppressed the shriek you were about to emit and swallowed nervously, thankful that your stomach was devoid of food since you instantly felt nauseated.

Suri immediately entered and introduced herself, concealing the fact that you had already met. She took your hand and began steering you outside. You glanced back at Loki, who gave you a warm smile and a nod of approval. However, his visage appeared to grow serious when he and Bear began speaking discreetly, and you despised the fact that you were once again being kept in the dark about things you felt you should know.

You pass by Ovahh, who was standing outside with Bear's son. While Ovahh focused on Suri, Bear's son looked at you with a broad grin on his face and proudly displayed the hunt he had captured.

"My brother likes you." Suri stated.

"I see that."

"His name is Xanda. He is desired by the other females, but he has not yet chosen his bride. Now that he has seen you, I believe he will remain undecided in the hopes of gaining your attention."

"Well, I'm sorry to disappoint. But the king holds my heart." You assert as a matter of fact.

"Until a female has been binded in marriage, all are fair game. He will continue trying his luck. So anticipate tokens of affection and gifts." She laughed.

"I don't think Loki will take kindly to such actions. Please alert Xanda that I am spoken for."

"He knows. But he his stubborn like my father. Not even the kings anger will stop him."

"Well, then. This will undoubtedly be a fascinating stay."  You felt mild nervousness.

You continued to walk with Suri, but as uneasy silence made you uncomfortable, you resumed speaking. 

"You must receive a great deal of attention from suitors, being a young and attractive woman?"

"You might suppose that, wouldn't you? But no, I receive no attention. Even my father's influence as a leader was insufficient to convince a male to bind with me."

You felt pity for Suri and were once again astonished to see a Docat willingly divulge personal information—details most girls would feel humiliated to share. Yet, she is unconcerned by her apparent odd behaviour or the fact that she is shunned by most, and acknowledged it openly.

"My parents attribute my eccentric and wilful behaviour to being born during the sun's disappearance. I am aware that I am distinct from my kin, but I like myself. Even if other prospective spouses do not."

"You mean an eclipse?"

She looked at you perplexed.

"You were born during the moons eclipse of the sun. It is when the moon orbits and momentarily blocks the suns light."

"Is that true?" She asked skeptical.

"Yes. It is scientifically proven. The sun cannot ever vanish. It is merely concealed by the moon's shadow."

"Hm... how very interesting." She mused. "You are smart."

"I sense you are too. And perhaps, that is why you are different from the rest. Your inquisitive mind yearns for more knowledge."

"May you teach me?" She looks at you with doe eyes.

"What is it you wish to learn?"

"Everything."

*

You are led along a path between a cluster of modest homes, stopping when you come to an open door. As Suri led you through, you were surprised to discover that the space was much larger than you had anticipated, the scale of the exterior being deceptive.

You are greeted by a slightly greying Docat, and immediately recall seeing her previously. She was the only person who spoke with you when you were attempting to save Loni.

"Welcome to my home, Lady Eden. I am Tres, wife of Bear." She said timidly, however her tone conveyed sincerity. "I must thank you for your aid in saving, Loni. I apologise for not being of more help. But I could not agree without..."

"I understand; your husband, Bear, has helped me gain insight into the ways you operate. However, before I depart, I believe it necessary to teach you, or perhaps Suri, some basic healing skills. I will of course obtain permission from your leader before proceeding."

She remained immobile as she assimilated your words. "You desire to impart your knowledge to my daughter? She is...well... her inquisitive inquiries are limitless; she is brimming with them. I do not wish to aggravate your patience, or squander your time."

"I consider Suri to be an ideal candidate, as I understand that she was born during the ecli—during the sun's disappearance. In my homeland of Embrodi, those who are fortunate to be born during such time are regarded as unique. Their intellects are receptive to learning."

Tres unexpectedly grasped your hand and smiled warmly. "My daughter is certainly unique, and such an offer would indeed higher her standing with others, particularly suitors." She turned to look at her daughter. "Oh Suri, my waning hope that you would not become a haggard spinster has rekindled."

"There is nothing wrong with being a spinster, Mama." Suri said openly, prompting her mother to cup her face. "Dear child, you cannot grow old surrounded by jars of collected frost mites."

Your brows shot up in surprise. "You keep the frost mites you capture?"

"She does." Tres sighed.

Suri grinned with child like innocence. "I can show you my collection if you like?"

Her horrified mother swiftly drew you inside, and seated you in a chair, then quickly ushered Suri to the berries in the washbasin.

"Wash the fruit carefully, dear," she instructed.

Tres hoped that providing her daughter with a task would dissuade her from inviting you to observe her insect collection. She was determined that you honour your offer to teach Suri in the hopes that one day she will move on with a husband of her own.

"In return for your offer of precious knowledge, I offer you something in return." Tres beamed.

Before you could decline any offering, she scurried away and began rummaging through a drawer. She dashed back to you and handed you an item enveloped in protective material. You unwrap it carefully to disclose what appears to be vintage silk, silk that is no longer harvested due to a decline in production.

"It's beautiful," you exclaim. Admiring what you believed to be a folded shawl.

"Please accept these exquisite silks, they have been in our family for generations; it would be an honour if you wore them to dinner tonight."

"I feel privileged, but you are not required to give me anything in exchange for my teaching."

"Please." She implores.

You exhale a relenting breath. "Thank you. I shall wear this shawl to dinner, but I will return it afterwards. I will not retain a family heirloom."

She beamed with delight at your acceptance. However, Suri quickly corrected you.

"You are mistaken, Lady Eden. This is no shawl. It is a traditional Docat two piece garment."

Suri reached out for the silks but her mother quickly swatted her hands away.

"You have berry juice on your fingers! Dry your hands first, dear."

Suri giggled. "Silly me."

Tres, assisted by her daughter, whose hands were now clean and dry, held up the two delicate pieces.

Immediately your stomach knotted up.

"Um... do you not wear anything else with it?" You ask anxiously. The ensemble could barely pass for an outfit. It was daring and provocative.

"But of course." Suri said.

You exhaled a sigh of relief, and now you chuckle to yourself, feeling ridiculous for having been concerned that this was the only components of the garment.

"Oh good. I thought you expected me to wear so few clo—"

"—You wear it with jewellery of course. I have some handmade bangles that would go very well with this outfit." Suri smiled.

Your expression shifted, and you became extremely anxious. You discreetly scanned the area in search of something to eat in an attempt to alleviate your mounting panic.

"D-do you have anything to eat. Anything, I will take anything." You ramble.

Suri grabbed a handful of the berries that she had just washed and passed them to you. Right away you experienced relief after popping them into your mouth. You noticed Suri and her mother attentively observing you as you ate.

"I eat when I am nervous." You admit.

"I smash ice to release my frustrations. It is quite effective." Suri smiles. However, Tres, regards you with an apologetic look. She knew you were about to witness more of her daughters peculiar ways.

"Follow me, I will show you." Suri said.

Suri gripped your hand and led you through the kitchen and out the back door, disregarding her mother's protests. It opened up into a vast snowy area, and you noticed a few scattered structures in the distance.

"Are those buildings belonging to more Docat's? You inquire.

"Yes. A separate tribe led by a different leader. It is recommended to avoid going there at this time. I believe my father is in discussion with King Loki about a morning visit. The leader is less hospitable than my father."

"Hm. I see."

"Here." You gazed at the axe Suri was handing you.

You hesitantly take it and are immediately startled by its weight. She had held it as if it were a feather, but it was actually quite heavy.

"Do what I do." She said. Lifting her own axe above her head before crashing it down on a block of ice that easily shattered into pieces. She grinned as she regained her upright posture. "It's liberating. I imagine all of my concerns are contained within, and destroying it eliminates them.

Not even out of breath, she added. "Now you try."

You approach the block of ice she placed for you, and with one swift motion, you elevate the axe and strike at it. The ice did not fracture as violently as Suri's, but it did chip off a corner.

"Well that was a rather pathetic attempt." You ridicule yourself.

She chuckled. "You need to exert more force. Try again. But this time, imagine someone you dislike."

"Oh, now that is something I can do." You state.

You conjure up images of Magritte, Caspian, and all those despicable elites who mocked you at the ball. This time, striking the ice caused it to shatter similarly to Suri's, and she squealed with glee when you did it. 

You quickly turn around when you hear applauding from behind you.

"Well done, darling. You never fail to surprise me" Loki praised.

You quickly discarded your axe and made a beeline towards him, but in your haste, you clumsily slip on a piece of ice. Even though Loki was quick to catch you, he too fell, sending the two of you tumbling to the ground.

"I'm sorry." You murmur, having safely landed on top of Loki.

"Don't apologise, darling, there's no one else I'd rather be under." He grinned.

"Get a room you to." Ovahh spoke up.

"If only, Ovahh" Loki remarked as he helped you to your feet. "But it seems we are sleeping separately this evening. No amount of persuasion will change Bear's mind. I've tried." He sighed.

"Is this what you've been discussing? The entire time I thought you were addressing important issues, but you were just attempting to convince our host to let us share a bed?"

"Is that not considered a significant issue?" Loki inquired intently and drew your body to him. "You are my queen, so we sleep together." He decreased his volume to a murmur. "And you have made a promise to me, one that I will pursue even if we are forced to be in separate rooms."

You could not believe his audacity, all of this for your oral pleasures. You dramatically roll your eyes at him, but he simply began nibbling at his favourite spot behind your ear. You had to admit, you felt incredibly desired.

"Hello Ovahh. Have you remembered me yet?"

Ovahh remained immobile as Suri addressed him directly. You and Loki waited with bated breath.

"I apologise, but I do not recall ever having met you during my time in the badlands." He stated frankly.

"No? Hm.. Well, I was merely a youngling at the time. I would've appeared differently. Less developed. However, I now have breasts." She gazed downwards and looked upon her cleavage.

Any other man would have froze in place, unsure of where to look or what to say. But not Ovahh; he was bold, and as brazen as Suri. He blatantly looked at her breasts and proceeded to compliment them.

"They appear to be very well formed. I question if they are as firm as they appear?" He travelled his gaze between her face and her cleavage.

You cover your mouth with your hand, suppressing a shocked gasp. Loki assisted too, using his hand to silence you further. He did not wish to impede this glorious encounter and was anxious to watch it unfold.

"My breasts are firm, yet still soft and supple." Suri responded as calmly as if she were talking about her bug collection.

She swiped her hair back, brushing it off her shoulder, and Ovahh immediately recognised a familiar birthmark.

"You!" He exclaimed. "It is you! The snow rat who threw a rock at my head!"

"So you do recall me." She grinned. "But it was merely a pebble." She added.

"I have the scar that proves otherwise!"  Ovahh pointed to a small corner of his forehead that indeed showed a small scar. "Why did you do that?" He scowled.

"You know why," Suri replied.

The once spirited demeanour of Ovahh subsided, and he became subdued. The expression on his face became solemn, and he glanced at you briefly before looking down at the ground.

"I have to go." He proceeded towards the exit, but Suri called him back.

"Do I need to throw another rock to knock some sense into you, or can I trust that you won't try to kill yourself this time."

He whirled around and glared at her, aghast that she had revealed his secret. And now, upon hearing this declaration, your and Loki's features darkened.

"What is she talking about, Ovahh?" You warily ask.

"It was dark times, Birdy! I just couldn't take the isolation anymore. I.. I.."

"He was about to throw himself off a glacier." Suri spoke up. "I saw him, I felt his anguish. I knew what he intended to do. Many before him have done the same. So I gathered the largest rock and threw it at him."

"So you admit is was a rock now?" Ovahh scorned.

"Fine. It was. But you have a big head. A pebble would not have been sufficient enough to stop your cowardly action."

Ovahh growled.

"Ovahh, I'm sorry you felt so low that you contemplated such an action." You said, approaching him. He met your tearful gaze and recognised the sorrow you felt for him.

"No wonder you despise this place. We can leave, right away, I don't want you to ever feel so depleted of life."

Ovahh hovered his hand next to your cheek, desperately wishing he could touch you. Loki saw his sad frustration and decided to intervene.

Loki approached him and firmly placed his hand on his shoulder. Immediately, Ovahh felt a surge of intense heat throughout his body. It was initially so unbearably hot that his cheeks instantly burned red. Yet as he grew accustomed to the temperature, it became mild and tolerable.

"You have about one minute before the magic wears off." Loki stated.

You frowned, unsure of what Loki just did. But Ovahh knew straight away, and immediately gripped your body; wrapping his large arms tightly around you.

A soft sob escaped your lips upon realising he was really holding you, and you blinked through tears upon feeling his skin against yours. The close embrace you both desired was finally occurring.

He positioned his head in the arc of your neck, nestling it there, his nose pressing against your skin as he inhaled deeply. You felt the soft yet eager touch of his hands as they ran through your hair before he  drew your head back, and like a cat he purred as he brushed his face against yours, relishing the feeling of your warm skin against his cooler exterior.

His action caused you to stutter your breath because it was so intimate, so passionate, yet not in a manner that aroused you, as this was not a lovers embrace. It did not excite you the way that only Loki could. This was a unique type of connection, and you immersed yourself completely in it.

You raked your hands through his hair as you brought him closer to you, and Ovahh cooed, fueling you even more to commit all of your effort and affection to this long-overdue hug that you believed was impossible.

"Oh, birdy. This exceeds my expectations in every way"

"Thirty seconds." Loki reminded.

Hearing Loki, Ovahh tightened his grasp on you, never wanting to let go. "We have so little time." He whispered. "I want to hold you longer."

"Don't be greedy." You mutter. Your eyes sore from crying.

He chuckled, drawing back and taking hold of your face.

Loki counted down from ten.

"I love you, Birdy." His thumbs stroked away the tears from your cheeks.

"I love you, Ovahh."

You just managed to plant a tender kiss on his cheek before Loki's countdown reached one second and he quickly hauled you away. Ovahh's body temperature swiftly declined and he no longer felt ablaze, much to his comfort.

He smiled with satisfaction, as if a void within him had been filled. "That was amazing." He glanced at a Loki with gratitude. "Thank you."

"And thank you for not kissing her." Loki replied, pulling you closer to his body, yearning for your touch after witnessing another person all over you.

"Loki, don't be silly." You laugh.

"I contemplated it, and the urge to do so was agonising." Ovahh spoke candidly. "But I would never disrespect you, my king."

Your face was a picture of surprise. "What?"

"I know you wouldn't, Ovahh" Loki said, sensing his truth.

Suri confidently approached Ovahh. "Having saved your life, I wonder what I will receive in return."

"Saved my life?" He quizzed.

"Did I not divert your attention from apparent suicide? My cleverness gave you such a powerful concussion that it jarred your senses back into position."

Ovahh sighed irritably. "Fine. Name your price."

Suri had a broad smile on her face as she contemplated what celebratory reward she could request while gazing upward.

After a brief moment of deliberating, she made her request.

"I desire your heart."

Ovahh arched a brow. "Can you not use the heart of the Wesson you recently killed for your odd concoctions."

She giggled at his humour. However, the sound of her laughter triggered a sudden, intense fluttering within Ovahh. He clutched his chest and looked at you and Loki with excitement in his eyes.

Instantly, you and Loki recognised his action and knew exactly what he was feeling. You'd both done the same thing when first reunited and were well acquainted with the flutters of blossoming love.

"You may keep it within your chest. Pulsating with life." Suri continued. "However, I require that you make a place for me within it. To attempt to love me.  Me, a Docat."

Ovahh took an apprehensive gulp. He was unfamiliar with such forthright transparency, but he found her unfiltered candour to be so appealing, alluring, and attractive. He loved that there was no dithering or prancing about with Suri. She expressed exactly what she desired, and she desired him.

"Can you do that, Ovahh? Can you try to love me?" She asked again.

He attempted to reduce the volume of his thumping heartbeat in order to hear himself speak, and after only a short moment, he answered.

"Yes"

Never before had Ovahh spoken so few words, and you couldn't help but grin.

Suri shrieked with ecstasy as she leapt up and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Oh, my father will be so pleased to hear that I have finally found a mate who accepts my odd ways!"

"Odd ways?" Ovahh repeated.

"I believe Ovahh has found his match" Loki whispered into your ear.

"She is an individual who will undoubtedly keep him on his toes. He will never be bored or lonely with Suri, that is certain."

"I want ten....no, twelve kits! And their names will all begin with the letter T!" Suri exclaimed.

"Uh, why T? And why twelve?" Ovahh asked nervously.

"No reason. I just like drinking Tea, so ..."

"Oh. It.. uh, makes sense." For once Ovahh didn't know how to respond.

"Doesn't it! My mother thinks me mad, but see, you said it makes sense. So I can not be as mad as they claim." She grinned happily.

"So when is the wedding?" Loki quickly interjected, brimming with joy.

"Wedding?" Ovahh began to sweat. Still holding onto Suri as she remained in his arms. Everything was going so fast.

"We can begin constructing our home in the badlands, and then we can wed. But we will need a large dwelling to accommodate our numerous offspring." Suri stated. "Mama will be overjoyed that I won't be the spinster they all anticipated."

"Badlands? I won't live in the badlands, Suri." Ovahh declared.

"Oh." She said lowly. Disengaging from his body and retreating. "You wish to live away from me. Only visiting when I am swollen with child?"

He looked at her with horror and swiftly grabbed her hands. "No. I would like for you to reside with me in the midlands, close to the palace. Not in these isolated regions. I refuse to raise our kits here."

Suri once again leapt into his arms. "Yes! I will live with you in the midlands!"

"Or in the palace.." you quickly add.

Loki glanced at you in alarm. "She's a touch manic, darling. There will be no peace"  He murmurs so only you can hear him.

You mimic the same volume as him. "We can fashion a separate quarters. Ovahh will need your guidance when he becomes a father. We are his family now."

"You just want to hold all the babies." He claims, and you smile having been caught in your scheme.

Loki relents.

"Or in the royal palace." He reiterates aloud.

Now, both Ovahh and Suri smiled broadly at hearing Loki's offer.

"I'm getting married at the palace!" Ovahh boomed, whirling around a giddy Suri.

When Loki sent a stern look in your direction, you understood that your excitement may have led to some rash decisions.

"I will compensate you, my king. This evening, you will receive more than just my pleasant mouth."

Loki's breath caught in his throat, and he nervously swallowed. The events that had just taken place were immediately pushed to the back of his mind as visions of you and him making love dominated his thoughts.





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