Thanks to nerd and Lemomina for their reviews!
#
Sigyn took a deep breath, rehearsing what she wanted to say before knocking gently on Freyja's door. The door opened at the first knock; her heartbeat increased in panic when she saw that Freyja and Frey were both there, as was Brokk. Looking at the expressions on their faces, she knew that they knew. Brokk muttered something and, bowing slightly to the three of them, left. Freyja embraced Sigyn, holding her tightly, before running after Brokk and whispering something in his ear. He shook his head and whispered something back. Sigyn looked back at her uncle; she had never seen him so livid.
"Uncle-" she started.
"I'm going to kill him."
"No!" Sigyn grabbed his arm. "You'll just get into trouble. Besides, nothing - nothing happened."
"Nothing? Sigyn, that beast held a knife to your throat. That is not nothing!"
"Please, Uncle..." Sigyn let tears pool in her eyes. "I don't want any more fighting... besides," a sidelong glance at Freyja, "I need to ask you both something anyway." Maybe if Freyja wouldn't tell her anything, Frey would!
"We can talk later."
"We can't talk later if you're being executed for murdering the king of Vanaheim," Sigyn said sharply. "Please. You've always been my closest friend. Don't leave me here alone."
Frey sighed heavily, but his furious expression eased. He would have this out with Njord, just not yet... Freyja came back over to them, pale-faced. Sigyn braced herself. Now or never... I have to start asking these questions...
"Let's go inside," Freyja murmured. She led the way, Frey and Sigyn following silently. Seated at the kitchen table, Freyja looked directly at her daughter.
"Has Njord ever done anything else to you?"
Sigyn squirmed- she really didn't want to talk about this, especially not in front of Frey, but there was no way to avoid it...
"Yes..." She muttered, as if she were addressing the table. Neither her mother or uncle really heard what she said.
"Sigyn, look at me. Did he do anything else to you?"
Sigyn looked up. Tears started to roll down her cheeks again, and it was answer enough. Frey surged to his feet, but Freyja caught his arm and gave him a significant look.
"When?"
"Var's wedding."
Freyja was taken aback. "But... that was... decades ago, why did you never say anything?!"
"He was drunk," Sigyn sobbed. "He never talked about it until today, I thought he'd forgotten!"
Frey put his arm around his niece. "Sigyn, what exactly did he do?"
"I can't prove anything. It's just my word against his."
Frey wasn't having that. "What. Did. He. Do?" A look of horror came over his face. "Sigyn... wasn't it after Var's wedding that you spent months on Midgard? It wasn't because you had to... conceal anything, was it?"
Sigyn was half-dazed with misery, but still recognised the tone. If she didn't completely reassure her uncle nothing was going to stop him from killing Njord. "No. I didn't get pregnant."
Freyja stood up so fast her chair went flying. Her eyes flamed. "Are you telling me he actually raped you?!"
Miserably, Sigyn buried her face into Frey's shoulder. Freyja was as white as a sheet.
"He thought I was Grandmother. At least, he kept saying her name..."
Freyja trembled for a moment, and then walked around the table to sit beside Sigyn. "That - evil old man! The one thing I always wanted to protect my daughters from, especially... and my own father?! I'm going to be sick. Or find and kill Njord. Or both."
"You're not going to be alone!" Frey replied through gritted teeth. His face was a worryingly shade of scarlet, his fists clenched, teeth gritted.
"Don't, please, both of you. Please. I don't want to talk about it anymore," Sigyn whispered. "It's over, nothing can be done about it. Uncle Frey, Mor, please, don't do anything. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to you because..."
Frey took several deep breaths with his eyes closed. "...Alright. Nothing will happen to me, I promise."
Sigyn didn't believe that he would drop it that easily, but she was ready to accept it for now. Freyja stood like a marble statue. Frey gently comforted Sigyn as she cried. Eventually, she recovered enough to look at Freyja again, red-eyed.
"Modir, if I ask you something... will you tell me the truth?"
"Of course," Freyja soothed, stroking her hair. "Anything."
"Brokk told me neither he or Eitri are my father."
Freyja froze.
"So who is? And why did you lie to me?"
Freyja looked over Frey's head, silently pleading for help.
Sigyn felt her heart go cold. What could be so bad? "Mor? You promised."
Freyja's mouth opened and closed several times. "I- I can't."
"You said you would."
"I can't. I'm sorry."
"Sigyn-" Frey started.
"No, you said you would. Please, just tell me."
Freyja burst into sobs. She lurched to her feet, her chair clattering to the floor. She ran, leaving Sigyn in shock and Frey closing his eyes and breathing deeply to stay calm.
Sigyn looked at Frey, her eyes bewildered- and sad. "I don't understand... what could possibly be that bad? If I'm not half-dwarf," her nose wrinkled, "then why pretend I was? What is she hiding? I know you know, she tells you everything!"
"I can't tell you, Sigyn. I'm sorry. This is something that your mother needs to tell you. Please. I know it's difficult for her... I know she hoped you'd never find out."
The worst possible scenario came to mind, but Sigyn couldn't speak it aloud. It was too horrible to speak... She swallowed hard, summoning all her courage... and it came out in a whisper. "Did Njord hurt her like he hurt me? Am I... is that why he chose me, and not one of my sisters?" She didn't dare meet Frey's eyes. If that were true...
Frey's arms tightened. "If he had, he would have been a dead man years ago."
"But..."
"Please, Sigyn," Frey whispered. "I know it's hard, and I'm sorry. But you need to hear the story of your birth from your mother."
"But you know she won't tell me... and I don't want to upset her... please?"
"She will tell you. You just have to give her time."
Sigyn was angry and frustrated with his refusal to tell her, but nodded slowly. "All right."
#
Sif waited at the bifrost site for an hour before anybody came to escort her to the city. She had considered just walking in unescorted, but she wasn't sure she could find the way on her own. Finally, a Jotünn lumbered into sight. She sighed in relief.
"King n' Queen said you requested audience with them?" His voice was gruff, and he didn't seem too pleased.
"That is correct," Sif replied, well aware that he was so much taller and broader than she was, and she was alone in a hostile environment.
"Come with me."
He turned abruptly and walked away. The Jotünn lead her through the city. It was much quieter and more solemn than when she had come with Thor and Sigyn. Sif grasped the hilt of her sword, not liking the silence. Eventually they came to the same house that they had met in before. The Jotünn gestured her in. She did so, keeping an eye on him. Inside the building, Loki was waiting. The giant wolf lay some feet away, and the dragon was curled around his feet. The dark-haired trickster had his arms folded, and his brows were drawn.
"Sif."
"Loki."
"What are you doing here?"
Sif reluctantly walked closer to the fire; she was cold. "I... require some advice."
A dark brow arched. "From me?"
Sif held her hands over the fire, wondering what had made her think that she would get any help from Loki.
"Recently a... situation has come to my attention that I cannot deal with on my own."
Loki still looked suspicious, but he gestured for her to sit. She remained standing, but Loki sat, leaning against his dragon. It laid its head in his lap and he stroked its scaly head. "What sort of situation?"
"A private one." Sif hesitated. She knew that Loki cared for Sigyn, perhaps too much, but she was not at liberty to reveal a secret like that... "One of my friends was hurt by someone, but she has no proof that it happened. The man who hurt her is of a very high rank, and I cannot let him get away with it. But I have no recourse. It is her word against his."
Loki inspected his long, slender fingers. "And there were no other witnesses?"
"No. Not even Heimdall saw it. So I was wondering-"
"How to get revenge?"
"Justice. And to make sure he does not hurt her or anybody else ever again."
Loki leaned back against the dragon. "Does Thor know?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Because it's not for me to tell him."
"And yet you've come to me for advice?"
Sif gritted her teeth. "Yes."
"I see. So you need advice on trickery and deceit."
Sif said nothing.
Loki steepled his fingers and leaned forward. "Are you serious about bringing this man's crimes to light?"
"Yes."
"Then my advice to you, Lady Sif, is to lie."
Sif's dark brows narrowed.
"If this is a crime that could be repeated, then lie and say that it has."
"What?"
Loki stood and paced over to a cabinet, pulling out a bottle of wine and two glasses. He poured the drinks and walked around the fire to hand one of them to her. After a moment, she accepted the glass. She didn't drink from it, though.
"If he cannot be prosecuted for his past actions, say that he has repeated them." Loki took a sip from his wine. "You are a noble and trustworthy warrior of Asgard, anyone who would accuse you of falsehood would be treading on dangerous ground. Find at least two other reliable individuals who are willing to collaborate to your story. I would advise against Thor, given the two of you are lovers and the fact that he is a terrible liar. Any one of the warriors three would do, but only one of them. If all of your witnesses are well-known to you it would be suspicious."
Loki sipped at his wine again. Sif broke her silent vow and took a gulp of hers. She had suspected that he would advise her in such a manner, but hearing it aloud...
"You want to have at least three witnesses whose testimony will not be challenged too severely. The victim of this crime should be separate, and if you can find other witnesses it would be beneficial only so long as you can trust them and all those involved in the deception are able to work together and understand the story you wish to tell."
Sif emptied her glass.
"I'm not giving you more, that stuff is hard to come by around here," Loki informed her.
"Well at least I know you're not trying to get me drunk and seduce me."
"Lady Sif, as I recall the last man who tried to seduce you while you were drunk ended up with his skull cracked open." Loki sipped his wine again. "Your stories need to be detailed, but no two witnesses should have all the details. It would be too neat that way."
Sif nodded slowly. "Is that all?"
"Yes, unless you provide me with more details."
"No, I don't think so. I'll be going now."
"No, you won't."
Sif glared. "And why exactly not?"
"It is the time of the melting. For three days no-one is permitted to leave their residences during daylight hours except for half an hour after high noon. The king is required to spend the whole day at the peak of Thursar – it's the smallest mountain in the range over there," Loki waved vaguely. "She – or he, whatever the times may be – calls upon ancestors to aid the people. Let me tell you, your arrival was very ill-timed. It's the third day, stepping outside in the hallowed sun-"
"You are not being serious, are you?"
Loki's brow rose. "Why would I not be?"
Sif wasn't sure how to respond. "It seems so... arbitrary."
"Only because you know nothing of Jotünn culture. This is the time of year when the melting starts. Too fast and entire villages will be wiped out. Not fast enough and we won't be able to plant crops and people will starve in the winter."
"But you are speaking of calling on ancestors and hallowed suns. Such things are-"
"The Aesir have their traditions," Loki interrupted, "and the Jotünns have theirs. I have learned there are many flaws in the way we were raised to view the universe. Many of the traditions that seem silly in Asgard are more than logical here."
"So what you're saying is that I can't leave?"
"Not until dusk. Sorry, we are stuck here together for the time being." Loki finished off his glass and went back to sit with his dragon. It let out a wheezing whine and wrapped a wing around him. "What happened to Sigyn?"
Sif tried to hide her surprise. "Who said anything about Sigyn?"
"You did. You said a friend had a problem and you referred to your friend as 'she'. You only have one female friend."
"And you must also remember I said it's private. She would be livid if she knew I told you this much." Sif was tempted to simply stride out, but she decided against it. She had thought that she needed to speak with Loki about what he had done, hadn't she?
He, however, did not give up easily when he wanted to know something. "I assume the 'hurt' you are referring to was not merely a physical beating?"
Sif set her jaw. "I told you, I can't tell you-"
"Which only makes me believe you are protecting Sigyn's modesty." His eyes darkened with rage. "Someone raped her. Who?"
Sif said nothing.
"You know that I'll just figure it out, you might as well tell me."
Sif folded her arms.
"Very well. A high-ranking man, chances are someone she knows well-"
"Njord," Sif said coldly.
Loki blinked. "Njord?"
"Yes."
"Her own grandfather."
"Yes."
Loki couldn't speak for a minute. "Why?"
"She says he was drunk."
Loki stood again and paced away. The dragon squeaked, and the wolf plodded over to it, putting a massive paw on the reptile's head.
"I do not suppose you know of a way to get close enough to drive a knife into his heart?" Loki asked coldly.
"Not without getting executed for murdering the king of Vanaheim."
Loki sighed heavily. "I'll be coming to Asgard for Balder's wedding. Can you ensure Njord will still be there then?"
"And what good will it do if you get yourself executed?" Sif put her hands on her hips, daring him to find an answer to that.
Loki didn't respond. What good would it do? He had Jotunheim to think about now, he was its queen! And he had to think of his wife and unborn child... He put his head in his hands. There had to be something he could do...
"But while we're on the subject of crimes," Sif said, almost reluctant to change the subject; but there was nothing more to discuss, she would have to get witnesses willing to lie about Njord attacking Sigyn again. At least then he would be punished, perhaps forbidden from ever returning to Asgard. "Are you planning on trying to kill Thor again?"
Loki's eyebrows climbed off his forehead, vanishing into his hair. "Have you ever actually heard of subtlety?"
"That's not answering the question." Sif held his gaze steadily.
"Sif, believe it or not, I have done many things that I regret. My actions during Thor's banishment to Midgard are at the top of the list. I never meant for things to go as far as they did." Loki's expression turned regretful. "I am sorry."
She eyed him carefully for a minute- was he serious? He did seem remorseful... but then, she knew he was an impressive actor. "Alright. I suppose I can give you the benefit of the doubt." A sigh accompanied her words.
A bitter smirk twisted Loki's lips. "When did this happen, Sif?"
"When did what happen?"
"You, Thor and Sigyn were my only friends growing up. When did we start hating each other so much?"
"I don't hate you, Loki."
"Don't you?"
"No, not really. I am angry, but..." Sif looked into the fire. "That is a good question, though. I wish I knew the answer."
Loki cleared his throat. "Sif... Thor told me about the curse Karnilla put on you."
"What?" Sif's voice was deadly. "Why would he do that?"
"I tricked him," Loki replied swiftly. "He seemed melancholy, I was concerned, I asked him what was wrong and he told me. I expected that he would have told you himself... perhaps he was wiser than me and decided to wait for a time when you were not armed..."
Sif did seriously consider going for her dagger. "I'll be having words with him later!"
"Do you know anything about what kind of spell she used?" Loki's eyes were thoughtful now.
"Magic is your and Sigyn's strong suit, Loki, not mine. I only know it was her doing because she bragged about it, and Heimdall heard her, as she intended."
"But you have seen sorcerers about it?" Loki pressed.
"They said it was unbreakable." Sif swallowed hard. It used to be a secret, and now more and more people were finding out! "We went to see the best-"
"I disagree," Loki said quickly. "Unless you consulted me at a time that I do not remember."
Sif frowned. "You?"
"You do not have to sound so suspicious, Sif. I do have an extensive knowledge of magic. Plus I have Jormungand now." Loki gestured, and the dragon, snuggled against the wolf, made a growling sound. "He's taught me a few things."
"I do not think that your dragon likes me."
"He's not my dragon. At least, not the in the sense that you are thinking. He's very intelligent, Jorm, but still only a baby, really. He's just wary of strangers, although Fenrir makes him feel more secure." Loki smiled at the dragon, as one would at a young child. His smile turned serious when he looked back at Sif. "I can try to do something with that curse, if you'll permit me."
Sif hesitated. "Perhaps when your wife returns."
Loki arched one brow.
"I'd hate for her to walk in at the wrong time."
"I have a feeling that your expectations in this regard are different than mine."
Sif flushed slightly, but she held his gaze. "In the past, the sorcerers I've seen have had to put their hands... in intimate places in order to check the curse."
Loki frowned, and he shook his head in disgust. "Then the sorcerers you saw were dirty old men. Curses affecting the function of the body do not take residence in that area of the body. It's all in the brain. May I?"
Sif narrowed her eyes. Was she really going to trust Loki? After everything he had done, how was she to know if he really was trying to help or just make things worse? She drew her dagger just in case he tried anything (which she didn't really expect him to, but one could never be too careful) and nodded. When Fenrir saw the dagger he growled, and Jormungand hissed.
"It's alright," Loki reassured the animals.
He walked over close to Sif, and held one hand in front of her face. He slowly brought it up to her forehead, touching her skin. She shivered; he was far colder than she had expected! His other hand came up and he pressed a hand gently to either side of her head. A dark frown came over his face, and his fingers probed her skull, working around behind her head. His eyes were narrowed in concentration and unfocused. Sif felt a slight tingle in her spine and shivered.
"Turn around," Loki told her.
"You turn around."
Loki rolled his eyes. Sif reluctantly turned. Loki's long, lean fingers continued to prod her scalp, working their way down to her neck and then onto her spine. They went lower and lower, and just as Sif was about to turn around again and put the dagger against his throat Loki withdrew. He swore.
"What?" Sif turned again.
"I've never seen a curse like this before." Loki's brows were furrowed, his green eyes dark. He met her gaze and shook his head. "From what I can tell-"
"It's unbreakable. Just like I've been told," Sif interrupted briskly. She put her dagger away, trying to ignore how her heart was plummeting.
"No curse is unbreakable. But I fear that only the caster can remove this one without doing permanent damage to your body."
"Karnilla? She'd never do it. She hates me."
"I'm sorry, Sif."
Sif frowned, studying him. "You are, aren't you?"
"Yes. If you and Thor decide to adopt, however, I would advise that you not keep it a secret."
Sif managed a small chuckle. "I'll keep that in mind."
Silence fell as both of them lost themselves in their own thoughts. The sunset shone through the window before Loki stirred.
"Dusk."
"Hmm?"
"Angrboda will be returning shortly. You are free to leave if you wish."
Sif shifted, suddenly feeling awkward. "Loki... thank you."
"For what?"
"For trying to help."
"Rather premature to thank me when nothing has been accomplished."
She shrugged. "At least I know more now."
He nodded tersely. "I will send for someone to escort you back to the Bifrost site."
Sif nodded, and Loki left without another word.
