The Return

Years later…

Sigyn looked into the fierce red eyes of Laufey, which were now fixed on her. It was time for her to return to Asgard, and although she had been looking forward to this moment for years, she found herself reluctant to leave.

Laufey had been like a father to her, giving her everything she ever needed during her stay in Jotunheim. He had built her a home close to his quarters, where she was perfectly shielded from the biting winds and the cold chill of the land. When she came out to mingle with the other Frost Giants, Laufey was there to make sure none harmed her.

In turn she slowly grew to love him the way she loved her father, Iwaldi. She soon forgot her fear of him and acted more like her old self. She was the only one who could bring a wintry smile to Laufey's face, and she was the only one who could question him and not arouse his anger. But a part of her was gone – she had left it behind in Asgard.

Loki.

Her heart and her soul.

Sigyn now knew that she loved him, and that her childhood fantasies had become her reality. Sigyn knew that if Loki had married, it would be the end of her. But she dared not confide in Laufey, the man whom she grew to consider her second father.

"I shall miss you." Laufey's voice rang through the wind, and Sigyn pulled her thick cloak over her thin Asgardian garb.

"And I shall miss you, Laufey my lord. But do I not have the privilege of visiting you every now and then?" Sigyn curled up at his feet and rested her head in his lap, a pliant gesture.

Laufey stroked her hair with his fingers. "Always, dear Sigyn. And perhaps you shall bring your husband with you. What was his name? Loki?"

Sigyn snapped her head up, her eyes wide. "How did you know such a name?"

Laufey chuckled, a rare occurrence. "I have heard you say it many times in your sleep. I have always liked watching you as you dream, Sigyn. Your face shows nothing but the innocence that hardly exists in this realm."

"I – I do not think he is to be my husband," Sigyn admitted.

"He will. And I shall accept no other man as your husband," Laufey said.

"You must. The All Father shall be the one to decide who I shall marry, Laufey. Promise me, whatever you hear, you will not go against the All Father." Sigyn pleaded at him with her eyes, those eyes that expressed more than her words ever could.

Laufey looked at her for a long while before nodding. "As you wish."

Sigyn smiled and huddled close to the Frost Giant for comfort. She wanted to say how grateful she was for all those years he had treated her well, but she could not form the words. Finally they heard the sound of the portal opening, and Sigyn looked back at Laufey for one last time.

"Farewell, fair Sigyn." Laufey smiled at her, a genuine smile, and she leaned over and hugged him – her first and her last.

"Thank you." Sigyn hoped that he would understand; hoped that he knew how much she appreciated his kindness towards her.

And then she turned and stepped into the portal…to home, and to Loki.

The imminent arrival of Sigyn shouldn't have warranted a huge celebration, but Frigga clearly convinced the All Father that the girl's trials in Jotunheim had earned her a reprieve.

Loki wanted to receive credit for prodding his mother in the "right" direction, but he decided not to. It was enough that Sigyn would be greeted with jubilant cheers and a luxurious feast – although not as luxurious as the feast that awaited Thor the day Odin would proclaim him as crown prince.

"Your new helmet causes me great distress, brother," Thor said loudly, fitting his own feather-shaped silver helmet on his head. "You look like a tall golden goat."

"It is supposed to resemble a bull's horns, brother." Loki shot his older brother a disdainful look. "It was certainly not my fault that the smithy did not understand my meaning."

"Or perhaps he was simply getting his revenge after you set his clothes on fire," Thor reminded him.

"Nobody can take a jest nowadays," Loki replied. "It didn't burn him, did it?"

"But it certainly caused him a king's ransom in damages."

"Which I paid for!"

"But you certainly did not pay him for all the humiliation you caused him as he ran down the golden mile screaming."

"Thor. Loki."

The two princes stopped their bickering and turned to see their mother, Frigga, take her place beside the All Father's throne.

"We were just-"

"I was only-"

The two fell silent as Odin appeared behind their mother. Thor gave Loki a little nudge, but Loki knew better than to return it. Near the platform steps stood Sif, Thor's childhood friend, and The Warriors Three. The rest of the Asgardians were gathered below, curiously awaiting the arrival of the Lady Sigyn. Sigyn's parents, Iwaldi and Freya, were on the other side, close to Volstagg.

"The Lady Sigyn," a voice thundered, and the mighty horns resounded through the hall as the doors opened.

Loki thought he had memorized Sigyn's appearance well enough, but he was wrong. The icy winds of Jotunheim had done nothing to mar her beauty; in fact, these seemed to enhance it.

Her fair hair flew soft and fluid down her shoulders, and she was wearing a silky light blue dress that showed all too clearly that she was no longer a child, but a girl on the edge of womanhood. Her pale skin looked smooth, and Loki wondered if it was as soft as he imagined.

Sigyn slowly approached the platform, her hands at her sides. She looked calm, and if she was nervous her face did not show it.

"Lady Sigyn," Odin called as Sigyn reached the bottom of the steps.

Sigyn raised her head and gave a small bow of respect. "All Father."

"Welcome home."

This was echoed throughout the hall, and Sigyn smiled. "It is good to be home, All Father."

"Sigyn," her mother called, and with a nod from Odin, Sigyn rushed to her mother's arms.

Loki's eyes slid towards the girl, watching as she was embraced by her family. Odin waited for them to finish, before commanding the rest to the feast. Frigga stepped down to embrace Sigyn, and Thor moved forward to kiss Sigyn's hand.

Loki had to exert all of his control to wrest his brother away from Sigyn.

I have waited for years to see her, Loki thought, his fingers barely grasping the sides of his leather pants. A few more seconds won't hurt.

"My lord Loki." Sigyn greeted softly, smiling serenely at him. "I am glad to see you haven't changed."

"I wish I could say the same, Lady Sigyn," Loki answered, returning her smile. "You have grown more beautiful than you were when you left Asgard. I am glad to see you safely home."

"Thank you." Sigyn gave him one last smile and turned from him, greeting Sif and The Warriors Three.

By gods, she is beautiful, Loki thought. I shall have no other queen but her. She is mine, and mine alone.

Author's Note: I just want anyone who reads this to know that I imagine Sigyn as going through some form of transformation, similar to Loki in "Thor" and "The Avengers." For the first few chapters she's like this loving, besotted girl, but soon she becomes this tough, "touch my man and I will flay you alive" woman. I don't know if you like imagining Sigyn as such, but I always thought that she wouldn't just stand there and let other people hurt her man. But of course, the only thing that remains is her unfailing love for Loki. And naturally, their children. If you guys even think/want them to have any. I personally see Loki running after Loki Jrs., but that's just me. x))

What did you guys think about Sigyn's close relations with Laufey? Unnatural? Is Laufey simply using Sigyn? Guess you'll have to find out. ;) I'd also like to point out Loki's last thoughts; I 'borrowed' a line from "The Red Necklace", a novel that Tom narrates. The way he says it is just...unf. Aaand there goes my drool. Lol. Anyway, the next chapter's going to be uploading in two days, just so you all know. :)