Born To Die
AN: This story takes place in the 'Shadows and Regrets' universe, and was jointly authored by me and Myth Queen. It takes place a few decades before the events of the Thor movie. Knowledge of the other stories in this universe (found either on my profile or Myth Queen's) would make this story a lot easier to understand!
~ Prologue ~
(Sigyn's pov)
I was returning from a trip to the market when the messenger found me. He stood outside my marital home, solemn-faced. A feeling of unease rippled down my spine as I approached him, somehow knowing that he bore bad news.
"Good day to you," I greeted politely. "You have a message for me?"
"Yes, my Lady. From your mother. She bids you join her and your sisters on a trip to Vanaheim. You are to meet at the Observatory. She made it clear that you must depart as soon as possible."
I frowned. "Immediately? But why..."
A frightening possibility occured to me, one I could not, would not voice aloud. Dismissing the young boy with a wave of my hand, I quickly made my way indoors to scribble a note for Theoric- he would not return from patrol for several hours, and I did not want him to worry. Leaving the note in plain view, I slipped outside again, locking the door behind me, and quickly made my way to the Bifrost. The thought I would not say kept echoing in my mind. Hnossa... please let it not be yet!
Arriving at the Observatory, I saw that I was the last of my family to arrive. My mother and sisters all appeared in various states of shock- Nanna, Sjofn, Var and Snotra were pale and silent, while Lofn, Idunn, and Syn were red-eyed already. Mother hardly seemed to know what was happening- she moved as if she was sleepwalking, despite my taking her hand. Heimdall was already prepared to send us to Vanaheim, and for once he did not impart any words of wisdom as the Bifrost activated. I maintained my hold on Mother's hand throughout the journey, seeking, and hopefully giving, comfort.
As the disorientation wore off and we picked ourselves up, I noted that Heimdall had kindly deposited us all directly in front of Hnossa's home. Skadi, my step-grandmother, and her daughter, my aunt Gullveig were waiting for us, sorrowful looks on their faces. I took a deep breath and braced myself, leading Mother forwards, as she didn't seem inclined to move. The others trailed behind us. No-one said a word.
To be continued...
(Yes, Myth Queen and I are aware that this chapter is ridiculously short! But the story is already complete, and a new chapter will be published daily.)
