Chapter 7

Loki

Through Fandral, Loki discovered where Sigyn was living. He needed to think of a way to approach her. He finally came up with a plan. He walked down to Sif's and knocked on the door.

Sif opened the door, "Yes, my King," she said, "How can I help you?"

"Hello, Sif," Loki said, "I have a gift for Sigyn."

"A moment, please, my King," Sif said and walked over to Sigyn. Sif motioned with her head towards the door, "It's Loki and he has a gift for you."

Curiosity got the best of Sigyn and she walked to the door. "You have a gift for me," she asked incredulously.

Yes, you can use this, I think," Loki said and showed her the gift. "A riding crop?" she asked and started at it, "Why are you giving me that?"

"What does one usually use a riding crop for?" Loki asked and handed it to her.

Sigyn took it from him, "Am I going riding," she asked a bit confused.

"Come with me to the stables and see," Loki said and offered his hand to her.

Although she didn't want to go with him, Sigyn was intrigued. "I'll be back in a while," she called out to Sif.

Sigyn ignored the offered hand and walked toward the stables with him. After arriving, Loki opened the barn door and allowed Sigyn to enter first. Sigyn walked down the aisle only to stop when she reached a particular stall. The bay mare inside came to the door and looked out at Sigyn. "Saga," Sigyn exclaimed, "It is good to see you again," Sigyn said as she patted the mare's neck. Sigyn looked back at Loki, "I am surprised she wasn't moved to the other stables."

"I would not allow her to be moved," Loki said, "She belonged where she was."

Sigyn looked at him quizzically, "Really? Even though we had parted?"

"I was angry at you, not your horse," Loki replied.

"She looks very good," Sigyn said after she looked at Saga closer. "By chance has anyone been riding her?"

"Yes, once in a while Frigga rode her, so did Sif and occasionally Thor did."

"You did not?" Sigyn asked.

"No," Loki said, "It did not seem right for me to ride her."

Sigyn nodded, she opened a box next to the stall, and took everything out she needed to groom her horse, and put them on the box. She grabbed Saga's halter, led her out of the stall, and tied her to the cross ropes. "Thank you," she said in an almost inaudible voice.

"You are welcome," Loki said. He sat on the box and watched Sigyn and Saga bond with each other again. "There is still lots of daylight," he observed, "Shall we go for a ride?"

Sigyn stopped grooming her horse and turned, so she faced him. "No, I'll ride her some other time, "Right now I have to get back to Sif's. I promised I would cook dinner as a thank you for letting me stay with her these past couple of days."

Dinner you say," he said, just then an idea crossed his mind. "I am rather hungry, dinner sounds good. I will join you," he said and grinned mischievously.

"Sure we can," Sigyn said skeptically. She finished grooming the horse then put her back in the stall and took the halter off. She put the brushes and riding crop in the box and closed it; then hung up the halter. "I'm ready to go up," Sigyn said and headed for the exit. She suddenly stopped and turned to face him. "Wait, what did you just say? No, no, no, this dinner is just for Sif and I."

"Of course I meant for Sif to come with us. Since you objected to staying at the palace, I was concerned of where you would stay. I wish to thank her as well for taking you in. That was kind of her," Loki said.

Hearing the biting tone in his voice, Sigyn knew there was little use in arguing with him. "I'm sure Sif will be grateful," she said, miffed at him for cornering her into dining with him.

Loki nodded, and they left the barn. "Thank you for the riding crop," Sigyn said as they walked back to Sif's. They reached Sif's home and she invited Loki inside. Sif heard them come inside and went to the door, "Good evening, my King and welcome," she said.

Loki bowed with a flourish, "Lady Sif, I invite you and your friend, to dinner tonight."

Sif looked at Sigyn and gulped. She didn't want to be with Loki, but he was King. She looked back at Loki, "Of course, we will be glad to dine with you."

Loki offered an arm to each woman. "I know of a tavern in town that is said by Volstagg as having excellent food. And if anyone would be an expert on food, he is it," Loki said as they reached the tavern.

It was a typical tavern with rows and rows of long tables and benches. In the back corner was a stone fireplace with a roaring fire. There were pewter chandeliers with half melted pillar candles in the wrought iron holders that surrounded each chandelier. The room was dim, but still easy to see where you were going. The place bustled with people eating and drinking. Serving wenches holding trays of food and ale walked quickly table to table; making sure everyone had plenty to eat and drink. Occasionally someone would call out for more ale.

The room stilled when Loki and the ladies walked in. No one dared to say a word or even move a muscle. The proprietor quickly walked over to them. "How may I serve you, my King?" he asked nervously.

"We are here to dine, as we have heard your food is most excellent," Loki said and smiled. He looked across the room at the silent customers. "Please continue, with your merriment," he said. Everyone went back to their talking and eating.

The proprietor motioned to a wench to come over to him. "Seat his majesty and his guest," he told her.

She smiled timidly at Loki and bowed. "Follow me," she said and led them to a quiet table in the back near the fireplace.

"Thank you," Loki said to the waitress and then motioned to Sif and Sigyn to sit. They both sat together on one side of the table.

"Sif, please, allow me to sit next to Sigyn, Loki said and grinned.

Sif stood, "Of course my King," she said and sat on the other side of the table. Loki sat next to Sigyn and looked up at the waitress. "Bring us your finest food and wine," he ordered.

"Yes, my King," she said and quickly left.

Sigyn turned her head away from Loki and let out a puff of air. She kept her eyes on Sif. She did not want to look at him; it was a couple of minutes before someone spoke.

The awkward silence was almost deafening. "I have eaten here before," Sif admitted. "Volstagg is right, the food here is very good."

Sigyn looked at Sif, and politely nodded and smiled. While they sat there waiting for their food; the atmosphere of the place changed Sigyn's mood slightly. She was not as annoyed as she had been earlier.

The waitress arrived with a tray of food and drinks. Each plate was over flowing with meat, cheese, and fruit. She placed one in front of each of them. She then set a pewter glass of wine in front of them. "Is there anything else I can do for you, my King," she asked.

Loki smiled, "No, that will be all for now."

The waitress quickly took her leave.

The meal was spent mostly in silence. When done eating Loki raised his glass, "I wish to make a toast, to a fine meal and most pleasant company." Sigyn and Sif raised their glasses and each took a sip of their wine.

Loki escorted the two women back to Sif's. Sif went inside, but before Sigyn could follow her Loki closed the door. "I hope you enjoyed dinner," he said.

"It was very good," Sigyn replied politely. "I am very tired," she said in hopes he would get the message she didn't want him to come inside.

"As am I," Loki said. He placed his index finger under her chin, and moved her head to the side. He then leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. "Good night," he said and walked away.