As the World Falls Down

Chapter 9, Stephanotis (Happiness in marriage)

Disclaimer: You already know what goes here.

Note: I'm alive! You don't need or want my excuses. Know that I have a renewed interest in writing this story but still limited time. I am not a perfect writer, and I still haven't found a beta. But a sloppily edited story is better than none, right? Please say yes. Who cares if there is a little chaos? It is a Loki story after all!


The day of Var and Arik's wedding arrived to find a grumpy and sleep deprived Sigyn avoiding the other women in the house. She was already dressed in a gown as hideous as she and Mimir had joked months before. Ronja and Var's bridal maids and attendants were fretting over every detail, running from room to room in a fit. Her mother, was an emotional wreck, raising her voice one moment to complain about the state of the flowers, and crying over losing her daughter the next.

Sigyn removed herself from the mad house as quickly as she could, finding a quiet place in the garden to relax; although voices did occasionally carry outside. The sixteen year old found herself flopping back into a soft pillow of grass, with warm beams of sunlight illuminating her frame. It was a small piece of Valhalla. A refuge from the chaos of the wedding.

Her solitude was interrupted though not by raised voices, but by another body falling beside hers. "So, this is where you have retreated to."

Sigyn had learned long ago to accept responsibility for her actions rather than make excuses when dealing with her father. "I am sorry, but there was so much noise and disorder-"

"You need not explain your actions to me, dear Sigyn." Her father offered with a smile. "I understand completely, and applaud your resourcefulness."

"It seemed the logical choice." She agreed, returning his smile.

"Indeed."

They lounged in silence for a few minutes, taking a moment to enjoy one another's company, to listen to the bird song and the whisper of the wind. Sigyn was content with the quiet, letting her mind drift. Her father though seemed to be in favor of conversation, and given that he was a reserved man, it stood to reason that there was more behind sharing his thoughts than just idle words.

"I remember the day I wed your mother." He began speaking softly while looking off at the distance as though in some memory. Sigyn, caught by what he was sharing with her turned her head to watch him better as he spoke.

"We were so young. She had only just finished her rite. Her father wouldn't let her marry until she had of course, and he was right to do so." As a grown man and father he understood now the importance of finishing education and training as well as being of a certain age and maturity before marrying. "I was so nervous though, my stomach was in knots. My mother tried to get me to eat that morning, but she regretted it when my meal ended up on her settee and her corsage." They both laughed. "I was barely standing by the time she walked into the room. She was breathtaking. Still is of course." He added with a sly smile. "We thought we had it all figured out, thought marriage would be little different than courting. The first few years were a rude awakening."

"You fought a great deal?" She asked curiously.

Foresti turned to look at her, it was the most unguarded she had ever seen him. "Yes. Yes, of course we did. Any real couple does. It's essential though to any healthy relationship. To learn to compromise, communicate and problem solve together. To learn what is important, truly important. It brings you closer in the end. I don't like fighting, especially with your mother, but I wouldn't trade one of them for the world. If you can learn to resolve issues together, you'll come out all the stronger for it in the end."

"But it was more than just fighting in those early years. It was learning where we stood together, understanding our place. We both held valuable positions at court but we could not afford or manage to keep a home as nice as we liked. Adding children to that also brought new lessons. We truly had to work together then, in a different manner than we had before. Yet, just as our fights, our children have been a blessing in our lives, one I would lay my own down to preserve."

She smiled brilliantly at her father for saying that. She knew it was true. "Are you ready to see Var marry?"

"No," He admitted without hesitation. "And I never will be."

"She'll be okay though. And she has you to help her."

He sighed, "But that may be the most difficult part," he explained. "While I am not yet ready to see my oldest girl grow up, knowing that there will be times when I cannot help her will be much more difficult, I think."

"How do you mean?"

"I mean that she must turn to her husband first now, they must rely on one another to see each other through. That is the most difficult for any father. To no longer be the most important man in his daughter's life, to step aside and allow another to take care of her, and trust that she will be alright."

In her youth and inexperience, Sigyn had never heard this and was grateful to her father for his honest insights. She allowed herself to ponder these new concepts for a minute before saying, "I am sure Arik will be good to her."

Foresti smiled at his youngest child. "Yes, I am sure he will. That is the only way I could stand to lose her."

Their quiet moment was interrupted once more by a bellow from inside the house, "Foresti! Foresti where are you? Where is that man?!"

Sigyn laughed, "Mother seeks you."

He winced in good humor. "Alas, I cannot linger any longer. Remain while you can Sigyn, you are young enough yet you need not be caught up in such affairs."

Not realizing the deeper meaning behind his words she smiled and nodded content to remain in her garden sanctuary.


The wedding had been lovely, at least as far as Sigyn was concerned. It was her first one though so she had nothing else to compare it to. Twenty-two-year-old Var had worn a beautiful gown styled after their mother's own wedding dress made of Ivory and gold fabrics and a long thick veil. As with other Asgard weddings the familes had entered and been seated before the ceremony when Var and Arik entered from opposite doors at the other end of the hall. They walked to one another first, and there was a brief quiet exchange before she gave her hand to Arik and they walked down the aisle to Odin and Frigga together. At first Sigyn had been taken with the romance and intimacy of the ritual, not to mention the novelty. The ceremony dragged by though, and she found herself losing interest more than once.

She was also bored at the celebration after, but was able to find ways of amusing herself. Mimir had kept her company at first, also disenchanted with their evening; but was soon swept up into dancing with a few friends and some pretty girls. So Sigyn stood alone watching her family enjoy the evening. Every guest took time to congratulate not only her sister and her new husband but her parents as well. As the bride's younger sister a few came by to speak with her to say how lovely her sister looked and what a beautiful ceremony their wedding had been, but she was mostly left alone.

Taking another sip of her drink she cast her gaze around the room, and was surprised when she caught the gaze of a young man. He was a few years older than she was, and wore the uniform of the Crimson Hawks. He was tall with a warm tan, and curly shaggy auburn hair. Knowing he had caught her look, the young man smiled and raised his own glass towards her in a toast. Blushing she returned the gesture.

"You look lovely." A smooth voice spoke from besides her breaking her thoughts of the young man as she turned to her side to find Loki standing there.

Sigyn rolled her eyes, "You're a better liar than that. This dress is hideous; no one could look lovely in it." Just as Mimir and she had predicted the gown Var had forced her into was ugly, and much more Var's style than her own. It was a horrible shade of golden orange, with puffy sleeves and garish embroidery.

He smiled at her, laughter dancing in his green eyes. "True. You cannot blame me for trying though."

"You needn't flatter me Loki, we are friends, are we not?"

He hesitated, searching her sincere expression for something before giving a small grin, "Indeed we are." He glanced around before returning his attention to her, "Might I ask my friend if she would grace me with a dance?"

"Oh," was her initial response. Sigyn was surprised that Loki would want to dance. His brother was the more social prince while Loki usually watched from the sides and caused mischief. "Yes, of course."

They smiled and Loki took her arm, leading her to the dance floor. A quadrille was beginning as they took to the floor, and they took their places opposite one another next to the other couples. Loki was an elegant dancer, and Sigyn found she enjoyed dancing with her friend, though the quadrille was her favorite so she was inclined to enjoy it no matter who her partner was. It was a great honor to dance with a prince though and she was sure their company had been noted by the guests.

As they turned together Sigyn glanced at Loki, who turned to look at her as well. "So, candidate for the God of Mischief?" She inquired, curious what he thought of the nomination he had received a few months previous.

"Candidate for the Goddess of Compassion and Loyalty?" He returned easily. She didn't answer right away so he added, "It suits you, I think."

"As does yours."

He grinned, "Indeed."

She couldn't help but smile back. "Do you have something planned for my sister's wedding?"

"I had thought to give her a break because of your relation; however I didn't get her a gift. Perhaps, I ought to give her something." He said slyly.

Sigyn paused; she had been the one to mention it after all. Her initial reaction to Loki playing a trick at her sister's wedding celebration, but a part of her liked the idea, it might liven up the place. "Go easy on her. Nothing too dramatic, if you feel you must."

"Hm, very well. I suppose I can abide by your request for this night."

"Thank you."

He nodded. The dance continued and the exchanged partners with their neighbor for one turn before she found herself returning to Loki's side for the last movement. He gently took her hand again, and kept her gaze until the song came to a close. He held on though, keeping her by his side. Sigyn stared back, wondering at the confusion in his gaze when a slower song for couples began.

"Favor me with another?" He asked.

She gazed into his eyes, starring deeply into the emerald pools and the flecks of blue. She felt like she was missing something. She enjoyed dancing with him and could see no problem with spending a little more time with him. Though they shared a new sense of camaraderie since the incident with Lofn and the four harpies who had bullied her, although they had seen little of one another. As she opened her mouth to give her answer another hand, large and strong, fell on her shoulder.

"May I cut in?" A deep voice asked from beside her, the owner of the hand. It was the young man whose gaze she had caught from across the room before. Though he was gentle in how he was handling her, he pulled Sigyn out of Loki's arms and into his own without waiting for a reply from either party. Sigyn glanced back at Loki, sending him what she hoped was an apologetic look, hoping he was not too bothered. The younger prince nodded to her, but she noticed how tight his jaw was and how cold his eyes had become from a moment before when she had been staring into their endless pools.

Looking back to her new partner now she met warm blue eyes and a smug smile. "That was rude. You should have waited for an answer, or another dance. I already had a partner."

He looked surprised at her chastisement."I am sorry; I thought I might aide the fair maid in distress. You seemed uncomfortable with his highness. There are few who tolerate his company."

"He is my friend." She replied firmly, protective of her friends and family.

"Are you indeed? Forgive me, I knew not. It seems you did not need rescuing after all." She began to twist in his arms as though to break away but he quickly grabbed hold of her again. "No, please don't go. I confess my motives were not so selfless for I had wanted to meet the beautiful sister of the bride who has captured my attention. Give me another chance, just one dance and I shall return you to your prince if you like."

With a sigh of resignation Sigyn agreed and relaxed in the young man's arms. "Very well."

"Splendid, thank you. You are very kind, my lady."

"You seem well informed, even for one of the Crimson Hawks. Who are you might I ask?"

The young man gave her a rogue grin that was charming. "My name is Theoric, and as you have said I am a member of the Crimson Hawks. Might you grant me your name, beautiful maid?"

"My name is Sigyn." She admitted, beginning to warm to the man. Though they had gotten off on the wrong foot, and he had spoken poorly of one of her friends, he did seem an amiable and charming young man. The way his hair fell into his eyes and the brilliance of his smile didn't hurt either.

"Ah so that is your name. Sigyn. That means girlfriend doesn't it?" He flirted.

"Oh, well it's um-" She floundered trying to think of what to say.

He chuckled. "Do not trouble yourself, that was too forward of me. It seems I cannot control myself in your presence, you are enchanting."

She knew she was blushing; she ducked her head a little looking to the side, unable to meet his gaze when she felt so overwhelmed. "Um, thank you, Theoric."

"You are a terrific dancer, so light upon your feet." He complimented further.

"Thank you," She said again, hoping this would be the last compliment. "It was part of my early education and training after I was initiated into the rite."

"Ah, you are a student of the rite. Who is your master?"

"Lady Eir, Goddess of Healing."

"You are in good hands then. Have you received a nomination?"

She blushed once more, "I am a candidate for the Goddess of Compassion and Loyalty."

"Congratulations. I wish you luck in your endeavors my lady."

"Thank you. Have you been with the Crimson Hawks long?" She asked, not sure if she cared much either way but unsure of what else to say or ask. She had yet to learn to be a talented conversationalist.

"A couple of years."

"Ah." She voiced, desperately wondering what to say next.

The song was drawing to a close, and Theoric was quick to get one last word in. "I fear I have already ruined any chance I might have had, but I must ask, Lady Sigyn, you have captured my interest so, and I wonder if I might call on you?"

"Oh, um." She seemed exceedingly eloquent tonight. She glanced over his shoulder as the song drew to a close; he held her close waiting for an answer. She was feeling pressured and overwhelmed. She found Theoric handsome and he could be an agreeable man, but he was a lot for her to handle at this time as well. She did not want to rush into anything. "Well, I uh, I suppose you may."

His smile was brilliant at her acquiesce. "Thank you my lady. You have made me very happy Lady Sigyn." Pulling the hand already in his own closer he bowed over it and left a lingering kiss.

Sigyn blushed, overwhelmed at his attention. With a final cheeky grin, he left her there, trying to collect her thoughts. Mimir quickly found her, eating a slice of wedding cake from the plate in his hand.

"Who was that?" He asked.

"Theoric, one of the Crimson Hawks."

Mimir frowned in the boy's direction, protective of his baby sister, before he noticed how flustered she was. He then threw her a large grin, amused at her naïve discomfort. "Do you have an admirer, little Sig?"

"No! At least I don't think so." She replied hesitantly.

His brow lowered as he gave her a look of stern disbelief.

Sighing she conceded, "Oh alright, yes."

He laughed warmly, "Dear Sigyn is growing up!"

She pouted until she caught sight of his bright green teeth, which clashed horribly with Var's wedding colors. She found herself laughing with him, though he was none the wiser to her sudden levity. She scanned the crowd and caught Loki's gaze, smiling she nodded in his direction.

***End


Characters:

Theoric: Sigyn's fiancé in the Thor comics. Loki took his place at their wedding and she married him instead (by accident as he was disguised). I won't be using that version of events, I have my own plans in mind, but I thought it was important that Theoric be involved and of influence in her life. Already we see he and Loki will butt heads, and that won't change as time passes. He is a good guy, but has some bad traits. He really is the opposite of Loki in many ways. Although I sort of think of him as a foil to Loki. They are opposites, but also have certain things in common, traits developed in different ways for different reasons.