"You will have all those things, and more," Thor promises, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Should a day come when you can no longer go out in the world on your own, I will carry you with me, wherever you wish to go. And if the Norns should not bless us with children someday, it will never lessen my love and devotion to you. You will have my heart beyond the end of your days."

It's painful to think of that future, knowing that it will come sooner than either of them want, but the days between will be filled with such joy that he would rather embrace her now than hold himself apart in cold loneliness.

"For my part," he adds, touching his forehead to hers again, "I expect only your love, and for you to speak your mind as you will. And... that you do not resent me for my longer days, that I cannot grow old with you."