As the World Falls Down

Chapter 7, Gladiolus (strength of character, respect, flower of gladiators)

Disclaimer: Anyone think I actually acquired money to buy the rights for Thor and Avengers since last time? I'm unemployed, so I'd have to rob a bank, I would fail so bad it would make the news. I have no doubt. So, instead of pursuing a life of pathetic crime just for awesome movies, I'll stick to fanfiction. Hopefully that won't put me in jail.

She was alone in the large waiting room, and it left her feeling even more nervous and empty. Her thoughts began to fill more and more with scenarios of The Hall of Fear, of what she would face, of how it could go wrong. And then there were the thoughts, of not being selected for a nomination. What if the others were nominated but she wasn't? How embarrassing! Those who did not receive a nomination generally quit the Rite, after all if why continue if you would receive nothing from it? Those who did quit generally ended up serving in one of the guards or becoming an apprentice to a trade master.

She could not imagine going into a trade. She supposed she might like baking or gardening but it would get rather boring too quickly. Perhaps Eir would take pity on her and allow her to continue working in her healing center? Even if she did not become a goddess she could still be of use there.

Sigyn swung her legs harder and faster, pumping them to release her inner tension. It wasn't working though. She drummed her nails on the arm of the settee; still she could feel the tension, her nerves raw. It was driving her insane.

The waiting, especially alone, was challenge enough!

Across the room from her a sconce made of golden glass cracked.

She began to take deep slow breaths, trying to sooth her frazzled nerves. She would be of no use to herself in the Hall of Fear if she was an emotional wreck. She needed to be able to react quickly, and evaluate the situation to decide on a course of action.

She suddenly felt like pacing as Lofn had done, but could not bring herself to leave the safety of the settee just yet. She was glad she would have Frigga as an escort into the Hall. Then again she wondered if it might work against her. Would the Queen think less of her if she could read how nervous and frightened she was? But then, the queen had overseen the Rite for many long years, Sigyn would not be the first to show such concern.

She resigned herself to waiting; there was little she could do now to prepare. She could only be patient and try to calm herself. Minutes ticked by on the old grandfather clock near the door, its pendulum swinging in wide calculating arcs, the movement was hypnotizing to Sigyn. She found the repetitive movement soothing. Though it seemed an eternity, it did not take as long as she had expected, only fifteen minutes for Frigga to return, holding the wooden token with her name aloft as she called her name, "Sigyn Forestidotter."

Frigga led her from down the gilded hallways of the palace to a room adjacent to the throne room with carved doors which surely stood as tall as a Frost Giant. Frigga opened the door for her, and allowed Sigyn to enter the Hall of Fear alone. She swallowed thickly and tried to extinguish her fears, in the Hall of Fear though, it would be neigh impossible. The room was enchanted with the best of technology to have a certain sentient quality, able to discern her fears.

Sigyn entered the room slowly, it was so clean the marble shown softly in the sunlight pouring in from the glass paneled ceiling above. The room was even taller than the doors into it, the walls made of the same gleaming marble as the floor and the pillars which stood in each corner of the room. Near the ceiling were what appeared to be more windows, but she knew better, for behind those panels of glass stood the Court, watching her every move.

Her Challenge had begun.

She walked a little further into the room, slowly and cautiously. She was alone still, or so it seemed, but that could change at any moment. She came to a stop, trying to not to watch the observation windows, and instead remain focused on her immediate surroundings.

The room was still and quiet. It seemed empty but for her, and she wondered at that. Was this her challenge? Facing loneliness? That did not seem like much of a challenge though. How would she show her skills and talents this way? As her confusion mounted a low growl came from the adjacent corner of the hall.

Her attention was immediately drawn to the source, knowing she was no longer alone. So loneliness was not her challenge after all. She was suddenly disappointed. The growling grew louder, and though she stared the corner down intently she could not make out what lurked in the shadows there. Not knowing what she might be about to face she settled into a fighting stance, setting her feet firmly shoulder length apart and bending her knees. She tried to breathe quietly, hoping to give the creature any more of an advantage than it surely already had. Drawing her daggers she watched in horror as her opponent was revealed.

It crept forward slowly, hackles raised, emitting the same fierce warning growl. As it stepped into the light her eyes widened at the sight. A Bilgesnipe.

Though the creature had been a part of stories and warnings in folklore passed down to children to frighten them, she had never actually seen one. The tales of its gruesome and repulsive appearance did it no justice. Seeing one now for the first time her fear and disgust bred anew. The creature was fully grown, nearly twice as tall as she was and more than three times as long. Its sleek feline build gave it a quick speed and quiet approach though its large and sharp claws clacked against the stone floor as it took slow deliberate steps towards her and out of the shadows. Its body was entirely covered in dark indigo colored scales, from snout to tail which swished threateningly behind it, with a small tuft of black hair just as its tufted ears. Behind it's ears grew tall brown antlers like unto a stag, they appeared sharp and with at least eight points at the top, with one point on either side growing downward to pierce its prey more easily. It was truly an aggressive and antagonistic chimerical beast.

This was the creature she must overcome to be successful.

She barely had a chance to catch her breath before it leapt at her.

She ran forward a few feet so when it landed she was below its belly and able to run out with her head ducked slightly. The creature hissed and turned to face her, slashing at her with it giant claws. She stumbled and fell backwards, giving it an opening which the bilgesnipe quickly took advantage of. Claws raised it took another swipe at her, cutting her side open and sending her flying across the room.

She fell against a wall on the other side, the impact stealing all the air from her lungs. With a deep breath she tried to recover, knowing that she must fight this horrid creature and come out alive or never achieve her dreams. Having seen the way it moved and preferred to attack, she quickly made a few deductions to consider a plan of attack, even as the creature began to let out a roar, furious at her persistence.

Running forward she anticipated its attack with its front paw once more and jumped as high as she could in order to land atop the outstretched appendage. She then half ran half climbed onto its back as it roared again and shook from side to side trying to dislodge her. She managed to get a few good hits in atop the beast before she was thrown the monster turning and slapping her with its tail, one of her daggers knocked out of her hand in the process.

The scales on its back were too thick, and though she had gotten in some good blows of her own with her daggers before she fell, they had not been deep enough to be lethal. There had to be more she was missing in her analysis. Taking another look as the creature as it charged her this time Sigyn noticed it seemed to favor its front left paw over the right, it had even been the left it had been using to fight her until now, furthermore as it tried to gain speed the creature raised its tail in a way to balance itself. It was interesting, what did it mean?

Remembering from her lessons about other scaled or armored monsters she ran out to meet it, taking the beast by surprise when she allowed her body to fall into a slide until she was beneath the bilgesnipe once more. This time she was able to do real damage, but the monster was resilient and fought on. Though it was now growing weak it was also far angrier than before.

She was thrown into another wall before she even realized what had happened.

She was breathing deeply, her lungs sore from the blows they had taken. She pressed her free hand to her side, and to wager how much blood she was losing. She could hold out long enough but she needed attention soon. Luckily her adrenaline kept her from feeling too much of the pain. She then moved swiftly forward, the bilgesnipe had only just turned to face her it great jaw opened to reveal sharp teeth as it let out a bellowing roar.

Sigyn ran around it dodging its attacks from all ends in order to get through another blow, but the creature was smart and was dangerous from all sides, it would not allow her under its belly again. Both of them were growing tired but knew they could not stop; it was a fight to the death. It was Sigyn who lost her footing though and was held to the ground with an enormous paw topped by the same sharp claws that had pierced her side. It drew its face in close, its long forked tongue studying her as much as its slanted yellow green eyes. Taking deep breaths of air Sigyn's mind raced to figure a way out, to turn the fight around and win.

The bilgesnipe drew its teeth close to her neck. This was it.

Sigyn fought, rocking her body beneath its paralyzing paw in order to free herself or at least her arms. Her last dagger was still gripped tight in her hand but she could not reach anything.

Finding that she could not move from one side to another nor up she discovered that she could go down, though in the processes she cut her forehead and nose on its hind claw. The bilgesnipe tried to move around to keep its prey out from under it and come around her from behind but with its great length and small size it left its tail vulnerable, and with a desperate cry she sliced off the tip of the bilgesnipe's tail with her dagger.

With a bellow it fell to the ground and Sigyn stood, panting, and turned to face the beast. It limped to its feet, releasing a growl that was almost more of a whine. Sigyn noticed how much slower it moved and how clumsy its movements now seemed. She narrowed her eyes studying the beast. It was slow, and would be much easier to kill now. She stopped though, watching it lumber towards her pathetically, and remembered what she had noticed in its movement before this.

There was not much time to debate, and so resigning her fate to the Norns and Odin she sheathed her dagger, and pulled off her gown like top. Luckily she wore a strappy corset like top beneath for modesty and protection's sake. Her decision was bold and dangerous, and though she could not know it, had caused quite a stir among the court watching her fight.

Using as much energy as she could, she moved quickly around the bilgesnipe once more and as before used its swipe of the paw in order to climb atop it. With a snap of the fabric of her dress she closed it around it's snout and tied it off in as tight of a knot as she could. The creature's jaws now shut, though for how long she could not know.

It was only then she realized that though it's teeth were no longer a concern it was still perfectly capable of movement. It tossed her from it's back and Sigyn fell to the ground heavily. Deciding to move forward with her decision even though her plan was flawed she used her agility and now quicker movement to reach the right paw, and found there a large thick thorn impaled all the way through.

She had to leave the paw for a second as it fought her but circled back and immediately grabbed hold of the large thorn. With both hands she grasped it tightly and yanked as hard as she could. The bilgesnipe let out a closed mouth roar at the pain as she tried to pry the thorn free from its paw. She placed her feet against the paw for leverage even as it began to try to shake her off once more, she nearly fell once but quickly recovered as the injured animal could not sacrifice it's balanced weight without as much of the paw as it could use. With a great heave she managed to loosen and release the thorn. Before quickly using a basic spell to stimulate healing in the injured hand. It broke free of the dress around its maw by then and she had to fall to the ground in order to not be bitten. It paused though and began to lick its wound.

Sigyn lay panting, wiping a hand across her bloodstained brow. The bilgesnipe looked at her then, and the intelligent creature seemed to understand what she had done. It gave another roar, and displayed its teeth before turning its back on her and limping off into the shadows from which it had first appeared.

With the last of her strength, Sigyn smiled.

Eir had seen to her scratches and given her a tonic to replenish her strength and see her through the ceremony before she rested during the break between the Challenge and nominations. While she was being healed, as her other year mates the court was meeting to discuss their fate.

As she laid there letting her master tend to her wounds she wondered who might nominate her and for what position. She had been successful in her challenge, but also reckless. Not to mention there was no telling who she might have impressed this day. Though it was not an official rule, it was an unspoken taboo for family or the apprentice's master to nominate the apprentice. Eir smiled at her as she finished up, "I will see you soon." She told Sigyn softly as she left the room.

Sigyn looked about the small antechamber which they had waited in before both their Challenge and initiation. After her challenge they had all been returned to the room for healing and a quick reprieve to gather themselves before the other half of the agenda was carried out. Though they had greeted one another with a smile (well at least the girls, Loki did not seem as concerned) Sigyn had noticed that they all seemed a little more subdued than before the challenge. Even Lofn sat calmly, staring into space, cradling a bandaged hand in her lap. Loki alone seemed unharmed, apparently having healed any injuries already with his magic. Sif was limping, Sigyn had noticed, and had a few bandages over some cuts and scrapes.

"Sigyn?"

The young blonde looked over, to see Lofn peering at her curiously, apparently having risen from her stupor. "Yes?"

"Whatever happened to your dress?" The red-head questioned.

Sif followed her inquiring gaze, "I was wondering that myself."

Sigyn blushed looking between the pair, before catching Loki's gaze staring at her in curiosity as well. "Oh, um, I used it during my fight, and it was destroyed."

"Destroyed?" Lofn gasped in horror, mourning the garment.

"What did you fight?" Sif asked leaning forward in her seat. "I had to face a fire-drake scorching the outlying towns and fields."

At times the Hall of Fear created complete scenarios, from illusions. This seemed to be the case with Sif. "Well," began Sigyn. "I had to battle a bilgesnipe."

"Ew! A bilgesnipe!" Lofn shrieked.

Sif shared a smile with Sigyn at her reaction before asking Lofn as well, "What did you face?"

With a look of horror, she whispered, "Envy."

The other three blinked, glancing at one another, before returning their attention to her. "You mean the ugly dwarf?" Loki scoffed.

"Yes! She was hideous! And absolutely awful! Her manners were nearly as bad as her stench! She causes envy you know!" She defended herself.

Loki only laughed, "Astounding! Envy, causes envy? Brilliant! So aptly named!"

Lofn pouted and shot him a glare with angry eyes. "Well, tell us what harrowing creature you bravely defeated, Loki!"

"A battleswine." He told her with his chin raised.

Sif nodded to him, while Lofn turned away stubbornly when she found she could not rebuke his challenge. Sigyn met his eyes evenly and smiled. Loki held her gaze for a moment before raising from his seat abruptly and crossing the room to where refreshments laid. She frowned at his strange behavior, before attempting to play peace keeper.

"Look, we needn't argue. Each of us faced our fears today and with success, yes? We should take pride in our achievements and those of our comrades." Sigyn congratulated.

"She's right." Sif nodded. "Now we just have to wait to see if any of us are nominated."

"Surely we will be? After all we each completed our tasks." Lofn affirmed.

Loki's quiet laughter came from across the room. "Yes, though some of us are more likely to impress the court, hm?" He directed at Lofn.

"I'm sure we all managed to do just that." Sigyn cut in with a firm look in the boy's direction.

Loki sauntered back to his seat, a teasing grin across his features as he looked back at Sigyn. "Yes but not all of us stripped down in order to subdue the savage beast."

She blushed furiously, unable to reply.

"Shut it Loki!" Sif defended her friend. "Frigga should arrive soon, let's just sit quietly and recover our strength to meet with the court."

Sigyn smiled, before peeking back at Loki from beneath her lashes. He wasn't watching her, and instead chose to ignore the three girls.

She allowed herself to revel in the quiet, meditating as her master had taught her in order to calm her frazzled nerves from her fight. Her solitude was interrupted when Frigga entered with a wide smile on her face.

"I believe congratulations are in order, and I am pleased to be one of the first to offer my own. All of you did splendidly. You should be proud of yourselves. You have worked hard to get this far, and have not let yourselves down yet. No matter what happens from here you have all learned skills which will be of great assistance to you in the years to come. Now if you will all follow me back to the throne room, we can begin the nominations."

Sigyn walked beside a limping Sif who refused any aide in walking, with Lofn before them and Loki behind. Sign felt a tug on her hair as they walked and glanced behind her. Her glance caught Loki's attention, and he looked back at her with steady innocence. Shrugging she turned back around as they entered the throne room.

They stood in such a line as they had when they were initiated, and Frigga stood before them announcing, "I present the victors of the Challenge! Lofn Freyrdotter! Sif Bjorndotter! Sigyn Forestidotter! And Loki Odinson! All have shown great courage and skill, overcoming their fears to reach this moment! Which of these does the court accept?"

Silence hung in the air after she was done. And Sigyn glanced about in a manner she hoped was discrete. Would any of them receive a nomination?

From behind her a man stepped forward, his hair bushy and a bright red color. "I, Ullr, God of the Glorious Hunt, do nominate Sif Bjorndotter as the Goddess of the Harvest."

"Is this agreed?" Odin asked from his throne.

"Aye!" A chorus of voices chimed, seconding Ullr's nomination.

"So let it be!" Odin proclaimed, tapping Gungnir upon the marble floor as he had at their initiation.

Another moment passed before a woman with long red-gold hair stepped forward, smiling kindly. "I Idunn, Keeper of the Apples of Youth, do nominate Lofn Freyrdotter as Goddess of the Heart."

"Is this agreed?"

"Aye!"

"So let it be!" Odin announced once more, with another clang.

Without a pause this time, a petite goddess with mousy hair stepped forward. "I, Fulla, Keeper of Sacred Secrets, do nominate Sigyn Forestidotter as Goddess of Compassion and Loyalty."

Again Odin asked, "Is this agreed?"

"Aye!"

With a nod Gungnir fell to the ground. "So let it be!"

There was another short pause before another man with long chestnut hair stood away from the gathered court. "I, Bragi, God of the Word, do nominate Loki Odinson, as the God of Mischief."

"Is this agreed?"

"Aye!"

"So let it be." Gungnir let out a resounding thrum as Odin set his great spear down to the ground one last time. He then stood, and addressed the new candidates for godhood.

"Congratulations, Candidates, on your successful challenge and nominations. You have worked long and hard to come this far, but much still awaits you. Learn well, those skills which will benefit you and your nominated position. Be an example to those beginning their Rite. Lean on one another that your burdens might be lessened. Discover your weaknesses and compensate them with great strengths and immaculate talent that you might stand proud before this court in two years time, having proven yourself worthy and ready to join us. Go now, rest and celebrate, you have surely earned it."

That night, after hours of celebration with the court, her year mates (her fellow candidates!), and her family it was nearing dawn, and Sigyn was only just now readying herself for bed. As she took her hair down to brush and braid, her fingers pulled a white flower tinged pink at the edge of the petals, from her golden strands. A gladiolus.

***End

Just a note on Ullr. In mythology he is Sif's son, and Thor's stepson. I thought it would be amusing in an almost ironic sense to have him be the one to nominate her.