Sigyn sat in her chambers looking as bad as she felt. She hadn't slept in days, she couldn't without feeling guilty. Here she was sitting in this luxurious bed chamber in the palace while Loki lied chained in a cave enduring a pain that she couldn't bear to imagine. A few weeks ago, Sigyn and her family were moved into the palace. It was tradition for the in future in-laws to move into their new "home," meaning this impersonal palace. Now Sigyn could not find peace anywhere.

Everyone seemed to go about their business as if nothing had happened. Her mother kept planning her wedding, much to her dismay, her five sisters continued to ignore her, her father chose not to speak on any matter concerning the royal family, and Thor kept himself locked away in his chambers, much like Sigyn was doing now. Sigyn wished to talk to Thor, to gain comfort in his presence but she couldn't bare to face the world outside her room. Guilt followed her whenever she went outside, judgmental eyes following her every move. But guilt also plagued her in solitude, as she had not yet visited Loki. No one had, not his brother, not his mother, and certainly not his father. Sigyn was pained whenever she remembered this fact. Loki was alone. No one in the world cared enough to see him. Not even her...

But didn't he deserve it? Sigyn thought to herself. She ran a shaky hand through her tangled black hair. No, even someone as truly as evil as Loki deserves some sort of kindness done to him. If we didn't how would we be any different from him?

That's it. It was decided. Sigyn would pick herself up, muster what little conscience she had left and visit the one man she hoped never to see again.

"Valhalla, help me..."


An hour later, Sigyn was washed and dressed in a simple brown and cream gown. She twisted her hair into a loose bun and gave almost no thought to the rest of her appearance. She knew she had to see the All-Father in order to gain access to Loki. She nervously twisted the sleeves of her dress as she neared Odin's chambers. Two guards stood at the the entrance. Sigyn approached them confidently.

"I request an audience with Odin the All-Father, at once," Sigyn demanded politely.

The guards raised an eyebrow at her strong stature. "And who shall we say is calling?"

"His future daughter-in-law, Sigyn."

The guards exchanged curious glances. "Wait here," they ordered. The guards disappeared into the room. Sigyn fidgeted apprehensively. She wondered how she could keep her composure while telling Odin of her wishes. She kept taking deep breaths to calm her nerves. She hated waiting. After a few excruciatingly long minutes the doors finally opened again but it was not Odin who came to address her.

"Queen Frigga?" Sigyn spurted out in surprise. "Y-your majesty." Regaining her composure, Sigyn made a low, respectful bow to her future mother-in-law.

"My dear, Sigyn," Frigga smiled. Sigyn rose to her previous position and locked eyes with Frigga. She could tell the Queen had been crying. Her eyes were puffy and held not the usual sparkle in them. Sigyn felt as if she was looking into a mirror. Loki was nowhere and everywhere at the same time. Sigyn could not escape her guilt.

"My husband is indisposed at the moment. He cannot grant you an audience at this time."

"But... it is about Loki..." Sigyn started.

"Loki?" Frigga inquired.

"I'm sorry, my Queen. I understand this is very inappropriate but I must be allowed to see him. The guilt is too much. I must speak with him. I must let him know how I feel, I must hear what he has to say for himself. I cannot bear this anxiety any longer. Please..."

Frigga's stare burned into Sigyn's soul. She was tired and weary. She knew what she was doing was wrong but it was worse for her just to sit by and do nothing. She rather risk looking like a fool than be a heartless wench.

"Go to the kitchen. Attain some bread, meat, fruit, and a pail of water. Then go to the caves. You will find Loki easily once you are there. Do not come here again, asking to see Loki. You have my permission to go. Now go."

Sigyn stood in blank awe. Frigga nodded kindly to her and turned to leave. Sigyn could feel a weight being lifted from her back. She turned and hurried off to the kitchens. Frigga stood in the doorway of her chambers, watching Sigyn leave.

"Thank you, dear Sigyn."


In one hand Sigyn carried a basket of cooked beef, grapes, sliced apples, and a small loaf of bread. In the other she carried a large pail of water. Attaining these things was less complicated than she had previously thought. She barely stepped two feet into the kitchen before a serving girl ran to her with the basket and the pail. Frigga must have known she would come to her. She was a lot like Loki in that respect. All-knowing and wise.

Sigyn was almost to the Place of Judgement. She could feel some sort of vibration beneath her feet. As she got closer she began hearing a high-pitch shrill in the air. It only became worse the closer she got. The vibrations became earthquakes and the shrills became screams of agony. Sigyn mustered every ounce of bravery she had left to proceed into the cave. She wasn't prepared for what she would find but she prepared herself for the worse. Loki's screams were incessant. His voice was cause of the earthquakes. The torture and anguish in his screams were enough to make a Midgardian go mad. Sigyn could feel her feet failing in her but she kept walking. The darkness enveloped her as she rounded the corner. She held her breath until her eyes rested on him.

Give me the strength, God, please give me strength.