The Boat in the Water: A Beauty and the Beast Story (Loki x Stella Ransome, An MCU/The Essex Serpent Crossover Multi-Part), Finale-Part Seven:
Fic Summary: Having lost her health and her husband's fidelity and love, Stella has nothing more to lose than her life. Then...she is swept away to another realm, to an enchanted castle. A castle whose master is a god...a god with a striking resemblance to her husband.
Chapter One//Chapter Two//Chapter Three//Chapter Four//Chapter Five//Chapter Six
Chapter Summary: Stella prays to see Loki again.
Chapter Warnings: Cheating, portrayed in a negative light with the Will/Cora affair (don't like, don't interact), and somewhat of emotional cheating portrayed in a positive light with our main couple (not that Stella would ever act on it, you know our girl would never). Physical injuries and blood mentioned. But both angsty and fluffy!
Word Count: 2612.
A/N: Ta daaa! We are at the end! I hope you enjoyed it!
A03//My Ko-Fi//My Etsy Shop//Masterlist//Wattpad
Taglist: @anukulee @asgards-princess-of-mischief @jennyggggrrr @five-miles-over @fictive-sl0th @ladycamillewrites @villainousshakespeare @holdmytesseract @eleniblue @twhxhck @lokisgoodgirl @lovelysizzlingbluebird @raqnarokr @holymultiplefandomsbatman @michelleleewise @wolfsmom1 @cheekyscamp @mochie85 @fandxmslxt69 @skittslackoffilter @mischief2sarawr @mari-malgamore @steasstuff
Stella did forget that she enjoyed planting snowdrops. The flowers were pure light in the darkness. She hoped they provided shelter for the animals there. The mice, the rabbits, even the snakes had a right, she thought. If a gentle little garden snake slithered its way into the garden, she’d have sung it a lullaby if she could.
And now that she was better, she spent some time in her garden. Tending to her flowers there. It did remind her of the garden in the palace. Despite all of her digging and watering, her mind would wander to that place. Of the roses that bloomed and of her work there.
She would also think of Loki.
What was he doing now? Was Loki in this garden? Was Loki with the sheep? Was Loki eating at the dinner table? Was Loki planning another ball? Loki-she still thought of him. And she missed him.
She almost wanted to laugh. She could have- here she was in a completely old home, and yet she missed that other world. She never could come home. Her family was here. Home was elsewhere. She even wondered if she could have an illustrated book on the Norse gods to see an image of him. To read words about him.
Even at night, she dreaded when her husband crawled into bed. He’d stay awake without his shift reading the Bible. Then staring out into space. One didn’t need to guess who he was thinking of. She would turn away. She missed seeing Loki. She missed feeling him beside her. She missed his words. She wanted to… be with him again. Their marriage bed was a sea dried up to dust.
She then knew the emptiness now of her marriage. She knew Will found passion and fulfilment elsewhere. The walks were longer. So were their talks. Although she could make sure he was home to help with dinner. And often she would allow herself in the same room to hear those talks, and offer in when she could. Her opinion here and there. They looked at her as if she had grown a second head. Amazed at what she had to say. But…in the company of two intimate people, one can feel so lonely!
And she couldn’t begrudge Will anymore…how could she when she was the same as him?
But her husband was one thing…but how could she abandon her children? How could she leave them behind, worlds away?
As she knelt in the garden, pondering over this, she looked to the sky. She sent out a silent prayer.
“Dear God…I believe you are out there the same as he. Please, God…let me see Loki someday. One more time is all I ask. If not…then please forgive me. I am a sinner in my heart. Have mercy on me and make me strong against temptation. Amen.”
The next day, Will returned from another walk with Cora. The children were in the backyard playing. She went up to him. She didn’t greet him with an embrace and kiss like normal. He noted, his eyebrows raised.
“Will…we have to talk,” she said to him.
They sat down on the couch. There were no tea and biscuits to lighten it. The dog sat away. The day was overcast and cold.
They sat there for an hour, talking. Crying, even. Saying everything that had to be said on both parties. And Stella did not censor or deny the unpleasant emotions she had locked in her heart for the sake of others. She indulged in selfishness. And Will did not hate her for it. Everything was spoken in love--and that was what made it the most painful conversation of Stella’s life.
When they came to a decision, the best decision for both of them, they held hands. In the distance, one could hear the children’s laughter.
They’d have to tell them soon. There would be tears. Confusion. Anger. And even shame in town. But they had to do it.
There was a rampant knock a the door and the loud, booming, masculine voice made Stella jump.
“HELLO! HELLO THERE!”
She only heard that voice once before. But she never forgot it…Could it be…
Will ran over and opened the door.
“Good sir, where is-where is the Lady Ransome?”
“Mrs. Ransome does live here, yes,” said Will.
The children ran from outside to see the guest, and Stella nearly dropped the shawl around her shoulders.
There before the Ransome family was Thor, the god of thunder. In his full godly regalia.
“Oh, Thor! My old friend!” she greeted warmly. Still in shock.
The children looked at his dress in awe. The dog barked and wagged his tail.
“Who is he, Mama?” asked James.
“This is Mr. Thor; he is Mr. Loki’s brother,” she presented, opening an arm. She was a practiced hostess. Thor looked around the house. His eyes brightened at the sight of the vicarage in its cozy informality. Nothing could be more different than his palace in Asgard. He then returned his gaze to her. “Lady Stella, there is no time to waste- Loki is…is hurt!”
“Hurt??” she repeated, drawing her hand to her heart.
“I found him lying in the gardens in great pain!. He was attacked! And the strangest thing- his skin is all blue! He must be under a spell- it turned him into a Frost Giant!”
Stella felt a slight shudder.
“He asked to see you, if…if he doesn’t make it. Please, Lady Ransome.”
“Your palace must have a doctor…”
“With him looking like a Frost Giant? I doubt they’ll take him.”
“Frost Giant?!” repeated Jo. Her jaw dropped. She was second away from volunteering to go too.
“Thor, I…I cannot abandon my family with no notice…” She looked at the four faces she loved so much.
Will put his hand on Jo’s shoulder, walking up to Stella.
“Go.”
She blinked, hardly believing it.
“What?”
“You heard what I said, Go.”
There was something in his eyes, something sad, but true. The weight of their conversation brought back.
Stella embraced her husband one last time.
“You will always be my miracle of Canaan,” she whispered.
“And you’ll always be my star of the sea.”
She hugged each of her children goodbye for now. Then she ran over and took Thor’s hand.
“Take me to him, now.”
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
They hurried across the rainbow bridge, finding the castle and the garden. Sure enough, Loki was lying down with his eyes closed. His skin was blue. Bloody scratches streaked across his body.
Stella ran forward, and she knelt to take his hands.
“Loki! Loki, it’s me!” Stella cried. Her hands shook violently, and her heart raced.
“Why does he look like that?” Thor asked. “Is it a curse?”
“It’s not a curse, it’s his true form. He’s a Frost Giant!” Stella explained.
“A Frost Giant?” asked Thor.
“The short story is, Odin took him as an abandoned baby in the show and took him here! But, oh, please! Loki! We must get him to safety! Is there a physician in the castle?” Stella begged.
“They won’t heal a Frost Giant!” Thor said.
But then Stella had an idea.
“The healers- They saved Will, they saved me, they have to save him! ” she urged.
Thor managed to swing Loki over his shoulder as Stella grabbed his feet and they carried him out. There was a carriage there to go with speed to the healer's cottage.
Once Stella, and Thor arrived with Loki, they burst through the door. The women in their white robes were all resting in chairs and organizing jars. They turned over to see in shock.
“Loki is hurt! Please! He needs your help!” Stella begged.
The women helped carry him to a bed. They examined the scratches across his stomach, over his leather robes.
“Those scratches-they’re from a knife…he was attacked,” one healer noted.
Attacked for being a Frost Giant, the thought passed through Stella. A wretchedness tore inside her.
They immediately got to the salves. Stella and Thor could only stay in the corner. Healers flurried about, applying their magic concoctions and watching him.
One went to Stella and Thor. Her face had a peaceful smile.
“We got to the injuries before they could do further damage or become infected. He’s a god, so it won’t prove fatal. He needs rest…and the water.”
“Water?” asked Thor.
“There is water we have from a canal in our land. It is full of strong magic. Every three hours, it must be poured on his head. It’s quite sufficient in treating injuries to gods,” she explained.
Another healer emerged with the bowl itself full of the magic water. She cupped some of it in both of her palms and poured it over Loki’s head.. He then seemed to relax some and was groaning in his unconscious state.
Thor stayed a bit. He stayed for a long time, even when the sky began to grow dimmer and darker.
“The king might chastise you,” said one healer.
“It’s my brother, I cannot leave him!” Thor said.
The healers worked on wrapping bandages and applying a salve infused with magic. Though they were amazed that Loki’s skin was so cold to the touch. They then said he was stable; he needed rest. He would wake up soon.
But Thor tired out, and he went out to the hallway, needing some rest. It wasn’t long before he slumped in a chair, fast asleep. One hour passed, then another.
Stella stayed by the bedside. The third hour had come from the clock they had. She went over to the bowl of water and cupped it in her hands. She walked over to Loki and poured it on his head. It wetted his blue skin and his dark curls.
“Dear Loki…you will not die, you must not die, you must!”
Loki remained still. Finally, she went over and embraced him. For the first time that day, she let herself weep tears of fear, of sadness.
“You must live, Loki, you must! I promise, please- remain here- all will be well in time! You’ll see!”
She smiled a tiny smile through her tears. The night was quiet. Outside, the moon and stars shone. Candles provided a warm light inside the cabin. The healers had left.
Finally alone, Stella poured out the words in her heart.
“I thought at first this fear meant that I missed you as a friend, but now…I think it’s something else…”
She took his hand. She felt her warmth against the coldness of her skin and welcomed it.
“Loki…I spoke with Will. He gave us his blessing. I am free now…and I want you to live to become my husband…”
She leaned close, whispering so only he could hear.
“From this moment, I give you my hand and I swear to be none other than yours…Loki…I…I love you.”
As soon as she spoke those words, she heard a soft sound. She looked over and saw that in his free hand, fireworks were erupting from his palm. She smiled at them.
Then, the blue from his skin vanished; it began to melt away. From his hands, all the way up his neck, and then his face.
Loki opened his eyes.
“Why…Stella…” he whispered. “And I thought you would be the bedridden one…”
He cupped her face. She smiled, leaning forward.
“Oh, you’re awake! I…I thought I would lose you, and I was so frightened!” she cried.
“Stella..please tell me…is this a dream? I would be happy to only dream about you.” Loki said.
She shook her head. The tears in her eyes were those of joy.
“No, this is all real,” she replied.
“Then…then what you said was real…”
“Yes, Loki, yes it is!”
He went up and embraced her. And then kissed her. Magic went around the room in a whirl. l, Green sparkling lights emitted around them, swirling like a storm. But they kissed like it was only them.
The healers and Thor ran into the room. The kiss released, the magic dimming to stillness.
“Oh, thank the gods, it’s a miracle!” cried one.
Thor ran up and got Loki into a tight hug. Loki groaned in slight pain.
“BROTHER! Brother, you’re well!”
“Oof- really?! I won’t be well at the rate you’re squeezing me!”
Thor let go and looked at him.
“And…and is all of that true? Are you a-”
“Yes, yes- adopted frost giant brother. Go ahead and hunt me down- but I warn you, the last time you did you got promptly stabbed and I won’t hesitate to do it again!”
Thor only laughed, and smiles went across the healer's faces. Stella and Loki smiled at them, holding hands as two.
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
Some time later, the gardens of Loki’s palace were beautiful. They were in full bloom with hydrangeas and roses. The sun shone bright, and there was a light breeze in the air.
Loki was doing magic tricks in the garden, entertaining four children watching him. It was his favorite part when they visited. Jo, James, John, and Frankie all looked in awe as he conjured up various animals and presented them to him, only to have them turn into gems. His favorite trick was turning some cups into snakes. At first, they squealed, only to change them into birds that flew up in the air and landed on their shoulders.
Stella watched, smiling, holding a baby. How her first children all had hair that tended to be a little darker, like their father, their first father. Though the little girl in her arms had yellow hair, like her mother's. She and Loki were both exhilarated and frightened when they learned she was going to arrive. What would Asgard make of a half god child? Would she have magic that she would have to learn to muster? Loki promised to teach her. But so far, she only lay in her mother’s arms, watching the world with wide, blue eyes.
The children then walked over. Frankie got close to Stella, noticing the baby.
“How is she?” he asked.
“Oh, Julianna’s fine…would you like to hold her?” Stella offered.
“I’ve... I’ve never held a baby...” Frankie confessed.
“Let me show you…”
She guided him to sit on a picnic chair.. Stella guided his hands and arms for a cradle, and then she set her little treasure on Frankie’s arms. He was a part of the family now, and Stella could not help but see the boy as her own. He smiled at the baby. Holding her as naturally as any nanny.
“I’ve always wanted a little sister…” He said. From his pocket, he got out one of the little sticks he collected in the garden. He handed it to her to grasp with her tiny hands.
Loki then arrived behind. Seeing the children gather around the scene of the new baby. Soon, Frigga and Thor were going to visit. There would be another supper in the evening, and they would see her too- a new member of the royal family.
Loki then accepted the baby from Frankie. They looked at their family. Though not every child shared their exact blood, there was nothing but love. Even when he showed his Frost Giant form, they did not cower, but stood in awe, in appreciation.
Loki and Stella kissed each other. The future before was unknown and frightening, but they would face it together. He survived his father’s cruelty. She survived her heartbreak. And though they had no control over what happened, they had each other, and those who truly loved them.
With that in mind, their happiness felt complete.
