A/N: So, I changed this one a lot. A lot. I wanted to play around a little more with the romance between Loki and Sigyn (Good Gad, the fluff-YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!) Since no one's complained about me taking artistic license with the myths, I figured 'what the hey…' and went for it. Again, apologies for the delay. There is no excuse. But this is going to be another two-part story, so I should update soon.

Thanks to HawkPeregrin, MacMhuirich, I Know Love Hurts 2010, and vamp of alium sativum.

Thor glanced up from the training field when he heard approaching hoof beats. Sure enough, Loki and Sigyn were out racing again. They flew by in a blur, and all he could hear was their laughter and good-natured jibes as Sigyn's steed passed up Sleipnir. Sigyn cantered on, skirts billowing in the wind, as free as the swallows that flew overhead. Thor shook his head, grinning, and turned back to his sparring partner.

They rode through the city, upsetting merchandise carts in the marketplace, and nearly running some pedestrians over. A long cart pulled out across Sleipnir's path.

"LOKI! LOOK OUT!" she shouted above the din. Loki tapped Sleipnir's sides with his boot heels and the great horse leaped over the cart. He laughed madly as Sleipnir stayed airborne, running through the air. The shouts of the citizens were drowned out by the rush of the wind past his ears. He looked down at Sigyn, twenty feet below him, and urged the horse on. Sleipnir tossed his head impatiently and put on a new burst of speed. He slowly came closer and closer to the ground. Loki braced himself for the impact, closing his eyes. He heard Sigyn laughing as she went by. He opened his eyes to see her pass him, and that Sleipnir was back on solid ground.

"I'll race you to the falls! Catch me if you can!" Sigyn yelled breathlessly.

"Don't tempt me!" Loki replied, unable to control his laughter. They were nearly to the far edge of the city now, and the gates were drawing near. The horses, however, showed no sign of tiring. They kept going for about a league, until Sigyn's horse began showing signs of weariness. Loki reined Sleipnir in to slow him down a bit. Sigyn flew by, weaving through the trees, and
back out into the open. Loki pulled Sleipnir to a halt. The horse reared, his front four legs pawing at the air.

"Peace, my son. You did well." He followed up the compliment with a loving pat on the neck. "You shall soon be the greatest war horse this realm has ever known." Sleipnir turned, and Loki could've sworn he could see the eagerness in his eyes. Loki felt a surge of sadness at the thought of letting his son go, but a sense of pride as well. He glanced up as Sigyn circled him on her own steed.

"I actually beat you!" she laughed triumphantly. Loki merely smiled.

"That you did. Getting a little tired today, are we Sleipnir?" The horse snorted and shook his head.

"I take that as a no." Sigyn laughed, trying to get her hair out of her face. It had come loose from its combs during her wild ride, and was a tangled mess. Loki watched her fidget with it. She looked a little embarrassed at her inability to restore order to the once-silky locks.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" she asked, giving up her futile efforts to tame her unruly hair. Loki shrugged, his smile shrinking.

"I tend to do that sometimes, especially when it comes to certain beautiful young ladies…" Sigyn cocked an eyebrow.

"Flattery will get you nowhere, Silvertongue." She was still smiling at him, so that was good. Loki's smile slowly came back as he swung down from the saddle and held a hand out to her. She took it, and leapt down lightly. After steadying herself on his arm they walked over to the bank of the creek. Loki pulled his cape loose from its clasps and spread it out on the grass in the sun. Sigyn laid down on it, basking in the warmth. Loki sat down next to her, watching her.

"Something's on your mind Loki, so if you'd like to talk about it instead of staring at me, I'm listening." She said, not even opening her eyes. Loki gave a start, quickly looking away.

"How did you know I was staring at you?"

"I didn't. Thank you for confirming my suspicions." She opened one eye and burst out laughing when she saw his cheeks redden. Loki lay back, with his own eyes shut.

"I beg your pardon, Sigyn." he apologized. Sigyn moved a little closer.

"I never offered my pardon." Loki placed a hand dramatically over his chest.

"You wound me with your words." He said softly. Sigyn leaned over him, smiling slightly.

"How might I mend this injury that I have caused?" Loki opened his eyes to see her hovering over him.

"I think you know the cure." He said lightly. Sigyn kissed his forehead gently, slowly moving towards his ear.

"Does that help?" she whispered.

"Very much, yes. Do you care to continue?" Loki sighed, a sudden warmth blooming through his chest. Sigyn shook her head.

"I probably shouldn't." Loki knew she was right. That didn't mean he had to like it.

"I will respect your wishes, milady. But may I be so bold as to ask why we shouldn't continue?" Now it was Sigyn's turn to blush.

"I-I love you, and I'll always stand by you, but until you prove that you can wait for me…I do not judge you for your actions concerning relationships, but I need a real husband. Not someone who will use me and leave me behind to deal with the consequences of our frivolity." Loki nodded, feeling as though she'd struck him. But every word she spoke was true. He would have to remedy that.

"I will wait. I will wait however long you wish me to." Sigyn looked grieved. She hated to cause him pain. Especially when it came to matters such as this.

"I'm sorry." she offered Loki took her hand in his, considering it for a moment.

"Don't apologize. The sentiment is a noble one. I would expect nothing less from you, and I admire you for it." he said, his voice soft.

"Very well. Is four years too much to ask?" He felt his heart sink, but outwardly he smiled.

"Four years shall seem to be only a day. By then either Thor or I will be crowned king, and you shall be my queen."

"Or princess." Sigyn offered shyly. Loki kissed her hand.

"Whether you are the lowliest of maids, or the most honored among women, you shall always be my queen." He said. Sigyn smiled.

"Then, I will give you a token of your promise." She said, taking off her necklace. She set it in the palm of his hand. The pendant was in the shape of the tree Yggdrasil, including the dragon gnawing at the roots. Loki held it back out to her.

"I can't take this." Sigyn shook her head.

"It is a gift. I give it freely. Let it remind you of what you're waiting for." Loki stared at it for a moment, and put it on, slipping it under his tunic.

"I will remember…" he trailed off when he saw a third rider speeding across the plains towards them. "Sigyn, go back to the city. Don't wait for me to catch up." Sigyn followed his gaze, surprised at the urgency in his voice.

"What is it?" Loki shook his head.

"Don't argue, just go. It's one of the giants. Warn the soldiers, but do not sound the alarm. I will find out what he intends."

"What if he intends to kill you?" she asked as she ran to her horse.

"Then at least you won't have to witness it, and you won't be in harms way. I am far from helpless. If he is peaceable, I will bring him back with me. If not, I will take care of it."

"But…" Loki cut her sentence short with a quick gesture of his hand.

"Sigyn, go. Don't worry." Sigyn nodded and swung herself up into the saddle and wheeled her horse around. She leaned over to give him a kiss on the cheek, and spurred her horse forward. Loki smiled slightly, and waited.

The giant pulled his steed to a halt next to Sleipnir and Loki. He bowed slightly, but Loki was still suspicious.

"Greetings, prince." He said proudly. Loki inclined his head.

"To you as well. What is your name?"

"Hrungnir."

"Well, then, good Hrungnir, what brings you to Asgard on this fine day?" he replied courteously.

"I wish to present a challenge to you, my lord." Loki raised an eyebrow delicately.

"And what would that be?"

"A horse race." Hrungnir said gravely. Loki laughed slightly.

"That's not something I would have expected from one such as yourself. But if that be your wish, then let us ride, and part ways in peace."

"I certainly wish it. How far shall we ride?" Loki shrugged.

"Depends upon the endurance of your steed. Sleipnir can run any distance without tiring." The giant let out a booming laugh.

"My steed is Gullifaxi. I'd wager that even the mighty Sleipnir is no match for his speed and endurance." Loki scrutinized the horse standing in front of him. Only four legs, average build, not much weight to him, but for all that, he was very well-muscled.

"What makes you say that? Sleipnir can run on the very air." Hrungnir smiled, which was rather disconcerting.

"If a young maiden on a normal horse could beat you…" Loki held up a hand.

"I let her win."

"Prove it, then. What have you to lose?" Loki set his jaw.

"Very well then…" He suddenly tapped Sleipnir's sides with his heels, and the stallion took off like a shot. Loki grinned when he heard Hrungnir's angry shouts and cursing behind him.