"If Loki were to fall in battle, would you then consider me?" The same voice sounded in the dark. His voice made Signey cringe. There was so much hate and darkness behind the voice. She wanted nothing more than to make it shut up and leave her in the blissful warm darkness. "You choose the lesser son over me? He can offer you nothing..." The voice grated on her already frayed nerves. Along with this loud voice she could hear the voices of the Followers of the One God.
"Confess witch."
"State your sins and we will give you a quick death." Signey wanted to scream to them all to shut up, but a light caught her eyes. She floated toward it and let out a small gasp. In a field she saw an army fighting. The army was clothed in gold armor and the opponents were twisted ugly creatures. She moved closer and saw two figures on a hill. One in gold the other is silver. The closer she got the more she she could make out details. The one in gold was a man with a green cape and a horned helm. The silver one was in more simple leathers with a silver helm. The horns on this one were twisted. It was a woman as far as she could tell. The voices sounded far away, but her ears perked when she heard the voice of the man.
"You my dear woman are cruel."
"I am no crueler than those creatures. What they do to our kin here is barbaric."
"Very true my love, very true." Signey could finally see them clearly and she put her hand on over her mouth to stop the squeak that wanted to come out. There in front of her was Loki and a woman. He looked so young and there was a spark of true light in his eyes. The woman was what made Signey squeak. She looked very similar to Signey, but was taller, more exotic looking. "Ah look, they are stupid enough to charge the line again. Shall we my dear?"
"After you my prince." Green energy shot out from Loki's hand and turned into a large serpent. The beast began to tear through the line of the offending army. Both were too enthralled by the scene in front of them to see the menacing man coming up behind them. Signey screamed, but no sound came out.
"Loki!" The two turned and saw the man holding a wicked looking sword. "With you gone she will be mine!" Loki rushed forward to move the woman from the sword's path only to have it go right through her heart. Signey let out a shriek and fell to her knees. She could see the sword run through the woman and into Loki. Both fell and the look on the attackers face was pure horror. It was almost like he had not known the woman had been there at all. Tears blinded Signey and she heard a harsh guttural whisper. The broken screams of the large warrior echoed around her. Signey crawled to the side of the woman and tried to see if there was anything she could do. Her hands ripped at the silver helm and she got a clear look at the fallen woman's face. Blood dripped out of the corner of her mouth and she tried to speak.
"Oh Goddess, I can't...there is nothing I can do." The woman gripped her shirt and pulled her down.
"Muna...muna..." Signey shook her head and tried to stop the bleeding, but the sword had sliced the woman's heart in two.
"I don't understand. What do I have to remember?" The woman took on last breath and her body did a death shiver. "No, oh please no." Pain bloomed in Signey's chest and she let out a choking scream as she looked down and saw her chest bleeding. Her body jerked and she fell back next to Loki's still body.
Signey's body shot up out of Loki's arms, a scream on her lips. Loki startled awake and found Signey stumbling out of bed sobbing. She fell to her knees and Fenrir was at her side instantly. Her arms wrapped around the wolf's furry neck and she buried her head against him. Fenrir looked up at his father and whined. Loki carefully got out of bed and placed himself next to Signey. Her body shook violently and her sobs bordered on hysterical.
"Signey?" She buried her head more into Fenrir's neck. Loki tried to genlty touch her shoulder and she jerked away. "Signey please, it's Loki. Look at me." Her head shook and her arms tightened around Fenrir to the point the poor wolf felt his air being cut off. Loki gripped her elbows and pulled her off the wolf, but she turned and began to fight against him. If she realized she was stronger than she thought she was Loki would have been in for a true fight, but her struggles were halfhearted. He let go of one of her arms to cup her chin, forcing her eyes to look up at him. Fenrir stood on his back legs and flicked the light switch with his nose to illuminate the room. With the light on Signey's eyes focused on Loki and she stopped struggling. Her blue eyes were red rimmed and her cheeks tear tracked. "What happened?"
"I...it was just a nightmare. It felt so real...waking in the dark made me think I was back at that church with a blindfold over my eyes." Loki gave her a worried look and pulled her against him. Her body relaxed and she now wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Tell me about it."
"It made no sense really. I could hear the voices of the people who kidnapped me, but there was another voice. It sounded sinister, threatening. He kept asking why I would choose the lesser son over him. I...I don't get it. You are the only man I have let get this close. It makes no sense." Loki eyes focused on the wall. He knew what she dreamed even without reading her mind. "Then I saw a light. I went to it and it turned into a battle between these twisted, ugly creatures and a army decked in gold. On a hill stood two people...one of them was you and the other..."
"I know the battle you speak of. The other was Sigyn." Blue eyes went wide for a moment, but she stayed silent. "What else did you see?"
"A man, his voice...oh Gods, it was his voice I heard over the others. Who was he?" Loki's eyes blazed with hate and Signey pulled back a bit from him. His eyes slide closed and his breath shook as he spoke
"Theoric, he murdered Sigyn..." Hands moved and held Loki's face. His eyes opened and he saw Signey looking up at him with such sympathy. Her hands soothed a bit of the anger that welled in his heart. They also gave him strength to keep speaking. "I know the legend tells I killed him to take Sigyn as my own, but that is the lie. He coveted her, wanted to use her as a trophy. She would have none of it. She wanted to marry me and I her. Theoric could not abide by her wishes so he wanted me out of the way. He did not see her. I had cloaked her with my magic to protect her from the trolls, but in the end it lead to her death."
"Loki..."
"I know, but sympathy does not make it hurt any less. I had closed my heart to all others since I lost her...til I found you." Shock ran through Signey's body and she stared at him in wide wonder. "You have many of the same qualities that had drawn me to Sigyn."
"I look like her a little."
"Yes, but do not think that is why I want you. You are not her I know this, but you alone have excepted me when I am sure no one else would have. You have given me a shelter from the storm that is my life."
"Everyone deserves to have a safe haven." Her warm smile made his heart ache. The smile faded and her brow furrowed a bit. "I sat beside her in the dream and she whispered something in my ear before she...she said muna."
"Muna? It means..."
"Remember, I know, but I am not sure why she said it. When she said it I felt like I had forgotten something, but it is just out of my reach." Shaking her head Signey leaned back into Loki and he shifted himself to sit more comfortably on the floor. She sat on his lap and they stayed silent for a while. "Tell me about her." Loki sighed and leaned his head against hers.
"She was...perfect. She cared for others, even those we called enemy. Her skill with magic matched my own, if not surpassed it. I loved her. In my eyes she was perfect."
"Love makes us not see the faults in those who own our hearts. My Amma use to say that to me all the time. The heart knows what it wants and it doesn't matter what your head tells you."
'So are you saying your heart made you take me in when your head told you to run like hell." His voice was playful and she gave a small laugh.
"Something like that, yes." A thoughtful look came over her face and she tilted her head up so her lips could meet his. "I am glad my head lost." Loki kissed her and nipped at her bottom lip. A small shiver ran down her spine, but it was not from fear or a chill. Her eyes moved to look at the clock and she groaned. "It isn't even morning yet." A chuckle came from Loki and he moved to stand. His arms hooked under her knees and her back before he jumped to his feet.
"I suggest we go back to bed."
"I am not sure if I can sleep."
"Then we will lay there and talk. I will take your mind off of your dream Signey." She nodded and he laid her back down on her bed. Once her returned to the bed she moved herself so that their bodies were close. She wanted to feel the safety of his arms again. Later people would call him a monster, but to her he was anything but.
OoO
It had taken over half a year, but Thor had moved on from much of his grief at the loss of his brother. Even after everything Loki had done to him, to the realms Thor could not bring himself to hate the younger prince. He missed Loki more than words could convey. He had tried many times like Frigga to speak to his father about what had happened, what had lead to Loki's madness, but Odin would only say to let it go. With the Bifrost gone Thor had no way of returning to Midgard. He feared he would never see Jane again.
"You look deep in thought my son." Thor smiled at his mother who had returned from her night ride with Freya.
"Not really." He rose from his seat and kissed his mother's cheek. "Did you enjoy your ride?"
"As always. Agi needs to stretch his legs every once in a while. Since the stable boys are still too afraid of the poor beast."
"He always was a terror to everyone. The only people he liked were you, Sigyn and Loki."
"He had calmed over the years. Now he is as gentle as the spring wind."
"I will take your word for it. I remember nearly breaking my neck trying to help Loki break that horse." Thor laughed at the memory, but a pang of pain ran through him. "Do you truly think he hated me?"
"No I don't think he did. I think he loved you very much Thor, but...living in someone's shadow for so long. I fear Loki became the person he hated the most. Jealousy and loathing poisoned your brother's soul."
"You mean he became like Theoric?"
"Yes, but unlike Theoric if he truly still lives there is hope for Loki. In my heart I believe that your brother will come home."
"Mother...how did you do it? Raising two boys who were not your own?"
"Blood bonds families Thor, but it is not the only way to make said bond. I love you both, just as I loved Tyr and Balder. You are both my boys. Now care to escort your mother down to the kitchen since I missed dinner." Thor held out his arm and Frigga hooked hers with his.
"It would be my pleasure."
OoO
Hours had passed since Signey had her nightmare. Loki had kept her mind busy by telling her of some of his greatest pranks over the years. Some of them had even become legend here on Midgard. Now she was sleeping again in his arms. He could see the light starting to creep into the room from the window and he sighed. The night had not gone as he had planned. He had hoped that they would have gone to bed in a tangle of limbs and moans, but she had asked him to give her time. As much as it pained him Loki gave into her request. He would not rush this. If Hela was right this was his Sigyn and he would do whatever it took to get her back. He felt her shift and tuck herself more into his side. A smile came to his face as he watched her sleep. He felt a strange sense of peace laying here with her in his arms. He knew it would not last, but for now he could not bring himself to care.
The sound of a car pulling up close to the house made him groan. He had hoped to have her one more day before giving her back to the world. A sharp beeping sound made Signey stir and she let out her own groan. Loki got up and padded over to the window to see what was going on outside. He saw Nicola getting out of her car and motioning to someone in a large truck. On the back of the tow truck was Signey's crumpled truck. He felt her arms around his waist as she peeked around him to see what was going on.
"Looks like Nicola brought my truck back." Loki turned around and placed a kiss on her forehead. He could see tears starting to form in her eyes at the sight of her truck.
"Go get dressed and come outside. I will go and keep her busy for a few moments." Signey let out a small gasp seeing Loki's trousers shift into a pair of black jeans and a shirt appeared out of thin air on his torso.
"You have to teach me that trick. It could make getting ready in the morning a lot less of a chore." He laughed and leaned down to give her a quick passionate kiss. She stood dazed for a few seconds before going into her dresser and finding clothes to put on. Loki opened the door with Fenrir at his heels to greet Nicola.
"Miss Stern it is nice to see you again."
"How is she doing?"
"She is fine, had a slight headache yesterday, but is feeling good this morning." Nicola's face shown with relief. "She should be out soon. She needed to get dressed."
"She is not going to be happy when she sees her truck. I had a mechanic look at it...they said there was not much they could do." Signey stopped dead at the full sight of her beloved truck. The front end was crumpled in from hitting the tree. She could see the body frame was bent and she wanted to cry. "Hey girlie, how are you feeling?"
'I was feeling better til I saw this. My poor truck." Loki could not understand why it upset her so much to see that hunk of metal mangled as it was. In his time on Midgard he had seen many different kinds of those things. She could just get a new one.
"I know Signey, but at least your still here with us. Your life is much more important. I know this was your dad's truck, but things don't last forever." Signey nodded, but her eyes still filled with tears. Now Loki understood. That truck was her last connection to her father. He could see her heart breaking as she walked around the truck taking in the damage.
"I might know someone who could fix it Signey." Nicola turned her head and gave Loki a look, but he ignored it. "I don't promise anything, but we can try."
"If your guy can fix it have at it. The mechanics at the garage said it was hopeless."
"The man I know can work magic." Loki smirked and walked over to Signey to wrap his arms around her shoulders. She let out a sad sigh and leaned back into him. Nicola could not help the feeling a joy that welled up in her at the sight. She had feared Signey would never let anyone get this close to her that wasn't family. Seeing her with Lucas made Nicola think there was hope for the girl yet.
"How are things going at the warehouse?"
"Same mostly. We are almost done cataloging our finds...that reminds me I need those new permits for the next site." Loki frowned and looked down at Signey.
"Next site?"
"We found hints that there was another village along the coast of Stavern about three miles from the last one. I filled out the paperwork for the government Nicola just has to file them."
"When will this little venture start?"
"As soon as we get word from the government that it is okay to start. Two, three weeks at the most." Signey gently untangled herself from Loki's embrace and ran back into the cabin. Nicola turned her attention to Loki as she scratched behind Fenrir's ear.
"I want you to know I have never seen her this comfortable around anyone but family before. You must be some kind of miracle worker to get into her heart like you have."
"She is a wonder." The thoughtful look on his face made Nicola's smile widen.
"I have a favor to ask of you." Loki raised an eyebrow and waited for the older woman to continue. "I need you to keep her away from the warehouse til we can move to the new site."
"Why?" Nicola moved so she was closer to him hoping to have no one else overhear them.
"The group that has been giving us trouble is now doubling their efforts to make our lives miserable. I'm afraid since they had that fire at their church they think Signey had something to do with it. I know she didn't since she was with you, but I fear for her safety."
"She will not like this." Nicola let out a small laugh and nodded.
"No she won't, but maybe she will listen to you better than she would to me. Take her back to Oslo or anywhere as far as I am concerned just don't let her come back to work." Loki gave a curt nod as he say Signey come back out of the cabin. She had a file in her hands and handed it to Nicola. "I will turn these in tomorrow."
"So I guess I will see you tomorrow morning then, since my truck is out of commission." Nicola elbowed Loki hoping he would stop this conversation. He shot the woman a glare, but covered it when Signey looked at him.
"Actually Signey I was wondering if I could get you to take more time off so we could go on a trip back to Oslo." Signey tilted her head and waited. "I was not able to show you all the sights I wanted in that one night. There was much more to see."
"I've seen most that Oslo has to offer. I don't think there is anything else that would catch my interest." Loki rolled his eyes and leaned closer to her to whisper in her ear.
"I want to make sure you are truly alright after your accident. Please do not fight me on this. Your friend can watch over your workers." Signey huffed and crossed her arms over her chest, but nodded finally knowing she could not win this argument even if she tried. Loki straightened and gave Nicola a wink. "If Oslo is not to your liking then I will take you where ever you wish to go."
"Hmmm, anywhere?" Loki smiled. "I want to go to the Faroe Islands." Nicola grinned.
"You have been planning that trip for years, but never got there."
"I was busy."
"Signey you are always busy. Girl you are young, have fun before you are too old to enjoy life. I will stay here with Fenrir and make sure he stays out of trouble." Signey looked between the Loki and Nicola and she chuckled.
"Nicola if you did not want me coming to work because those idiots are making trouble all you had to do was say so. You didn't have to drag poor Lucas into your ploy." Nicola's eyes widened and her jaw opened to defend herself, but the giggle from Signey made it snap shut. Signey was now laughing hard and her hand gripped on to Loki to steady herself.
"What is so funny?"
"The look...on your...face...priceless." After a few minutes more Signey finally wiped tears from her eyes and stood up straight.
"How did you know?"
"Hank called while I was in the cabin and told me S.H.I.E.L.D does not want me back at the warehouse til they make sure it is safe. The Norwegian government is coming to collect the finds we have to move them to a safe location."
"Why didn't you tell me you knew?"
"I wanted to see how you would spin it. As much as I hate it, you and S.H.I.E.L.D are right, I don't need to be there right now and I could really use some down time. That is if your offer still stands Lucas?"
"Of course, though it will be cold on the isles."
"That's fine. The cold never bothered me anyway." Loki took her hands and brought them up to his lips.
"Then you should pack so we can leave." Signey nodded and went back into the cabin. Nicola shook her head.
"You wouldn't happen to have a father my age would you?" Loki chuckled.
"Sorry my father is dead and he was a monster. I learned my manners from my mother."
"Figures. I am going to help her pack and book the flight to get there. Thank you."
"For?"
"For wanting to keep her safe. She is so stubborn sometimes and it is hard to talk her out of anything."
"So I have seen. She did give in easier than I expected, but I suppose the people who are funding your dig put their foot down."
"Probably." Nicola left his side and went into the cabin. Fenrir sat next to his father and looked up.
"She really didn't put up a fight when they told her to stay away. I think she wants to spend more time with you." Loki Looked down in surprise at his son.
"Truly?"
"You doubt her affection for you father?"
"Recently I doubt many things."
"Her heart remembers even if the rest of her does not. Give her time. I have watched her since the beginning of this and from time to time I see the woman I knew shine through. Sigyn is there father, she just needs to remember."
"I know, but I have never been one for patience. I need her..."
"And she needs you." A sharp whistle came from the house and Fenrir jumped to his feet and padded into the cabin. Loki followed not too far behind. He really had no desire to go to the Faroe Islands, but to be fair he had been there many times before. It had been Sigyn's favorite place to visit when they would come to Midgard. She loved the clash of cultures on the islands. Since they were nestled between Norway and Scotland you had two defining backgrounds. The Celts with theirs and the Vikings. Both were warrior groups and tough as the Asgardians themselves. Sigyn loved to listen to their stories and music. She would drag him there and sit on a roof to listen to them for hours. She would walk among the people and Loki could not understand her fascination with mortals. He had asked her many times why she treated them like they mattered. Her response was always the same, everyone mattered. Whether they be of Asgard, Midgard, Jotunheim, it did not matter to her. She respected all cultures and it drove Loki crazy. He saw no worth in other races other than the Aesir and the Vanir. At least if he could keep her at his side she could help him rule over the humans. Her understanding of them was far greater than his would ever be.
OoO
November 11th 2011
They had been in Kirkjubour one of the Faroe Islands for over a week now and Loki had finally relaxed a bit. The island had a rich history and if he cared to admit it was very beautiful. They had rented a little house that was built along one of the small lakes. During the summer this place was busy, but with winter setting in it was very quiet. Loki liked the solitude and Signey seemed to enjoy the fact it was just them. All of this almost made him forget his mission if it had not been for the Other contacting him through the scepter. He had been dead asleep with Signey curled up against him when the first wave of pain hit him. As quickly as he could without waking Signey he ran into the bathroom and shut the door. Within seconds his soul was no longer on Midgard. He was standing in front of the twisted creature that had made his life a living hell after he fell from the Bifrost. Most of the wounds he had when Signey had found him were from the Other.
"The Master wants to know your progress." Loki raised his eyes to the creature and snarled.
"It is taking time. My minion can not move too quickly or he will raise suspicion and Thanos will not get what he wants." The Other moved behind Loki and placed his hand on the young prince's back. A sharp burst of agony flooded his chest and Loki fell to his knees. He grit his teeth to stop from screaming.
"This is but a reminder of what awaits you if you fail. Your time is running out fallen prince. I suggest you speed up your efforts or your children will pay the price." Loki lunged from his crouched position and tried to tear into his torturer. The Other moved faster and gripped Loki by the throat hoisting him up off his feet. "You will do well to remember that your life is worth nothing. I told Thanos to let you rot, but he saw potential in you. I would like nothing more than to snap your neck, but until we have the Tesseract I can not do what I wish." Loki's vision began to go black at the loss of air, but he heard the Other snarl in his ear. "You failed your lady love and I am sure you will fail in this as well. You will always fail." Loki clawed at the Other's hands to try to get him off, but the lack of air made his limbs weak. The Other chuckled deeply. A soft voice echoed in Loki's head and he strained to hear it. It called his name over and over. His vision failed him and he slumped in the Other's grasp.
Signey was shaking him trying in vain to wake him up. His body convulsed and he clawed at his own throat though nothing was there to claw at. The scepter he always had with him was pulsing and the blue glow was almost blinding in the small dark room. A strangled scream came for Loki and Signey started calling his name to bring him out of whatever nightmare he was having.
"Loki! Loki please!" His body slumped over and she ran her hands over his face pushing his sweat soaked hair away. In the light of the scepter she noticed his skin was not longer it's normal alabaster. It was darker and she felt the raised ridges under the pads of her fingers. His skin was very cool to the touch even with the coating of sweat on it. "Loki, please wake up." His body jerked and his hands gripped hers before she could even react. He rose off the floor with a growl and pinned her against the bathtub. "Lo...Loki?" His eyes rolled in his head until he could focus on the face just inches from his. Signey could see the red that his eyes had changed into. It should have scared her, but it didn't. Loki looked down at his hands and quickly dropped her wrists. He backed away quickly and slammed his back against the bathroom door. His face had a look of horror on it and he covered turned away from her so she could not look at him.
"Don't look at me!" Signey rose up on her knees and slowly move to be in front of him. His hands covered his face and she could see his body tremble. Her hand reached out and she tried to touch him. He jerked away again and snarled at her. "Don't touch me!"
"Loki, look at me." He shook his head and tried to curl himself into a ball. He did not want her to see him like this. His true form, his hated form. "Loki, please look at me." Again he refused and she sighed. She rose to her feet and switched on the light. His skin was blue and she could now see the scarification better that graced it. She knelt down again this time closer to him and she clucked her tongue a bit before letting her hands cup his face. He tried to pull away, but she held firm. "I'm not afraid. Please look at me." She moved her fingers to brush his hair out of his face and his eyes rose up to meet hers.
"How can you stand to look at me like this?"
"Like what?" He rose up a bit and looked into eyes deeper. He saw no fear, no loathing. It surprised him. "Your skin is different and your eyes, but I still see Loki in front of me." She gave him a small smile and let her thumbs glide over his cheek bones. His body was still stiff as she moved her fingers along his scars. Her eyes never left his as he stared at her in awe.
"Does my skin not burn you?" She tilted her head to the side and shrugged her shoulders.
"It is much cooler than your normal skin, but it is not unpleasant. I told you the cold doesn't bother me and you don't frighten me." Her words made his heart skip a beat. "What happened?"
"Just a dream nothing more." Her hands still caressed his face as it changed back to it's normal appearance.
"You wouldn't be this upset if it was just a dream." He sighed and looked away from her eyes. "Does it have to do with that glowing stick?"
"Why would you ask that?"
"Oh I don't know, maybe because it was pulsing as you were convulsing on the ground. What is it?"
"A powerful weapon. I am surprised you have not asked me about it before. I had it when I first came to you."
"It wasn't my place to ask, but if it is the thing that caused this..."
"It was reacting to my emotions my dear, nothing more." She knew he was lying, but did not voice it. "I am truly sorry that I worried you."
"It's fine. I mean you had to deal with my little freak out over a week ago. Turn about is fair play." He chuckled softly and pulled her into his lap.
"You are completely strange my dear." Signey sighed and leaned onto his shoulder.
"Look who is talking." He cocked his head and gave her an indignant look. Mirth danced in his eyes though and she gave a small giggle. "Come back to bed." He nodded and lifted himself and Signey off the floor of the bathroom. He place Signey so her feet were on the ground and he retrieved the scepter. Back in the bedroom he placed it in the closet and shut the door. He felt arms wrap around him from behind and he smiled.
"What time is it?" Signey looked over at the clock hanging on the wall.
"It's around five a.m., why?"
"I was wondering if you would like to watch the sunrise instead of going back to sleep."
"Sure, it has been a while since I have done that. I am normally such a night owl that mornings are almost taboo to me."
"Then I will leave you to dress." Signey changed into her normal black pants and tight black shirt. The weather outside was far too cold for what she was wearing, but she did not care. Loki waited for her just outside the door to the house and shook his head seeing what she was dressed in. "You will freeze."
"No I won't. I dress like this all the time in this kind of weather." Rolling his eyes he took her hand and pulled her close.
"Hold on tight." Signey let out a small squeak as Loki used his magic to transport them to the roof of the small house.
"You can see for miles up here."
"It is quite a view." Loki's arms wrapped around her just under her chest and rested his chin on her shoulder. They stood that way for a while watching the horizon to the east. "Signey?" Her head turned a bit waiting for him to continue. "Your name...I...how did you come by it?" Signey snorted and put her head back against his chest.
"My parents had planned on naming me Sidney Astrid Laufey. After I was born and it was deemed I was going to live my dad wanted to change my first name to Sigyn, but my mom wasn't happy about it."
"Why?"
"She said it was too old fashioned and she had already conceded my middle name. Astrid was my Amma's idea. My mom was American and I'm afraid during the eighties some strange names came about. So after a lot of back and forth they made a compromise. They took the first three letters from Sigyn and the last three from Sidney. So I was called Signey, though my Amma always called me Sigyn. She said my name was a silly American slight to a great name. I really had no say in it so, yeah, I'm Signey."
"You know the first part of your name means victory."
"That's why my dad wanted it. He said I was victory over death. The doctors and nurses had written me off...I guess I proved them wrong." Loki looked up and saw the slight brightening of the sky to east. He pointed to the horizon and Signey grinned. The sky lightened more and the slight hues of pink, purple and orange began to paint the sky. As the sun rose they could see the heavy bank of clouds rolling in. "Looks like a bad storm is coming. We should get down to the village and get some supplies. I don't relish getting stuck here for days with no food."
"I can always use magic to take us away from here if it becomes that serious."
"If it comes to that then I will not mind at all getting out of here and heading home. Most of these storms pass quick and we should be fine. I just don't like be ill prepared." Loki teleported them back to the ground and Signey stumbled a bit. "Don't know if I will ever get use to that."
"It get's easier the more you travel that way."
"I will take your word for it. So can you travel to other realms that way or is it just useful in the one you are in now?"
"Just where I happen to be at the time. Traveling realm to realm takes a large amount of dark energy. As far as I know only the Allfather can call such power."
"Odin then." Loki let out a low growl and he scowled. "Okay note to self do not mention him or the other guy again. I think you should let me know who I can mention so I don't cause you to sound like Fenrir when he is pissed off."
"Other than myself, Frigga, Freya, and Hel are acceptable."
"Freya? The goddess of Love and War?"
"Sigyn was her daughter."
"So she is family."
"Very much so."
"Family doesn't always have to be blood or bound by marriage. Sometimes it just matters what your heart feels."
"That statement is either very profound or very naïve."
"Which do you think?"
"A little of both, but what I think does not matter. Your heart is your own, as is your beliefs. What I would not give to be innocent again." Signey took his hand and gave it a firm squeeze. His eyes met hers and the look of pure sympathy made him give her a sad smile. "Keep it as long as you can Signey. Don't let anyone take it away from you."
"I leave it up to fate." Her gaze when back to the clouds and she sighed. "We'd better get to the village, unless you want to trudge through a squall." Loki threw back his head and laughed.
"I am a frost giant my dear."
"Yeah, yeah I know." He smirked and she rolled her eyes. "I swear the Norns are having a good laugh at me right now." The visit to the village took less time then she thought it would. It helped that Loki transported then there in a blink of an eye. They made it back to the house just as the first flakes began to fall. Signey took the word of the butcher that this was going to be a nasty one and brought in as much fire wood as she could to keep the fire place roaring. After dinner she and Loki settled into the bedroom listening to the wind howl. She enjoyed laying there in Loki's arms even if they were laying there in silence. It shocked her that she had fallen so fast for him, but her mother had always told her don't settle for just good enough. Loving a god was no where near settling for good enough. Inside her head she laughed and burrowed herself against his chest. His heartbeat lulled her off the sleep and for the first time in weeks since she was attacked she had no nightmares.
Just wanted to check in and thank all those who have added this story to their watch and favorite list. One of my guest reviewers asked where I came up with the name Signey. I hope this chapter answers their question. Thank you all again and I hope you continue to enjoy.
Raven