Sigyn Freyadottir
"Women and children only! I need more women and children, please!"
Edward gripped Gyn's shoulders and turned her toward him. "You must go."
"Edward, no. I'm not leaving you." Gyn argued.
"Gynnifer, please. I love you but we're not doing this. We're not arguing about this."
"Don't make me go," Gyn pleaded, tears in her eyes.
Edward cupped her face in his hands. "I love you." He looked to the officer calling for women and children. "Here!" He pushed Gyn forward. Gyn gripped Edward's hand. The officer lifted her up and set her in the lifeboat.
Gyn watched as Edward's face disappeared from view. She did not deserve his life. Immortality ran through her bones, but she did not know why. She did not the extent of her immortality. Would drowning kill her?
The ship tilted further and further into the dark sea. Flares exploded in the night, a desperate cry for rescue. Gyn's tears left cold tracks on her face. She wanted to die. Why wouldn't Edward just let her die?
She watched the unsinkable ship sink. She watched the lights go out. She heard the screams of the people in the water. She wondered if she were hearing Edward's screams, too.
Gyn gasped awake. Sweat dampened her back and face. Her eyes ached, as though she had just cried. Loki leaned over her, his brow pinched. His cool hand rested on her shoulder.
"I've been trying to wake you," he said.
Gyn pushed herself up. She buried her face in her hands. "I'm sorry if I woke you."
"I was already awake. I'm an early riser," said Loki. Gyn peered at him through her fingers. His lips quirked before falling into a frown. "Are you all right?"
"It was just a dream."
"A dream that makes you cry?" Loki countered.
Gyn lifted her head. "It was my time on Midgard."
Loki sat back and used one arm to prop himself up. The corners of his mouth tugged downward. "I have not noticed your nightmares lately. Do they happen often?"
"I… No, not really. I'm afraid I am unsure of what has triggered the nightmare."
"What happened?" Loki queried.
Gyn offered him a tight smile. "It was of my first love, Edward."
"First love?" Loki demanded. "I thought you were untouched?"
"I am," said Gyn, her cheeks warming. "That does not mean I did not love someone."
"Mm. Go on."
"We were leaving Southampton. We were getting away from his father. I knew I was immortal, but I did not know the reason why. I only knew that I had been alive for many years, and had not aged, and had no memory of my life before being found in the forest in 1865. Those are Midgardian years."
"I figured."
"We had dreams of going to America. So, we bought tickets and boarded a ship. He wanted to marry me. But the ship struck an iceberg and sank. Edward told me to get on a lifeboat. I wanted to stay with him, but… I allowed myself to be pulled away. I think some part of me did not want to marry him, as awful as it sounds. I knew I would outlive him, as I had outlived so many others. He did not know of my secret. I loved him, but…" Gyn's voice broke.
"What happened to him?" Loki prompted quietly.
Gyn's breath shuddered as she inhaled. "I don't know. He could have survived. He could have perished. I never sought him out."
Loki was quiet for several seconds. He stood from the bed and faced Gyn. "I'm afraid I lack the words to comfort you properly. I can only offer distractions."
Gyn smiled. "What do you have in mind?"
"Well, I'm sure Thor and the others are getting into trouble. We could go riding. Whatever your heart desires." Loki replied. He held out a hand to Gyn.
"We are no longer grounded in Asgard."
"We are not."
"It's been a while since we've gotten into trouble."
Loki's lips twitched. "It has."
"I say we try and get into trouble."
"Well, fortunately for you, you are married to the god of mischief. Trouble is my nature."
Gyn accepted Loki's hand with a grin. They agreed to meet at the stables. He helped her from the bed. Gyn went into the closet to dress for the day while Loki wandered to fetch Thor, the Warriors Three and Sif. She dressed in neutrals and opted for a light leather vest to cover her grey tunic. She grabbed her sword and sheath. She belted it while she walked to meet the others at the stables.
"Lady Sigyn!" boomed Thor, opening his arms in greeting. "It's been too long since we went on our last adventure."
"We are in agreement." Gyn replied.
Sif smiled up at Thor. "And what mischiefs will we be getting into this day?"
"Bilgesnipe," grinned Thor, "I've always wanted a pair of their antlers to hang above my bed."
Gyn exchanged a glance with Loki, who smirked. "Brother, your desire for battle memorabilia will be your undoing."
"But not this day," boasted Thor.
Loki dipped his head. "We will be sure of it."
Gyn leaned toward Loki. "You don't seem concerned about hunting bilgesnipe."
"Thor and I have encountered them before," Loki replied, his breath tickling her ear, "although I will admit that the one we encountered was an adolescent. But there are seven of us. We have strength in numbers."
Gyn nodded, relaxing slightly. They mounted their horses and took off for the Rainbow Bridge. As Gyn's mare cantered, she pinched her brow. She had chosen to pretend that she had never kissed Loki's cheek, and it seemed Loki seemed content to pretend it never happened, too. Loki's reaction gripped Gyn's heart and twisted it. She would have preferred Loki to reciprocate in some way, or at least acknowledge it. However, though Gyn wanted to talk about it or gauge his reaction, she chose to maintain her silence. She sought Loki enough. It was time for him to approach her first.
Though, she admitted, he had stayed with her this morning. She swallowed a sigh. Loki was so difficult to read. They reached the observatory, where Heimdall lifted his eyebrows at the sight of them.
"Up to adventure, I see," he greeted. He eyed Loki and Gyn in particular. "Not even a week free of punishment, and you're both already up to no good."
"What's life without a little mischief, Gatekeeper?" Loki smirked. Gyn smiled at Heimdall, who returned it.
"Where to?" he asked, drawing his sword.
"The mountains of Asgard," said Thor, "we seek the bilgesnipe."
Heimdall sighed and shook his head. "You are fools. If you attack one, make sure it is just the one. Be sure there are no others nearby."
Gyn dismounted from her horse when the others did. They faced the stars and waited for Heimdall to open the Bifrost. Gyn was sucked through space, rainbow light flashing past her. Her feet hit solid ground. The first thing she noticed was the cold. She rubbed her arms as an icy breeze swept past them.
"Hogun," said Thor, "you're the best tracker."
Hogun led the way, following tracks and abandoning others. They hiked through the forest until they emerged from it. They came across the rocky plateaus and cliffs of the mountain. The wind blew stronger without the trees to catch it. Flakes of snow bit Gyn's cheeks. They weaved their way along the cliffside until they reached a flat part. Hogun signaled for them to duck. He pointed at what appeared to be a scaly, green boulder.
Gyn widened her eyes at it. The bilgesnipe sniffed along the rocks. It was fairly flat-faced, save for the horns protruding from its chin. Thick hair lined its spine. Its claws scraped the rock with a sound that sent tingles down Gyn's back. Horns dotted the creature's back. Out of its head were a pair of antlers, though they appeared far more wicked than a deer's. Gyn was positive that the bilgesnipe used its antlers to impale victims.
The bilgesnipe sniffed along the ground and moved toward the trees. Sif leaned toward Thor. "What's our plan of attack?"
"Our plan," breathed Thor, "is to attack!" He jumped up with a yell and charged toward the bilgesnipe, holding Mjolnir before him.
The bilgesnipe spun around with a speed that Gyn did not imagine it capable of. Its tail smacked Thor aside. Gyn glanced at Loki, who rolled his eyes and withdrew his daggers. "He never thinks things through." Loki jumped up and charged for the bilgesnipe, the Warriors Three and Sif close behind. Gyn followed, though she kept her distance. She focused on using her magic to protect the others. She cast barriers to block the bilgesnipe's blows to her friends. She flung energy blasts at the bilgesnipe, but her magic seemed to bounce off the beast's thick hide.
Thor jumped onto the beast's back and grabbed the back of its neck in an attempt to wrestle it to the ground. The bilgesnipe backed away, screeching. Gyn used her magic to pull Sif out of the way of the bilgesnipe's trampling. The effort to pull Sif out of harm's way left Gyn breathless. She doubled over, panting. She watched as the bilgesnipe slammed its back into the wall of the mountain, pinning Thor. The mountain rumbled as cracks zigzagged their way through the rock. Gyn lifted her head, her eyes following the cracks. Snow and rocks tumbled down the side of the mountain, falling straight toward them. She gasped and summoned her strength. She squeezed her eyes shut and connected with the earth. Flinging her arms, she forced the mountain wall to change form. A large slab of rock slanted out of the wall to provide Gyn and her friends cover from the avalanche that Thor and the bilgesnipe created.
The effort to control the earth in such a way exhausted Gyn. She dropped to her knees, panting. Volstagg looked up at the rock formation Gyn had created, and then looked at her, grinning. "We should take you with us more often!"
Gyn managed a smile. Loki helped her to her feet. He faced the bilgesnipe once more. The creature pinned Thor to the ground with one large, clawed foot. Sif leaped forward, her spear high above her head. She brought it crashing down. The bilgesnipe's thick hide knocked the blade of the spear off track from its original target, though Sif did manage to cut a sizeable gash down the beast's shoulder. The bilgesnipe tilted back its head and howled. It shook Sif off with ease, knocking her into the mountain wall. The creature took off for the forest, leaving a trail of green blood.
"After it!" Thor bellowed, jumping to his feet. He swung Mjolnir so that the hammer pulled him off the ground and toward the trees.
"Is he mad?" Gyn huffed.
"Apparently," said Sif. She ran with Fandral and Volstagg toward the trees. Gyn moved to follow, but Loki grabbed her arm. He transferred some energy to her.
"Try to keep from using your magic. You're exhausting yourself."
Gyn nodded and they took off running toward the trees. It did not take them long to catch up with Thor and the bilgesnipe, as they merely followed the fallen trees and path of splintered wood.
Thor managed to hit the bilgesnipe in the chin with Mjolnir, knocking it down. The bilgesnipe roared and leaped at Thor. Sif jabbed at it with her spear. Fandral slashed at it with his sword and Volstagg hit it with his axe. The bilgesnipe's hide deflected their blades. Only Thor seemed to damage it with Mjolnir, when he managed to hit it.
"It's too armored." Loki breathed.
"Not its eyes," Gyn pointed out.
Loki glanced at her. "I would need to get close to it."
Gyn's stomach lurched. "Loki, don't. I was kidding."
"Thor won't leave here until he has those antlers," Loki retorted, "and I'm the best chance at hitting the eyes."
"What about its underbelly?" Gyn tried.
"Too protected," Loki replied with a shake of his head. "We would need to overturn it to get to its belly. If I can injure its eyes, then we might be able to overturn it and kill it. But it comes back to the eyes."
Gyn bit her lip. "I think this is a terrible idea."
Loki smirked. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're concerned."
Before Gyn could yell at him that of course she was bloody concerned, Loki charged toward the bilgesnipe. Gyn watched him round toward the back of the beast. Gyn sprinted toward the front of the beast, sword drawn. She needed to keep the bilgesnipe's attention away from Loki. She manipulated the dirt around the bilgesnipe's feet to surge around its ankles, trapping it. It snarled at her. She jabbed with her sword while Thor hit it with Mjolnir. Gyn stabbed toward the bilgesnipe's maw while Loki ran up the back of the bilgesnipe. It jerked its head to look back at him, but its neck was too short. Loki dropped to straddle the bilgesnipe's neck while it tried to shake him off. Gyn forced the earth to drag bilgesnipe's front legs further into the ground. Loki bared his teeth as he held his daggers. Thor hit the top of the bilgesnipe's head, dazing it. Loki stabbed downward, into the bilgesnipe's eyes.
It screamed. Gyn flinched as Loki withdrew his daggers from the bilgesnipe's eyes, flinging blood everywhere. The bilgesnipe broke free of the earth and threw Loki off its back. Gyn threw up her hands to cast a barrier to catch Loki, dropping her sword in the process. Thor hit the bilgesnipe with a lightning blast, and with a small shriek, it went limp.
Gyn backed away, panting. The others took a few steps back, breathing heavily. Loki joined them, barely out of breath. Thor grinned. "Good thinking brother, to stab the eyes."
"Actually, it was Gyn's idea," Loki said.
"I meant it as a joke," countered Gyn.
"Well, Loki took your joke and put it to action. Well done," said Thor, patting Gyn's shoulder.
"Let's take the antlers and go," said Sif, wiping her brow.
"Right," agreed Thor, walking toward the dead bilgesnipe.
A deafening roar behind them sent the hair on the back of Gyn's neck standing on end. She and her friends turned slowly to see two more bilgesnipe, but both were larger than the one they had just killed.
…
Loki widened his eyes. He glanced at the dead bilgesnipe. "This… This was an adolescent."
"And these are the parents," breathed Gyn.
"Norns," whispered Sif.
Loki turned to Thor. "We need to go. Now."
Thor grinned at Loki, whose stomach twisted. "Or, we could stay and slay both of them. You can keep the adolescent's antlers, since you stabbed its eyes."
"Thor, we cannot handle two mature bilgesnipe." Loki snapped.
The two bilgesnipe charged toward them. Loki, Gyn, Thor, the Warriors Three and Sif scattered. Loki rolled to dodge a swipe from one of the bilgesnipe's claws. Thor let out a yell and summoned lightning to Mjolnir. He hit one of the bilgesnipe. It screeched and swiped him aside. The other bilgesnipe's tail whacked the Warriors Three off their feet.
"Thor, let's go!" Loki shouted. One of the bilgesnipe turned and backhanded him into a tree. The air slammed out of his lungs. He sank to the ground with a cough. His vision swam, but he recovered quickly. He scanned the battle for his companions. He spotted the Warriors Three recovering. Sif ducked and weaved to avoid one of the bilgesnipe's claws. Thor flew at the other one, lightning crackling around him. Loki's heart stuttered when he did not spot Gyn. He relaxed when he saw her crimson hair as she dodged a blow from one of the bilgesnipe. Loki widened his eyes as the other bilgesnipe raised its claw to strike at her. Loki felt time freeze as the bilgesnipe hit Gyn, sending her flying. She smacked into a tree and slid to the ground. She did not move.
"Sigyn!" Loki screamed. He pushed off from the ground and sprinted toward her, his heavy breathing the only thing he could hear. He dropped beside her and gasped at the deep claw marks marring her back. Blood stained the dirt and snow around her. Loki cradled her in his arms.
"Thor! We have to get out of here!" cried Sif.
"Fine!" Thor bellowed.
Loki scooped Gyn into his arms. He eyed the bilgesnipe and cast an illusion to shield his companions and himself from their sight. They ran to the cliffside and scaled it. Loki looked down at Gyn, whose pallor grew paler with each passing minute. His heartbeat hammered in his ears, his skull and his veins. He could feel the blood pumping in his veins. His hands were sticky with Gyn's blood. They hurried back to the Bifrost site, where Sif yelled at Heimdall to take them back. Loki gripped Gyn tightly as they were sucked through space to return to the Rainbow Bridge.
They emerged on the observatory. Thor leaned over to look at Gyn. "How is she?"
Loki's face contorted. "I don't know!"
Thor drew back, his eyes widening. "Surely you do not think this is my fault?"
"It is your fault! You wanted the antlers, but the adolescent's weren't enough!" Loki snarled.
"Brother, I could not foresee that the parents would attack," Thor replied.
"But you're the one who charged in recklessly!"
"Both of you stop!" Sif shouted. She placed a hand on Loki's shoulder. "Get Sigyn to the infirmary."
Loki scowled and approached his horse. Fandral approached and attempted to take Gyn from Loki's arms. Loki shied away, his eyes flashing. Fandral lifted a brow. "Let me hold her while you mount."
Loki handed Gyn to him and mounted his horse quickly. Fandral held Gyn up to him. Loki grabbed her and settled her in his lap, her head resting on his shoulder. He kicked his horse's sides, urging the steed into a canter. He glanced at his hands, which gripped the reigns. Gyn's blood stained them. His stomach lurched. He furrowed his brow and urged his horse to go faster.
He reached the stables, dismounted and carried Gyn into the palace. He hurried to the infirmary, ignoring the stares from those around him. His mother was already in the infirmary, speaking with one of the head healers. Frigga's eyes widened when she saw Loki.
"Norns, what happened?" she cried, gesturing for Loki to lay Gyn upon one of the empty beds.
"A bilgesnipe," Loki croaked. He cleared his throat and frowned at himself. He laid Gyn facedown but turned her head to face him. He brushed some hair out of her face, but stained her face with her own blood. He looked at his hands, which trembled.
Frigga and the head healer cut away Gyn's clothes, exposing her back. Frigga looked at Loki, who still stared at his hands. She stood from her place beside Gyn and gripped his shoulders. "Go clean yourself off, son."
Loki met her gaze. "What?"
"Get clean. Gyn will be all right in our care. Come back when you're clean."
Loki glanced toward Gyn. He looked back at his mother and nodded. He swept out of the infirmary and through the corridors to his quarters. He ran a hot bath, undressed and slipped into the water. He stared at the drying blood on his hands and forearms. He grabbed a cloth and scrubbed at the blood until his skin turned pink. The water browned as Loki cleaned. He picked at the blood under his fingernails and washed his face.
He jumped out of the bath and dressed quickly. He strayed away from the infirmary and found himself in front of Freya's chambers. He swallowed the lump in his throat and knocked on her door. She answered, her eyes bright. Her face fell when she saw Loki.
"Prince Loki," she greeted, "to what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Gyn's been injured."
Freya's face fell further. "Take me to her."
They hurried to the infirmary. Freya burst into the infirmary, Loki in step with her. Gyn had been rolled to rest on her back, though she appeared unconscious. Frigga sat at Gyn's bedside, dabbing Gyn's forehead with a damp cloth. She offered Loki a small smile. He relaxed slightly, but still sank into a chair, his knees weak.
"How is she?" he muttered.
"We closed the wound and cleaned it," said Frigga, folding the cloth and setting it aside. "She has a bit of a fever, but that is common in magical healings. Her body is merely attempting to catch up to the rapid healing. It still thinks she is wounded. In a day or two, she will be back on her feet."
Loki released a tense breath. Freya sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "Do you know when she will awaken?"
"I do not. Though I do know she will be famished and quite thirsty when she does." Frigga replied, meeting Freya's gaze.
Freya dipped her head. "I will have some food made and bring it." She kissed Gyn's forehead and left the infirmary.
Loki ignored his mother's gaze and eyed Gyn's face. Her brow was pinched and her lips were parted, as if she were experiencing the oncoming of a nightmare. Frigga cleared her throat, forcing Loki to meet her gaze. "Thor tells me you blame him."
"Thor was here?" Loki demanded.
"He burst in here not long after I sent you to bathe. He was quite worried."
"He should be," snapped Loki, rising from his chair. He paced before Gyn's bed. "He wanted those damned antlers in the first place. He charged into attack before we could come up with a plan. And then the parents of the bilgesnipe showed up. I said we needed to leave, but Thor insisted we stay. That moment's hesitation allowed the bilgesnipe to attack us. If Thor had just waited, this wouldn't have happened. He put all of us in danger!"
"Thor is reckless," agreed Frigga, "but he did not mean for this to happen. You arrived in time. I am not excusing Thor's recklessness, but recall that you wanted to go on an adventure, which is why you sought your brother out this morning."
Loki squeezed his eyes shut. "I was trying to distract Gyn."
"Distract her from what?"
"She had a nightmare about her time on Midgard. She was sad and I…" Loki trailed off, clenching his fists.
"You wanted to see her smile." Frigga's eyes twinkled.
Loki looked away and nodded. He looked back at Gyn. "I will apologize to Thor when she awakens."
"Good," said Frigga, standing. "I will see you tomorrow night at the banquet?"
Loki nodded, then shook his head. "If Gyn is feeling up to it, I have a surprise for her."
Frigga lifted a brow and smirked. "Then I shall see you later." She left the infirmary.
Loki turned his attention back to Gyn. He closed his eyes for a brief moment and exhaled quietly. He opened his eyes and gazed at Gyn. His neck heated and his mind raced. The image of Gyn's face contorted in pain when the bilgesnipe swiped its claws down her back flashed in his mind. He saw her flying through the air and hitting the tree. He heard her strangled cry. He remembered the feeling of his heart nearly stopping. The ghost of the pain ached his chest for a moment. He rubbed his chest, his lips parting as a breath hissed from his lungs. He believed he would never forget those images. His hands itched to take Gyn's in his, but he folded them and pressed his lips against his hands. He remained still and waited for Gyn to awaken.
…
The pain was hot. The bilgesnipe's claws raked down her back, tore through her clothes and skin. She felt her skin rip and her muscles shred apart. The winter air that hit the open wound stung. She had never been burned before, but she imagined it felt a lot like this. She was aware of the cry that she uttered. The bilgesnipe swiped her aside. The contact of its enormous, scaly leg hit her like a truck, cutting her cry short.
"Sigyn!" Loki's scream was the last thing Gyn heard. She slammed against the tree, and her vision blackened.
Gyn's eyes fluttered open. The entire right side of her body ached, from the bilgesnipe's leg knocking her aside. Her back tingled, but there was no pain, other than some stiffness in her skin. She felt bruised, but not torn to shreds. She supposed that meant she was still alive and had received treatment. Her vision swam into focus, confirming her suspicions. She was in the infirmary.
She turned her head. Loki was the first thing she noticed. He slouched in his chair, one arm propping up his head. He slumbered, though it did not seem like his sleep was restful. He pinched his brow and his lips curved downward. Gyn's throat ached and her lips felt dry. She looked around and reached for a glass of water, as if it would appear if she reached for it enough.
"Here," said Freya to Gyn's left. Gyn turned her head and noticed her mother, who held a glass of water. Freya helped Gyn sit up and drink from the glass. Gyn would have drained the entire glass had Freya not pulled it away. "You will sicken yourself if you drink too much too quickly."
Gyn nodded and allowed herself to take a breath. Her stomach growled so loudly that she blushed. Freya chuckled and grabbed a bowl of soup from the bedside table. She let Gyn feed herself, but sat on the edge of the bed, ready to catch the bowl if Gyn dropped it. Gyn ate without tasting. She forced herself not to eat the entire bowl in one sitting. She handed it to her mother and wiped her mouth, feeling a bit refreshed.
"How long have I been unconscious?"
"Only a day," said Freya, setting the bowl down and picking up the glass of water. She handed it to Gyn, who gulped down the rest of it. Freya returned the glass to the bedside table. Freya glanced at Loki, who still slumbered. "I don't think he has left your side in all that time."
Gyn raised her eyebrows. "Really?"
"You are surprised?"
"A little," Gyn admitted. She stretched, wincing at the pull of her taut skin.
"It will feel strange for a few days, but no more."
Gyn nodded and rubbed the back of her neck. The hair at the nape of her neck felt matted. When she withdrew her hand, dried flakes of blood sat upon her fingers. She wiped them on her pants. "How long do I have to stay here?"
"No longer than you want," said Freya with a soft smile. "As soon as you feel ready to walk, you may leave."
Gyn nodded. "I'll try in a little bit."
Freya nodded and stood. She glanced at Loki and then turned her gaze back upon Gyn. "You had us worried for a moment. I believe Thor is rather unsettled."
"I'll pay him a visit as soon as I'm out." Gyn promised.
Freya smiled weakly. "I was worried as well."
"I'm sorry."
"It is not your fault," said Freya, shaking her head. "When Loki showed up at my door, I knew something was wrong just by the look on his face. He may try to hide it, but he was certainly worried."
Gyn glanced over at him, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "That's reassuring."
Freya leaned over and kissed Gyn's forehead. "I will leave the two of you. Let me know if you need anything."
"Thank you, Mother."
Freya left the infirmary. Gyn rolled her shoulders, wincing at the odd tingling in her back. She kicked the blankets off her and hovered her feet above the floor. Lowering herself slowly, she gritted her teeth, waiting for the impact. When her feet touched the floor, chills ran up her spine. Gyn clenched her teeth until her jaw ached but forced herself to stand. The entire right side of her body throbbed. She limped forward a few steps. The right side of her body smarted with each step. She made it to the end of her bed before she collapsed onto it.
Loki stirred. He lifted his head. "Gyn?"
Gyn laid horizontal with her back on the bed but her feet touched the floor. She tilted her head back to look at Loki upside down. "Hello, Loki."
Loki scowled at her. He stood and circled the bed. He helped her sit up and walked her back to the head of the bed. She sat down in it while Loki sat on the edge. "How are you feeling?"
"Sore," Gyn replied. "And my back hurts, but only when I move. Do I have wicked scars?" She attempted to grin.
Loki merely raised an eyebrow. "Frigga closed the wound with magic. There will be no scars."
Gyn's smile faltered. "Are you alright?"
Loki jerked his head back. "You're asking if I'm alright?"
"You seem… angry," Gyn looked at her hands.
Loki averted her gaze. "The situation angered me. No one should have gotten hurt. Thor was reckless. I was reckless. You exhausted yourself and dropped your sword…"
Gyn puckered her brow. "It came from behind. Even if I had my sword, it wouldn't have done much good."
"I know."
"How were you reckless?"
"I should've checked to make sure there were no other bilgesnipe. I should've realized it was a bilgesnipe in late adolescence. I should've realized that its parents would be near. I should've known better." Loki sighed.
"Loki, this isn't your fault," Gyn murmured. She hesitated, then reached for Loki's hands. He stiffened but did not pull away. "No one could have foreseen this. I'm alright." Loki continued to stare ahead, his body tense. Gyn's lips twitched upward. "You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're concerned."
The corners of Loki's mouth twitched. He bowed his head in an attempt to hide his smile, but Gyn saw it. She giggled, prompting a chuckle from Loki. Gyn's mirth built until laughter bubbled past her lips. Loki laughed with her. They laughed until their sides hurt and tears leaked out of the corners of their eyes.
After their laughter subsided, Loki looked at her. For a moment, his eyes were soft. Then, he smirked. "In your dreams, Gyn."
Gyn rolled her eyes. "Want to help break me out of here?"
Loki chuckled. "This isn't a prison, darling. You can just leave."
"Well, my mother said I can leave once I can walk on my own. I can limp, but…" Gyn trailed off. "I really want to wash my hair. It's all matted and bloody in the back."
Loki examined the back of her head. "Mm, you're right. Come, I'll help you." He helped her stand. She leaned heavily against him as he walked her out of the infirmary and down the corridor. They made slow progress, but once they reached their quarters, Gyn felt the odd tingling in her back fade a little. Loki left her for a moment to draw the bath. He led her into the bathroom, holding her hands as he guided her.
"Do you think you can manage from here?"
"Yes." Gyn answered. Loki released his hold on her. He left the bathroom without another word. Gyn undressed and examined the right side of her body. She stifled a gasp at the dark shadows purpling her body. She touched the tender skin and winced. She limped to the bath and sank into the hot water, releasing a soft moan. She rested for several minutes, allowing the water to soothe her soreness. Then, she focused on cleaning the blood out of her hair and off her back. The movement stretched her bruises, but she gritted her teeth and continued to wash. When she finished, she panted and took a few seconds to rest. Then, she pulled herself out of the bathtub and dried herself off. She tugged on a robe and entered the bedroom.
Loki looked up from his book when she entered. "That was quick."
"Hurt to move," Gyn muttered, crawling onto the bed.
Loki hummed and resumed reading. After several minutes, he closed his book. "Are you going to get dressed?"
"For what?"
"Well, if you're feeling up to it, I want to show you something."
Gyn rolled over to look at him. "Isn't there a banquet tonight?"
"I've already informed my mother that we will not be attending. She gives us her blessing."
Gyn bit her lip. "All right." She got off the bed, careful not to put too much weight on her right side. She shuffled to the closet and picked something simple. She blushed when she realized putting on pants was more difficult than she expected. She peeled the little she managed to pull on and put them away. She grabbed a dress and pulled it on. The sleeves were short, but she would wear a coat anyway. She grabbed said coat and exited the closet. "I'm ready whenever you are."
Loki stood. He stopped in his tracks at the sight of her bruised arm. His eyes traveled over it, his lips parting. Gyn glanced at it, her cheeks reddening.
"It doesn't hurt."
Loki smiled, though he looked pained. "You're a terrible liar."
Gyn attempted to return his smile, but it came out as a grimace. "Well… At least they're just bruises. They'll be gone soon."
Loki nodded. He helped her walk out of the palace. He slipped her coat onto her arms and cast an illusion over them. Gyn followed him through the cobblestone streets. Asgardians lingered in the streets, chatting and laughing. Gyn looked around, her eyes wide. As they ventured deeper into the city, Gyn noticed more Asgardians. There were shops and taverns. There were residences, too. Loki and Gyn paused in their trek when a few children crossed their path. Loki continued onward. Gyn followed, observing the balconies decorated with garlands. Soft lights from inside the buildings warmed the streets. They reached a portion of the city where instead of wide walkways, canals provided the main transport. Asgardians rowed in boats to different areas of the city. Loki and Gyn walked along the narrow walkway.
They walked through an alleyway and emerged in an area of the city where twinkling lights were strung between the buildings. Floating orbs cast even more light, like stars. Gyn tilted her head back to look at the lights, a smile spreading across her face.
"It's so beautiful."
"I thought you'd like it," said Loki, "since you described the twinkling lights on Midgard."
Gyn beamed. "You paid attention."
Loki chuckled. "Of course I did. You think I wouldn't?"
"Oh, I don't know," teased Gyn. "You're the one who was all 'I'll be the laughing stock of Asgard, marrying a half-breed!'" She had deepened her voice to imitate Loki, which prompted a laugh from him.
"I don't sound like that."
"You do. That was a perfect imitation."
"Mm. Well, I beg to differ."
"As usual." They fell silent, admiring the lights. Gyn looked around her, still smiling. "Loki, this is… Thank you for showing me this."
Loki looked as if he were going to say something snarky but held it back. He pressed his lips together in a barely-contained smile. "You're welcome, Gyn."
"You called me Sigyn when the bilgesnipe hit me."
"I didn't notice."
Gyn looked up at the lights. "I've been thinking that perhaps 'Gyn' does not quite fit me anymore. I think I can reconcile who I was before Midgard, during Midgard and who I am now with each other. I… I didn't mind hearing you say it. It fit."
"Very well, Sigyn," said Loki, "but after this, no more changing your name. I don't think I can keep up with it."
Sigyn laughed. "Deal."
They lapsed into a comfortable quietude once more. Sigyn sighed and faced Loki. "I wanted to apologize."
Loki furrowed his brow. "For what?"
"Kissing your cheek the other night," Sigyn said, her cheeks reddening. "I feel that was untoward of me and unwanted by you. Perhaps I had too much ale and was feeling more confident… I don't know. I think affection comes more naturally to me, and I show it easily to everyone. My mother, friends, you… I suppose I should've asked if it was alright with you, and I apologize if my behavior upset you. I wasn't trying to make you uncomfortable. It was just a platonic kiss… No, that's a lie, it wasn't strictly platonic. Oh Norns, I need to shut up!"
Loki stared at her for a moment. Sigyn's neck heated. Norns, what a fool she was! She expected Loki to laugh at her, or ignore her, or even walk away. She expected him to brush it aside. Instead, he surprised her by doing something far more unexpected.
He kissed her.
…
Woo! I'm on a roll! Lol, I guess I'm just inspired by Loki right now. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed. Finally, some action between these two!
For the guest who reviewed the last chapter: I can't respond to you via PM, but thank you so much! You are so sweet for saying so!
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Please review!