As the World Falls Down

by Page of Pentacles

Heimdall paused before replying, "He does not deserve you." Sigyn had heard this sentiment before as well. "Perhaps." She had even thought it before herself. "But he has me nevertheless, and he always will." From childhood acquaintances to marriage, their relationship is a journey. Their love is one of legend, but not without difficulty and sacrifice. LokixSigyn: Pre-Thor and on.

2. Chapter 2: Alstroemeria

As the World Falls Down

Chapter 2, Alstroemeria (friendship; bonds)

Disclaimer: I don't own Thor the movie or comics, Marvel, the Avengers…I don't own much of anything really.

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She had been to the Palace before, for her siblings Rituals of the Rite, but it never ceased to amaze her. It stood sentinel over the kingdom, so grand and elegant. The towers were so high and the marble columns so shiny, it was an impressive sight. Their carriage rolled through the city closer and closer to the castle until it was so large that Sigyn could hardly see it out the window.

"Wow!" She gaped almost leaning out the window.

"Sigyn, please remain inside the cab." Her mother instructed.

Her brother laughed, "Yes! I would hate for you to fall and hurt yourself and ruin your pretty new dress before the ceremony!"

Sigyn was horrified at this prospect and quickly obeyed her mother's advice sitting back in her seat. She swung her legs back and forth slightly as a way to relieve her growing anticipation.

Across from her, her sister sighed and crossed her arms. No one bothered to ask what was bothering her now, and instead her father began to speak. "Now Sigyn, we are very proud of you, to have been selected to be initiated into the Rite. To have all three children undergo the Rite, is more than your mother and I could ever hope for." He said, smiling at his three children. "Know Sigyn, that there is no right or wrong master, each have their strengths and weaknesses, and there is much to be learned from all of them. You should be happy with anyone who takes you as their apprentice just as we will be happy for you."

She nodded at her father's advice then turned her attention to her father as she added, "Also take this opportunity to get to know the other initiates. We do not come in to town or the court often and children are so few in our province. It would be nice for you to make some friends."

Var, then put her two pence in. "Yes, mother is right. And some of the other initiates in your age group may be of aid to you later when you are candidates during your Rite, for you never know what you will face down the road during your Trial."

Their mother and father nodded. "That is true my dear."

Shortly after they arrived at the Palace and one of the footman were quick to open the carriage door for the family. Their father, Foresti, climbed down first and then helped his wife and daughters down, who were followed by Mimir. One of the Golden Guard approached and bowed his head to Foresti, Vӧr, Var and Mimir. "My Lords. My ladies. Please follow me; I will take you to the throne room." All those who did not reside at the Palace were escorted upon arrival, as was tradition.

Another guard behind him spoke up, surprising Sigyn for she had not seen him before. He looked directly at her, his face solomn but his eyes smiled. "Miss Sigyn, if you will follow me, I will show you to the antechamber where you and the other initiates will await the ceremony."

Sigyn nodded looking brave, before glancing back at her family. Her father and mother smiled at her encouragingly, her sister nodded, and her brother stepped forward to hug her. In her ear he whispered, "Good luck."

Then with her head held high Sigyn followed the other guard while the first one lead her family to the throne room. The Ceremony was an exciting occasion on Asgard, and many nobles and courtiers chose to attend. She remembered from her brothers ceremony that the imitates, those who had been chosen to participate in the Rite but had not yet been nominated as a Candidate for a God or Goddess position, were kept in a small side room before they were formally presented during the ceremony.

The introductory convocation into the Rite, a long process full of rituals over several years began today for her. The reality of that thought was beginning to hit her and she was beginning to have difficulty breathing but she tried not to show it, she would be strong. She was ready!

The guard led her down a long hallway aside from the one her family had been lead down, this one empty as only initiates and guards were allowed down it at this time. She walked silently behind him her eyes darting back and forth and marveling at the new wonders of the Palace. It was not too long before he stopped before ornate golden doors, and opened the one on the right. "Here you are Miss Sigyn. You are to stay here with the other initiates until the ceremony begins. Lady Frigga will be along shortly to explain everything."

Sigyn nodded. Queen Frigga followed the Rite as her duty as Queen, helping select and guide children into adulthood. Many said it was because of her gift of foresight, she was able to see what would become of a child. Sigyn had forgotten that the Queen lead the Ceremony, and suddenly felt all breath leave her. She was going to meet the Queen! Personally! And speak to her! Her knees quaked. Goodness and she would be standing before King Odin too!

Overwhelmed but determined, Sigyn nodded to the guard and thanked him politely as all true ladies she had watched growing up and walked into the room. Two were three girls sitting there all dressed as she in pretty dresses. One was a dark haired girl who was dressed simply in a garnet colored gown, though she looked uncomfortable in it, picking at the thread on one of her sleeves.

The other girl had copper colored hair and wore a pretty crème colored dress and a matching ribbon in her hair. She wore a large golden necklace and earrings as well. She looked up immediately upon noticing Sigyn walk in and eagerly stood to greet her. "Hello! Who are you? My name is Lofn Freyrdotter."

"Um, I'm Sigyn Forestidotter." She replied, before glancing at the other girl who was now watching them with intelligent eyes. "May I ask your name?"

"I am Sif." She replied pointedly not giving her father's name. She felt it important that she be known for herself and not her family. No one pressed it though, so she did not feel the need to explain herself.

Lofn smiled. "Do you think it will be just us three? Just girls. That hasn't happened for a while has it?"

"I don't know. There usually are a small number of initiates." Sigyn replied before finding a seat not too far from Sif.

Sif who had seemed to be avoiding Lofn's company before Sigyn arrived ventured into conversation with them. "I think there will be at least one more, a boy."

"A boy! Oh!" Lofn lit up in delight. "What makes you say that?"

"Well," Sif began, looking at Sigyn instead of Lofn. "My father is the captain of the Crimson Hawkes so we live near the palace and we spend a lot of time around here. And Prince Loki is of age now too and surely he will be an initiate, he is a Prince and a son of Odin after all. I even heard they had already given him a tutor for magic."

Lofn's large round eyes widened even further as did her smile. "He must be very talented! Is he very handsome?"

Sif scrunched up her face, and Sigyn was sure she did not like the question. "I only saw him a couple times from a distance. I suppose it depends, everyone has a different opinion right?"

"Hm, I bet he is!" Lofn stated, running her hands through her wild curls. "Can you believe we will have a Prince in our year group! How exciting!"

"I'm nervous about meeting the Queen though." Sigyn confessed and then regretted it. She did not want to appear weak, even before her age group. At least until she knew them.

Sif smiled in a reassuring manner. "I only met her once but she was very nice. I would not worry."

"Still it's all very exciting isan't it?" Lofn proclaimed. "I wonder who I will get as a master? I hope it is someone important and interesting! Not like Fulla, how boring be her sisters maid! Although I would get to spend lots of time in the palace though and that would be very fun!"

Sigyn gave her opinion which was based on what her parents had said earlier. "I am sure every master has merit. So long as I liked my master and we got along I would not care what they did. I am sure there is much to learn from everyone."

"Well said, Sigyn." Sif agreed. "Although, I would not want to get Frejya or Sjofn. I don't think I would like those duties."

"Who do you think you'll be nominated as? I think I must get something with love, that would be great!" Lofn prattled.

Sigyn frowned. "We won't know if we even will be nominated as candidates for four more years." She explained sensibly. Sif nodded in agreement.

Lofn's smile never seemed to end. "But it's fun to think about isan't it?"

"Well, I suppose." Sigyn said giving a small grin.

"I don't know what I would like." Sif said, thinking allowed. "Nothing girly. Maybe something like Gna, her life sounds exciting: riding horses and traveling."

Sigyn nodded. "That does sound like fun. I don't know either though. Not when we don't know who they are looking for. And then, I think even some of the boring positions must have more interesting parts, like Lady Idun. Just growing apples is not something I would like to do, but I like spending time in the garden and she must test those who seek one of the golden apples, that would be exciting."

"Hm, that's true." Sif said, deep in thought again.

"Well, not me! I think-!" Lofn began but was cut off by the door opening once again to admit a boy their age with raven black hair and green eyes that took in the room quickly. Lofn immediately turned her attention to him. "Oh! Hello! My name is Lofn Freyrdotter! You must be Prince Loki! It is so nice to meet you you're highness!" She simpered, dropping into a curtsey.

Loki looked unimpressed and uninterested in the girl. He walked past her before hopping up onto a table to sit. "All girls? Ugh, how boring."

Sigyn and Sif glanced at one another unsure of what to do. Should they introduce themselves? And did they need to curtsey? Lofn made the decision for them, the resilient girl bot bothered by being ignored initially, her expression only seemed more determined. "Well yes, it looks that way. The other two are Sigyn and Sif. Do you know how much longer it will be until the ceremony starts?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. Soon I think. Mother was not far behind me."

"Oh good! I am so excited! Are you excited?" Lofn continued.

Sif and Sigyn sat back down letting Lofn handle any and all conversation.

Another shrug. "I guess. Depends on who I get though, doesn't it?"

Lofn grinned, looking back smugly at Sif and Sigyn. "That's what I said!"

Just then the wide golden doors swung open once again, and in walked Queen Frigga. All three of the girls immediately curtseyed to her, while Loki remained casually on the table. Frigga smiled and nodded to them. "Hello initiates, I am Queen Frigga and it is my pleasure to oversee the Rite, at all stages. I pay particular attention now, at this stage though. After today you will be under the guidance of a master who has been approaved of by myself and King Odin All-father. You will learn much from one another, and I hope that they will be pleasant years for you all. Now I would like to meet each of you." She requested kindly.

To no one's surpise, Lofn stepped forward first with a smile on her face. "My name is Lofn Freyrdotter, your Highness." She curtseyed again.

"Hello Lofn. It is nice to meet you, you seem very excited."

"Yes, my lady."

"Good. It is an exciting day. Your emotions will serve you well I think if you remain true to them." Frigga then turned her attention to the next in line which was Sif.

The dark haired girl quickly dropped into an awkward curtsey. "I am Sif Bjorndotter, your majesty."

"Sif, we have met before. It is good to see you once more." She paused watching Sif for a moment before asking, "Are you nervous Sif?"

Sif fidgeted, not wanting to appear weak just as Sigyn but knowing better than to lie to the Queen. "A little my lady."

Frigga smiled gently, "As are many Sif. But do not be troubled. You will find your place."

As Frigga turned her eyes on her Sigyn curtseyed. "Good Afternoon, your highness. I am Sigyn Forestidotter."

"So polite little Sigyn, it is a pleasure to meet you." Sigyn straightened slowly and found her gaze caught in Frigga's. Her eyes seemed endless and vast, but kind and gentle, and nurturing as the All-mother she was so named. "You have a good heart I think, Sigyn. Stay true to it and it will serve you well."

Finally her eyes landed on her son who made no move to introduce himself. Frigga's gaze hardened just slightly and Loki stood up, rolling his eyes. "Seriously? You already know me. Fine. I'm Loki Odinson."

Frigga smiled, proud of her son even if his manners could use some work. "Thank you Loki. Remember who you are and do not try to keep others out. It is our friends and family who shape who we are."

Loki said nothing, and Frigga directed her attention back to the group. "Alright. In a moment we will line up and make our way into the throne room where you will be presented to the All-father and thecourt as an initiate and you will be chosen by your new master. You will remain there until everyone has been presented. After, you may meet with your master and get to know them and return to your families. Are there any questions?" She paused and waited but no one spoke up. "Very good. Now then Line up at the door and I will lead you there, then we can begin."

Lofn lead the group who followed in the same order in which they had introduced themselves, with Loki bringing up the rear. Frigga cut ahead as she opened the golden doors for them. Two gaurds took the lead before her as she stepped into the hall and the group continued on to the throne room. Sigyn was surprised as many people had turned out as they had. The room which was enormous and would take probably at least a thousand people to fill had no more than one hundred inside but it was still an impressive number to the twelve year old girl. The sun shone brightly into the golden hall, and if she had thought that the outside of the palace was impressive, this was far superior.

The crowning glory of the room was of course the towering throne upon which Odin sat, septer in hand atop the grand tiered dias. Frigga and the gaurds lead them to the front of the room to the base of the dias in front of Odin. Sigyn passed her family along the way and shot them a small smile as butterflies began to dance in her stomach. The moment had come.

The stood all together in a line facing Odin, with Frigga behind them. Sigyn tried not to fidget but she was so nervous standing in front of the All-father she was not very successful. Loki beside her took notice and shot her a look to get her to stop. She did , but it certainly did not make her feel any better.

"Every year we meet for the initiate ceremony to commence the Rite in a new group of talented youth." Odin began by addressing the crowd. "Only the very best, the most talent, the most promising are selected for the Rite. Today, we welcome four new initiates into this ancient tradition. All four have been invited here, and have chosen to participate. Already they show great courage and diligence in this choice. "

"Years of toil and hard work lay ahead. The path they choose is not easy. Only those who study and learn in earnest, who will obey and respect their masters, and persevere in the face of difficulty and danger will overcome and prove themselves worthy. They must not lose heart. They must learn to temper skill and thought, strength and weakness. But they will not do this alone. The wise initiate will not only friends and family to turn to, but to each other as well. Furthermore each is to be chosen by a proven member of our great court, who will take these initiates as their apprentice and teach them, with both patience and discipline.

"Lady Frigga, Queen of Asgard, and mother of all. Many long years have you made the Rite your duty, and many successful initiates have taken their place among us, under your watchful gaze. Today you bring forth four more, to begin this journey. Who are they who would walk this path?"

Frigga stood behind Lofn, and pushed her forward ever so gently. "Lady Lofn Freyrdotter."

"Who accepts this initiate?" Odin asked the court.

A tall beautiful woman stepped forward from near the dias. Her hair was long and a color between blonde and brown. Though her face was solomn with the seriousness of the ceremony her eyes smiled at Lofn, her neice. "I Frejya, Goddess of Love and Beauty, accept initiate Lofn Freyrdotter as my apprentice."

Odin nodded and struck Gungnir on the dias. "So be it."

Frigga then stepped behind Sif and nudged her forward. "Lady Sif Bjorndotter."

"Who accepts this initiate?"

Across from Freyja on the other side of the aile by the dias as well stepped a woman who appeared middle aged with wiry brown hair that was beginning to fade in color. "I Gefjon, Goddess of Plants and Fertility, accept initiate Sif Bjorndotter as my apprentice."

Beside her Sif let out the quietest groan of disappointment.

Gungnir tapped again on the dias as Odin pronounced, "So be it."

Now Frigga stepped behind Sigyn and she felt the Queen's hand settle between her shoulders, gently telling her to take a step forward. Unfortunately sigyn was overcome by her fears in that moment and found she could not move. Frigga pushed a little harder and this drew Sif and Loki's attention as well. Loki reached out to her arm and helped push her forward, and at that moment Sigyn recovered and took one large confident step forward. Those watching noticed only the slightest hesitation in the girl though.

"Lady Sigyn Forestidotter." Frigga announced.

Sigyn licked her lips wondering who her master would be and looked at either side of the dias for the answer. A little ways down from Gefjon, closer to her, an older woman stepped forward. Though her hair was white, her face was young and held few wrinkles, but her eyes gave away her age. "I Eir, Goddess of Healing, accept initiate Sigyn Forestidotter as my apprentice."

Once again Odin nodded and tapped Gungnir. "So be it."

Finally Frigga touched Loki's shoulder and he stepped forward with confidence. "Lord Loki Odinson."

Between Gefjon and Eir was a young woman, only just beginning to leave her prime. Her hair was a dark blonde and her eyes appraising. "I Adara, Goddess of Echantment, accept initiate Loki Odinson as my apprentice."

Odin's gaze fell on both Adara and Loki as he lifted Gungnir and dropped it onto the dias for the final time. "So be it."

After the ceremony was over there was a small reception for mostly the family and masters of the initiates. A few servents meandered through the crowd to offer food and drink to those who lingered. Odin came down from his throne to congratulate all the new initiates. When he came to Sigyn she was dumbstruck, not expecting to actually talk to the All-father. And even more terrifying, he knew her name!

"Lady Sigyn, daughter of Foresti. Congratulations on your accomplishments this day."

Her voice was weak as she replied, "Thank you your majesty."

He smiled, his one revealed eye boring into her intently as if searching for something, but what that could be Sigyn could not tell. "My wife is interested in watching your progress, young Sigyn. And her interest piques my own. We will expect much of you, I hope you will not let us down."

Her jaw dropped at his words. "N-no! I mean, I won't let you down, your Majesty."

"All-father." He corrected before continuing to look at her. "No," he added softly. "I don't think you will." Then a little louder in a purposeful voice he added, "Remain strong Lady Sigyn. And good luck to you. I am sure you will make your father proud." He glanced at said father, smiling and nodding before leaving to congratulate Lofn.

Foresti smiled down at his youngest daughter. "The All-father and All-Mother show distinction to you my child. It is a great honor."

Sigyn nodded looking up at her father as the rest of her family approached through the crowd.

"And I am already more proud of you than words can say. I am certain you will do our King and Queen proud as well."

"Thank you, father."

"Congratulations little sister!" Mimir proclaimed as he arrived, sweeping Sigyn up into a hug. She laughed blithely even after he let her down.

Her mother also hugged her though with much more restraint though no less love. "Eir will be a very good master to you my darling, well done."

"Not bad Sig. Eir may be old but she is well respected at court and the best in her field." Var said with a small hug.

She beamed up at her family around her, "thank you."

"I told Hilda to prepare your favorite dinner for supper tonight." Her mother told her with a smile.

Sigyn thanked her again, returning her smile.

"Young Lady Sigyn." Another addressed her, and Sigyn spun around to face them, only to see her new master Eir.

"Master Eir." She greeted politely, bowing her head.

Eir smiled at her new pupil already showing her respect though they had not even begun yet. "I look forward to trainging you Sigyn, and I hope you will look forward to learning from me."

"Yes my lady, I do."

"Good. Your training shall begin in three days time, on the Moon's day. Then you will follow this map, and find me to begin your training. This is your first task." Eir handed her a rolled piece of parchment held by a blue ribbon.

Accepting the map from her master, Sigyn nodded. "Yes my lady, thank you. I will come to you on the Moon's day."

"I look forward to it." Eir returned with a smile. With a glance back at Sigyn's family she smiled, "Now enjoy your celebration."

"I will!" Sigyn replied as Eir left, eager to do just that.

At that moment there came a wave of people spitting out their refreshments. Rich Lords and fine ladies who had lost all decorum and spit out what they had previously been drinking, spraying one another here and there. Some of the women who got wet squealed in protest and bemoaned their ruined gowns. Sigyn and her family gawked, looking about in shock and wonder, as well as curiosity.

Then the answer came.

"Loki!" A young male voice boomed. Everyone turned to see who had yelled at the Prince only to find his older brother Prince Thor who appeared to be quite wet. Thor towered over his brother, his fists clenched.

However, Loki simply stood there grinning and chuckling, obviously quite pleased with himself.

Frigga stepped up to Thor and laid a gentle hand on his shoulder, and while he continued to seethe and glare at his brother, he no longer looked threatening. Odin also came forward to his family and looked down at Loki with a frown. "We will discuss your actions later. You will be making it up to the court." He said before turning to the crowd. "I apologize for my son. New refreshments will be brought and those who wish to freshen up will be allowed to do so. Please do not let his foolish prank ruin this grand occasion and enjoy the rest of the evening."

Sigyn watched as Loki sobered, and caught his gaze. She noticed that even after his father's reprimand his eyes danced with laughter. Her mother turned her away as her family made their way home.

*****End

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Character Guide:

For Sigyn and her family refer to chapter 1.

Lofn Freyrdotter: An initiate into the Rite in the same year as Sigyn, therefore she is also twelve. She has wild curly copper hair. Her father is Freyr, and her aunt is Freyja, who also takes her as her apprentice.

Sif Bjorndotter: I don't remember anything about Sif's parents so I made her father a captain of the Army and named Bjorn. She is a twelve year old version of the Sif we know and love. She takes to Sigyn, but she is also struggling to find her path.

Loki Odinson: Need I say anything? If you need an explanation here you probably shouldn't be reading this story.

Frigga: You should know who she is, just like Odin and Loki, but I wanted to say that I want her to have a larger role then I have seen in other fandom stories or even the movie. In the film she does not seem to have much to do but raise her sons and be a wife. But she is Queen! There has to be more. Then I thought having her in charge of the Rite would be perfect for her to nurture a new generation and guide them in her own ways with her foresight. I hope later on she and Sigyn will also develop a bond.

Freyja: One of the best known Norse Goddesses. There are a few spellings I have found of her name, and since I pulled in her brother who has a very similar name, I decided to go with this more complicated one to try differentiate the two a bit more. She has long golden brown hair and is the Goddess of Love and Beauty. She is also Lofn's aunt.

Gefjon: Goddess of plants and fertility, Sif's master. She has wiry brown hair that is beginning to fade and is middle aged.

Eir: Sigyn's master, and Goddess of Healing. She is an older woman whose hair has gone white and eyes are ancient, but she has a young face that has not begun to wrinkle much.

Adara: Known as the Enchantress in the Marvel universe she has been a teacher and cohort of Loki's. I gave her the appearance I am most familiar with really, and made her a goddess of enchantment to allow her to fit this version. Here she takes Loki as her apprentice.