AN: I own nothing I swear!
Chapter 1
A thick layer of dust had settled over the ivory chess pieces. Despite the age of the set, the pieces remained smooth and unchipped. Every detail was exactly as it should have been, and they stood stoically waiting to be moved. Sigyn was not surprised at the precise condition. The set and board, although centuries old, had been a gift from her father. It was never put away and never moved. It sat as a constant reminder of her patience and devotion. It was all she had of him now. So often Sigyn had wondered if the gift of a chess set had been deliberate.
A challenge was required in this realm. The most archaic of laws was in place and would never be change. Two forces of will would meet in this room, and only perseverance and mental cunning would procure a victory. She smiled fondly as she thought of her husband. Intellect over brute strength. This was the perfect game for father and daughter alike. A handful of people had been able to defeat Hela in the past. Sigyn took a breath and sat in the white chair at the table.
"What are you doing"? The Queen of the Dead suddenly appeared opposite her. Hela remained half in the shadows, her left side a testament to her condition, gnarled and decayed but somehow still grotesquely beautiful. The other side revealed what would appear to be the unrivalled beauty of a fifteen year old girl. Her pale skin, dark hair and green eyes echoed the features of her father. Only her eyes betrayed her age and the centuries of solitude and quiet reflection that made such a child older than her years. She had the contemplation of an ancient and an unsettling ability to see into the depth of her opponent's words.
"You know why my dear", Sigyn smiled softly.
Hela swept regally into her chair and gestured for Sigyn to sit. Sigyn held the girl's stare easily. Hela loved her that. Very few could look her in the face. The more disturbing aspects of her appearance were not accepted by many. Even a soul can be turned mad by the physical manifestation of death.
Sigyn sat calmly, hands clasped in her lap and waited for Hela to make her move.
"She is there you know", Hela began conversationally. "That was the deal made at the time of your death. Why do you wish to change the circumstances now"?
"She is not where she should be", Sigyn replied simply, running a hand through her deep red hair. "Something has gone wrong".
"It is difficult to manipulate existences, particularly across different worlds", Hela shrugged. "Some of these things are tricky you know".
"I see no harm in offering some assistance then", Sigyn replied. "The fates of many hang upon these coming events".
"I find it interesting", Hela conjured a goblet and drank from it. The red liquid spilled through slightly from the gaps and decayed flesh on her throat. "Many seek to use this process as a reward, a selfish gift. You don't, you would use it to help others. Tell me why".
"For family Hela, is that so unthinkable"?
"Sentiment", Hela scoffed. Sigyn had to smile at that. So much like Loki.
"They are your family too my love", Sigyn chided her.
"Nonetheless, I am bound by these laws first", Hela leaned forward. "It is dangerous, what you ask. The two of you should not interact, to do so would be to beg destruction".
Sigyn looked at her imploringly. "They need her. The darkness is rising. Narvi has been alone for too long, he needs to be protected".
"Such concern Sigyn".
"Hela", Sigyn cupped the side of her face. "You know I love you all equally".
"And yet you seek to leave me mother"?
"I will return. Blood or not, I will not abandon you". Hela remained stoic. "If he succeeds, you are all in danger".
"Most who enter here would never care about that. After death, it is done. Their effect on the world ceases to matter", Hela whispered. "Why do you still care"?
"Because I want to protect our family", Sigyn reached across and took Hela's hand.
Hela sat in deep contemplation for several minutes.
"You truly are a puzzle mother. Fidelity is truly undying".
"I do have a reputation to uphold", Sigyn admitted drily.
"Are you sure about this"?
"I am", Sigyn resolved.
"Very well", Hela leaned back in her chair. You have this offer then. You may intervene with the soul-carrier over the safety of our child only. No other shall be aware of your presence and even then, you are only to intervene through a mental link. Do you accept this"?
"May I not speak with Loki"?
"I must insist not. Your presence will pain him too much mother".
"Sentiment after all this time Hel"?
She twirled a few strands of hair around one decayed finger and shrugged.
"Well he has been through much. He is my father after all, I do care for him, and for you".
Sigyn nodded and Hela regarded her carefully. Her choice was part preservation and part devotion. Although, if Hela was ever questioned personally, she would deny any and all emotional ties to this dilemma. She had to remain stagnate and unshakable in her duty. Her response to this request had to be as cool and smooth as a stone effigy. Her response would always be void of personal meaning and accepting that what must be shall be. Of course, Sigyn would know different. Her mother by oath had more experience than any other when it came to hearing one thing and knowing another.
She withdrew her hands from the game and stared Sigyn in the eyes.
"I am interested to see how this plays out". With childish impishness, Hela flicked her wrist and her pieces fell over where they stood on the board.
"I forfeit".