December 16th 2011 Kirkjubour, Faroe Islands
Signey woke early to find Loki's side of the bed empty. He had left a note on the kitchen table that he had business in town and would return before the car came to take them to the port. This trip was only to last two weeks and turned into over a month's stay. With winter set in there was not much to be done about starting the new dig site back in Starven so they had stayed. The last month had been glorious. Most days were spent enjoying the sights, food and culture of the island, while the nights were spent as a tangle of limbs. True to his promise Loki had shown her all the pleasures the body could feel. Even this morning when she woke she felt pleasantly sore. Killing time while Loki was off doing whatever he was doing Signey packed their bags for the return trip. Since Loki could change his clothes at will most of the things where hers. After all the bags were piled neatly by the door she made herself some breakfast and went to sit on the porch.
The sun was already over the horizon and she loved seeing the light dance off of the snow. It was peaceful here and if they could just stay here she would not be apposed to it. Her thoughts wandered as she ate, picking at her eggs and bacon. It tasted funny to her so she set it aside and went to take a drink of her tea. Her stomach rolled suddenly and she could feel bile rising up her throat. She closed her eyes willing the feeling to pass. Another cramp hit her and she ran into the house to the bathroom. She made it just in time for the contents of her stomach to come back up to haunt her. Her body heaved until there was nothing left to expel. Afraid to move in case her body was not done she stayed on the floor. The cool feel of the porcelain made her feel a little better. She was not sure how long she had been there on the floor but the feel of fingers on her back made her jump. Loki was kneeling behind her with a look of great concern.
"Are you alright?" Signey nodded and tried to sit back away from the toilet. The sudden movement made her stomach roll again and she quickly turned away from him back to her original position. His hand moved to keep her hair out of the way while the other tried to make comforting circles along her back. When the bought of retching passed she sat back a bit and let out a pained laugh.
"Everyone is right, it does taste worse coming back up then it does going down." Loki shook his head and helped her stand. Signey slowly stepped to the sink and rinsed out her mouth before brushing her teeth. "Gods that was awful."
"Have you never been ill before?"
"Not that I can remember. My mom use to say I saved them a lot of money on doctor bills. I never got so much as a cold when I was younger. This...this is new and wholly unwelcome."
"It might be that horrid meal you ate last night. That thing called hagrid." Signey let out a laugh and shook her head.
"It is called haggis dear and I don't think it caused it. I have had it many times before. I..." Her eyes caught sight of medicine bag and she went quiet. Loki cupped her chin and searched her eyes to see why she would have gone silent. "No, couldn't be..."
"You are making no sense Signey." She let her hands rest on her stomach and she let out a shaky breath.
"I...I think I might be pregnant." Loki winced and pulled away from her. He let out a curse and balled his fists. Signey gave a sad sigh and went back out onto the porch to retrieve her abandoned plate and cup. She fought the tears that threatened to come at his reaction. She cursed at herself in her head. If what she thought was true how could she expect him to be happy. He was a god and she was just a mortal. Her heart ached and she crumbled to the floor. Strong arms caught her mid fall and pulled her into Loki's chest.
"Forgive me my love, I...I am happy, but the timing of this...it is not the greatest." His hand moved to bring her eyes back up to his. "Please don't cry." She gave a small nod and buried her head in the crook of his neck. His arms wrapped tight around her. "We will face this together."
OoO
Starven, Norway
Nicola had invited Signey's cousin to spend the holidays as a surprise. It had been far too long since the cousins had been together for Christmas or Yule as Signey would call it. Nicola tried a few times to understand the religion of Wicca, but it was too much for her to take in. Darcy was a little more in tune to it, but even she shook her head at it most of the time. The voice over the loud speaker stated that Darcy's plane had arrived. Nicola stood from her seat and saw Darcy had already grabbed her bag from the turnstile. She gave the older woman a warm smile.
"Hey Nikki. It has been a long time." Nicola gave the girl a hug and lead her out to the car. "So she has no idea I am coming?"
"None. I wanted her to have some family around for the holidays. Normally she works straight through them. The fact she hasn't been working for almost two months is amazing to me. Lucas is a miracle worker."
"So she is dating him? Holy shit! It's bout time. I was afraid she end up like a those old ladies on those shows. You know the ones mean." Nicola shook her head and opened the car door.
"I think I do. It seems she is happy with this guy."
"Well he is easy on the eyes. I mean tall, dark and dead sexy. And the voice, God it's not fair, I'm jealous."
"You're young Darcy. I promise there is a guy out there for you."
"Yeah some dork probably. Oh well, so when are they due back?"
"Tonight."
"Cool." Darcy looked out the window as they drove back to the cabin. It was at least a two hour drive from the airport. She frowned seeing signs for the group that had been giving Signey a hard time. "So are those the fucking assholes that have been threatening Siggy?" Nicola's eyes shifted and she gave a grave nod.
"I am glad she put the cabin under her Grannie Sonja's name and not hers. They have yet to be able to find it. I pity them if they do, Fenrir will rip them apart. He doesn't let many close to her."
"That big old cuddly puppy? He couldn't hurt a flea."
"I've seen him pin one of her workers just because the man made the mistake of grabbing her arm when he disagreed with her. I thought the man would have a heart attack. Fenrir is very protective."
"I guess I've always seen him being a lazy butt in front of the fire or laying there wanting his ears scratched."
"He trusts you since you are her family. He even trusts Lucas which blew my mind. That is the only reason I let her go anywhere with him."
"Now who is over protective?"
"I promised her parents I would look after her and you for that matter. I got all the worries of a parent, but none of the stretch marks."
"God Nikki that was a bad joke. I don't know about Siggy, but I don't mind having you be my parent. Mine are a little bit useless."
"I know." They chatted the whole way back to Signey's cabin. Fenrir was sitting outside the door and began to wag his tail at the sight of the car pulling up. Darcy opened her door and gave a whistle. The large wolf ran down the stairs and whined as he danced around Darcy.
"Who's a good boy? Did you miss me?" Nicola rolled her eyes and took Darcy's bag inside. "I bet you miss Siggy don't you? She left you here with Nicola for a whole month didn't she? Don't worry Fen Fen she is on her way home." The sound of a car pulling up to the house made Darcy look up and a large smile grew on her face. "Look's like she got back sooner than expected." Signey got out of the car once it stopped followed closely by Loki.
"Darcy? What are you doing here?" The cousins embraced and Loki stayed back giving them their space.
"Nikki thought you could use some family around for the holidays. I am on school break right now so...here I am."
"I am glad your here. Just surprised." Darcy looked up and smiled at Loki.
"Hey Lucas. What up?" He tilted his head and let one of his eyebrows rise.
"She is asking how you are."
"I am well Darcy. Are you well?" Darcy giggled and leaned into her cousin.
"God he is just too proper. You two are perfect for each other."
"I am so glad you approve of my choices Darcy." Signey turned to Loki and gave him an apologetic look. "You have to forgive my cousin you lacks tact and a filter to stop things from just jumping out of her mouth. Don't take anything she says to heart." Loki smirked and pulled Signey closer to him. His lips brushed against her temple and she relaxed a bit.
"I find her lack of tact refreshing." Darcy grinned and lightly punched her cousin in the arm.
"See your boyfriend likes me."
"Let's get inside, you must be freezing." Darcy shrugged and walked ahead of Signey and Loki. Fenrir walked next to his master and brushed against her hand. "I missed you too boy. It is good to be home."
OoO
December 21st
"Siggy where is the pan for pancakes?" Darcy wanted to be helpful and make breakfast for the three of them. Nicola had decided to stay at her own place back near the center of town to make the little cabin less crowded. "Siggy?" Darcy moved down the hall and heard her cousin throwing up in the bathroom. She heard Loki's voice speaking calmly to her as she crept closer. She peeked around the door and saw Signey bent over with Loki rubbing her back.
"Gods it is getting worse. Every time I wake I have to run in here and...when will this end?" Loki shook his head not knowing how to answer her.
"Got the Lewis curse huh?" Both jumped at the sound of Darcy's voice coming from the hall. "Ya see this is the reason I am never getting knocked up. I hate puking." Signey glared at her cousin through narrow eyes. "Don't look at me like that Sigs. Your mama warned you she had morning sickness bad when she was carrying you. Just like Grams did carrying her. It's the Lewis curse. Your miserable for three months, good for three and back to misery for the last three."
"How did you know I am pregnant?"
"You have never been sick one damn day in your life. I swear I use to think you were one of those mutants that everyone keeps whispering about. Super smart, healthier than a horse and some of the stunts you use to do like jumping out of trees should have shattered your legs. But here you are whole, healthy and still smarter then the people who taught you in school. So what's the plan?"
"Haven't thought that far yet. I need to go see a doctor to make sure I am really am...pregnant." Darcy turned to Loki and gave him the once over with her eyes.
"And what are you going to do if she is?" Loki narrowed his eyes and felt Signey squeeze his hand . He saw the look of fear on her face and he calmed the ire burning in him.
"I will honor her wishes what ever they may be. If she wants me here I shall stay and if she wishes me to leave then I will leave." The pressure on his hand got almost painfully tight and he patted her hand. "Her health and happiness are my main worry at the moment." Darcy eased her stance and nodded.
"Good, sorry if I came off a bit too bossy, but she is family and I will hurt anyone who hurts her."
"She is lucky indeed to have family that cares this much."
"That's what family does. Well most family, my mom could use some lessons. She kinda chose her new husband over her kids." Signey gave her a small smile and rose from the floor. "So other than my dad Sigs is my only family I want to know."
"I know the feeling. Signey is the only family I need." Darcy gave her cousin a questioning look, but Signey just shook her head.
"Okay, so I guess me making breakfast is out since I am sure what I was going to cook will make you sick again."
"I can stomach some buttered toast and some tea. Anything else does set me off for now."
"Toast it is then. You want some too Lucas?" Loki nodded and waited for Darcy to leave the room. His arms wrapped around Signey while she brushed her teeth to get the awful taste out of her mouth.
"Sorry."
"For what my darling girl?"
"Darcy can be...a bit much. I didn't want anyone to find out until we knew for sure." Loki kissed her neck and chuckled.
"How does that lovely mortal expression go...ah yes, the cat is out of the bag now isn't it?"
"Yes, it is. Hopefully she won't tell Nicola yet. That will make the woman more over protective then she usually is."
"You will take no risks Signey. I will not allow it." The hard edge of his voice made her shiver. "I don't want to lose you." His hands slid down and rested over her belly. "Or our baby." Signey placed her hands over his and leaned back far enough to kiss his chin.
"I promise to behave myself." He smiled and rested his chin on her shoulder.
"Hey lovebirds toast is ready!" Both winced at the volume of Darcy's voice.
"We'd better get out there before she really starts getting loud." A look of horror came over Loki's face.
"She get's louder than that?" Signey laughed and pushed Loki out of the bathroom.
OoO
The day went along with no more bouts of morning sickness much to Signey's liking. Darcy and she sat talking most of the day while Loki spent most of the day outside with Fenrir. He wanted to give the girls time together, but he also had to get away from Darcy's prattling. He walked down the beach watching the waves lap at the shore. He and his son walked in silence for what seemed like hours. Fenrir finally stopped and looked up at his father.
"Something on your mind Fenrir?" The wolf huffed and rolled his golden eyes.
"Why?" Loki sighed and hung his head.
"This was not planned."
"I figured that much." Fenrir paused for a moment and moved to put himself in front of his father. "Do you love her?"
"I always have. It does not matter the form she takes."
"Nicola is not going to be happy."
"I care not what that woman thinks. My concern is for Signey and your unborn sibling. I have to keep them safe...I have to keep all of you safe."
"Safe from what?" Loki turned his head and looked out again at the water. He shook his head when the Other's words echoed in his mind. What would happen to his family if he failed, what would happen to him. Now he had Signey and their unborn child to worry about. He cursed himself for not being more careful. He had used his magic to stop what had happened, but it seemed that it had not worked. If he had not been with her almost every moment of the days they were on the island he would have thought she had been with another to come to this. "Father?"
"It is for me to worry about. I promise you Fenrir I will not allow anything or anyone to harm any I hold dear."
"I wish you would trust us enough to help you."
"This burden is mine. I will not have you involved." Neither father or son heard someone approach they quietly. The figure stood stark still at the sight of the dark prince and his son. It took all of the will in their body not to run and embrace Loki. Fenrir shifted his head and sniffed the air. He peered around his father and stiffened. Loki noticed and quietly drew his dagger. He slowly turned and his hand fumbled the blade. The person in front of him was the last one he thought he would ever see again. "Mother?" Frigga let out a happy sob and ran the small distance to take Loki in her arms. Her grip was almost painful, but Loki could not bring himself to care. His arms wrapped tightly around the woman who had raised him, who loved him.
"I thought I lost you." Loki looked down at her and gave a weak smile. Her hands fluttered over his face and his shoulders. He chuckled a little remembering her doing this every time he would come back from whatever Thor would drag him out to do. Even at his age it was a welcome thing. Her hand slammed into his chest and her eyes turned angry. "Don't you ever do that to me again."
"Mother, I..." Her eyes watered and she leaned into the same spot on his chest she had just struck. "I did not mean to hurt you."
"You meant to hurt your father, your brother. Their pain is also mine my darling boy."
"Odin is not my father, nor is Thor my brother! I owe them nothing!" Frigga winced and took a step back from him.
"Loki..."
"No mother, don't try to defend them. I can not stomach it." She nodded and let her hand fall to her grandson's head.
"It has been a while Fenrir, how do you fare?"
"I am well Gran." She smiled down at the wolf and then looked back up to her son.
"Keeping your father out of trouble?" A soft sound like a chuckle came from the wolf and he shook is furry head.
"We all know no one can keep him from doing anything, least of all stay out of trouble." Frigga grinned as Loki rolled his eyes.
"Does Odin know you are here? More importantly does he know I still live?"
"No to both, he is currently in one of the other realms as is Thor. You know full well I can hide myself from Heimdal's sight, so only one person in Asgard knows I am here."
"Who?"
"Freya. She has taken my place to allow me to come here and see for myself that my son is alive." Loki's face softened and he stepped closer to his mother. He missed her comfort, her wisdom.
"Hela told you I was here." Frigga motioned for them to walk and he fell into step with her.
"She did and she also told me you found Sigyn."
"I did, but you already knew she was here. My lovely daughter told me what you did...Mother...I can't...how can I thank you for this?" It was not often Loki was at a loss for words, but the lump in his throat stalled his voice.
"You never have to thank me, Loki. I want to see you happy. Any mother would kill to see their children smile. I loved Sigyn too, she was good for you."
"She was everything."
"So can I see this incarnation of her? I am curious about this Midgardian that has captured the heart of my darling son." Loki grimaced and looked back down the shoreline. If Darcy had not been there he would have had his mother meet Signey in a heartbeat, but he could not risk the girl knowing who he was. "Her cousin need not know who I am, who you are." He looked at his mother and saw the telltale smirk on her face.
"Then who do I say you are?"
"You will have to say nothing. I just wish to see her. The time for us to meet when there are no other distractions. She will need a midwife, will she not?" Loki sighed and nodded slowly. "Once her cousin leaves I will put myself in her path. She will be in need of someone who understands the births of our kind." Loki had a look of fear creep onto his face and he turned to look his mother in the eye.
"With me being a Jotun...will my child hurt her?" Frigga shook her head and took his hands.
"She carries the same blood. It is what kept her from feeling the cold all these years. What will protect her if your child leans toward your father's side of you. Your blood is not fully Jotun Loki. Your mother..."
"Was Asgardian, Hela told me. Who was she?"
"A great warrior. She was bound to Midgard as it's protector, but even she could not stand against Laufey and his army."
"So I am a product of an unwanted advance? I was hated by both."
"I do not know what your birth mother thought, but you are loved my son. I may not be the one who gave you life, but you are mine. The moment Odin placed you in my arms I fell I love with you. I stand by what I said before. You are our son and we are your family. Please don't turn away from us. Your father..."
"Which one? The murderer or the liar? Neither have the right to call themselves my father. Neither wanted me. Odin took me as a pawn to his own game. I will never forgive him for it. He has his heir and I will no longer play second fiddle to Thor. As far as I am concerned most of Asgard can go straight to Hel."
"And what of me?" Loki pulled lightly on her hands and wrapped his mother in his arms.
"You alone I would see saved from that fate. I do not blame you for the lies mother. I know how women are viewed in Asgard. You have no voice, not choices."
"I wish I could go back and tell you the truth. It breaks my heart to see you in pain."
"Life is pain, mother. I have come to accept it." Frigga gave him a sorrowful look, but did not speak. "I will take you to see Signey, but for now it is best you stay invisible."
"As you wish." Fenrir ran ahead of them as they walked back to the cabin slowly. He looked back and would have smiled if he could have. Loki had his arm around his mother as they walked in silence.
OoO
Odin had come to Helheim in search of answers. To all who have seen the Allfather he came off as cold, yet wise. He kept the veneer of his station up to everyone, even his own family. It was something he had learned from his father. Bor was battle hardened and harsh. What Odin remembered of his mother she was kind, but always sad. Even at a young age he knew that his parents were together out of a sense of honor not love. Just as it was for he and Frigga. He had loved another, but to bring peace to both Asgard and Vanaheim he and Frigga were wed. As he steered Sleipnir through the twisted gnarls that lined the landscape he could feel eyes watching him. This was not only Hela's domain, but also the Norns and all of the inglorious dead.
He made his way to the home of the Norns hoping they would give answers. He needed to know if Loki was truly dead. Guilt had been eating him alive since the boy had fallen. Most of the guilt was of the pain it was causing Thor and Frigga. Thor had been quiet in his grief, but Frigga had not been. A week ago they had argued and she had questioned everything he had done. Even laying a low blow by bringing up Sigyn. The Allfather's heart ached remembering his wife's words. She blamed him for all of it. For making her lie to Loki, for giving up their daughter, for letting Theoric go with them during the troll incursion. She beat her fists off his chest and sobbed. All he could do was stand there and take it. His fingers had twitched to take hold of Frigga and hold her tight, but he couldn't. His station would not let him.
"So deep in thought. It is dangerous to let your guard down here Odin Borson." Odin leveled Gungnir at the shadow that stood along the gnarls.
"Who goes?"
"Someone who would not see you harmed."
"That is not an answer. I demand you show yourself!" The shadow sighed and took a step out into the road. Odin froze, letting the tip of his spear drop a few inches.
"You look like you have seen a ghost my son. Do you not remember me?"
"I do. I thought you had gone to your rest in Valhalla." Bestla gave a dark chuckle.
"Do you think that I would be deemed worthy to feast and drink forever? I was sent here instead by order of your father to keep the Norns in line." A small glimmer of shock shown in his eye and she smiled. "Your father wanted to keep Norns on a short leash. He never trusted Jotuns. Not even me." Odin dismounted Sleipnir and looked up at his mother. A pang of grief hit him. Sigyn had looked just like her save for her height. She had the same pale skin, raven colored hair and violet eyes. "You look to be in pain my son."
"Seeing you I see..."
"Sigyn. I know. I never did have the pleasure of speaking to her when she walked these lands. I tried to respect your wish that she was not to know her true heritage."
"You speak of her in past tense."
"She is no longer here. Her soul has moved on." Odin titled his head in confusion. "Do not tell me the Norns did not tell you she had vanished. It has been a quarter century or more since she disappeared." A burning fury welled in Odin.
"The Norns knew she had vanished?" Bestla nodded. She watched him lift himself back into the saddle and take off. Hela came out of another set of shadows and shook her head with a wry smile on her face,
"I would hate to be the Norns right now." Bestla laughed and patted the girl on the shoulder.
"Urdr has kept secrets too long. It is time to drag them screaming into the light."
"She will spin it like always and get away with it again."
"Not this time Hela. I think Odin has had his eye opened. My hope is that he will finally see that things must change."
"And if he doesn't?" Bestla smirked.
"I doubt Sigyn or Frigga will let it stay as it has always been. Odin had no idea how powerful his daughter would be. Nor how strong her bond would be with Laufey's son. It was written in the stars long before their birth. Victory and Chaos are unstoppable forces. Chaos is older, but no more powerful than Victory. They are forces as old as Death and Life." Hela bit her lip and stared out toward the Norns' lair. A bright flash of light burst over the place blinding her momentarily. "Ah I see he has got their attention. Shall we watch?"
"I prefer not to go near him if you don't mind."
"I did not mean to go there young one. I meant to watch from the well."
"In that case then lead on."
OoO
"Allfather to what do we owe the pleas..." Odin jumped off his horse and slammed Gungnir into the ground. The flash of light and power knocked the three Jotuns off their feet. His anger seethed just below the surface of his well placed mask. It was one of the few things that Loki had picked up from him and not Thor. The calm veneer when all he wanted to do was rip the three women apart.
"Where is my daughter!?" Urdr rose to her feet first and hissed at him. Her red eyes glowed with hate. "I will not ask again!" Skuld rose to her feet helping up her still prone sister. Urdr growled and moved to attack Odin only to be stopped by her sisters. Skuld who could see the future knew if they did not answer they would be dead.
"We will answer you Allfather."
"Skuld, no!" Urdr ripped herself from the youngest of them and backed away to the wall.
"He deserves to know Urdr. We should have told him years ago. Sigrun or Sigyn as she was called in life walked away from her calling as a Valkyrie. She left her weapon here and vanished. We sent the others to the far corners of the realms, but no one could find her. She...was always very melancholy in her duty. She wore dark armor in protest of her lot in the afterlife. She hunted the souls of the unworthy."
"Why?"
"To find the one who took her from the one she loves. She wanted to find Theoric. Her anger rolled off her like a tidal wave. Her sorrow she wore on her sleeve." Odin closed his eye and took a deep breath. It pained him to hear how much she suffered. He had hoped she would find peace in her new duty, but it was the opposite, she hated it. "Her only solace were the children you banished here. She loved them, raised them, when no one else wanted to."
"Where is the weapon she left behind?" Skuld moved slowly and went to open a old stone chest that held items of worth. Urdr slammed her hand down on the lid and hissed at her sister.
"He has no right to the weapon."
"As her father Urdr, yes he does. Now move your hand." Urdr moved her hand and slunk back from the chest as Skuld flipped the lid up and began rummaging around inside it. Odin waited as the Jotun woman sifted through the chest. After a few moments Skuld stood up straight and turned around quickly. She looked to where Urdr had back off to and saw that her sister was gone.
"Where is the weapon Skuld?"
"I do not know my king. It was placed here by my hand, but is now gone. I fear Urdr knows where it is, as she seems to have left rather quickly." Odin turned his head and saw no sign of the oldest sister. A low growl of frustration sounded from him. "The weapon was given to us by the Allmother after Sigyn passed into the realm of the dead. She told us it would answer to the princess and to her alone. Urdr might have coveted it's power."
"What did it do?"
"It enthralled the souls of both the living and the dead. Queen Frigga called it the Staff of Souls."
"That is impossible. The staff was destroyed after the war ended between Asgard and Vanaheim. I was witness to it."
"The Vanir are well known for their magic my king. The Staff of Souls is bound to the women of the royal family. It will only truly answer to them. Anyone else who tries to use it will be bent to it's will. It was the will of the Frigga's father to keep the weapon out of the hands of those who would use it for ill intent. His first born was to hold it, but with her death at the end of the war it fell to Frigga to carry it. It was only natural for her to pass it to her only female heir. Even in death Sigyn could still wield it."
"How is it that Frigga was able to hide it from me?" Skuld shrugged.
"I am unsure my king. It is something you would have to ask your queen yourself. As it is now it seems our sister has decided to run I would say we have graver matters on our hands. If someone strong willed enough got their hands on it there is no telling what will happen."
"You said none but the royal family of Vanaheim could control it."
"They are the only ones who can truly use it to it's full power. Someone strong willed or strong in evil could sway it's alliance. The staff was born on the Tesseract. It too only bends to the whim of Frigga or Sigyn. If left to it's own the cube will find willing thralls to see it's work done." Odin stilled and let the words sink in. He had left the Tesseract on Midgard thinking it would cause no harm. "It will lay dormant until the staff is reunited with it. If that happens...I fear there will be great death and woe in not just Midgard, but all the realms. I can say no more."
"If Urdr gave this weapon to one whop would use it for ill will her life is forfeit. I will see her dragged to Asgard in chains." Both remaining sister gave sad nods.
"We understand, but who will take her place if she is lost to us. There must always be three, past present and future. Without her..."
"I will find another to take her place once she is found." Skuld bowed to him. The two jotun watched him leave.
"Why did she have to be such a fool? Did she not think he would hunt her down if she ran?" Neither sister held out hope for Urdr, but then again neither would put there neck out for her either. Their fear of Odin's wrath far outweighed their love for their sister.
OoO
Frigga cast her spell and made herself unseen by anyone other than her son. Loki lead her to the cabin and heard the two cousins still chatting. He had been gone for at least three hours if not more. He made his foot falls heavy so they heard him approach. Signey smiled up at him when he wrapped his arms around her from behind. Darcy tried very hard not to make gagging noises at the overly sweet display of affection the two shared.
"Did you have a nice walk love?"
"It was quite soothing." Darcy made a face seeing that he only wore a t-shirt and jeans. Even his boots were not what she would deem good for the winter in Norway.
"Dude how did you not freeze out there? It is like fucking twenty below today." Signey sighed and shook her head at Darcy.
"Lucas was raised here Darcy, the cold doesn't effect him like it does you. You have lived in New Mexico for too long it is always warm down there. He and I were bred for a colder climate."
"You both are freaks." The playful look on Darcy's face made Signey giggle. Loki kept his face neutral. He did not like being called a freak. It was something he had heard most of his life. He was different then most, always had been. It was a source of constant ridicule and pain. He was not the ideal that an Aesir should be. Signey leaned over and kissed his cheek to break him out of the thoughts running in his mind.
"Well Darcy, I might be a freak, but what does that make you? We are related. So I say kettle how black thou areth."
"Oh God please don't break out the Bard please. That shit makes my head hurt." Signey smirked and opened her mouth before Darcy covered it with her hand. "No, no, no...I swear I will make my dad send your baby pictures to Lucas if you start."
"You're no fun Darcy."
"I'm sorry, but that stuff is too deep for me. I can't get past all the doths, areths and m'ladies. See I got an American education not an Oxford and Cambridge one."
"The school you go to is one of the best for your field of study. It is tough to get in and you did that all on your own Darcy. I just help you pay for it."
"I know, I know, but I feel like an idiot next to the two of you. I mean he is all British sounding and smart and you...well you are just a freaking super genius."
"I don't know everything. I am good at a few things Darcy. History, cultures long dead, that's it."
"I know. Don't mind me I am just feeling a but like a fish out of water lately. I mean Jane and Erik are like totally super smart at science. You and Lucas are top of your field in Norse mythology and her I am silly old Darcy trying to keep up with all of you. It's kinda depressing." Signey gave her cousin a sympathetic look and got up from her seat to kneel next to her.
"You're not silly or old for that matter. Your you and I am me. Doesn't matter to me if you don't find what I do exciting. To most people digging up old bones and things in a country that is cold more months of the year than not is not ideal. It is my nitch, yours is keeping people like me and Jane grounded. We tend to have our heads in the clouds to often. You bring us back down when we need it. Trust me when I say this, Jane would be lost without you and so would I."
"Yeah I guess you are right. Jane would totally forget to sleep if not for me. She is working so much to try to find a way to get back to Thor. Guy knocked her right off her feet and left her high and dry."
"She might be better off for it. The Gods are not normally ones to stay with mortals. Our lives are a blink of an eye to them."
"I've tried to tell her that, but she is stubborn. I think she loves him." Loki grit his teeth at the mention of his former brother. The feel of a soft warm hand on his cheek almost made him jump. He could see Frigga even though the girls could not. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears and she gave a sad smile. When she had come in the cabin she had to stop herself from touching Signey. Hela had told her the girl looked very much like Sigyn and even seeing her in Bestla's scrying pool had not done the girl justice. She was breathtakingly beautiful even in this mortal form, but it was her words to her cousin that made Frigga want to cry. The girl's heart had not changed even after everything. She still saw what others could not see in themselves. She could see the good, the worth in others. She had once told Frigga that the reason she did not want to marry Theoric was she could not see anything in his soul worth loving. It was a trait passed down through the power of the Staff of Souls. She could read people like an open book.
"Then it is up to her to say when she has had enough of waiting for him to come back. Just be there for her if it does not go well."
"Guess that's all I can do. So I don't know about you two, but I am starved. Can you stomach dinner if I make it?"
"I think so, just nothing too heavy."
"I can make veggie soup for you and put chicken in it for Lucas and I. That is if you like chicken Lucas?
"I do like chicken. Thank you." Darcy jumped up from the couch and went into the kitchen. She turned on her phone and cued up her play list. The sounds of dance music filled the place and Loki groaned.
"Does she have to play that loathsome noise?"
"It's not all bad. At least her music is up beat. Wait til you listen to mine." Signey smirked seeing the look of fear on his face. "I'm going to go lay down for a bit. I feel exhausted. Can I trust you not to turn my cousin into a toad or send her to another realm?"
"I will behave myself, but only for you my love. I will come join you in a little while. The long walk has made me weary."
"Okay, I will let Darcy know we are going to rest for a bit."
"I will take Fenrir out for a short walk and return." He kissed her forehead and motioned to the wolf to follow. Once they were far enough away from the cabin Frigga ended her spell.
"She has not changed at all. Even without her memories she is still the kindhearted girl we knew."
"Yes she is."
"Something on you mind my son?"
"How will you be able to be here for her through the pregnancy? Will Odin not notice you are gone?"
"I plan on visiting Freya for six months. He will think I am on Vanaheim while I am here making sure Signey is well."
"But without the Bifrost..."
"I have a way around that too my son. Hela can come and go to any realm she pleases. I will have her take me to Vanaheim first and come back here. Depending on which race the child takes after we are looking at anywhere from four to six months before birth." Loki went still and hung his head.
"I know Aesir and Vanir carry for six months."
"Jotun carry for four. Frim what I was told you were born after five months. I plan on being here to keep watch Loki do not fret so."
"She will not understand all this...mortals carry for nine months mother, her body might not be able to handle all of this."
"I am surprised you did not use your magic to prevent this from happening."
"I did, but it failed to stop it. I am not sure why." Frigga remembered the notes on the spell and she covered her mouth. "Mother?"
"The spell used to bring her soul back to the land of the living. Part of it stated that the person would one day find themselves back to how they had been before they died. You and Sigyn were together the night before...did you use anything to prevent her from being with child?"
"I...I am unsure. I do not remember using magic for that reason. I don't know if she did or not. We did not have a chance to...oh blessed mercy...could she have conceived that night? Is this just setting every thing back to how she was before that coward took her life?'
"I am unsure Loki, but if it is then she might be ready to remember her old life sooner than we thought. We will have to wait and see."
"I'd better go. She will be wondering where I am." Frigga embraced her son one last time before returning to Asgard.
"I will return in a week's time. Behave my son." He gave her a wicked smile and shook his head.
"Never." She sighed and vanished from his sight. He returned to the cabin and saw Darcy had put earphone on so that only she could hear her gods awful music. He kicked off his boots and went down the hall to the bedroom. Signey was on the bed reading something til she saw him standing in the doorway.
"Fenrir take you on a wild goose chase?"
"No, I just wanted to enjoy the cold and the quiet. Thankfully your cousin put those things over her ears so only she is graced with that noise."
"You're welcome." She gave a cheeky grin and patted the open space next to her for him to lay down.
"I am thinking you had something to do with that then."
"Yes, I told her I needed to rest and she put them in without me asking her to. Right now though I could really use a pair of strong arms around me and a chest to lay my head on."
"As you wish my love." He lay down on the bed and pulled her into his arms. She settled her head over his heart and sighed at the heavenly thumping his heart made.
"I love the sound of your heartbeat." He gave a small chuckle as she placed her ear right over his heart.
"It beats for you my darling woman. Never forget that. No matter what happens you own it." Signey shifted her head to look up at him.
"Then I will have to take care of it."
"Sleep my love. You will need your strength for the months to come. Our child will need it's mother strong." She nodded and kissed the skin over his heart. Fear gripped him, but he would not let her see it. Everything was balancing on the blade of a knife. One false move and it would be over. He tightened his arms around her praying he could do what was ordered of him. If not then he needed to find a way to run and take his family with him. He would not let Thanos hurt them. Loki fell into a restless sleep and felt the telltale signs of being summoned again. He cursed in his head and let himself fall into the darkness.
